A major new survey by the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi has revealed growing concern about a potential workforce crisis, with more than one in four public service workers considering leaving New Zealand for better pay and conditions overseas.
The findings show 27 percent of public sector workers surveyed are thinking about moving abroad, while the figure rises sharply among younger workers — with nearly half of respondents under 25 considering leaving the country.
Workers aged between 25 and 34 also reported high levels of dissatisfaction, with 44 percent saying they are weighing up opportunities overseas.
The PSA says the results reflect mounting frustration across the public sector as workers face job insecurity, pay pressures and concerns about changes to employment rights under the Coalition Government.
Health sector employees and public service department workers were among the most likely to consider leaving, with Auckland workers recording the highest rates at 33 percent.
The survey gathered responses from 7,600 PSA members working across a range of frontline services including healthcare, corrections, social work and home support.
The union says many workers are increasingly comparing wages and conditions in New Zealand with opportunities in Australia, where salaries in sectors such as nursing, corrections and aged care are significantly higher.
Mental health nurses, prison officers and home support workers are among those reportedly considering permanent moves across the Tasman as cost of living pressures continue to rise.
The PSA argues the Government’s recent employment and public sector reforms have contributed to declining morale, particularly among younger workers who see limited long-term security in New Zealand’s public services.
Concerns raised by the union include public sector job cuts, changes to pay equity legislation, proposed employment law reforms, the removal of Fair Pay Agreements and changes to workplace health and safety obligations.
The union says the loss of skilled workers could have serious long-term consequences for essential services, warning New Zealand risks losing experienced professionals needed to support healthcare, corrections, science, social services and vulnerable communities.
The PSA also says the growing pay gap with Australia is making it increasingly difficult to retain and recruit skilled staff, particularly as overseas opportunities become more attractive.
The Government has defended its economic and public sector policies as necessary to manage spending and improve efficiency, but unions warn the impact on frontline workers is becoming increasingly severe.
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