PHOTO: In NZ, she could barely save. In Australia, she can save and enjoy small luxuries.
THE KIWI EXODUS CONTINUES — AND THIS 24-YEAR-OLD JUST TOLD NZ EXACTLY WHY
Wellington social media manager Lucy Griggs, 24, has become the latest New Zealander to cross the Tasman — part of a migration wave so large it has now reached record levels.
Stats NZ confirms a net migration loss of 46,400 Kiwis in the year to September 2025 — the biggest on record — driven by 72,700 New Zealanders leaving, mostly for Australia.
Griggs spoke to 1News about why she joined the exodus and why she has zero regrets.
“Why did I move? Why wouldn’t I move?”
💵 “IN NZ I LIVED PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK.”
Griggs moved to Brisbane in March and says the difference was immediate:
Better opportunities
A more positive culture
The ability to save
And the freedom to enjoy life
She says she wasn’t searching for riches — just fairness.
“I don’t get paid ‘better’ here. I get paid what I should.”
In NZ, she could barely save. In Australia, she can save and enjoy small luxuries.
The Most Comprehensive NZ Real Estate Agent Database Ever Compiled | Order Now
🧑💼 BUT IT’S NOT ALL EASY — “THERE ARE 500 APPLICANTS FOR ONE ENTRY-LEVEL ROLE”
One misconception, Griggs says, is that jobs flow freely in Australia.
“There are more jobs here — but way more people too.”
She learned quickly to stand out by:
Networking
Applying in person
Visiting stores with her CV
Her first Aussie job? A supermarket role she got simply by walking in.
She jokes:
“I thought I was quirky for moving here… now you’re more original if you stay in NZ.”
🏘️ HOUSING: “I’M NOT PAYING TO BE POISONED BY MOULD ANYMORE.”
Brisbane isn’t cheap — but compared to Wellington?
“I pay the same here for a clean, air-conditioned share space as I did for a mouldy, damp flat in Wellington.”
The difference in quality, she says, is enormous.
🍓 FOOD: “I CAN AFFORD STRAWBERRIES NOW.”
The biggest shock wasn’t housing — it was the supermarket.
“Groceries are definitely cheaper. Fruit is unbelievably cheap.”
Her example:
Strawberries in NZ: $5
Strawberries in Brisbane: $2
“I can afford strawberries! They’re not a luxury fruit anymore.”
And unlike in NZ, she says:
“I don’t feel judged for going out for drinks and dinners. Everyone does it.”
🌞 THE AUSTRALIAN MINDSET: “JUST EXISTING HERE IS MOTIVATING.”
As a young creative, Griggs says the cultural shift surprised her:
Australians are more confident
More entrepreneurial
More supportive of people trying something new
“Back home, starting something felt impossible unless you had money or support.”
In Australia:
“Oh, you want to do that? OK — so do it!”
She already feels bolder, more driven, and less afraid of judgment.
🇳🇿 WOULD ANYTHING BRING HER HOME?
Maybe — the things money can’t buy:
NZ scenery
Nature
Birdsong
Mountains and rivers
“If I moved back, it would probably be to the South Island.”
She also jokes about Australia’s wildlife:
“Good news — I haven’t seen any snakes yet, just two baby huntsman spiders.”
But the real barrier to returning?
“I loved being raised in New Zealand — but could I afford to raise kids there? Maybe not.”
🏁 THE BOTTOM LINE: AUSSIE DREAM VS. KIWI REALITY
Lucy Griggs’ story reflects the frustrations of many young New Zealanders:
✔ High cost of living
✔ Housing stress
✔ Low wages
✔ Limited opportunities
✔ Cultural tall-poppy mindset
And the appeal of Australia:
✔ Fairer pay
✔ Better housing quality
✔ Cheaper groceries
✔ Stronger job markets
✔ More confidence and opportunity
As NZ loses tens of thousands of its young workforce, stories like Griggs’ show exactly why the trend isn’t slowing.
SOURCE: 1NEWS