"In short New Zealand had better prepare for a significant socio-economic brain drain."

"So, what have I found this year? 

    "The first is that only a very tiny proportion [of uni students], from first year to third year, see any sort of future for themselves in New Zealand over the next five to ten years. It is not just, as some readers may wish to state, that these students wish to leave Christchurch. The fact is, they overwhelmingly want to leave New Zealand, citing housing, the cost of living and higher wages and more opportunities overseas as the central drivers. 

    "I have never encountered such a widespread and deep sense of despair and despondency across tertiary-educated young people as I have in the first six months of this year. The Covid years came close but there was still a residual hope that things could – or would – get better. This has collapsed. 

    "In short New Zealand had better prepare for a significant socio-economic brain drain."

~ sociology lecturer Mike Grimshaw, from his post 'No hope and no choice? Snap polls on New Zealand…'