Trans-Tasman migration in context: recent flows of New Zealanders revisited

Abstract

This article examines the impact of the Australian Government’s decision to restrict access to social security benefits for New Zealand citizens locating in Australia. It does so in the context of all movements of New Zealand citizens whether to Australia or elsewhere. The Australian restrictions came into force on 1 July 2001. There has been a fall in the volume of out-migration from New Zealand to Australia since 1 July 2001, especially of New Zealand citizens born in Asia. However the authors argue that other factors, including an improvement in demand for labour in New Zealand, have contributed to this fall.