New Zealand: Struggle sparks move to Australia By Shaimaa Khalil, Australia correspondent, BBC News
New Zealand's capital, Wellington, has been ranked one of the least affordable cities in the world for buying a property. The picture is also grim for renters, with a 12% rise in prices in the past year. That, along with increases in petrol and food prices, has led many to consider moving to nearby Australia - where they have the right to live and work.
Chris, a builder, his partner Harmony and their four daughters recently left Wellington to start a new life in the Australian city of Brisbane. Despite owning their home and earning reasonable salaries, they were still struggling.
"We have four kids, so it was expensive. We'd notice Australians saying you know the cost of living is going up - but that was the cost five years ago in New Zealand," says Chris.
Leaving New Zealand and the rest of her family was a difficult decision for Harmony. But she says the move was necessary for the children.
"You can't make a living in New Zealand. There is no living. You just go backwards. You don't get a choice if you want to live, you have to move, or New Zealand has to change. I want a future for my children and there is none in New Zealand," she says.
The New Zealand government has tried to increase some short-term measures like fuel subsidies and halving the cost of public transport - but for many, it's not enough.