SILENT LIFEBOAT ARRIVALS

While the unfortunate boat people get so much vicious attention in the media and politics, little is being written or said about another large influx of people from oversea. A Darwin resident recently back from the earthquake stricken NZ city of Christchurch says there are frequent newspaper classified advertisements announcing monster garage sales-selling up and going to Australia . If the NT government and business is so concerned about getting skilled labour , it should consider trying to attract some of these displaced Kiwis. Hearsay has it that 10,000 people have moved to Australia from the Christchurch area , and that many are heading north for the warmth . More are expected . Many have moved up to the North Island, impacting on real estate prices and rents. Sydney contacts say the tough economic situation in NZ has resulted in a noticeable increase in new arrival Kiwis there .