Stats NZ said citizen departures to Australia rose to about 12,500 in the first
three months of the year, the highest three-month total since March 2013.
Although early‑year outflows typically rise as graduates seek overseas roles,
the data show the exodus has not eased, increasing pressure on Prime Minister
Luxon ahead of the Nov. 7 election. Opposition parties blamed the government’s
failure to tame living costs and generate jobs. The citizen outflow trimmed
overall migrant inflows; New Zealand has historically relied on new migrants to
support demand and investment.
