- Migration Surge: 42% of New Zealanders are planning to move to Australia, with Brisbane a top destination.
- Key Motivators for Relocation: Better salaries (48%), improved job prospects (22%), and more affordable living (13%).
- Brisbane’s Growth: The city was voted Australia’s happiest city in 2024 and is already one of the fastest-growing urban centres in the country.
- Queensland’s Competitive Advantage: More affordable living compared to Sydney and Melbourne, making it attractive for skilled workers.
- Business Recruitment Efforts: Companies are accelerating hiring and offering competitive salaries, relocation assistance, and flexible work policies to attract talent.
- Economic Transformation: The 2032 Olympics are positioning Brisbane as a major employment hub.
With the 2032 Olympics on the horizon, Brisbane is gearing up for an economic and employment surge that’s already attracting thousands of skilled workers – including a growing number of New Zealanders.
Recent research from global recruitment firm Robert Walters reveals that 42% of New Zealanders are considering relocating to Australia in the next 12 months, with Brisbane emerging as a top destination over traditional hotspots like Sydney and Melbourne due to more affordable living.
With tens of thousands of jobs expected to be created in the lead-up to the Games, Kiwis looking for better salaries, career opportunities, and a lower cost of living are increasingly turning their sights to Queensland’s capital.
Why Kiwis Are Choosing Brisbane
New Zealanders have long been drawn to Australia for work, but the 2032 Olympics are accelerating this trend. Brisbane offers key advantages over other major cities, including:
Job Creation: The Games are expected to generate over 91,600 jobs across construction, infrastructure, tourism, hospitality, and event management.
Higher Salaries: Better pay remains the number one reason for relocation, with 48% of job seekers prioritising increased earnings when considering a move.
Affordable Living: Brisbane’s cost of living is significantly lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, making it an attractive choice for professionals and families heading to Australia.
Lifestyle Benefits: Voted Australia’s happiest city in 2024, Brisbane offers great weather, outdoor activities, and a strong sense of community.
Brisbane’s Growing Appeal for Kiwi Talent
According to Robert Walters, businesses across Queensland are ramping up hiring efforts, offering competitive salaries, relocation assistance, and flexible work policies to secure top talent.
Jane Lowney, Senior Director at Robert Walters Queensland, says, “Brisbane is at the centre of a once-in-a-generation economic transformation. We’re already seeing a surge in demand for skilled workers, and this is just the beginning. Now is the perfect time for New Zealand professionals to consider making the move.”
New Zealand is currently experiencing record-high migration departures, with Stats NZ reporting 122,800 departures in the year to January 2025 – the highest annual figure on record. While Kiwis have traditionally favoured Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane is now emerging as a strong alternative due to its job opportunities and affordability.
Whilst there has historically been a trend of New Zealanders moving to Australia, they have often favoured cities like Sydney and Melbourne. However, Robert Walters has observed an increasing number opting for Brisbane.
“We’re seeing more Kiwis than usual seeking work specifically in Brisbane and we do have the jobs for them due to the Olympics. The cost of living and amount of job opportunities is a big pull for them.” Lowney added.
How to Make the Move
For New Zealanders considering relocation, now is the time to explore opportunities in Brisbane. With increasing demand for skilled workers, businesses are actively seeking talent from across the Tasman and are offering relocation incentives to attract the right candidates.
“The 2032 Olympics are a game-changer for Brisbane’s job market,” says Lowney. “For Kiwis thinking about moving, this presents a rare chance to secure career growth in a thriving, dynamic city.”
With Queensland’s economy set to soar, Brisbane is positioning itself as the ultimate destination for professionals looking to advance their careers while enjoying an enviable lifestyle. You can utilise recruitment companies to make the move.
