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Why so many New Zealanders are moving to Australia
We caught up with people who made the move to Australia to ask how they've found it – and whether anything would make them come home.
Steve* had heard the stories. He knew many New Zealanders were taking the plunge and heading across the Tasman. Still, the publicist and musician was … View moreWe caught up with people who made the move to Australia to ask how they've found it – and whether anything would make them come home.
Steve* had heard the stories. He knew many New Zealanders were taking the plunge and heading across the Tasman. Still, the publicist and musician was sceptical about how good moving to Australia really could be. "I was definitely nervous," he says.
In May, Steve and his fiancée packed up their things, left Tāmaki Makaurau and made the move to Melbourne. Five months on, they have no regrets. "I'm almost having to stop myself becoming an Australian evangelist," he says. "It is so, so good."
They didn't know it at the time, but the couple have become part of a mass exodus, as record-breaking numbers of New Zealanders leave Aotearoa in search of more money, better opportunities and improved lifestyles overseas.
For Steve, he says almost everything he'd heard from others making the same move has come true. "It's awesome," he says. "I have no regrets."
'It’s day and night'
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A Consumer NZ investigation, published in May 2024, asked New Zealanders from all walks of life living in Australia how they had found their move. They told us they were enjoying cheaper property prices and rent, reduced living expenses, including cheaper food, transport and energy costs, and higher wages. Statistics backed this up.
Steve says he's already reaping the benefits of a much cheaper lifestyle, especially when it comes to food. "It's day and night," he says. "We've got this amazing Greek supermarket and we fill up two massive bags of fresh produce and it will be A$20 (NZ$22) ... Halloumi is crazy cheap."
The pair have found their transport costs have gone down too. With two trams and a bus stop near their home in Thornbury, just a short ride outside of Melbourne's central city, they have no need for a car. "You can get anywhere you need to go really easily," he says. "You can tram anywhere you need to go."
The only downside they’ve experienced is the demand for rental properties. While looking for their two-bedroom apartment (which costs them $A550, or NZ$605, a week), they attended open homes with queues of up to 30 people.
Other than that, the move has been entirely positive. Steve’s partner has been able to advance her career, and he’s enjoying more opportunities for his musical ambitions.
What the statistics say
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According to new data from Stats NZ, more people are leaving Aotearoa than ever before. Between August 2023 and 2024, 134,300 residents left the country, which is “provisionally, the highest on record for an annual period”.
The latest provisional statistics on those moving to Australia also remain high, with 28,600 New Zealanders departing for Aus between March 2023 and March 2024.
Why are they going? In May, Consumer spoke to Johanna Smith, who runs the website movingtoaustralia.com. She blames the exodus on variables people have always left Aotearoa for: a search for higher wages, a lower cost of living and more affordable homes.
“You've always been able to afford to buy a home in Australia, and that has not been a reality for the majority of New Zealanders for years,” she said. “Now that the food and the petrol is so high as well, it has definitely made people think, 'Oh flip, maybe I should actually do it.'”
Consumer’s Sentiment Tracker survey data from July backs that up. When asked how confident they were in our economy over the next 12 months, 39% of respondents reported feeling “pessimistic” or “very pessimistic”, while only 26% were optimistic.
Another 37% anticipated their savings would decline in the following year , while only 27% believed their savings would increase. And, 31% reported their standard of living had declined, while just 18% thought their standard of living had improved.
What about those we spoke to last time?
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In New Plymouth, Jose Litre, along with his wife Julieta, their son and their dog Rollie had struggled to save for a trip back home to Argentina, despite earning good salaries. So, 2 years ago, they moved into a near-new four-bedroom home in South Australia that cost them A$500,000 (NZ$551,888)
When Consumer catches up with Litre, he’s in Argentina, finally making his first post-Covid trip back home. Their circumstances have changed: his wife is studying after losing her job, but Litre says they’re still able to live comfortably on his income.
“We're very happy with our decision,” he says. “Our son is excelling at school, which is just a 15-minute bike ride from our home. The area we live in, about 30 minutes north of Adelaide, is growing rapidly with new homes and businesses being developed. The economy seems to be booming here – shopping centres are busy, and people continue to spend despite the rising cost of living and interest rates.”
