"The real reason: opportunity.

NZ’s economy offers few paths beyond agriculture and real estate.

Larger, more diversified Australian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) offer broader careers and education options

In Summary

New Zealand’s paradox: a high-quality society built atop a narrow economy. Its openness with Australia, while culturally beneficial, drains the very people it needs to sustain growth. Until it diversifies beyond real estate and agriculture and offers more opportunity to young professionals, the exodus is likely to continue"