Do you really want to come to NZ?
Oct 31st 2008, 12:01 pm
#316
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Joined: Feb 2005
Location: Back in NZ & loving it - living in Orewa
Posts: 1,183
Re: Do you really want to come to NZ?
That's odd, there was a bit on the news last night saying that parking is very cheap in Auckland because of an oversupply. $5 all day was what many are offering. I used to pay £30+ for 3-4 hours in central London.
I'm not so sure that wages are that much lower in NZ compared to the UK. Certainly if you come from the South East or London then you will probably earn more in the UK, but even then I'm not 100% convinced.
I knew plenty of IT contractors on £100K+ in London, but by the same token I knew plenty of full time IT people on a lot less - £20-£45K seems average, which is achievable in NZ. Senior roles maybe £60-70K. One of my friends is the IT Security Manager for one of the largest and most respected organisations in London and he is on £40K. It wouldn't be unrealistic for him to earn $120K in NZ. Large outsourcers like EDS, Fujitsu, Capita, Logica, CSC etc have hordes of people on these low salaries.
I'm not so sure that wages are that much lower in NZ compared to the UK. Certainly if you come from the South East or London then you will probably earn more in the UK, but even then I'm not 100% convinced.
I knew plenty of IT contractors on £100K+ in London, but by the same token I knew plenty of full time IT people on a lot less - £20-£45K seems average, which is achievable in NZ. Senior roles maybe £60-70K. One of my friends is the IT Security Manager for one of the largest and most respected organisations in London and he is on £40K. It wouldn't be unrealistic for him to earn $120K in NZ. Large outsourcers like EDS, Fujitsu, Capita, Logica, CSC etc have hordes of people on these low salaries.
Oct 31st 2008, 3:37 pm
#317
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,008
Re: Do you really want to come to NZ?
Most CBD carparks in Auckland have "early bird" rates where you can park all day for no more than $10-20 provided you're there before 10am. Check out www.wilsonparking.co.nz for more details. The $20 per hour figure is, like most things soupie posted, a "worst case" example of things in NZ
Oct 31st 2008, 5:04 pm
#318
you dewty owld maan!
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: is practically perfect in every way
Posts: 5,565
Re: Do you really want to come to NZ?
Lardyl, I'm pretty sure the NZ figures you have quoted include part-time earners, so are not directly comparable to the UK full-time figure you used. I remember reading in the Herald last year (sorry I don't have a link) that the full-time mean income here is around $45k, or $865pw. So, not far off the 2:1 "numbers" ratio I think is a rough guide to comparing UK to NZ earnings, eg £30k in UK is "like" $60k in NZ.
I know all comparisons are flawed in some ways though
I know all comparisons are flawed in some ways though
I know I am worse off and I know several people that have failed to make NZD-v-GBP parity in their basic salary.....that is they earned fewer dollars than pounds, and they weren't stellar earners in the UK just semi-skilled.
I also know of people who do earn less than $20/hr workinga round Auckland. At one point I was earning $21/hr with no benefits, no holiday pay, sick benefits, etc and that's pretty close to the line......
Oct 31st 2008, 6:43 pm
#319
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 164
Re: Do you really want to come to NZ?
There are many migrants in NZ who were formerly engineers and specialists in their previous country. Ask your Wellington Cab driver what he used to be. Most of the ones I used to speak to didn't seem to mind all that much. They were just happy to be in NZ.
Nov 1st 2008, 6:07 pm
#320
By name and by nature
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,852
Re: Do you really want to come to NZ?
You can get casual parking for $2 an hour around the Viaduct.
As an immigrant, without even my work permit, I had a job (45k) within a week. That was easier than anywhere else I'd been - one application, one interview, one job. I've had two colleagues from the UK in last few months - both of them got the jobs quickly and when they each had to leave, one because she was too far away from her children and the other because she was made redundant, they moved to other branches of the company because they were too valuable to lose. If you're a good worker without an attitude you'll get on.
As an immigrant, without even my work permit, I had a job (45k) within a week. That was easier than anywhere else I'd been - one application, one interview, one job. I've had two colleagues from the UK in last few months - both of them got the jobs quickly and when they each had to leave, one because she was too far away from her children and the other because she was made redundant, they moved to other branches of the company because they were too valuable to lose. If you're a good worker without an attitude you'll get on.
