And why is the world so curious to know the answer?

I was interviewed this morning by the lovely Ruth Evans, from Ruth Evans Productions, a BBC content producer. She is visiting NZ all the way from her home in London. She had just spent a month in Australia!

She’s working on a documentary about why so many New Zealanders are moving to Australia right now, what some call a “brain drain,” as many of those leaving are highly skilled workers. She’s also exploring the cultural impact of inbound immigration on New Zealand.

Editor’s note: Are you thinking about moving to Australia?

If you’re considering the move, or if you’ve already made it, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your motivation or experience in the comments section below.

The podcast will come out in late August, and of course, I will share it with you all, so make sure you’re subscribed to my newsletter or watching my socials (Facebook, Instagram).

From my perspective, the reasons haven’t changed much in the last 16 years, though a few new factors have come into play (thanks cost of living crisis).

Interestingly, the number one question Ruth keeps getting from the experts she interviews is:

“Why is the BBC making a documentary about New Zealanders moving to Australia?”

And honestly, I found her answer so intriguing.

From the outside, New Zealand looks like a dream destination: clean, green, and full of opportunities. So why are so many skilled workers packing up and heading across the ditch?

Has there been a spike in New Zealanders moving to Australia?

This is one of the first questions Ruth asked me.

Historically, there is always a spike in migration to Australia after a big change in NZ, especially a new Prime Minister! Throughout COVID-19, there was a big spike in website traffic, and it was a real discussion many Kiwi families were having and the movement when the borders opened was real.

It seems different at the moment. Everyone is talking about moving to Australia. Everyone knows someone who is moving to Australia.

Why do New Zealanders love moving to Australia?

The short answer? Better pay, better weather, and a better shot at home ownership. Despite the rising cost of living in Australia, many Kiwis still find it more affordable than home. And because we can! 

• Our Australian ‘AutoVisa’ (SCV) & Citizenship: As New Zealand citizens, we can move, live, and work in Australia for as long as we want. With the direct pathway to Australian citizenship, after four years of living in Australia, we can become citizens.
  
  
• Higher Wages: I don’t know anyone who’s moved to Australia and isn’t earning more than they did in New Zealand. There are simply more opportunities with better salaries.
  
  
• Lifestyle: Who doesn’t want more sunshine? Kiwis love the outdoors, and let’s be honest—it’s much nicer to be hiking, boating, or just walking around your neighborhood when the weather is warm and sunny.
  
  
• Owning Your Own Home: The Kiwi dream is to own a home, but with New Zealand’s skyrocketing property prices, that dream is slipping away for many. In Australia, higher wages make homeownership more achievable—why rent forever when you could be paying off your own mortgage?
  
  
• More People, More to Do: I love culture—art galleries, exhibitions, concerts. And I’m always jealous of the incredible artists that tour Australia. Just think of how many Kiwis flew across to see Taylor Swift!

The Cost of Living Crisis: NZ vs. Australia

Then we get to the current motivation, the main crisis currently facing New Zealand families, and likely the top reason so many are making the move to Australia, the cost of living crisis. And let’s be real—things aren’t exactly cheap on either side of the Tasman.

New Zealand: skyrocketing prices, stagnant wages

In New Zealand, the cost of essentials—housing, groceries, fuel, and utilities—has skyrocketed in recent years. Wages, on the other hand, haven’t kept up. Many families are feeling squeezed, struggling to save, and finding it harder to get ahead.

• Housing: New Zealand has some of the most expensive housing relative to income in the world. Whether you’re renting or trying to buy, it’s a challenge.

• Groceries: Ever been shocked at the checkout? You’re not alone. New Zealand has some of the highest supermarket prices in the OECD.

• Power & Fuel: With rising electricity and fuel costs, just keeping the lights on and commuting to work is getting more expensive.

For many Kiwis, it’s becoming harder to justify staying when a better financial future seems possible just across the ditch.

Australia: still expensive, but more opportunity

Let’s be honest, Australia isn’t cheap either. The cost of living has been rising, particularly in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. But here’s the key difference: higher wages and better job opportunities make it easier to keep up.

• Higher Wages: Even with a higher cost of living, Australians generally earn more, which means there’s still room to save, invest, or afford a better lifestyle.

• Housing: While some parts of Australia are just as expensive as NZ (looking at you, Sydney!), there are still many cities where homeownership is more achievable.

• Groceries & Fuel: While prices have increased, grocery competition is stronger in Australia, which helps keep costs lower than in NZ. Fuel is also generally cheaper.

Is it really cheaper to live in Australia?

For many Kiwis, yes. Even though Australia has its own cost of living pressures, the ability to earn more, afford a home, and enjoy a better lifestyle makes the move worth it.

Ruth’s Podcast

Ruth’s podcast will educate us on why migration from New Zealand to Australia is so high at the moment and provide us with additional information on how our culture might have changed with the high level of migration into NZ.

So will the world get a surprising answer? Is there something about New Zealand they don’t know? Is it not as impressive as it looks from the outside?

Personally, I think it NZ is as amazing as it seems, but that doesn’t change the facts. We live in an expensive world where you need to make good money to live a comfortable life. And even more if you have unforeseen health issues and no insurance, family members with special needs, or if you want to eat out in restaurants, drink in a pub, or travel, just to name a few.

Keep an eye out for Ruth Evan’s podcast through my newsletter or socials (Facebook, Instagram).

So, are you thinking about moving to Australia?

If you’re considering the move, or if you’ve already made it, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your motivation or experience in the comments section below.

I know moving to Australia is a huge decision, and it’s not easy. Moving countries means uprooting your life, finding a new job, a home, building a new social circle, sorting out paperwork. But with record numbers making the move, the world is watching and wondering… why?

Thanks for reading!
JJ Smith x