View very different from bottom of economic ladder

Film editor Antje Kulpe says the shift to Australia will only be for a few years. She loves New Zealand too much to stay away for good. Picture / Paul Estcourt

Australia's allure looks very different depending on whether you're near the top or the bottom of the income scale.

If you're in a good job, like Wellington film editor Antje Kulpe, Melbourne looks an exciting place to live for a few years - but not forever.

But for Eileen Ruka, earning $10.50 an hour in an Avondale plastics factory, anywhere looks better than here. She left at the weekend and said she was "going for good".

Ms Kulpe, 29, and her partner are moving to Melbourne on April 29 purely as "a short-term thing".

"I went to Melbourne last year and fell in love with the flair of the place," she says.

Australia offers Ms Kulpe the chance to earn more money and pay off her student loan faster.

"But I can't really see myself settling in Australia because I love New Zealand. It boils down to the lifestyle most of all. I love the politics of New Zealand as well, more so than I will in Australia."

In contrast, Ms Ruka, 36, has gone to Melbourne because she is sick of working 12-hour night shifts, 48 hours a week, for a pittance. She hopes to get a job as a bar manager at her cousin's restaurant, earning around A$19 ($21.80) an hour.

"The money here in New Zealand is pretty low. I hear that it's a better life over there," she says.

She has been a mother here for 20 years. Her eldest son has now gone flatting and she has left her 14-year-old daughter behind with relatives.

"She doesn't want to come with me but she's quite supportive. She knows why I want to go to better our lives and make a go of it."

A friend, a labourer, moved to Melbourne six months ago and is "really enjoying himself".

"The money's really great," Ms Ruka says. "As far as I know, everybody is doing really well. Nobody wants to come back."