Like many young Kiwis, I’ve made the move out of New Zealand. I opted to move to Melbourne for a few reasons: proximity to home, culturally similar with better career  opportunities and, ultimately, cheaper living and higher pay.

I have friends and mutuals living all over the globe – London, Amsterdam, New York and Berlin – but a common thread unites many of us who’ve left Aotearoa’s rolling hills and stunning coastlines: the desire for more money. Especially in creative career circles.

Since National has been in government since 2024, major cuts to arts and culture funding has made it increasingly difficult to sustain a creative life in NZ. Add in inflation across almost all living costs including housing and food. I know that moving abroad is a privilege, but I believe that leaving NZ has become a necessary step to take as a young person for career development and financial stability.

As a result, we see small (and big) businesses suffering to stay afloat. Just last year, the mega corp that is Cotton On closed their main store in Wellington’s CBD. If a multi-billion dollar company had to close its doors, how the hell is the little guy surviving? The reality is, a lot of them aren’t.

In July, iconic Wellington boutique Goodness announced its closure after 20 years of business and contributions to the fabric of the capital's fashion scene, and Ponsonby Road stores Carlson and Gloria closed earlier this year too (the brands continue online). On Karangahape Road, restaurant Candela closed in July, and on Queen Street, department store Smith & Caughey’s shut in June.

Time and time again, speaking to friends and family living in Aotearoa, I am told the same stories of the dire state of things.

Countless establishments having to close their doors due to the lack of business. Places that people were once hard pushed to get a reservation are now stacking their chairs and wiping the tables one final time. The heartbreaking reality is that the current government has no intention of setting up any kind of infrastructure to support  independent businesses and foster a nurturing environment for the arts to thrive. The responsibility is left on local council initiatives to figure out how to revive their local economy.

I grew up in the capital, and have fond memories of a bustling city centre filled with bespoke boutiques that thrived, restaurants and cafes that served the best food and coffee with a smile, and everyone always remembered your name. I would love to see Aotearoa get its spark back.

My question is, do we, as expats, carry some responsibility to help pour back into the cities that raised us? Even small gestures from afar could make a difference.

If you’re a Kiwi living overseas and plan on shopping some one-of-a-kind bits from that store you’ve been going to since you were a teen, or grabbing one of those unparalleled cheese scones you cannot find anywhere else in the world (yes, I am talking about Swimsuit) on your next visit home, here are a few suggestions for how we can make that happen.

When you’re shopping for yourself, consider if it’s something you can buy from home. Kowtow, Wixii and Ruby have great basics, or for something a bit more special try Tough Auto online, Sully's in Wellington or Crushes in Auckland.

Gifting to friends and family back home NZ could be as simple as keeping up with @theslackagency to know what hot gigs are up next all around the motu, and shouting a night out for your loved one. Supporting the arts and the venues that make our cities dance!

Buying vouchers to restaurants is another good option: it could be a special dinner at Rita or Coco’s Cantina, or a humble coffee voucher for the plethora of Supreme coffee pourers around the country. Other simple ideas include gifting tattoo vouchers, tickets to local artist’s shows, buying books and magazines by Kiwi publishers. 

It’s important as expats to not forget our roots. There are so many small ways to back our creative friends, and businesses, from afar – if you can, this is your reminder to do so, with intention.