A New Zealander in her 20s, who recently returned after living abroad, explains her decision in a personal essay. She notes that many of her Gen-Z peers consider moving to Australia or Asia, but she chose to come back to New Zealand for its lifestyle and community ties.
The author reflects on the pull of family and the natural environment, which she found unmatched elsewhere. She acknowledges the challenges of lower salaries and higher living costs but emphasizes the intangible benefits of being home.
According to Stats NZ, net migration has fluctuated in recent years, with many young New Zealanders leaving for Australia. However, the author's story highlights a counter-trend of returnees valuing quality of life over economic gains.
