Former leader Ardern has left New Zealand. She’s not the only one
New Zealand migration to Australia
Almost 60% of leavers from New Zealand head to Australia, which the Australian government estimates hosts 670,000 Kiwi citizens, equivalent to 12.5% of New Zealand’s current population.
“Twenty years of memories spilled across Jacinda Thorn’s yard”
Stats cited show unemployment at 4.2% in Australia versus 5.4% in New Zealand and median weekly full-time pay of $1,451 in Australia versus $912 in New Zealand (2025 data from Stats NZ and the Australian Statistics Bureau).
CNN’s interviews with migrants and experts, including recruitment specialist Mark Berger and recent movers Aaron Harold, Darren Eckford, and Scott and Charlotte George, underline wider implications.
A net gain of 13,700 migrants in the past year masks the slowest population growth in 12 years, the loss of mid-career talent and institutional knowledge, and rapid demographic change driven by arrivals from India, the Philippines and China.
Analysts warn this turnover can sap productivity and raise questions about whether departing mid-career New Zealanders will be enticed back.
Key Takeaways
- Family left New Zealand's capital with five suitcases and their Shih Tzu, Bubbles.
- Jacinda Thorn, 43, and husband Blair, 44, left with their children Eva and Chase.
- Twenty years of memories and household items spilled across their yard during the move.
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