New Zealanders have always had a propensity to travel overseas. The globalisation of the
world has seen an increase in the number of people who, having completed their education and
gained some work experience, set off on their overseas experience. Concern has been
expressed as to the potential “brain drain” that would result should these well-educated and
talented citizens remain overseas permanently. This research considers the propensity to
return of over 1,500 expatriate Kiwis working in the areas of accounting and finance. It
examines their demographics, attitudes, values, motivations, factors of attraction to, and
repulsion from, New Zealand and their concerns for change in New Zealand. It therefore
provides insights into the nature and purpose of this significant group of professionals resident
mainly in the United Kingdom and Australia. We find that less than half are likely to return to
New Zealand. This is because of the lack of career and business opportunities despite the
“pull” of family and relations in New Zealand.
