People are leaving New Zealand in record numbers primarily due to economic challenges, limited job opportunities, and high living costs. Key reasons include:
- Economic pressures: Rising living costs, skyrocketing housing prices, and inflation have made basic affordability difficult for many families. New Zealand has one of the highest house price-to-income ratios globally, making homeownership increasingly out of reach. Wages have not kept pace with living expenses.
- Employment opportunities abroad: Many Kiwis, especially skilled workers, are drawn to countries like Australia, the UK, and the US for better salaries and career prospects, even though living costs may be higher elsewhere. Australia is a popular destination due to visa-free work rights for New Zealand citizens and active recruitment in sectors with skill shortages.
- Youth migration: Over one-third of those leaving are under 30, driven by inadequate job prospects and a desire for international experience and better personal and professional opportunities.
- Political and social dissatisfaction: Many feel disillusioned with government handling of issues like housing affordability, healthcare, climate change, and inequality. Younger people especially seek more urgency in addressing these issues.
- Family and personal reasons: Some leave to be closer to relatives or partners abroad or seek new life experiences.
This exodus is occurring amid one of New Zealand's worst economic downturns since 1991, with rising unemployment and soft economic growth contributing to the trend. The country faces potential labor shortages and slower economic growth due to this outflow.
Overall, the combination of economic hardship, limited opportunities, and social-political factors drives a significant number of New Zealanders to seek better prospects overseas in 2025.
