Lucy Griggs, a 24-year-old social media manager from Wellington, spoke to 1News' Polly Wenlock about her experience after moving overseas.
Griggs is one of many thousands making the move to Australia - Stats NZ data released this month showed a net migration loss of 46,400 Kiwis in the September 2025 year. That was the result of a record departure of 72,700 Kiwis - primarily across the Tasman.
'Why did I move? Why wouldn't I move?'
Griggs moved to Brisbane in March and has no regrets, citing opportunities, a positive culture, and reasonable pay as key factors in an easier life on the other side of the Tasman.
"In New Zealand I lived paycheck to paycheck, I was trying to save for the future but not able to enjoy the present.
"Being at the stage of life I was, I realised there was no way I'd be able to own my own house in New Zealand. I believed there would be more opportunity for me to both save and splurge a little more in Australia," Griggs says.
It's about fair value for work she explains. "I don’t get paid 'better' here in Australia - I get paid what I should. I can now afford to save and enjoy the small luxuries in life."
However it isn't all plain sailing. She acknowledges that life in Australia still has its difficulties.
"I think it is harder to find a job here. Something I heard a lot before I moved was, 'There are so many more jobs in Australia,' and, yes, there are — but there are also so many more people in Australia, especially because more and more Kiwis are moving here.
"If you apply for an entry-level job on Seek, there will be 500 other applicants for that same role."
Describing how she made herself stand out in a candidate pool that just keeps growing, Griggs advised a personal touch. "I've managed to find jobs by networking and going in-store with a resume. My first job here was a supermarket job, which I got by applying in person, same with my current retail position.
"I know a lot of people who have moved here. At first, I thought I was quirky, cool, and original for moving here… now there are so many Kiwis here, you're more original for staying home."
'I'm not paying for mould poisoning anymore'
Housing and supermarket shopping are two areas where there are clear differences between the capitals of New Zealand and Queensland.
"Rent is still expensive in Brisbane, but I pay the same here for an air-conditioned, clean share-space with two others as I would for a mouldy, damp, cold flat in Wellington. I’m not paying to get mould poisoning anymore." Griggs says.
The most noticeable cost differential, though, is in the food. "Groceries are definitely cheaper here. The biggest reaction I see from Kiwis coming over and going into a supermarket is 'Wow! I can’t believe fruit is so cheap!'"
Griggs described the smaller luxuries living in Australia affords her: "A punnet of strawberries, which might set you back $5 in NZ is $2 here — that was the biggest shock of my life, 'Oh I can afford strawberries! They’re no longer a luxury fruit for me'."
It's being able to enjoy her day-to-day life that is the major difference, given she acknowledges: "I'm not the best with budgeting.
"But I can afford to go out and socialise here. I also don't feel judged for not using my money 'wisely'. It feels like everyone here does it - goes out for casual drinks and dinners."
'Chasing opportunities is standard practice here'
As a young creative, Griggs explains she found community in the positive environment offered by Australian culture.
"Just existing here is motivating. The second I moved here, I saw people around me starting up their own companies, incentives."
As Griggs sees it, the start-up mindset puts Australia a long way ahead for those looking to break into creative or new roles. "That [entrepreneurship] was something that felt so unachievable back home, it felt like you needed a wealthy background, or a $50,000 loan and no one would support you till you'd made it.
"Here it's all about connections, sharing tips and clients, everyone supports each other, which feels so positive."
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