New Zealand exodus to Australia hits 13-year high as thousands leave
New Zealand is experiencing a record-high exodus of citizens to Australia, with over 12,000 departures in the first quarter of the year. The trend has become a significant political issue for Prime Minister Christopher Luxon as he faces a tight re-election campaign centered on living costs and job creation.
Why it matters
High emigration rates can signal economic instability and labor shortages, directly impacting the political viability of the incumbent government.
WELLINGTON: New Zealand’s exodus of citizens to Australia accelerated in the first three months of the year, reaching the highest in 13 years in a further blow to the government just weeks from an election, latest data show.
There were 12,471 departures in the period, Statistics New Zealand said Wednesday (Oct 14) in Wellington. The measure, which often rises in the first quarter as young people finish study and look for opportunities offshore, was the highest since the three months to March 2013.
Confirmation the outflow didn’t abate at the start of the year adds to pressure on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who is seeking re-election on Nov. 7. His opponents have slammed his government for failing to contain living costs and create more jobs, saying that would have encouraged more New Zealanders to stay at home rather than seek higher wages in Australia.
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