The Great Kiwi Exodus: Why Are More New Zealanders Heading to Australia for Work?
In a trend that’s sparking both hope and debate, job advertisements in New Zealand are on the rise, but so is the number of Kiwis packing their bags for Australia. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this a sign of opportunity or a red flag for New Zealand’s job market? Let’s dive in.
The latest SEEK NZ employment report reveals a 1% increase in job ads for September, marking the fourth consecutive monthly rise—a 6% jump compared to the previous year. Rob Clark, SEEK’s country manager, notes, ‘The momentum is widespread, with nearly every industry experiencing growing demand.’ And this is the part most people miss: The construction and professional services sectors are leading the charge, with growth accelerating faster than ever.
While overall job applications in New Zealand rose by 1% in August, certain regions saw staggering increases: Manawatu (19%), Auckland (17%), and Waikato (16%). But what’s truly eye-opening is the surge in New Zealanders applying for jobs in Australia. SEEK’s data shows that applications for Australian roles are higher now than pre-Covid, even as domestic applications per job ad in New Zealand remain sky-high—over 266% higher in August 2025 compared to August 2019.
Clark explains, ‘When unemployment here is higher than in Australia, it’s natural to see more Kiwis looking across the Tasman.’ But here’s the question: Is this a temporary shift or a long-term trend? And what does it mean for New Zealand’s workforce?
Regionally, the South Island is outpacing the North, with all areas reporting double-digit increases in job ad volumes. Canterbury and Otago are leading the pack, with a 17% annual rise. Yet, as more Kiwis consider moving abroad, it raises concerns about brain drain and the competitiveness of local industries.
Bold Interpretation: Could this exodus be a wake-up call for New Zealand to address job market disparities? Or is it simply a reflection of global workforce mobility? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
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