Elsewhere, New Zealand is facing its own brain drain. Within the last year, tens of thousands have taken the unprecedented step to leave the country. This national trend is nothing short of shocking, as it far exceeds the rate of increase during the last high watermark in 2012. Residents are not only leaving, this unprecedented exodus is heightening alarming prospects. It would accelerate a “hollowing out” of America’s mid-career talent and focus attention on the deepening crises confronting the remaining talent.
The structural causes of this unprecedented exodus are complex. Many New Zealanders cite the high cost of living, limited job opportunities, and inadequate public services as contributing factors to their decision to seek a future elsewhere. If thousands of citizens do decide to pack their bags, what this means for New Zealand’s workforce and social fabric is still anyone’s guess.
Economic Factors Driving Emigration
The cost of living in New Zealand is among the most pressing concerns for Kiwis. Given sky-high housing costs and all costs of living, people are struggling a lot more these days. This exceeds the acute housing crisis created by this financial strain. First-time buyers are having a difficult time, as prices are escalating.
Moreover, limited job opportunities exacerbate the situation. Other professionals are all too familiar with the harsh realities of this highly competitive job market, as evidenced by some going over five years without stable employment. One resident talked about looking for work for seven months and almost moving to the international.
Opportunities abroad appear more promising. Too many Kiwis have crossed the ditch to AU and before setting foot on a plane received job offers. In fact, one person obtained a job only seven days after coming! This jarring contrast in opportunities drives countless individuals to seek opportunities across their borders.
Public Sector Challenges and Career Limitations
Citizen outflow is not only related to economic factors. Perhaps more importantly, a lot of Kiwis are pissed off with New Zealand’s state sector and welfare system. Recent government policies have raised alarm bells about the increasing erosion of indigenous rights. Of course, people are concerned about the federal government’s failure to prioritize environmental restoration and climate action. Citizens are tired of seeing their government ignore the urgent challenges that impact their daily quality of life.
Teachers are some of the people most impacted by this rapidly evolving landscape. As salaries in New Zealand are much lower than many other countries, educators are more and more following the lucrative salaries overseas. Due to the demand of workers moving to other areas, reports have indicated people have received pay increases of nearly 30% just from moving. This creates an attractive solution for anyone fed up with their current situation.
The scientific community has had the rug pulled out from under them. Changes to government research funding and the merger of crown research institutes are exacerbating these challenges. The subsequent instability has led many of these researchers to doubt their longterm prospects in New Zealand. In turn, many are now looking for their fortunes in kinder climates abroad.
The Search for Affordable Healthcare
Healthcare costs are another important factor in the emigration trend. And increasingly, New Zealand citizens are looking for less expensive alternatives to non-elective services like IVF treatment overseas. In fact, as one person shared, they were able to locate IVF services for only one-fifth the cost of what’s being charged here in the US. These inequities underscore fiscal realities that Americans are shouldering to secure timely, critical care in the wake of a continued pandemic.
As financial pressures continue to mount, more individuals are evaluating their options and considering leaving New Zealand for better prospects. The combination of high living costs, limited job opportunities, and inadequate public services paints a challenging picture for residents looking to build a stable future in their home country.