The wave of Kiwi expats returning to escape the global pandemic has only just started, new research suggests.

More than 50,000 Kiwis have already returned home this year as the pandemic has ravaged the world.

But as many as 500,000 could be on their way in the next few years.

A survey of 15,000 expats by KEA (Kiwi Expats Association) found that 49 per cent were planning to come home.

About half of them said they would be returning in the next two years.

Kiwi Expats Association chief Toni Truslove told Mike Hosking they're advocating for a taskforce to maximise this opportunity.

"We want to make sure that resources are adequately planned for, but also that we can successfully land these Kiwis home and get them thriving." 

She says what's most surprising about the data is the experience they'll be bringing with them.

"These are Kiwis at the absolute height of their career, they are professionals coming home in a range of industries that are highly appealing to New Zealand."

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