Better wages and more opportunities - that's the sentiment from Kiwis moving across the ditch in droves.
Stats NZ on Tuesday revealed a net migration loss of 52,500 New Zealand citizens in the year to March - a new record.
That means, for every arrival of a New Zealand citizen there were three departures.
Most of those jetting off weren't going far, though.
"Based on the latest estimates available, just over half of these migrant departures went to Australia," Stats NZ population indicators manager Tehseen Islam said.
So, is the Aussie grass really greener?
Kiwis have taken to social media to share the reasons behind their move.
One woman, who goes by Kiyah Ariana on TikTok, shared a video on the platform about how she moved over with her partner and daughter. She's since had a son in Australia.
"From my own experience it's been the hardest decision of my life because all my family are back home," she said, adding that "it's been the best decision for us".
"It's been worth it for us because we've been able to experience the exact thing that we move over here for which is better financial opportunities, to something new, and I've been able to be a stay-at-home mum to both of our kids because my partner makes good money and enough for us to live off one income."
She said living off one person's pay would not have been feasible in New Zealand.
"We've also only been here for a year, so we haven't been here very long, but so far it's been a lot more peaceful for us," Ariana said.
She added that they hope to move back to Aotearoa one day "because obviously home is home", but right now the family was focusing on building a future they're happy with.
She's not the only Kiwi spreading their wings for more freedom financially, though.
Jesse Campbell shared a TikTok video where he claimed quality of life in Australia was "10 times better" than in New Zealand.
"That's no knock on New Zealand, that's just the facts," the 26-year-old who has been in Australia for three years said on an eye-opening trip back home.
He didn't hold back his thoughts.
"Cost of living is cheaper, you get paid more, the weather is better, there's more going on over there, the beaches are better, there's more opportunities.
"Honestly, I just reckon the quality of life it produces over there is just so much better than New Zealand at the moment and that's why we're losing so many people moving over there.
"Especially when things are so tough here for people in New Zealand, you know, the wages and the crazy cost of living and that. It's just so hard for people to survive and have a good life here."
Campbell urged those struggling to get ahead in Aotearoa to look into the move, saying it could set people up better down the track.
But it's not just the flash work opportunities and long-term goals setting Australia apart.
In another TikTok video, Paige Ratcliffee shared the simple win of being able to afford better kai.
"POV (point of view) you move to Australia and can now afford to have fresh produce every day," she captioned the video panning around a supermarket produce section.
And with rising unemployment as the Government slashes public service jobs - the tally already surpassing 4000 - and as media companies are closing down or making major staff cuts, more people could make the move.