Litre’s colleagues share stories about how hard it is to find a rental property, backing up Steve’s claim that demand is high. And he says the cost of living has increased over the 2 years they’ve been in Australia. “Overall, our circumstances are good, but I don’t want to give the impression that everything is perfect,” he says.
When Consumer last spoke to Amy Potter, she’d just lost her job in Australia as a publicist for a video game company . At the time, she admits a conversation came up about moving back to Aotearoa. It was quickly nixed. “At the end of the day I have bought a house, and now have a dog too, here in Australia and it would not be a good time to sell with the market and economy where it is.”
She also wanted to stay working in the video game industry. “There were still 10-times the opportunities in Australia than I was seeing listed in New Zealand in my industry,” she says. “The scale of Australia is just more conducive to opportunities than New Zealand within the video games space.”
Potter soon found a new job, working for New Zealand-based game asset publisher Synty Studios. The company lets her work from Sydney, and she’s very happy with her decision to stay.
Smith says that’s a new trend she’s noticed over the past few months, with New Zealanders taking their jobs with them when they move to Australia. “I’m definitely still busy [with inquiries],” Smith says. “I'm getting more enquiries from visitors who are planning on moving to Australia while continuing to work for their New Zealand employer.”
‘We're definitely here for good’
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In Melbourne, Steve says their move has been so successful he’s about to make it permanent. He’s considering applying for residency, and “closing my New Zealand bank account”. He says, “We’re definitely here for good.”
But there’s one thing he does miss, something that many who have made the move say: his friends and family. A recent visit from his parents helped soften the blow, and he and his partner will return to Aotearoa in January for their wedding.
“If I didn't have that thing coming up that would feel more distant and more sad,” he says.
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www.consumer.org.nz...
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Dream Sleep Destination: Mountains or Beach?
Hey Neighbours,
Would you rather sleep in a cosy cabin in the mountains ?️ or on a sandy beach by the sea ?️?
Imagine wrapping yourself up in a warm blanket, surrounded by nature, with the fresh mountain air lulling you to sleep. Or, falling asleep to the calming sound of ocean waves, … View moreHey Neighbours,
Would you rather sleep in a cosy cabin in the mountains ?️ or on a sandy beach by the sea ?️?
Imagine wrapping yourself up in a warm blanket, surrounded by nature, with the fresh mountain air lulling you to sleep. Or, falling asleep to the calming sound of ocean waves, the soft breeze, and the feeling of sand beneath your toes.
Which one sounds like your dream escape for a perfect night’s rest? Let us know your favourite!
? WIN the Inspire Plush Bed! Enter Beds4U's October Giveaway Now! ?
? Beds4U October Giveaway Alert! ?
Ready for the best sleep of your life? Now’s your chance to WIN the luxurious Inspire Plush bed from Slumberzone! ?️?
We’re giving away this premium bed, known for its plush comfort and incredible support. It's the ultimate combination of … View more? Beds4U October Giveaway Alert! ?
Ready for the best sleep of your life? Now’s your chance to WIN the luxurious Inspire Plush bed from Slumberzone! ?️?
We’re giving away this premium bed, known for its plush comfort and incredible support. It's the ultimate combination of coziness and durability—perfect for elevating your sleep experience.
How to enter:
1️⃣ Visit snooze.beds4u.co.nz...
2️⃣ Answer a few quick questions on the entry form
3️⃣ Cross your fingers and prepare to snooze in style!
✨ Why the Inspire Plush? ✨
Soft, cloud-like comfort
Perfect support for a restful night
Proudly Made in New Zealand
? Don’t miss out! The giveaway ends October 31st, so enter now for your chance to WIN!
Tag your friends and spread the word! ?
#Beds4UNZ #InspirePlushGiveaway #DreamBigSleepBetter #NZMade
Sweeten the pot
Show your potted plants off in a self-decorated container using Resene Non-Skid Deck & Path or Resene Sandtex. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Labour Weekend roadworks on SH16 Newton Road
Newton Road westbound on-ramp will be closed from 9pm Friday 25 to 5am Tuesday 29 October while our team replace a bridge joint. Please expect delays when travelling through the area.
