Emigration to NZ
Feb 5th 2004 | 7:22 am
#16
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 62
Originally posted by Bladesman
Fair points, I believe that what I said is still valid. The roads in Auckland do get busy, I commute 50K's a day and it takes me 40 - 50 minutes. I think that it has once taken me over an hour. Probably not the worst commute in Auckland but they all count. From what I can make out, the report that you quote is from an NZ source, this confirms what I said in my post about kiwis complaining about traffic when they have little comprehension on what gridlock is. If you have recently been to the south east of england then you know that moving anywhere between 7 and 9:30 and 4:30 and 6:30 is a no-no. The same cannot be said for Auckland.
Yep a big problem with P, but it is confined, not everywhere like in the UK, where I lived in the UK was not rough, but we regularly found used syringes lying around. What is worrying is the increase in violent crime due to the use of P, confirmed today by the sentencing of the man convicted of the killing of a six year old girl while high on P.
I suppose that what we are saying is the same but with a different slant. Yes there are problems but I believe that they can be much more easily avoided in NZ than they can in the UK.
Fair points, I believe that what I said is still valid. The roads in Auckland do get busy, I commute 50K's a day and it takes me 40 - 50 minutes. I think that it has once taken me over an hour. Probably not the worst commute in Auckland but they all count. From what I can make out, the report that you quote is from an NZ source, this confirms what I said in my post about kiwis complaining about traffic when they have little comprehension on what gridlock is. If you have recently been to the south east of england then you know that moving anywhere between 7 and 9:30 and 4:30 and 6:30 is a no-no. The same cannot be said for Auckland.
Yep a big problem with P, but it is confined, not everywhere like in the UK, where I lived in the UK was not rough, but we regularly found used syringes lying around. What is worrying is the increase in violent crime due to the use of P, confirmed today by the sentencing of the man convicted of the killing of a six year old girl while high on P.
I suppose that what we are saying is the same but with a different slant. Yes there are problems but I believe that they can be much more easily avoided in NZ than they can in the UK.
. The Coral Burrows murder was truly tragic...the pathetic sentence more so.
Take care.
Feb 5th 2004 | 7:26 am
#17
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 62
Re: try Devon in the summer
Originally posted by wolkediane@aol.
Hi,
well we're not moving to Auckland so traffic won't be a problem! I am aware the grass isn't always greener. But we hate Devon(originally from Yorkshire) We have found people to be a lot less! friendly. The traffic is a nightmare from Easter to September Iwork@Torbay hosp & it takes me 1hr to go 6 miles then when I do get there I cannot park!
We are prepared to give it ago if it doesn't work well so be it.But I really think the uk is just becoming a pub culture! That's my opinion!
Hi,
well we're not moving to Auckland so traffic won't be a problem! I am aware the grass isn't always greener. But we hate Devon(originally from Yorkshire) We have found people to be a lot less! friendly. The traffic is a nightmare from Easter to September Iwork@Torbay hosp & it takes me 1hr to go 6 miles then when I do get there I cannot park!
We are prepared to give it ago if it doesn't work well so be it.But I really think the uk is just becoming a pub culture! That's my opinion!
I'll drink to that!
Feb 5th 2004 | 7:39 am
#18
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 28
Originally posted by theguitardoctor
Hmm, seems my comments have been taken out of context, for a change...not!.....Occupational hazard of posting a negative comment about the so-called paradise of the south seas...(yeah right, no problems in NZ at all)... I'm just trying to highlight the fact that NZ is not perfect, the job market is not especially buoyant and it can go wrong if you put all your eggs in one basket. A positive arritude, determination and cash in the bank are not enough in itself to make it work out.
P is a major problem in NZ...where else in the world is the sale of cold remedies restricted?
And if you compare the number of cars travelling to the same destination in the UK, I think you'll find it's far higher than Auckland, thus when you average the number of vehicles in the UK travelling to a singular destination against these in NZ, I think you'll find the traffic situation is worse in Auckland......i.e if it takes 1000 NZ cars 1 hour to get to Auckland from 25 miles away, and it takes 3000 UK cars 2 hours to get into London from 25 miles away, the traffic flow on the UK roads is actually higher.......
No doubt this will wind up the "NZ is perfect" crowd.
Rich.
