The exodus of people moving to Australia from South Canterbury has almost trebled in the past 10 years.

In the year to July, 419 people moved to Australia from South Canterbury permanently - 358 from Timaru, 34 from Mackenzie and 27 from Waimate.

That was offset by 156 arrivals to the district from Australia.

That trend has fluctuated in the past five years (see table), and it has not always been South Canterbury's loss.

Twenty-one years ago, there were more people moving permanently to South Canterbury from Australia. In the year ending September 1991, 229 people moved to the district from Australia, while only 152 people from South Canterbury moved to Australia, leaving a net migration gain of 77.

Former South Canterbury residents now living across the ditch have been lured by more money and a better lifestyle. Most of those who have been in contact with The Timaru Herald intended to move over for only a year but chose to stay longer.

"I moved over nearly nine years ago with a plan to stay for a year," Emma Archbold said.

Elizabeth Ackroyd also made the move, which was initially meant to be for a year.

"I come over to the Gold Coast over six years ago . . . I am still here, enjoying every minute of it."

She said the only downside was missing her grandchildren.

In the year to July, a record 53,900 people, mainly New Zealanders, from around the country left for Australia permanently.

That was offset by 14,000 arrivals from Australia.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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