Nov 1st 2008, 6:19 pm
#321
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Posts: 1,705
Re: Do you really want to come to NZ?
Of course this phenomenon is not a NZ one, ask many cab drivers in Birmingham, Munich, Rome and New York what their real careers are. And entirely correct IMO. Just because someone is qualified as a doctor or engineer in Afghanistan or Somalia, they are highly unlikely to meet the standards required in a Western country.
Nov 6th 2008, 6:23 am
#322
---
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,994
Re: Do you really want to come to NZ?
Cripes- I haven't got time to read the entire thread so sorry if this is all out of context!
I'm leaving NZ but I still think my perspective on life in NZ is very valid. I'm not closing the door on returning to NZ and the biggest driver to our departure is personal and not relevant to anyone but us. We came out with a dream- for us it was to own a bit of land in a rural community near the sea. We brought over considerably less than $100K and our sole wage earner was a newly qualified nurse. Two years later we've built a 4 bedroom beautiful home on 4 acres 10 minutes from the sea in rural Hawkes Bay where the climate (apart from the blasted October-November winds) is gorgeous, the people couldn't be more welcoming and my kids have blossomed in the small school a stone's throw away. My dh was asked to apply for an incredible job within 6 months of arriving and was appointed to a management position. He'd been qualified less than a year but is quite exceptional
It has been hard, hard graft and of course the irony is that having achieved the dream circumstances have changed for us (as have our dreams) and we're off to Australia where I am set to do teacher training
(and the double irony is that whereas in a different economic climate we'd stand to make about $100K on our house, in this one we're going to lose a huge amount of our equity).
But the point remains that everything we wanted from the move was here for us- we had to look hard to find it and work hard to achieve it and accept compromise in some aspects (can one ever reconcile oneself to pak n' save??) but it is here. Also, having nearly been here two years I do think it takes a good two years to settle. I met a handful of expats in the first few weeks and this observation rings true for them as well- two families that were all but set to return this time last year and were definitely in the whinging POM club are now considering the move permanent. It takes time.
This probably only relates to me though. I have my gripes RE NZ and the lifestyle we chose but on the whole I would recommend NZ to emigrate to
I'm leaving NZ but I still think my perspective on life in NZ is very valid. I'm not closing the door on returning to NZ and the biggest driver to our departure is personal and not relevant to anyone but us. We came out with a dream- for us it was to own a bit of land in a rural community near the sea. We brought over considerably less than $100K and our sole wage earner was a newly qualified nurse. Two years later we've built a 4 bedroom beautiful home on 4 acres 10 minutes from the sea in rural Hawkes Bay where the climate (apart from the blasted October-November winds) is gorgeous, the people couldn't be more welcoming and my kids have blossomed in the small school a stone's throw away. My dh was asked to apply for an incredible job within 6 months of arriving and was appointed to a management position. He'd been qualified less than a year but is quite exceptional
It has been hard, hard graft and of course the irony is that having achieved the dream circumstances have changed for us (as have our dreams) and we're off to Australia where I am set to do teacher training
(and the double irony is that whereas in a different economic climate we'd stand to make about $100K on our house, in this one we're going to lose a huge amount of our equity).But the point remains that everything we wanted from the move was here for us- we had to look hard to find it and work hard to achieve it and accept compromise in some aspects (can one ever reconcile oneself to pak n' save??) but it is here. Also, having nearly been here two years I do think it takes a good two years to settle. I met a handful of expats in the first few weeks and this observation rings true for them as well- two families that were all but set to return this time last year and were definitely in the whinging POM club are now considering the move permanent. It takes time.
This probably only relates to me though. I have my gripes RE NZ and the lifestyle we chose but on the whole I would recommend NZ to emigrate to
Nov 6th 2008, 7:33 am
#323
Banned
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 14
Re: Do you really want to come to NZ?
Wifey and I moved to NZ in June 2008. We panicked and after 6 weeks came back 'home'. Even on the plane we knew we were doing the wrong thing.
