New Zealand Suffering: People Leaving The Country

All is not "well" for the country that has "Wellington" as its capital. New Zealand is experiencing record emigration as economic challenges including rising unemployment, high interest rates and sluggish growth push people to leave. Statistics New Zealand reported that 131,200 people left the country in the year ending June 2024 with a third heading to Australia. 

Net migration remains high but is expected to decline as fewer foreign nationals are attracted to New Zealand's softening economy. Of those departing 80,174 were citizens nearly double the pre pandemic numbers. Many are moving to Australia for better job opportunities and living conditions. 

New Zealand's economy is struggling with minimal growth, rising unemployment and persistent inflation. Meanwhile Australia is actively recruiting workers in sectors with skill shortages offering relocation packages and benefiting from New Zealand's downsizing of its public service which has left many skilled workers seeking jobs abroad.