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Record NZ Exodus to Australia: Many Now Need Help Returning
8 Jan
Summary
- Over 92,000 New Zealanders applied for Australian citizenship recently.
- Charity offers 'last resort' flights back to New Zealand monthly.
- Australia's worsening economic climate is driving this trend.
New Zealanders are migrating to Australia in record numbers, with over 92,000 citizens applying for Australian citizenship between July 2023 and June 2025. The year 2024 alone saw 30,000 New Zealanders relocate, marking the highest influx in over a decade. This surge is prompting concerns about their ability to manage financially in Australia.
Despite the initial migration, a growing number of these individuals are now struggling with Australia's escalating cost of living. Charities like the Nerang Neighbourhood Centre on the Gold Coast report an increasing demand for their 'last resort' return flights to New Zealand, assisting several individuals monthly.
This trend highlights the financial challenges faced by many New Zealanders in Australia. Some, like Dave Porter, who has lived in Australia for 16 years, express difficulty affording life there and face housing instability. While New Zealand citizens have broad visa access to Australia, the economic pressures are leading some to reconsider their decision and seek support to return home.
