They left for greener pastures across the Tasman and now the Government is encouraging them to come back home.

Auckland Council and Immigration New Zealand are attending job fairs in Australia, as part of a new plan to attract more skilled migrants.

Immigration New Zealand's Steve McGill says most of the people they're speaking to have lived in New Zealand before.

He says two thirds were New Zealanders thinking of returning home as Australia's economy slows.

Mr McGill says because of its strong economy, New Zealand has an opportunity to leverage for more skilled migrants.