Studying the Drain

New Zealand’s best and brightest expatriates are costing the country US$1, each through foregone tax and costs of government services such as education, according to World Bank research. Though returning New Zealand expats can also look forward to a bright future, with a mean salary of US$75,1 bringing back an average $US53,7 in savings with them. Even accounting for higher costs of living abroad, New Zealanders were better off by US$21, overseas than they were at home, the study found. The study surveyed 271 New Zealanders who excelled academically between 1976 and 24, and the average sample member was in the top 7 per cent of New Zealand earners.