“The advice I would give to any New Zealander considering a move to Australia is to undertake thorough research and ensure they have sufficient savings and a realistic contingency plan.
“While Australia can offer amazing opportunities, the current housing market and cost-of-living pressures mean that arriving without adequate financial resources can place people in a very vulnerable position.”
Rose said New Zealanders living in Queensland don’t have access to the housing assistance and other Government-funded support services available to Australian citizens and permanent residents, which left them with fewer options if they faced a hardship or crisis.
“The people most at risk are often those who arrive without sufficient financial reserves, have insecure or casual employment, or experience an unexpected life event such as relationship breakdown, illness or injury, job loss, or family violence.”
The centre explored all available options with each individual, Rose said, including referring people to Australian government-funded repatriation providers like Homeward Bound or, in some exceptional cases, providing funding through its limited emergency relief funding processes.
“Many people contact us for advice well before making a decision, wanting to understand what support may be available and what the process would involve.
“Returning to New Zealand is rarely someone’s first choice, but for some it often becomes the most practical and sustainable pathway when they have exhausted other avenues of support in Australia.”
Latest Stats NZ data shows a gradual decline in the number of New Zealanders leaving and a steady rise in the number of New Zealanders returning.
New Zealand is continuing to lag behind Australia for wages but our economy is now growing faster than Australia’s.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told Newstalk ZB Australia’s competitive job market and housing shortage were prompting many New Zealanders to return home.
Michael Sergel is Newstalk ZB’s business reporter, covering the daily life of business and the business of daily life. He’s been covering business, politics, local government and consumer affairs for over a decade.