Rt Hon Winston Peters
New Zealand First Leader
22 March 2012

Kiwis Can Fly – in Record Numbers Across the Tasman

Kiwis continue to give the thumbs down to John Key’s government as they abandon the country in record numbers, says New Zealand First leader Winston Peters.

The latest Statistics New Zealand data shows 4100 more New Zealanders left for Australia than arrived in February, the highest number since August 2001.

It takes the annual loss to a record high of 39,100 people.

“If National has a plan for a more prosperous future for New Zealanders then they either haven’t rolled it out yet or it is inadequate,” says Mr Peters.

“Australia has a better standard of living and higher wages and the New Zealand government is doing nothing to improve our situation and prevent this mass exodus of talented people.

“John Key said in 2008 that the 28,000 people who left for Australia the previous year was ‘a vote of no confidence’ in the Labour-led Government and ‘our economy cannot afford to lose them’.

“But the annual numbers going across the Tasman has increased by more than 11,000 under this Government and their only response has been more empty promises,” Mr Peters says.

“This is a massive vote of no confidence in the Key-led Government.’’

ENDS

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