Note also that the population has grown around 30% since 2001, so the rate is probably lower than in the 2000s.
NZ is a small country, cities are small, it can be expensive, and the job market is relatively limited. For some it's made up for by the abundance of nature, the laid back attitudes, etc. but that's never going to be everyone's cup of tea.
Alternative article with stats back to 2001: https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/137340/current-exod...
Note also that the population has grown around 30% since 2001, so the rate is probably lower than in the 2000s.
NZ is a small country, cities are small, it can be expensive, and the job market is relatively limited. For some it's made up for by the abundance of nature, the laid back attitudes, etc. but that's never going to be everyone's cup of tea.