Returning to Aotearoa
The HOMEcoming reality report
Real stories from global Kiwis who made the journey home.
Honest insights into salaries, career progression and work culture… beyond the BBQ small talk.
Homecoming report
Expectations vs reality
Thinking of returning to New Zealand after working overseas? This report reveals what it’s really like; from salary expectations and career prospects to workplace culture and work-life balance. Based on honest insights from professionals who’ve made the move back to Aotearoa, we cut through the myths to give you the real story about transitioning from global Kiwi to Kiwi back home.
Findings & insights
What you'll learn
From compensation gaps and career development challenges to work-life balance wins and flexibility advantages, we reveal what actually matters to internationally experienced professionals and how employers can best leverage international experience. Based on candid feedback from those who’ve navigated the transition, we separate assumptions from reality to help both returnees and employers make informed decisions.
Are most people happy they returned to New Zealand?
Discover the surprising satisfaction rates and what really determines whether returnees feel they made the right choice.
How does NZ compensation stack up to overseas salaries?
Find out what returnees actually experienced versus their expectations when they got their first NZ paycheck.
What are the biggest workplace trade-offs when returning?
See which elements of the work experience had the biggest positive and negative impacts on returnees.
Do employers value international experience appropriately?
Learn how returnees perceive the local market’s appreciation of their global expertise and skills.
What workplace advantages attract returnees?
Understand which aspects of the NZ work environment consistently outperform overseas experiences.
Which returnees report the highest satisfaction rates?
Explore how satisfaction varies dramatically based on where professionals are returning from.
Available now
Download the report today!
Get the unfiltered truth about returning to New Zealand’s workforce. No myths, no sugar-coating—just real insights from professionals who’ve been in your shoes.
