Key Takeaways
- A Gold Coast charity, Nerang Neighbourhood Centre, is using state funding to fly homeless Kiwis in Australia back to New Zealand.
- The charity has been offering all-expenses-paid flights for the last decade and is sending more people back to New Zealand than ever due to Queensland’s growing housing crisis.
- New Zealanders are crossing the Tasman in record numbers, with 72,000 leaving in the year to September, primarily headed to Australia.
- The charity is concerned that many Kiwis may be arriving in Australia unprepared and unaware of the challenges they may face.
- The Queensland government has acknowledged the support available for New Zealanders living in Australia, including emergency relief funding for those who wish to return home.
Introduction to the Issue
The Nerang Neighbourhood Centre, a Gold Coast charity, is using state funding to provide all-expenses-paid flights for homeless Kiwis in Australia to return to New Zealand. This initiative has been in place for the last decade, and the charity is now sending more people back to New Zealand than ever due to Queensland’s growing housing crisis. The charity’s general manager, Vicky Rose, expressed concern that many New Zealanders may be arriving in Australia unprepared and unaware of the challenges they may face, including a severe shortage of affordable housing and skyrocketing rental prices.
The Reality of Homelessness in Queensland
The Real Estate Institute of Queensland has reported that the state has the lowest rate of home ownership in Australia, and rental prices have increased significantly. This has led to a growing number of people, including New Zealanders, experiencing homelessness. Dave Porter, a homeless New Zealander who has lived in Australia for 16 years, is one example of someone who has been affected by the housing crisis. After suffering an injury that left him unable to work, Porter found himself living in a caravan park, and eventually, he was forced to move into his van after the park was sold to new owners. Despite his difficult situation, Porter is hesitant to return to New Zealand, citing concerns about the high cost of living and the potential lack of improvement in his circumstances.
The Charity’s Efforts
The Nerang Neighbourhood Centre has been working to support New Zealanders in need, including those who are experiencing homelessness. The charity’s work includes providing emergency relief funding for those who wish to return to New Zealand. Rose stated that the charity is having conversations with New Zealanders about returning home "a couple of times a week" and is sending "a couple back a month." The charity’s efforts are supported by the Australian government, which has acknowledged the challenges faced by New Zealanders living in Australia and the need for support. The New Zealand High Commissioner and the Sydney consulate are also aware of the charity’s work and the support available for New Zealanders who wish to return home.
The Bigger Picture
The issue of homelessness among New Zealanders in Australia is part of a larger trend of Kiwis crossing the Tasman in record numbers. According to Stats NZ, a record 72,000 New Zealanders left the country in the year to September, primarily headed to Australia. Rose expressed concern about the large number of people making this move, stating that it "scares" her and hoping that they have done their research before making the decision. The charity’s work highlights the need for support and resources for New Zealanders who are experiencing homelessness or other challenges in Australia, as well as the importance of raising awareness about the potential risks and challenges associated with moving to Australia.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The Nerang Neighbourhood Centre’s work in providing support and resources for homeless Kiwis in Australia is crucial in addressing the growing housing crisis in Queensland. The charity’s efforts to raise awareness about the potential challenges faced by New Zealanders in Australia and the importance of doing research before making the move are also vital. As the number of Kiwis crossing the Tasman continues to grow, it is essential that both the Australian and New Zealand governments, as well as organizations like the Nerang Neighbourhood Centre, work together to provide support and resources for those in need. By doing so, we can help to ensure that New Zealanders who are experiencing homelessness or other challenges in Australia have access to the help and support they need to get back on their feet.