A New Zealand mum who recently relocated her family to Australia has revealed the reason behind the move, as a migration exodus sees thousands of Kiwis bid farewell to the island nation.
Georgia Hobden, 23, and her fiancé James have joined hordes of New Zealanders in search of better opportunities overseas, with many lured to Australia with the promise of greater job opportunities, higher wages and a lower cost of living.
Georgia told Yahoo News that while she adores her home country, she became “quite unhappy” living pay cheque to pay cheque as the country’s cost of living crisis spiralled out of control. After making the move to Cairns, in Queensland in August, she and James haven’t looked back.
“New Zealand has become a place where the cost of living outweighs the good things, which has led to a lot of people moving over to Australia,” she told Yahoo News, explaining “nobody has money” back home, adding she knows many Kiwis who have made the move and have “zero regrets”.
Georgia and James moved their family to Australia in August after becoming ‘quite unhappy’ in New Zealand. Source: Supplied
Even before having a baby, Georgia admits she was “barely” able to save any money, and after giving birth, it got even harder to make ends meet.
“We found ourselves at the start of the year quite unhappy,” she said. The family were forced to decide between housing, petrol and groceries and having fun experiences as a family.
“After becoming older and having a family of my own, upon reflection, I knew I always wanted to start a new life in Australia or at least give it a go,” she said.
After looking up locations online, they were stunned by the beautiful scenery of Cairns in Far North Queensland and decided to make the move.
“We did our in-depth research on the cost of living and couldn’t believe how affordable it was compared to NZ,” she said.
James, a qualified mechanic, would be able to earn “almost double” what he did in New Zealand.
Aussies ’embracing slow life’ compared to New Zealand
Georgia and James sold up all of their belongings and booked flights to Cairns, and made the move two months ago.
While at first it was difficult arriving in a new country, she said she instantly felt “safety and warmth”. She even managed to secure a rental and a job for James after posting on a local community Facebook.
“The amount of help we received from strangers has been overwhelming,” she said. “The community was so supportive, and that showed us how important connection is in Cairns compared to New Zealand.
Georgia said she was astounded by the differences in lifestyle in Australia compared to back home. “It’s like money isn’t the only thing to live for,” she said.
“The esplanade was full of families having picnics, strangers singing, people actually embracing life slowly rather than technology. That was rarely seen in Hamilton, everyone was very go, go, go,” she said.
Along with the increase in wages, the cost of living feels “affordable” in Cairns compared to Hamilton.
“Some things may match the prices in New Zealand, but because you are getting paid more, it’s actually achievable.
“Things we have noticed that are cheaper are fuel, rent, nappies and the majority of food,” she explained.
New Zealand citizen exodus reaches highest level in 13 years
In August, Statistics New Zealand revealed citizens leaving the country had hit the highest levels in 13 years.
71,800 citizens left the country in the year that ended June 2025, up from the 67,500 in the previous 12-month period.
New Zealand faces tough economic conditions, which analysts blame on low productivity and policy missteps.
Economists and analysts have said New Zealanders, stung by fewer job opportunities and the cost of living, are looking to move to neighbouring Australia, Britain and elsewhere.
Michael Gordon, senior economist at Westpac, said in January that work opportunities were one of the main drivers of people leaving the country.
“It’s about work opportunities, especially here (New Zealand) versus Australia. Australia’s economy is still running reasonably strongly,” Gordon said. “There are more opportunities over there now, so we are seeing quite high outflows of Kiwis.”
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