What has just occurred to me is how many people on this forum talk about $ and £ as the key to happiness. Something I've realised since coming back is that people in the UK always look glum. It's depressing. If that's what material wealth gets you then you can keep it.
My wife and I are booked to return to NZ in January. People there were so, so, so, so nice it was untrue. I used to see people smiling all the time. I used to see happy kids running around. It's cost us a lot of money and our posessions are probably some of the most travelled items in history but we now know what life is about.
I still wish Kiwis weren't so obsessed with rugby but I don't suppose it's any worse than the constant talk of football we get over here.
What has just occurred to me is how many people on this forum talk about $ and £ as the key to happiness. Something I've realised since coming back is that people in the UK always look glum. It's depressing. If that's what material wealth gets you then you can keep it.
My wife and I are booked to return to NZ in January. People there were so, so, so, so nice it was untrue. I used to see people smiling all the time. I used to see happy kids running around. It's cost us a lot of money and our posessions are probably some of the most travelled items in history but we now know what life is about.
I still wish Kiwis weren't so obsessed with rugby but I don't suppose it's any worse than the constant talk of football we get over here.
Nov 6th 2008, 7:45 am
#324
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Joined: Apr 2008
Location: Epsom
Posts: 1,705
Re: Do you really want to come to NZ?
The last two posts make very good points.
The first is that maybe expectations are too high for some people. You can't just give up on life in the UK and suddenly expect to move into a utopian lifestyle halfway across the world without some hard work or effort.
The second is that I think many Brits, more than many other countries, have become so used to materialistic things and easy access to them. As well as that, many have ridden one of the best bull markets in history and had the purchasing power of the £. Maybe it is this way of things (excessively high wages, unsustainably low cost consumer items) that is unrealistic.
The first is that maybe expectations are too high for some people. You can't just give up on life in the UK and suddenly expect to move into a utopian lifestyle halfway across the world without some hard work or effort.
The second is that I think many Brits, more than many other countries, have become so used to materialistic things and easy access to them. As well as that, many have ridden one of the best bull markets in history and had the purchasing power of the £. Maybe it is this way of things (excessively high wages, unsustainably low cost consumer items) that is unrealistic.
Nov 6th 2008, 7:46 am
#325
Banned
Joined: Nov 2008
Location: Perth
Posts: 283
Re: Do you really want to come to NZ?
Now I know I will be criticized for being negative, but this post has been a while in the making and needs to be said.
After 5 years in Wellington I think I have reached breaking point and am going to have to return to UK.
I have quite a few issues with Wellington and NZ in general but I cant even be bothered to address those here.
But the major problem troubling me is that, well, its a noisy crap-hole isnt it, infested by boy racer/hoon scum with no concern for anyone else.
After another day of being buzzed by plenty of cars which are modified to be ludicrously noisy, and also Harley type bikes that would wake the dead, I have to say that there is really nothing nice about living here.
Combine this with balsa wood houses which provide no sound insulation at all and, well, it would be quieter on the Heathrow flight path (I know, I lived in Hounslow once!)
It really is horrible, and it makes me laff when you hear all this clean green NZ spouted.
Only about 2% of NZers would know how to spell green, let alone contribute to it. They think that as long as 95% of the country is empty, then they can do what they like.
The car culture in NZ is terrible, why they let people get away with making their cars so offensive and annoying to everyone else I shall never now. And then they let 15 year olds drive them.
And I live in a cul-de-sac for Pete's sake, in what is supposed to be one of the most affluent suburbs in NZ.
My advice if anyone thinks they are coming to quiet NZ, is to go and sit in a wooden shed 20 meters from the M1, and see if they like it.
After 5 years in Wellington I think I have reached breaking point and am going to have to return to UK.
I have quite a few issues with Wellington and NZ in general but I cant even be bothered to address those here.
But the major problem troubling me is that, well, its a noisy crap-hole isnt it, infested by boy racer/hoon scum with no concern for anyone else.
After another day of being buzzed by plenty of cars which are modified to be ludicrously noisy, and also Harley type bikes that would wake the dead, I have to say that there is really nothing nice about living here.
