New Zealand former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has joined the long list of Kiwis deserting the nation by moving “across the ditch” to Australia.

It has been confirmed she and her family have moved to Sydney, after they were spotted house hunting in the city’s affluent northern beaches.

Ardern’s move has renewed a spotlight on New Zealand’s battle to retain its best and brightest, as the country struggles with a lagging economy, a cost-of-living crisis and housing shortages.

Ardern left New Zealand shortly after quitting politics in January 2023, and took on a fellowship at Harvard University.

Her office says her family had been travelling for a few years and have now decided to base themselves out of Australia “for the moment”.

“They have work there, and it brings the added bonus of more time back home in New Zealand,” a spokesperson told local media.