They are looking to other countries now to provide opportunities for their families in the future.
They have their own dreams and see these being realised outside of New Zealand, particularly in Australia.
Amazing what can happen in the space of 50 years. Not that we didn't travel before. New Zealanders like to roam the world, but years ago we did our big OE (overseas experience) solo.
Not with the whole family in tow. And we were content to return home after a few years away. Back then of course there was no student loan to pay off, jobs were plentiful and we earned enough to live on and save a little on the side. Not any more.
Our children, when they've finished their studies, look straight away at taking off overseas.
They know their chances are extremely slim right now of getting a job, well-paid or otherwise, so they don't plan to hang about. I can understand that.
With a low-wage, sluggish economy what's a fresh graduate to do. Part of me wishes them well. They do need to
experience the big wide world. I just hope they will come back home at some stage.
In the past many have done so when they start to think about starting a family. They reflect on their childhood, growing up in New Zealand, and the freedom they had from an early age.
I call this the New Zealand head start. We want our children to experience this too. It's a freedom and a way of life we cherish and carry with us wherever we go.
This would be a strong motivator for New Zealanders in deciding the time might be right time to return home.
I suspect it gets more complicated when you marry someone from overseas and decide to have children. You have to make the decision to stay put, knowing all that will entail, or you make the move to come home.
Maybe it's because we live at the bottom of the world, we have always had the urge to see as much of it as possible. We have travelled to broaden our horizons. To experience other cultures and to try and understand the values that are important to them. We come home more tolerate, knowing that the sun doesn't just rise and set in New Zealand.
That we are part of a world that is changing rapidly and we must adapt.
I believe it's not just a matter of keeping the welcome back banner at the ready for New Zealanders wanting to return home.
We must ensure New Zealand is the best place in the world for current and future generations. They will want to stay, work and play here. So what can we do to make New Zealand a desirable place for those currently living here and for those wanting to return?
Three words good paying jobs. The leaders of the three sectors, public, private and not for profit must get
together and lead the drive for more jobs. And in all areas. What are the three-to-five major strategies that each sector can identify, develop further and action that will lead to more jobs.
They should work constructively together and stop jumping all over the place, looking for quick fixes. That doesn't help and has never worked. Focus on specific actions in the identified areas and ditch the rest.
We know there has been a global financial crisis, and the impacts are still being felt, but focussing on job creation is now a priority and must remain so for the next 10 years.
We will lose our children, their talents and their children too if we don't do something now. How sad that will be. Jobs for all should be this country's mantra for the next 10 years.
