In 2024 New Zealand had the largest annual net loss to Australia since 2012. Photo: 123rf
The number of New Zealanders who left for Australia last year was the highest in more than a decade, according to Stats NZ.
Just under 30,000 New Zealanders left for Australia in 2024, which Stats NZ said was "marginally higher" than in 2023.
It was the highest level of emigration to Australia since it peaked in 2012 at nearly 44,000.
Traditionally, there had been a net migration loss from New Zealand to Australia. This averaged about 30,000 a year during 2004 to 2013, and 3,000 a year during 2014 to 2019.
Stats NZ data had also shown the number of migrants in New Zealand fell to a two and a half year low in May.
It said there was a net gain of 14,800 in the year ended in May compared to more than 84,000 the year before.
The slowdown was driven by fewer non-New Zealand citizens settling and record levels of people leaving the country, it said.
Speaking to reporters in Auckland, Acting Prime Minister David Seymour said the number of people leaving for Australia was "higher than we'd like" but he defended the coalition's record.
"We are undertaking a tough recovery from a very disruptive event which was Covid-inflation, Covid-interest rates.
"As interest rates come down, as rents get lower... there's a lot more reasons for people to stay in New Zealand. That of course takes some time, but I believe New Zealand is going to be an increasingly good vote as time goes on."
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