In recent years, New Zealand has proudly positioned itself as a destination for skilled migrants, international students, and young families seeking better opportunities. But new data now raises a question that deserves honest reflection: Are we becoming a stopover rather than a final home for many?
Recent migration figures reveal a striking trend — almost half of the New Zealand citizens applying for Australian citizenship were not born in this country. That’s a detail that speaks volumes, especially when you consider the backdrop: easier pathways to citizenship across the Tasman and growing mobility among global migrants.
At the heart of this discussion lies a deeper issue — identity and intention. For many migrants, including those from our own Kiwi-Indian community, settling in New Zealand has long been a dream rooted in safety, stability, and opportunity. But with Australia now offering a faster track to citizenship for New Zealanders, the allure of shifting again becomes harder to ignore, especially when wages, job markets, and population sizes differ so sharply.
From a policy perspective, this trend might look like numbers on a graph. But from a community perspective, it carries emotional weight. Families invest years building a life here — attending school board meetings, opening small businesses, paying taxes, and integrating into Kiwi life. Yet for many, there seems to be an unspoken reality: if a smoother future awaits in Australia, especially in terms of citizenship and long-term prospects, why not take it?
This isn’t about blaming individuals for choosing what’s best for their families. It’s about asking whether New Zealand is offering enough to retain the very people it has welcomed. Are our residency and citizenship pathways competitive and fair? Is the cost of living pushing families away? Are professional opportunities limited for skilled migrants once they’re here? These are the real conversations policymakers need to be having.
For our Indian community in particular — many of whom arrive on student or skilled work visas — the idea of New Zealand as a first step in a two-country journey is quietly growing. The goal is still the same: a stable life, recognition, and security. But the route is changing. And in some cases, it’s New Zealand that’s doing the heavy lifting of settlement, only to see Australia reap the benefits of long-term contributions.
This moment calls for more than just analysis. It demands reflection on what kind of country New Zealand wants to be in the future. If we are serious about building a strong, diverse, and thriving Aotearoa, then we must address the reasons why so many migrants — even after becoming citizens — choose to leave.
Let’s be clear: migration is fluid, and movement between New Zealand and Australia will always exist. But if we want to stop being seen as a stepping stone and start being seen as a true destination, we need to do more to keep our communities rooted here.
For now, the data tells us what many of us have already sensed — the winds of migration are shifting. It’s time for New Zealand to ask itself what it can do to hold on to the people it has worked so hard to welcome.
Why Are Skilled Migrants Leaving New Zealand for Australia? Insights into a Growing Trend
Many New Zealand citizens, especially those who were originally born overseas, are applying for Australian citizenship due to new policies that make the process easier. Australia now allows most New Zealanders to apply directly for citizenship after four years of living there, without needing permanent residency first.
Recent trends suggest that some migrants may be using New Zealand as an entry point before relocating to Australia. With improved pathways across the Tasman, and better economic opportunities in some sectors, Australia is becoming an attractive next step for many.
For many in the Indian community, New Zealand has been a place to settle and grow. However, the shift in migration trends shows that some may choose to move to Australia after gaining citizenship in New Zealand, often for better job prospects and faster pathways to long-term security.
To retain skilled migrants, New Zealand may need to improve access to citizenship, offer clearer pathways to permanent residency, and ensure opportunities for professional and economic growth. Addressing cost of living and integration challenges is also essential.
