DigitalGhost

I guess from a relatively clueless outsider perspective like mine they often seem a little similar.

Dorothy

Like Canada and the US seem similar to an outsider? Look at how different their immigration systems are!

DigitalGhost

Definitely. The difference in my case at least though is that I have first hand experience of dealing with the immigration authorities in both of those.

The only reason I mentioned it is because NZ is the only country AFAIK that has extended its WHV program to people over the age of 30.

Richard_Gregan

Well, as a Kiwi myself I concur. Although we work together in many areas, we are indeed proudly independent from Australia - of course, every now and then that old suggestion rears its head about NZ and Australia uniting politically (usually coming from right wing Australian politicians). That will never happen!

DigitalGhost

What as in the two countries would start to take a more common approach in international affairs or that literally the two countries would become one larger nation state?

Richard_Gregan

As ridiculous as it sounds, the later option has been put forward every now and again by fringe politicians. I don't think anyone takes this seriously though.

spouse of scouse

I think you'll find that most Aussies prefer the status quo too, we love our Kiwi cousins over the ditch but we also care about the welfare of our sheep.
(gawd, I hope you have a sense of humour!)

Richard_Gregan

Absolutely! I hope you'll agree that our wine is better than yours though! ;-)

Dorothy

Well I for one will drink to that.

spouse of scouse

Definitely agree about your whites, especially from Marlborough! Our reds are better though