With the rising unemployment rate, high interest rates, and weak economic growth, more and more New Zealanders are choosing to leave the country. According to the latest statistics released by the New Zealand government, the number of people leaving New Zealand has reached a record high.
Statistics New Zealand released a report on Tuesday (August 13) showing that the estimated net migration loss of New Zealand citizens for the 12 months up to June was 55,300 people, the highest since February 2012 (44,400 people).
This figure is the result of 24,900 immigrants arriving and 80,200 New Zealand citizens leaving, leading to a net migration loss for New Zealand citizens. This number is nearly double compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic. Within the 12 months up to June this year, 38% (30,700 people) of departing New Zealand citizens were young people aged 18 to 30.
Population indicators manager Tehseen Islam stated, “The number of immigrant arrivals who are not New Zealand citizens has decreased from the annual peak in October 2023, while the number of departures for both New Zealand citizens and non-citizens has increased.”
According to the latest statistics, for every one person entering New Zealand, more than three people are leaving the country, with over half of the departing individuals heading to Australia.
For the 12 months up to June, the estimated temporary net migration gain for non-New Zealand citizens (the number of non-citizens arriving minus the number leaving New Zealand) reached 128,500 people, mainly from India, the Philippines, China, and Fiji.
Although the net migration numbers for non-New Zealand citizens remain high, economists expect that with the weak economy, the willingness of foreign immigrants to come to New Zealand will decrease, leading to a decline in the net migration figure.
According to Reuters, Merrily Allen, who works in dental administration, is currently planning to move to Australia with her partner and 14-year-old daughter in early 2025. Allen mentioned that many of her friends have moved to Australia due to better job opportunities and quality of life.
Reuter’s report also cited economists’ analysis stating that New Zealanders are feeling disillusioned with the high cost of living, high interest rates, and limited job opportunities, which is why many are looking to Australia, the UK, and other places.
According to data published by Statistics New Zealand on August 7, the quarterly unemployment rate in June 2024 was 4.6%. Labor market manager Deb Brunning stated, “Since 2022, the unemployment rate has been on the rise, resulting in this quarter’s rate being the highest since March 2021.”
Brunning added that the increase in the unemployment rate aligns with other economic indicators, including an increase in welfare recipients, a decrease in job vacancies, and a decline in per capita GDP.