Annual Migration from New Zealand to Australia

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), ~60,000 people moved from New Zealand to Australia in the 2021 calendar year—a ~10% drop from 2020, largely due to COVID-19 border restrictions.

Long-Term Trends (2010–2021)

• Typical range: 50,000–70,000 per year.
• Peak: ~78,000 (2012–13) – strong Australian mining boom, weak NZ economy.
• Post-GFC (2009–2011): Surge as Aussie dollar parity made earnings higher.

Key Drivers

• Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement (1973) – NZ citizens can live/work in Australia indefinitely on a Special Category Visa (SCV 444) (no cap, no skills test).
• Wage Gap: Australian median wages 25–35% higher for comparable roles.
• Housing Costs: Historically cheaper in Australia (though gap narrowed).
• Climate & Lifestyle: Warmer winters, coastal cities.

Reverse Flow

~20,000–30,000 Australians move to NZ annually—net flow favors Australia.

Source: ABS "Overseas Arrivals and Departures" / "Migration, Australia" datasets.