Prime Minister John Key says the exodus of New Zealanders to Australia, which hit a new record in the year to January, will not be turned around "in five minutes", although the government is starting to stem the flow of people leaving for the lucky country.
A net 38,100 people left New Zealand to go to Australia permanently or long term in the year to January 31, a record for a 12 month period, Statistics New Zealand announced yesterday. There were 51,900 departures to Australia, offset by 13,800 arrivals. In both directions, most migrants were New Zealand citizens.
Key said the numbers leaving were boosted by people leaving Christchurch after the earthquakes which have hit the city over the last two years, while the Australian mining boom also meant medium-skilled New Zealanders were taking off across the Tasman. Those who have left Christchurch may return once rebuilding was underway in the city.
Key warned Australia's unemployment rate had begun to rise and said New Zealanders were often not eligible for Australian welfare support if they were out of work there. Outside of the mining sector the Australian economy was weakening, he said.
Meanwhile, a strengthening New Zealand economy and the rebuilding of Christchurch would mean the exodus would be turned around.
"Over time we are starting to close that gap," Key said.
We welcome your comments below. If you are not already registered, please register to comment
Remember we welcome robust, respectful and insightful debate. We don't welcome abusive or defamatory comments and will de-register those repeatedly making such comments. Our current comment policy is here.