Last-resort flights are being offered to New Zealand nationals because it's "easier" sending them home where they can access government financial assistance and housing.

But I just say to people, ‘Go home, regroup, heal, gather yourself, touch down with your whānau [family] … and come back with some more to put on the table here’."

She urged anyone considering moving to Australia to ensure they had a secure job, enough money, accommodation and understood their entitlements before making the move.