A record number of New Zealanders left the country in the year ending September 2025, with most heading to Australia, according to new government figures.
At the same time, more Australians visited New Zealand than in recent years, with 1.48 million arrivals recorded. This is nearly back to pre-COVID levels.
Stats NZ said that 72,700 New Zealand citizens moved overseas, while only 26,300 returned, creating a net migration loss of 46,400. Most of the people leaving were looking for better jobs and living conditions, especially across the Tasman.
Meanwhile, New Zealand welcomed more visitors from Australia, the United States, the UK and Japan. Overall, 3.43 million people visited the country during the year. Officials said the rise in visitors from Australia was helped by more flights and a Tourism New Zealand campaign early in the year.
Government ministers shared different views on why so many Kiwis are leaving. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said people usually move away during tough economic times but often return when things improve. Finance Minister Nicola Willis said it shows why the economy must grow to keep New Zealanders home.
However, opposition leaders blamed the current government for not offering enough jobs, affordable homes, or health services. Labour’s Carmel Sepuloni and the Green Party’s Ricardo Menéndez March both said it was worrying that many people no longer saw a future in New Zealand.
