New Zealand's economic exodus: Why kiwis are fleeing paradise
New Zealand is often referred to as the "paradise on Earth." Filmmakers, billionaires (many of whom have built shelters on the islands), and ordinary tourists love the picturesque archipelago. However, residents are leaving en masse in search of a better life.
Australia's neighbour has become such a popular destination that the authorities recently decided to increase the tax on foreign tourists. The New Zealand government explains this by the negative impact visitors have on the natural environment and local infrastructure. The fee will increase from 35 to 100 New Zealand dollars (that is, from 19,5 to 56 EUR).
While visitors are thrilled with the landscape, residents increasingly decide to leave the archipelago. CNBC writes about "economic refugees". The service noted that of the 130,000 people who left New Zealand last year, 80,000 were citizens of the country. This is 70 per cent more than before the pandemic.
Moreover, young people have the strongest desire to emigrate. Half of the emigrants are residents aged 20-39, and among this group, the largest percentage consists of people between 25 and 29.
New Zealanders are becoming poorer
CNBC's interviewees blame worsening conditions in the job market. "In New Zealand, you feel limited in terms of job opportunities and what you can gain in work experience," Wilson Ong, a 32-year-old in the fashion industry, told the service.
Right after the end of the pandemic, inflation on the islands increased to over 7 per cent. In the last quarter, it dropped to 3.3 per cent. However, experts point out that a sufficiently high rise in wages did not accompany the rise in the cost of living. 5 million consumers across the country felt the decline in purchasing power.
"I think a feature of a bad economy is a lack of opportunity to raise your wages relative to the cost of living," Wilson Ong stated. He is currently looking for work outside the country.
Australia welcomes emigrants with open arms. Public sector employees, construction workers, and engineers are particularly sought after.
