Former leader Ardern has left New Zealand. She’s not the only one
Former leader Ardern has left New Zealand. She’s not the only one
Two years after relocating, Jacinda Thorn reflects on the decision to leave New Zealand’s capital for Melbourne. The family, consisting of Thorn (43), her husband Blair (44), and their children Eva (16) and Chase (10), now thrives in Australia, where they’ve found a more affordable lifestyle. “I never imagined living outside of Wellington, let alone New Zealand,” she shared with CNN. “Though I still cherish the country, our lives have taken on a fresh sense of freedom and possibility.”
New Zealand, known for its scenic landscapes and high quality of life, has become a preferred destination for many. Yet, it’s experiencing an unprecedented outflow of its own citizens. Over the last four years, the number of New Zealanders aged 30-50 departing the nation has surged, doubling from 18,000 to 43,000. This shift is driven by escalating living expenses and a contracting job market, as noted by demographers.
While younger Kiwis have long been the primary group to emigrate—traditionally embarking on a “Big OE” or Overseas Experience—midlife professionals are now leading the trend. Government data reveals that retirees and those in their 30s to 50s are increasingly joining the exodus. “This is a striking change,” said Brad Olsen, CEO of Infometrics Ltd. “Typically, it’s only during severe economic downturns that we see a significant departure from older demographics.”
The Thorn family’s transition has yielded tangible benefits. Blair’s salary as a data engineer rose by 50% in Australia, where Kiwis enjoy automatic work and residency access. Their weekly grocery costs fell from approximately $400 to $267, while fuel and public transport are 40% cheaper, and GP visits cost 25% less, with same-day appointments now available.
“The decision to move requires a compelling economic reason,” explained Paul Spoonley, a retired professor at Massey University. “Midlife migrants often leave behind careers, networks, and family, making their choice more deliberate.” This trend is evident in the experiences of others, such as Darren Eckford, who relocated to the UK at 33 to establish a branch of a New Zealand charity. “Traditional Kiwi skills were in high demand there,” Eckford noted. “It was easier to transfer savings and secure a family home.”
CNN interviewed over a dozen New Zealanders who made mid-career moves abroad. Among them: a family of four now settling in England, another thriving in Scotland, and a woman who calls Spain home after stints in Qatar, Abu Dhabi, and Turkey. Others have begun new chapters in the U.S., particularly in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York.
New Zealand’s economy has stagnated for two years, with negative growth recorded in the year ending September 2025. Unemployment has reached its highest level in a decade, and housing markets have collapsed, especially in Auckland and Wellington. Prices in the capital dropped nearly 30% since January 2022, following a post-pandemic spike. This financial strain has intensified the appeal of overseas opportunities for those seeking stability and affordability.
