The Great Exodus: New Zealanders Abandon Ship
In the past year alone, tens of thousands of New Zealanders have fled their homeland, shattering records set in 2012 and raising alarm bells about the "hollowing out" of mid-career workers. But what's driving this mass exodus? Guardian readers weigh in.
Adam, a Kiwi with Aussie connections, admits that his own family didn't make it easy for him to stay. Born and bred in New Zealand, he searched for employment for seven months but found himself snatched up by an Australian employer within a week. "Beaches, fish and chips, and the bright bloom of pohutukawa trees – those are just memories," Adam reflects.
But his story isn't unique. Many Kiwis are leaving due to a perfect storm of financial woes and a failing healthcare system. The country's social welfare net is fraying, leaving young people with limited prospects and only the wealthy able to weather the storm. "It doesn't feel like home anymore," says one anonymous reader, who's considering moving abroad for a better life.
Ian, another Kiwi expat, got a 30% pay rise in Australia by switching careers as a teacher. He's now leaving behind his family and friends due to the crippling costs of housing and living in New Zealand. "I feel sad," he writes, "I love my country... I don't want to leave."
For some, it's not about better opportunities but about feeling stuck. Adam's comment resonates: "We are considering leaving for financial reasons and a failing healthcare system." With the country struggling to provide adequate support for its citizens, many Kiwis feel they have no choice but to abandon ship.
Even the government is being held accountable for the crisis. One reader describes it as "heartless," citing gutted public sector jobs, welfare cuts, and indigenous rights abuses. "The mood here is bleak," writes another reader. The country feels like it's at a dead end, with no clear path forward.
Of course, not everyone is leaving due to desperation. Some Kiwis are opting for adventure and a new life abroad. Germany beckons for one adventurous couple who want to experience life in a bigger, more connected world. "We're excited to leave," they write, "the world at large is in a precarious place... We don't think we're any better off staying where we are."
It's clear that New Zealanders will no longer be silenced. For those willing to speak out, it's become a rallying cry: "I love my country. I don't want to leave." The great exodus continues – and the government would do well to listen.
In the past year alone, tens of thousands of New Zealanders have fled their homeland, shattering records set in 2012 and raising alarm bells about the "hollowing out" of mid-career workers. But what's driving this mass exodus? Guardian readers weigh in.
Adam, a Kiwi with Aussie connections, admits that his own family didn't make it easy for him to stay. Born and bred in New Zealand, he searched for employment for seven months but found himself snatched up by an Australian employer within a week. "Beaches, fish and chips, and the bright bloom of pohutukawa trees – those are just memories," Adam reflects.
But his story isn't unique. Many Kiwis are leaving due to a perfect storm of financial woes and a failing healthcare system. The country's social welfare net is fraying, leaving young people with limited prospects and only the wealthy able to weather the storm. "It doesn't feel like home anymore," says one anonymous reader, who's considering moving abroad for a better life.
Ian, another Kiwi expat, got a 30% pay rise in Australia by switching careers as a teacher. He's now leaving behind his family and friends due to the crippling costs of housing and living in New Zealand. "I feel sad," he writes, "I love my country... I don't want to leave."
For some, it's not about better opportunities but about feeling stuck. Adam's comment resonates: "We are considering leaving for financial reasons and a failing healthcare system." With the country struggling to provide adequate support for its citizens, many Kiwis feel they have no choice but to abandon ship.
Even the government is being held accountable for the crisis. One reader describes it as "heartless," citing gutted public sector jobs, welfare cuts, and indigenous rights abuses. "The mood here is bleak," writes another reader. The country feels like it's at a dead end, with no clear path forward.
Of course, not everyone is leaving due to desperation. Some Kiwis are opting for adventure and a new life abroad. Germany beckons for one adventurous couple who want to experience life in a bigger, more connected world. "We're excited to leave," they write, "the world at large is in a precarious place... We don't think we're any better off staying where we are."
It's clear that New Zealanders will no longer be silenced. For those willing to speak out, it's become a rallying cry: "I love my country. I don't want to leave." The great exodus continues – and the government would do well to listen.
this is crazy! I mean, 30% pay rise in Australia by switching careers as a teacher? That's insane 
! And it's not just about money, it's like the system is breaking down. Like, what happens when you're stuck and there's no safety net? 
i think the gov is being super neglectful about the whole thing they need to step up and provide better support for their citizens like mental health resources and more affordable housing options 
... like, what's going on with NZ, right? It feels like they're abandoning ship for a reason! 30% pay rise in Australia just because NZ can't provide decent healthcare & social welfare? No thanks, mate 
. And the poor teachers who have to leave their families behind? That's just heartbreaking 
. Meanwhile, there are actual people suffering because of the system failing them. It's not about opportunities; it's about basic human rights! 
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. But at the same time, it's awesome that there are people like those adventurous couple in Germany who are embracing a new life abroad 
. Maybe NZ can learn from their example and do some soul-searching too? 
its not all sunshine n rainbows. the australian pay rise sounds legit but whats the catch? r they gonna make u work 100 hrs wk? 
they're not just runnin from jobs but also failin healthcare system & social welfare net 
30% pay rise in aus by switchin careers is a pretty big incentive 
i mean whats left? 
still thinkin nz will find a way out of dis crisis tho... hope so 
i mean what even is going on in nz? 
germany even?! 
who knew? anyway, i hope the gov takes notice and makes some changes ASAP.
they deserve better life & decent healthcare system 
but seriously, its time for change - our leaders need to prioritize people over profits 
I don't blame them one bit for wanting a better life abroad, especially with the social welfare net fraying 
They deserve support and care from their government, not just empty promises 
It's heartbreaking to hear that some are having to leave behind loved ones due to crippling costs of living in NZ 
It's time for the government to listen to these concerns and make some serious changes 
This mass exodus of Kiwis is super worrying 
, or we'll see even more people fleeing the country 
. It's time for some real change, not just empty promises 
. People need a decent standard of living, and if they can't get it here, why would they stay? It's not like NZ is some kind of magical place where all your problems just disappear 
. I do feel for those who are leaving behind family and friends though... it's always hard to leave the people you love 
.
. And yeah, the government needs to listen to what's going on and start making some real changes 
.
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. It's like they're losing two countries: the one they grew up in and the one they've found to replace it 
. Like, is it really that hard to get a job over there? And what about all those Kiwis who are saying "I love my country" but feeling stuck 
. Maybe New Zealand can learn from all these Kiwis leaving and find a way to make things better 
.
. I mean, Adam's story with his family's influence is crazy - 7 months of searching and then snatch up by an Aussie employer? That's unheard of, mate 
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. Housing costs are also a major issue, with the average house price being around $830k NZD 
Australia is the top destination for Kiwi expats, followed closely by Canada and the UK 
. Germany, as mentioned in one reader's comment, is also gaining popularity among adventurous couples 
.
. It's clear that New Zealanders will no longer be silenced – it's time for the government to listen! 
