New Zealand has always been seen as Australia’s island cousin. It is a lot smaller, there are more sheep than people, and the Kiwi accent is pretty unique. Yet, there are more Australians leaving for life in the Long White Cloud than ever before. Between 2012 and 2015, the number of Aussies moving to Wellington grew by 86 percent. What is more, they are not replacing the Kiwis who typically head over to Oz. Rather, those who are moving to Wellington do not seem to be looking back.
There are plenty of reasons that young Aussies are crossing the ditch to start their life, and here are just a few that the team at Conroy Removals hear about:
Buying a Home Is Painless
Wellington is the perfect real estate destination because it is one of the few places in the region where median home prices are in line with the median salary. People working in Wellington can afford to own a home there, too. For the same price of a cramped flat in Sydney, Kiwis and those who have adopted the island as their new home can purchase a four-bedroom home with property and the obligatory sea view that is common to almost every property in New Zealand.
Plus, it only takes three to four weeks to close a deal on your dream home because the home buying process in the country is well organised. Once you make an offer on a home and that offer is accepted, a last minute bidder cannot come in and ruin your sweet deal.
Paying Taxes Is Easy
New Zealand has a tax system that is favorable for individuals and small businesses, particularly compared to the steep taxes in Australia. The government in Wellington is keen to support the national economy by making life easier for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Part of that means limiting certain taxes like corporate income tax, and eliminating other taxes, such as payroll tax, all together.
This is attractive for young Aussies who want to get started in business, but are put off by the red tape and high taxes coming out of Canberra. The tax system is also favorable for individuals who already have a job waiting for them in New Zealand. Where Australia combines a system of flat taxes plus an additional tax percentage on each dollar, New Zealand income tax features a flat 17.5 percent for $14,000 to $48,000 and only 30 percent for incomes up to $70,000. After that, it is only 33 percent. Compared to the $17,547 plus 37 cents for every dollar back in Australia, it is a pretty good deal.
Tack on the fact that NZ does not have a capital gains tax or any debt and equity rules, and many find that Wellington is a great place to earn a living. You even get to keep most of it.
Future-Proofing Is the Standard
Australians have felt the pinch of the mining bust in recent years. Yet, the country has struggled to move away from an economy that is heavily focused on single, but lucrative, exports that rely so heavily on consumption from China.
New Zealand, on the other hand, recognises that the future of the global economy is probably not in exporting agricultural products. Though agriculture is something that New Zealand does well, the government has worked hard to attract growing skills. In fact, almost half of Wellington’s population works in knowledge-based positions, which is where the global economy is headed.
Weather-Proofing Is Not That Hard
New Zealand is known for being rainy and generally a bit damp compared to Australia’s Gold Coast. Yet, many people find that the weather on the north island is not at all prohibitive. Rather, it supports the national pastime of getting out and about, and having a long amble through the gorgeous countryside.
One of the most loved parts of Wellington is not the city culture, but the closeness to nature that all New Zealanders enjoy. The weather may be moderate compared to parts of Australia, but who wants to climb mountains in the blistering dry heat anyway? Wellington is an increasingly popular destination among Australians who are looking for a break. With the national government dedicated to making it a great place to live now and in the future, it is no wonder why Aussies are skipping the ditch in droves.
Conroy Removals offers a moving service from Australia to Wellington.