Key Takeaways
- A record number of 72,700 Kiwis have moved to Australia in the September 2025 year, resulting in a net migration loss of 46,400.
- The main reasons for moving to Australia include better job opportunities, a positive culture, and reasonable pay.
- The cost of living in Australia is lower compared to New Zealand, with cheaper groceries and housing.
- The Australian culture is more supportive of entrepreneurship and creativity, with a strong start-up mindset.
- Despite the challenges, many Kiwis are making the move to Australia in search of a better life.
Introduction to the Great Kiwi Migration
The recent statistics released by Stats NZ have shown a record number of Kiwis moving to Australia, with a net migration loss of 46,400 in the September 2025 year. One of the many Kiwis who have made the move is Lucy Griggs, a 24-year-old social media manager from Wellington. Griggs spoke to 1News’ Polly Wenlock about her experience after moving to Brisbane in March, citing opportunities, a positive culture, and reasonable pay as key factors in her decision.
The Reasons Behind the Move
Griggs explained that she was tired of living paycheck to paycheck in New Zealand and wanted to be able to enjoy her life while also saving for the future. She believed that Australia would offer her more opportunities to achieve this, and so far, she has no regrets about her decision. Griggs stated that she doesn’t get paid "better" in Australia, but rather gets paid what she should, allowing her to afford the small luxuries in life. She also highlighted the difficulties of finding a job in Australia, with many applicants competing for entry-level positions.
The Challenges of Finding a Job
Despite the challenges, Griggs has managed to find jobs by networking and going in-store with her resume. She advised that having a personal touch is key to standing out in a crowded candidate pool. Griggs also acknowledged that the job market in Australia is highly competitive, with many Kiwis moving to the country in search of better opportunities. However, she believes that the Australian culture is more supportive of entrepreneurship and creativity, with a strong start-up mindset.
The Cost of Living in Australia
One of the significant advantages of living in Australia is the lower cost of living compared to New Zealand. Griggs noted that rent is still expensive in Brisbane, but she pays the same amount for a clean and air-conditioned share-space as she would for a mouldy and damp flat in Wellington. The most noticeable cost differential is in groceries, with fruit being significantly cheaper in Australia. Griggs described the smaller luxuries that living in Australia affords her, such as being able to afford strawberries, which were previously a luxury fruit for her.
The Australian Culture and Lifestyle
Griggs has found that the Australian culture is more supportive of her creative pursuits, with a positive and motivating environment. She has been able to connect with like-minded individuals and find opportunities for growth and development. Griggs noted that the Australian attitude is more confident and supportive, with people encouraging each other to pursue their passions. She has found that she can enjoy her day-to-day life in Australia, without feeling judged for not using her money "wisely." Griggs has also been able to afford a social life, going out for casual drinks and dinners, which was not possible for her in New Zealand.
What Would Make Her Return to New Zealand?
While Griggs is happy with her decision to move to Australia, she does miss certain aspects of New Zealand, such as the scenery, nature, and native bird song. She stated that if she were to move back to New Zealand, she would probably choose to live in the South Island for its beautiful scenery. However, Griggs is not sure if she could afford to raise a family in New Zealand, citing the high cost of living as a significant factor. Ultimately, Griggs believes that her decision to move to Australia was not personal, but rather a pragmatic choice to improve her quality of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the great Kiwi migration to Australia continues, with a record number of Kiwis making the move in search of better opportunities. Lucy Griggs’ story is just one example of the many Kiwis who are seeking a better life in Australia. While there are challenges to be faced, such as finding a job and adjusting to a new culture, many Kiwis are finding that the benefits of living in Australia far outweigh the costs. With its positive and supportive culture, lower cost of living, and opportunities for growth and development, Australia is becoming an increasingly attractive option for Kiwis looking to improve their quality of life.
