Prime Minister John Key says New Zealanders moving to Australia should go with their eyes open regarding welfare entitlements.
Large numbers of New Zealanders living across the Tasman are denied access to many welfare benefits under changes made by the Australian government in 2001.
Australians in New Zealand have full welfare rights.
Mr Key told TVNZ's Q+A programme he is happy to debate the matter with the Australian government, but says people shifting there need to be realistic.