Quiz Night tonight at 7pm
At a loose end for something to do tonight?
Maungakiekie Golf Club is holding a quiz night and it is open to the general public. Free to enter
A friendly atmosphere with bar and kitchen open.
Dont have a team? Dont worry . We can hook you up with other contestants.
Prizes incl food and beverage… View moreAt a loose end for something to do tonight?
Maungakiekie Golf Club is holding a quiz night and it is open to the general public. Free to enter
A friendly atmosphere with bar and kitchen open.
Dont have a team? Dont worry . We can hook you up with other contestants.
Prizes incl food and beverage tabs and chocolate bars.
Rock on up at 7pm tonight (or earlier if you wish to settle in with some food and a drink) for a fun night testing your general knowledge.
Plenty free carparking available in the clubs carpark.
See you tonight.
Serious crash in Mount Albert
Motorists are being advised to expect delays following a serious crash in Mount Albert this afternoon.
At about 12.05pm, emergency services responded to reports of a crash involving a motorcyclist and vehicle at the intersection of Carrington Road and Fontenoy Street.
One person has been … View moreMotorists are being advised to expect delays following a serious crash in Mount Albert this afternoon.
At about 12.05pm, emergency services responded to reports of a crash involving a motorcyclist and vehicle at the intersection of Carrington Road and Fontenoy Street.
One person has been transported to hospital in a serious condition.
The road has been closed and diversions are in place.
Motorists are being advised to avoid the area or expect delays.
The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.
Resene October sale on now!
Save 25% on Resene quality paints, wood stains, primers and wallpapers at Resene ColorShops!
Choose from our huge range of paints and colours designed and made in New Zealand. Bring out the best in your home with Resene, NZ’s Most Trusted Paint.
Product recalls this month
Here are some items that have been recalled during September - October. Click on the blue title to learn more details about the recalled product.
Food recalls:
Farro Kitchen pulled lamb shank ragu (product may contain glass!)
ABC sweet soy sauce
Kelp & Seaweed Products (elevated level of … View moreHere are some items that have been recalled during September - October. Click on the blue title to learn more details about the recalled product.
Food recalls:
Farro Kitchen pulled lamb shank ragu (product may contain glass!)
ABC sweet soy sauce
Kelp & Seaweed Products (elevated level of arsenic!)
On The Go chip products
Pams cracked pepper salmon & Origin salmon
All Good Barista Oat Milk
Product recalls:
Toyota Pruis model years 2022-2024
Brompton t line bike
John Deere 1023ev tractor
Suzuki GSX1300RRQ model years 2020-2024
UVC Disinfection Unit Purifier
Kia EV9 model years 2024-2025
Polaris xp kinetic ranger
Cummins diesel engine
Mazda models years 2013-2020
We hope this update was helpful to you and your whānau.
Did you receive the $350 Entrust Dividend?
If so, you can now vote for the 5 Trustees of your community energy trust. 5 ticks More for You, Better for Auckland, your new leadership team for Entrust.
We will actively work to put more in your wallet. How to vote by Election Day 25 Oct on our website.
Police target road safety ahead of summer
Auckland City Police have begun a series of operations targeting drink and drug effected drivers as the evenings get warmer and lighter.
Last week, Police spent two days conducting more than 20 checkpoints across the district.
Auckland City’s Relieving Road Policing Manager, Acting Inspector … View moreAuckland City Police have begun a series of operations targeting drink and drug effected drivers as the evenings get warmer and lighter.
Last week, Police spent two days conducting more than 20 checkpoints across the district.
Auckland City’s Relieving Road Policing Manager, Acting Inspector Scott Jones, says more than 12,000 drivers were breath tested across Wednesday and Thursday last week.
“The vast majority of motorists had made the responsible decision to drive sober, however disappointingly 18 drivers were found to be over the limit and are facing enforcement from Police.
“It’s great to see so many people driving drink-free, but that result is still too many to be drinking and then driving on our roads.”
Acting Inspector Jones says one driver was found to be more than double the legal limit.