Hmm, seems my comments have been taken out of context, for a change...not!.....Occupational hazard of posting a negative comment about the so-called paradise of the south seas...(yeah right, no problems in NZ at all)... I'm just trying to highlight the fact that NZ is not perfect, the job market is not especially buoyant and it can go wrong if you put all your eggs in one basket. A positive arritude, determination and cash in the bank are not enough in itself to make it work out.
P is a major problem in NZ...where else in the world is the sale of cold remedies restricted?
And if you compare the number of cars travelling to the same destination in the UK, I think you'll find it's far higher than Auckland, thus when you average the number of vehicles in the UK travelling to a singular destination against these in NZ, I think you'll find the traffic situation is worse in Auckland......i.e if it takes 1000 NZ cars 1 hour to get to Auckland from 25 miles away, and it takes 3000 UK cars 2 hours to get into London from 25 miles away, the traffic flow on the UK roads is actually higher.......
No doubt this will wind up the "NZ is perfect" crowd.
Rich.
NZ is not perfect, but does offer a (IMO) a better lifestyle of work hard and play hard.
Feb 5th 2004 | 8:07 am
#19
Life's next chapter is?
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 942
From: NW England...for now.
Originally posted by Bladesman
Bad argument, what is the use in having a slightly better traffic flow if you have x20 more cars on the road? People are bothered by how long thier journey takes, not how many cars can make the journey.
Bad argument, what is the use in having a slightly better traffic flow if you have x20 more cars on the road? People are bothered by how long thier journey takes, not how many cars can make the journey.
I suppose it depends where you are positioned in the traffic jam.......I dont think it's 20 x the number of cars either...slight exaggeration.
NZ is not perfect, but does offer a (IMO) a better lifestyle of work hard and play hard.
The UK offers as much as NZ in the way of lifestyle, it costs in both cases....the only time you gain is when taking over the uk £'s to convert to $NZ. When these funds are all gone, the reality of lower pay etc si what you are left with. In this instance, there's really not a lot in it, IMO.
Rich.
Feb 5th 2004 | 9:59 am
#20
(Jon) returning to NZ 04
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 816
Originally posted by theguitardoctor
Yup, thats your opinion...personally, Auckland would be the last place in NZ I'd go...Wellington would be the second.....there are far nicer places to live in NZ. MUch the same, there are far nicer places to live (and cheaper and less crowded) in the UK than London....it still seems that most people's idea of the UK is the South..there are other areas you know! Still, I suppose a lot of people think Auckland is NZ, so it goes both ways.
The UK offers as much as NZ in the way of lifestyle, it costs in both cases....the only time you gain is when taking over the uk £'s to convert to $NZ. When these funds are all gone, the reality of lower pay etc si what you are left with. In this instance, there's really not a lot in it, IMO.
Rich.
Yup, thats your opinion...personally, Auckland would be the last place in NZ I'd go...Wellington would be the second.....there are far nicer places to live in NZ. MUch the same, there are far nicer places to live (and cheaper and less crowded) in the UK than London....it still seems that most people's idea of the UK is the South..there are other areas you know! Still, I suppose a lot of people think Auckland is NZ, so it goes both ways.
The UK offers as much as NZ in the way of lifestyle, it costs in both cases....the only time you gain is when taking over the uk £'s to convert to $NZ. When these funds are all gone, the reality of lower pay etc si what you are left with. In this instance, there's really not a lot in it, IMO.
Rich.
Your points about auckland and wellington are valid, but of course it's no good living in some of the other parts of NZ if you don't have a job. Auck and wgtn (&chch) remain the major employment centres. It's a sad fact of the world that the worst places to live are often cities - with city problems - but also with the jobs.
Auck or Wellington are two of the first places in NZ I would think of living - as I know the chances of me getting a job and living amongst people & amenities that suit me are greater.
Last edited by jandjuk; Feb 5th 2004 at 10:01 am.
Feb 5th 2004 | 10:24 am
#21
Life's next chapter is?
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 942
From: NW England...for now.
Originally posted by jandjuk
agree with 100% on your last point - not a lot in it - the 'lifestyle' benefits on either side depend on your personal taste.
Your points about auckland and wellington are valid, but of course it's no good living in some of the other parts of NZ if you don't have a job. Auck and wgtn (&chch) remain the major employment centres. It's a sad fact of the world that the worst places to live are often cities - with city problems - but also with the jobs.
Auck or Wellington are two of the first places in NZ I would think of living - as I know the chances of me getting a job and living amongst people & amenities that suit me are greater.
agree with 100% on your last point - not a lot in it - the 'lifestyle' benefits on either side depend on your personal taste.
