An online survey of more than 29,000 expatriate New Zealanders has found they earn much more than they could expect to in New Zealand.

The survey took place at the same time as New Zealand’s official Census in early March.

• Around one third of 25-44 year olds earn more than $NZ100,000 per year. This would put them in the top 3% of earners in New Zealand (compared with the 2001 Census).
• Over 80% of respondents have tertiary qualifications, compared with 35% of the adult New Zealand population.
• Three-quarters of expats had parents or siblings in New Zealand. More than half maintain strong connections with friends or family back home.
• More than half of expats maintained an economic connection with New Zealand.

The survey was carried out by Kea New Zealand, a non-profit organisation.

Kea’s Chief Executive, Ross McConnell commented, “It is clear that our expats are a talented and successful group - and that they generally retain strong ties to home.”

“The expats in the sample seem socially engaged with New Zealand through family and friends, yet relatively detached economically and politically.”

The survey also found:

• One fifth of expats surveyed have been overseas for 10 years or more.
• One-third of expats had citizenship of a second country.
• Over half of their spouses or partners are not New Zealand citizens.
• Over two-thirds of their children either do not have New Zealand citizenship or have another citizenship as well.

Expatriates’ divided loyalties showed up in their mixed intentions on returning permanently to New Zealand:

• About half of the respondents plan to return to New Zealand permanently at some point.
• One quarter of respondents are uncertain about whether they will return permanently to New Zealand.
• 18% say they’re unlikely ever to return to live in New Zealand.
• More than 40% of the expats in the survey are living overseas for economic reasons, such as a specific job or career prospects.
• Only 3% of those who expect to return say they will do so primarily for economic reasons. Instead, family and lifestyle considerations are the top reasons for returning.
• The citizenship of spouses and children strongly influence an expat’s intentions on returning to New Zealand.

“It is plain that many expats simply aren’t coming home. But they can still have a role in New Zealand’s future,” Ross McConnell observes.

“Many ‘permanent expats’ are fabulously talented and connected in overseas markets, and express deep commitment to New Zealand. This goodwill creates the opportunity to keep them engaged and contributing.”

For example, comments such as these were common from survey respondents:

“A big drawback for me … is the lack of job opportunities in my field. But I miss home. I miss my family. New Zealand is always in my heart.” - London-based Kiwi.

“Although I live and work in Australia, I am Kiwi to the core .. Work and family commitments currently prevent me from moving back, but [I] would like to return some day soon.” - Kiwi MBA graduate in Perth.