NZ vs Australia Move Calculator

Median Australian wages are 20–40% higher than NZ in IT, healthcare, engineering, and trades (per RNZ business analysis 2025). Australia's $18,200 tax-free threshold helps low earners; high earners pay slightly more (45% top rate + 2% Medicare vs NZ's 39%). The exchange rate (NZ$1 ≈ A$0.91 in mid-2026) compounds the wage gap. Rent is comparable in Sydney/Melbourne to Auckland; cheaper in Brisbane/Adelaide. Source: RNZ, ATO.

Yes — Trans-Tasman Retirement Savings Portability Scheme lets you move your KiwiSaver balance to a complying Australian Super fund (and vice-versa). The funds stay locked until retirement age. Note that Australia's 11.5% Super contribution is paid BY THE EMPLOYER on top of salary, while NZ's 3.5% KiwiSaver is deducted from your gross pay. Source: IRD + ATO.

Section 501 of Australia's Migration Act allows the AU government to deport non-citizens who fail a 'character test' — even for minor offences or after decades of residence. Kiwis on the Special Category Visa (SCV) are particularly affected because SCV doesn't grant permanent residency by default. Between 2014-2024, ~3,000 NZ citizens were deported under 501, often for offences committed decades ago or while teenagers. The 2023 'Direction 99' relaxed the rules: long-standing community ties now weigh against deportation. NZ-born Kiwis who arrived as adults from 2024 onwards have a faster pathway to AU citizenship (4 years' residency). Source: Department of Home Affairs Australia + RNZ.

Yes, partially. Under the NZ-Australia Social Security Agreement (2002), Kiwis who lived in NZ for 10+ years (5 after age 50) can receive NZ Super while living in Australia. The amount is reduced proportionally to the % of working life spent in NZ (residence between 20-65). For example, 30 years in NZ + 15 in AU = 30/45 = 67% of the standard NZ Super rate. AU Age Pension is income/asset-tested — you may also qualify for a top-up. Apply via Work and Income before you leave, and keep a NZ bank account for payments. Tax: NZ Super is taxed at non-resident rates if you're tax resident in AU. Source: Work and Income + Services Australia.