Record Numbers of New Zealanders Head to Australia in 2024

New Zealanders are leaving for Australia in record numbers, marking the highest level in over a decade, according to recent data from Stats NZ.

Stats NZ has revealed that in the year ending December 2024, New Zealand experienced a net migration loss of 30,000 people to Australia. This figure represents the largest loss since 2012, though it is slightly below the record loss of 43,700 recorded in the March 2012 period.

The data shows that 47,300 New Zealanders left for Australia, while 17,300 Australians came to New Zealand. This trend has been consistent over the years, with a typical net migration loss of around 30,000 per year from 2004 to 2013, and a smaller loss of about 3,000 per year from 2014 to 2019.

May 2025 saw the highest number of migrant departures on record, with 124,500 Kiwis leaving New Zealand. This is a 14% increase compared to May 2024. Meanwhile, migrant arrivals in the 12 months to May fell by 26% to 139,400.

Despite this, New Zealand still recorded a net migration gain of 14,800 for the year to May 2025. Kiwis made up the largest group of migrant arrivals, with 24,900 people, followed by citizens from India (21,700), China (16,000), the Philippines (11,500), Sri Lanka (6,100), and the United Kingdom (4,500).

Stats NZ also noted that migrant departures have been stabilizing, with a marginal increase from the totals for the year ended March (124,186) and April (124,445). The long-term average for May years (2002-19) before the pandemic was 119,200 migrant arrivals, 91,500 migrant departures, and a net migration gain of 27,700.

The trend highlights ongoing migration patterns between the two neighboring countries, with many New Zealanders seeking opportunities in Australia. The data also reflects broader economic and social dynamics influencing migration decisions.

As the situation continues to evolve, analysts are keeping a close eye on how these migration trends might impact both economies in the coming years.