An increasing number of young emigres are returning to China to develop their business interests, having obtained permanent residency overseas. Many have left their parents overseas to care for their young families.

"I tried to find a proper job in New Zealand, but I discovered that I can't make enough money to raise the whole family by myself," said Hu Mengdi, a 28-year-old businessman who has left his parents in Auckland, where they take care of his 2-year-old son.

Having graduated from the University of Auckland in 2008 with a degree in business management, Hu obtained permanent residence and married a local woman in 2010. A year later, when his son was born, his wife left her job to stay at home and look after the baby. That same year Hu's parents moved to New Zealand to live with them.