Combine this with balsa wood houses which provide no sound insulation at all and, well, it would be quieter on the Heathrow flight path (I know, I lived in Hounslow once!)
It really is horrible, and it makes me laff when you hear all this clean green NZ spouted.
Only about 2% of NZers would know how to spell green, let alone contribute to it. They think that as long as 95% of the country is empty, then they can do what they like.
The car culture in NZ is terrible, why they let people get away with making their cars so offensive and annoying to everyone else I shall never now. And then they let 15 year olds drive them.
And I live in a cul-de-sac for Pete's sake, in what is supposed to be one of the most affluent suburbs in NZ.
My advice if anyone thinks they are coming to quiet NZ, is to go and sit in a wooden shed 20 meters from the M1, and see if they like it.
Nov 6th 2008, 7:52 am
#326
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Joined: Mar 2007
Location: Liverpool U.K.
Posts: 325
Re: Do you really want to come to NZ?
Royston Vasey is nice,a little cold in Winter but the people are nice,local people warm.
Nov 6th 2008, 8:04 am
#327
Banned
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 14
Re: Do you really want to come to NZ?
Have you nothing better to do with your time? Are you that sad? Or are you one of the stooges paid for the lefties in power to keep the tax payers in the UK? Maybe it's the sense of humour you scousers are so famous or infamous for? But I think you're a bit of a c*ck.
You should find something better to do with your time.
Nov 6th 2008, 8:27 am
#328
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Joined: Mar 2007
Location: Liverpool U.K.
Posts: 325
Re: Do you really want to come to NZ?
What's the deal with you and Jokerman etc? You spend your time constantly deriding NZ when you live in Liverpool of all places!
Have you nothing better to do with your time? Are you that sad? Or are you one of the stooges paid for the lefties in power to keep the tax payers in the UK? Maybe it's the sense of humour you scousers are so famous or infamous for? But I think you're a bit of a c*ck.
You should find something better to do with your time.
Have you nothing better to do with your time? Are you that sad? Or are you one of the stooges paid for the lefties in power to keep the tax payers in the UK? Maybe it's the sense of humour you scousers are so famous or infamous for? But I think you're a bit of a c*ck.
You should find something better to do with your time.
We Liverpool are hosting the MTV awards tonight with many famous people from around the globe here. Paul McCartney,Kid Rock,Bono (U2),The Killers etc yes in Liverpool of all places!! Trust me you will settle in Royston Vasey just fine. Six weeks in N.Z. and then you decide you made a mistake
the seat on the aeroplane would have still been warm soft lad. I think its you that needs to do something with your time. Or are you a habitual flyer
Nov 6th 2008, 8:29 am
#329
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Joined: Mar 2007
Location: Liverpool U.K.
Posts: 325
Re: Do you really want to come to NZ?
Warning dont feed the Troll
Nov 6th 2008, 10:02 am
#330
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,298
Re: Do you really want to come to NZ?
Wifey and I moved to NZ in June 2008. We panicked and after 6 weeks came back 'home'. Even on the plane we knew we were doing the wrong thing.
What has just occurred to me is how many people on this forum talk about $ and £ as the key to happiness. Something I've realised since coming back is that people in the UK always look glum. It's depressing. If that's what material wealth gets you then you can keep it.
My wife and I are booked to return to NZ in January. People there were so, so, so, so nice it was untrue. I used to see people smiling all the time. I used to see happy kids running around. It's cost us a lot of money and our posessions are probably some of the most travelled items in history but we now know what life is about.
I still wish Kiwis weren't so obsessed with rugby but I don't suppose it's any worse than the constant talk of football we get over here.
What has just occurred to me is how many people on this forum talk about $ and £ as the key to happiness. Something I've realised since coming back is that people in the UK always look glum. It's depressing. If that's what material wealth gets you then you can keep it.
My wife and I are booked to return to NZ in January. People there were so, so, so, so nice it was untrue. I used to see people smiling all the time. I used to see happy kids running around. It's cost us a lot of money and our posessions are probably some of the most travelled items in history but we now know what life is about.
I still wish Kiwis weren't so obsessed with rugby but I don't suppose it's any worse than the constant talk of football we get over here.
!!