“His licence was suspended on the spot and he will be appearing in the Auckland District Court facing a charge of driving with excess breath alcohol.
“The decision made by all 18 of these drivers has put themselves and other members of the community at enormous risk.”
Police also issued a number of infringement notices to motorists for a variety of high-risk driving behaviours, including speeding, no restraints or driving while using a mobile phone.
“With the summer season approaching, Police will have an increased focus on drink and drug related driving.
“We ask that people plan ahead and make the responsible decision to appoint a sober driver or arrange other options such as public transport to get them home safely.
“We know your whānau and friends will appreciate this, and so will we.”
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www.police.govt.nz...
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Ryman’s Walk in Wednesdays
Ryman villages across the country are open every Wednesday in October and November.
Experience the Ryman lifestyle and learn about our living options, tour our showhomes and discover the wonderful amenities on offer.
Click find out more for more information.
Jobseeker Work Ready benefit numbers increase by 12% in a year
The Government says the benefit numbers have long been forecast to get worse before they get better – and there were “positive signs” its approach to social welfare was working.
But Labour says New Zealand families are continuing to suffer – and the Government is making the wrong decisions… View moreThe Government says the benefit numbers have long been forecast to get worse before they get better – and there were “positive signs” its approach to social welfare was working.
But Labour says New Zealand families are continuing to suffer – and the Government is making the wrong decisions and mismanaging the economy.
There are two categories of Jobseeker benefits – “work ready” for those who can work now – and “health condition or disability” for those who can’t work right now for health reasons.
New data from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) shows that between September 2023 and September 2024, the number of people receiving the weekly Jobseeker Work Ready payment increased by around 12,300 people or 11.8%.
People receiving the “health condition or disability” payment increased by 11,000 people or 14.3% compared with September 2023.
However, more recent month-on-month data shows the tide is starting to turn, at least for Jobseeker Work Ready numbers, which decreased by about 300 people or 0.2% in September 2024 from the previous month. This was the first decrease since April 2024.
The number of people receiving the health condition or disability payment increased by about 2000 people or 2.3% in September compared with the previous month.
Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston described rising unemployment as a “lingering consequence” of years of high inflation, high government spending, and periods of economic recession.
“Jobseeker numbers have long been forecast to get worse before they get better, and we knew this when we set our target to reduce the number of people on Jobseeker Support by 50,000 over six years,” Upston said.
“We’re already seeing positive signs that this Government’s more proactive approach to supporting job seekers is working, with the latest monthly stats showing more than 2000 people cancelling their Jobseeker Benefit because they found work between July and September compared to the same period last year.”
The coalition Government has been focused on Jobseeker beneficiary numbers and has a goal for 50,000 fewer recipients in the next six years.
The Government has ramped up its threat of sanctions for Jobseeker beneficiaries not fulfilling their work obligations by introducing new requirements (such as attending a seminar within a fortnight of starting the payment) and a new beneficiary traffic light system.
At the time, advocate Brooke Pao Stanley, who runs Auckland Action Against Poverty, said such moves to increase sanctions would not help people get into work and would instead cause further stress to vulnerable people already living in stressful situations.
Labour’s social development spokeswoman, Carmel Sepuloni, said the Government’s actions were “taking us backwards”.
“It’s a tough time for New Zealanders. They have made the deliberate decision to lay off thousands of public servants and have cut government investment in infrastructure, like for Dunedin Hospital and school builds.
“Beneficiary numbers are skyrocketing even past Treasury’s predictions. Ministers have made the wrong choices and are mismanaging the economy at the expense of New Zealand families who are suffering from growing unemployment.”
Overall figures for main benefits – which include Jobseeker benefits as well as other payments like Sole Parent Support and the Supported Living Payment – increased by about 2500 (0.6%) month-on-month and by 29,100 (8%) year-on-year.
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www.nzherald.co.nz...
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Poll: Is dumping an issue in your neighbourhood?
There's nothing worse than strolling around the streets in your neighbourhood and seeing dumped rubbish.
Have you noticed this in your area? What could we do to combat this around the country?
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42.3% Yes, I've seen some illegal dumping
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57.1% No, our neighbourhood is pretty good
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0.6% Other - I'll share below
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