Anybody find that the wages are lower in new zealand compared to say Australia.?But living costs are more in new zealand?

a job in say australia is paying $35/phr,but in new zealand the same job is paying $25/phr.Petrol say a $1.70 in nz?..

was wondering thats probabably why so many kiwis go and live in australia?

I mean $30/phr is not much considering the high rental costs in say auckland/christchurch?

how have some people found it once they have landed in NZ,Did the wages come as a shock or high living costs?