New Zealand is currently facing a challenging period as more citizens are leaving the country than arriving. This trend is expected to have wide-reaching consequences on productivity, the tax base, and the ability to fund essential sectors like healthcare and aged care, particularly as the population ages.
Recent statistics show a troubling pattern: over 130,000 people departed New Zealand in the year ending June 2024, marking the highest level on record. Among these, over 85,000 were New Zealand citizens. This departure of skilled workers and professionals presents a serious issue for the country’s workforce, as it leads to a shrinking pool of talent.
The loss of these individuals, who often occupy critical roles, threatens to slow down economic growth and innovation. It also raises concerns about the ability to maintain essential services, given that many who leave are from sectors such as healthcare, education, and other vital industries. The economic impact of this exodus is also likely to be severe. As more people leave, the tax base will inevitably shrink, reducing government revenue.
This decline comes at a time when the demand for public services, particularly in healthcare and aged care, is increasing due to the aging population. The strain on these services could grow, with fewer professionals available to meet the rising needs and less funding to support these crucial sectors.
The situation creates a difficult cycle. High living costs, rising interest rates, and limited job opportunities are pushing people to seek better prospects abroad, particularly in neighbouring Australia. As more individuals leave, the economy may weaken further, leading to even more departures.
This trend is reminiscent of previous periods when New Zealand experienced a similar outflow of talent, but the current global economic challenges and New Zealand’s unique situation could make the impact more severe. To address this issue, New Zealand must work on creating a more favourable environment for its citizens.
This could involve improving economic conditions, ensuring that the cost of living is manageable, and providing better job opportunities besides reversing the increasingly worrisome law and order situation. Additionally, policies aimed at retaining skilled workers, such as incentives for professionals in key sectors to remain in the country, could help to slow the rate of emigration. It is also crucial to focus on integrating and retaining migrants who choose to move to New Zealand, ensuring that they contribute to the economy in the long term.
The current situation presents a critical juncture for New Zealand. The outflow of talent and workers is not just a passing trend but a reflection of deeper issues within the country’s economic and social fabric. This moment calls for introspection and decisive action.
New Zealand must not only address the immediate economic factors driving people away but also reimagine its long-term strategy for retaining talent and ensuring sustainable growth. By focusing on creating a more resilient and attractive environment for both current residents and potential immigrants, New Zealand can turn this challenge into an opportunity to build a more robust and inclusive future.