New research shows over a third of New Zealand's workforce are thinking of quitting their jobs and moving to Australia.

A joint university study highlights those workers are 2.6 times more likely to jump the ditch - after recent changes gave Kiwis an easier pathway to Australian citizenship.

Massey Business School Professor Jarrod Haar says Kiwis are struggling financially and more opportunities paired with an easy path to citizenship makes a move to Australia more appealing.

"We still have a tight labour market, we can't afford to lose anybody. And the biggest driver for them wanting to leave is financial stress."

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