Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is relocating to Australia with her family, joining a growing number of New Zealanders moving across the Tasman Sea. Her move comes amid rising economic concerns in New Zealand, including cost-of-living pressures and wage competitiveness, which are expected to feature prominently in the upcoming general election.

A High-Profile Move Across the Tasman

A spokesperson confirmed that Ardern, who stepped down in 2023, will base herself in Australia after spending much of the past two years overseas.

The decision reportedly reflects professional commitments in Australia, while still allowing her family to maintain close ties with New Zealand.

Her relocation adds symbolic weight to a broader migration trend that has seen increasing numbers of Kiwis seeking better pay and opportunities abroad, particularly in Australia.

Growing Kiwi Exodus

Australia has long been a preferred destination for New Zealand citizens due to:

Higher average wages
Broader employment opportunities
Geographic proximity
Free movement arrangements between the two nations

The migration surge is expected to be a key issue in New Zealand’s November general election, with policymakers debating strategies to improve domestic competitiveness and curb population outflow.

Post-Political Career

Since leaving office, Ardern has remained active internationally.

She serves on the board of the Earthshot Prize, founded by Prince William, which focuses on environmental innovation and climate solutions.

In 2024, she released her memoir, A Different Kind of Power, reflecting on her leadership journey and time in office.

Rise to Power and Leadership Legacy

Ardern became Prime Minister in 2017 after leading the New Zealand Labour Party to power, in a wave of popularity often described as “Jacinda-mania.”

Her tenure drew global attention, particularly following the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks, where 51 people were killed. Her empathetic response and swift gun reform measures were widely praised internationally.

In 2023, she announced her resignation, stating she no longer had the energy required to continue in the role.

“I have given my absolute all to being prime minister… I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice,” she said at the time.

Political and Economic Implications

Ardern’s relocation may not directly impact domestic politics, but it underscores broader economic concerns facing New Zealand:

Brain drain and skilled migration
Wage gaps compared to Australia
Rising living costs
Talent retention challenges

With elections approaching, migration trends are likely to remain a major political talking point.

Key Entities

Jacinda Ardern — Former Prime Minister of New Zealand
New Zealand — Country of Former Leadership
Australia — Relocation Destination
New Zealand Labour Party — Political Party Led by Ardern
Earthshot Prize — Environmental Award Initiative
Prince William — Founder of Earthshot Prize
A Different Kind of Power — Memoir by Jacinda Ardern

Final Verdict

Jacinda Ardern’s move to Australia is both personal and symbolic. While tied to professional commitments, it reflects a wider migration pattern reshaping New Zealand’s economic debate. As voters head toward elections, the growing Kiwi exodus — now including one of the country’s most prominent former leaders — may intensify scrutiny over wages, opportunity, and long-term competitiveness.