🟢 The Great Kiwi Exodus
New migration data reveals a striking reality: New Zealanders are leaving their homeland in record numbers, with Australia emerging as the top destination.
Sociologist Professor Paul Spoonley from Massey University told ABC’s The World that the trend reflects deep economic and social shifts — where Kiwis feel that “the grass is genuinely greener across the Tasman.”
The numbers speak for themselves. Tens of thousands of Kiwis have crossed the ditch this year, many citing higher wages, lower living costs, and better career progression as key motivators. Meanwhile, New Zealand faces a potential “brain drain”, losing skilled professionals in health, construction, education, and IT — sectors already stretched thin.
🏠 Why They’re Leaving: Cost, Careers, and Confidence
The cost-of-living crisis has hit hard in Aotearoa. Rising rents, expensive groceries, and stagnant wages have left many families struggling.
In contrast, Australia’s booming economy and new migration policies — including easier pathways to citizenship for New Zealanders — make relocation more appealing than ever.
Beyond economics, there’s a growing sense of frustration and fatigue in New Zealand. Young professionals report limited advancement opportunities and housing unaffordability as key push factors. Some describe feeling “stuck” — working multiple jobs but unable to save or buy a home.
🧠 The Brain Drain Dilemma
Experts warn that this migration wave risks deepening inequality within New Zealand. Losing skilled workers reduces productivity and innovation, creating a cycle that’s hard to reverse.
Professor Spoonley notes that unless New Zealand rebuilds confidence in its domestic job market and social systems, the outflow may continue for years.
This echoes previous migration surges in the 1970s and early 2010s — yet the difference now lies in post-pandemic realities: remote work, inflation, and a global competition for talent that makes mobility easier than ever.
🌏 A Tale of Two Neighbours
While Australia welcomes Kiwis with open arms, the question remains: what does New Zealand lose in return? Beyond economics, migration affects communities, families, and national morale.
As one migrant told ABC, “I love New Zealand — but love doesn’t pay the bills.”
Ultimately, it’s not just about greener grass, but whether home can still feel like hope.
新西兰人为何纷纷离开，奔赴澳洲？
🟢 “大迁移”现象
最新移民数据显示，离开新西兰的人数创下历史新高，其中大多数前往澳大利亚。
梅西大学社会学教授 Paul Spoonley 在澳大利亚广播公司（ABC）节目《The World》中指出，这一趋势反映出深层次的社会与经济变化——许多新西兰人认为，“塔斯曼海的另一边，的确更绿”。
今年已有数万名新西兰人迁往澳洲，原因主要包括：工资更高、生活成本更低、职业发展更好。与此同时，新西兰却面临着**人才流失（brain drain）**的隐忧——医疗、建筑、教育、信息科技等关键行业的专业人才正在外流。
🏠 离开的原因：生活成本、职业前景与信心危机
生活成本飙升，是压垮许多家庭的主要原因。房租上涨、食品价格高昂、工资增长缓慢，让人们难以维持体面的生活。
相比之下，澳洲的经济繁荣和新政策——包括给予新西兰人更容易获得公民身份的途径——让“跨海移民”变得前所未有地诱人。
除了经济因素外，许多年轻人也感到职业受限、社会停滞、买房无望。
一位受访者坦言：“在新西兰，我努力工作，却看不到未来。”
🧠 人才流失的连锁反应
专家警告，如果这种趋势持续下去，新西兰将面临严重的经济与社会后果。
人才流失会削弱生产力与创新力，使国内经济陷入“恶性循环”。
Spoonley教授指出，除非新西兰重建公众对本国经济和社会体系的信任，否则这种“出走潮”可能会延续多年。
🌏 两个邻国的故事
澳大利亚向新西兰人敞开怀抱，但问题在于：新西兰失去了什么？
移民潮不仅改变了经济结构，也影响着家庭关系与社会信心。
正如一位移民所说：“我热爱新西兰，但爱不能付账单。”
最终，这不仅是关于哪边草更绿，更关乎——家，是否还能带来希望。
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