New Zealand is facing record levels of emigration, with over 66,000 citizens leaving last year alone, about 180 people a day, in a country with a population of 5.3 million.
A large portion of them are moving to Australia, in search of better economic and professional opportunities.
Among those leaving is former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who recently relocated with her family to Sydney. Her move has brought back focus to the country's challenge of retaining talent and young professionals at a time when the economy is struggling, the cost of living is spiking and housing is in short supply.
Experts say migration to Australia is a long-term trend, driven by the equal employment rights that New Zealand and Australia have offered to each other's citizens for decades. However, the phenomenon has intensified in recent years. Unemployment has risen to levels not seen in a decade, while wage growth has not kept pace with inflation. Food prices are among the highest in the developed world and the housing market is facing a severe shortage of supply, driving up rents and house prices.
Many young people are no longer seeing leaving as a temporary experience abroad, but as a long-term relocation. Although some emigrants return and bring new experiences and connections, lawmakers express concern about the “brain drain” and the separation of families.
The current government acknowledges that the country faces difficult economic and social conditions, while political parties offer different solutions ahead of the upcoming elections.
Meanwhile, Ardern's office has clarified that her family has been traveling for several years and has now temporarily settled in Australia for work reasons, emphasizing that this also allows them more time to return to their homeland.