Leaving America due to Politics? Move to New Zealand

Why Political Turmoil is Making People Move to New Zealand

With political instability increasingly present in many areas of the world, including the US, it’s not a surprise that more people are considering a move abroad. A bleak political landscape can make you tempted to jump ship and New Zealand is rightfully regarded as a great place to emigrate to. When political tensions escalate, the pressure mounts, the overwhelm takes over and you can’t catch your breath.

I get it. Back in 2022, I was living in post-Covid political fallout and I just wanted out. However, relocating to New Zealand because of political uncertainty isn’t going to be the right decision for everyone, so grab yourself a cup of coffee, find a comfy seat and finish reading this blog. Then use our whole family decision-making tool to help you work out what is the right call for you and your family.

The Impact of New Zealand Politics on Immigrants

When moving to New Zealand with family, come with an open mind and leave behind years of historical political angst and disillusionment. I found that the mindset shift that occurred when I relocated meant I viewed politics in a different way, which was really refreshing. Of course, the political climate still exists and impacts your daily life in New Zealand, but I found that political conversations here are not prevalent. As we settled, I was able to focus on learning about New Zealand culture, enjoying my new adventure, and connecting with new people.

Understanding New Zealand Politics

• A democratic General Election of New Zealand Parliament is currently held every three years.

• Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) is how the government is chosen.

• Due to the MMP system in NZ, it is uncommon for one party to have a majority vote, so coalitions between parties are frequently formed to run the country.

• Government can only be made up of politicians who have already been voted into the House of Representatives.

• A NZ government can only remain in power while it has a majority of members in the House of Representatives.

• There are 120 seats for Members of Parliament.

• The official results are released about 3 weeks after the NZ General Election takes place.

• You must be 18 or over to vote.

• The next New Zealand General Election will be held in 2026.

• There are 6 parliamentary parties in the current NZ Parliament.

• King Charles III is the constitutional Head of State.

• Christopher Luxon is the Prime Minister and head of NZ government.

• Parliament is based in the capital, Wellington.

Questions to Ask Before Relocating

I had been hoping to move abroad for years, so although the post-Covid political backdrop helped to motivate my move it wasn’t the sole reason why I moved to New Zealand. If you have only started considering moving overseas since a political event triggered you, ask yourself these questions to help inform your decision.

• Would you have made the move prior to the political shift you are currently experiencing?

• What impact does the current political situation have on your current life?

• What are you hoping to escape by moving?

• What do you hope will improve in your life if you relocate elsewhere?

• If the political situation shifted again would you regret moving away?

• Would a potential move abroad be a flexible family adventure or a permanent relocation for you?

Moving to New Zealand Decision-Making Tool

Hopefully working through these questions has given you some clarity, but if you are still undecided, download our FREE ‘Life as it is Now’ decision-making tool. We’ve designed this to help you, and your family, check in with how you feel about your life as a whole. Using our decision-making tool will help you to identify which areas of your life you are satisfied with and acknowledge which areas you are not content with. It will help you decide if an international relocation to New Zealand is the next step for you and your family.

If after completing the tool, you or your family are still struggling with decision overwhelm or conflicting thoughts, you can book in for a Relocation Call with us to help clarify your thoughts.