Your points about auckland and wellington are valid, but of course it's no good living in some of the other parts of NZ if you don't have a job. Auck and wgtn (&chch) remain the major employment centres. It's a sad fact of the world that the worst places to live are often cities - with city problems - but also with the jobs.
Auck or Wellington are two of the first places in NZ I would think of living - as I know the chances of me getting a job and living amongst people & amenities that suit me are greater.
This is very true of anywhere....I suppose it depends on your career or line of work...I have the fortunate ability to work pretty much anywhere that's not too remote. I agree that it is very much a fact of the world that cities provide the employment, yet are not the best places to live...London is an absolute prime example of this......don't get me wrong, if it was Auckland or London, I'd choose Auckland. However, if it was Edinburgh or Auckland, I'd take Edinburgh....so it depends on choices available through line of work etc. I loved parts of NZ that weren't Auck or Well, but it is true that my wife would no doubt have struggled to get work outside of Auckland had we continued to throw money at the problem...
If people can buy a house outright in NZ or the UK, they are in a very good position in both countries.......the lifestyle is down to personal choice.....if you like sailing, then Auckland is cool, if you like riding motorcycles, then North Wales (close to where I lived) is a better place.....it's all about people being into different things.....
Some seem to think that NZ is a perfect place though...it's not IMO, but neither is any Westernised country in the world...the UK has probs, the US has probs, NZ and OZ have probs...all relative to the size of the population and economic factors of the country. However, if people can secure a job, buy a house outright, settle in a chosen country without homesickness and enjoy the lifestyle, then more power to them.....if not, then it can be an expensive gamble.....it's up to them. A positive attitude, money and determination don't guarantee success though.
Rich.
Feb 6th 2004 | 7:54 am
#22
Just Joined
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 24
Originally posted by DonnaS
As others say, you'll only know what it's like for you when you give it a go - most people say it's a better life for their family and kids. My husband and I have been here a couple of months and are loving every minute - yes there are things that aren't as good as the UK, but other things are much better. And how you deal with them depends on your attitude to change in general. For me it's no big deal. Don't ever expect it to be the UK, because it isn't.
We're living on the North Shore, just outside Auckland, so we're near the beach, have bought a lovely house and have improved our lot dramatically - just being able to afford a decent sized place to live in has made a huge difference.
I'm not sure what the IT industry is up to these days, Auckland is going to be a pretty good place to start if you're not sure where to go, but then Auckland is nothing like the rest of NZ. Having said that, there is loads to do nearby, depending on what you're into as well.
Cutting ties is a difficult one - we've sold up and gone for it, so don't have anything to go back to (other than family or friends), which makes us 100% committed to making it work here. Sometimes having a house etc back at home prevents you from making the commitment to stay, but it depends on whether you are serious about leaving your options open.
Anyway, everyone has different experiences - each one is personal, so difficult to generalise, but from my perspective I'd go for it!! we think it's fantastic over here!
As others say, you'll only know what it's like for you when you give it a go - most people say it's a better life for their family and kids. My husband and I have been here a couple of months and are loving every minute - yes there are things that aren't as good as the UK, but other things are much better. And how you deal with them depends on your attitude to change in general. For me it's no big deal. Don't ever expect it to be the UK, because it isn't.
We're living on the North Shore, just outside Auckland, so we're near the beach, have bought a lovely house and have improved our lot dramatically - just being able to afford a decent sized place to live in has made a huge difference.
I'm not sure what the IT industry is up to these days, Auckland is going to be a pretty good place to start if you're not sure where to go, but then Auckland is nothing like the rest of NZ. Having said that, there is loads to do nearby, depending on what you're into as well.
Cutting ties is a difficult one - we've sold up and gone for it, so don't have anything to go back to (other than family or friends), which makes us 100% committed to making it work here. Sometimes having a house etc back at home prevents you from making the commitment to stay, but it depends on whether you are serious about leaving your options open.
Anyway, everyone has different experiences - each one is personal, so difficult to generalise, but from my perspective I'd go for it!! we think it's fantastic over here!
My wife and I are thinking of going for broke and cutting all ties like you. What I'd like to know is, what is it about NZ that you think is so great.
Gazzauk
Feb 6th 2004 | 12:23 pm
#23
Banned
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,613
I reckon living in NZ can be a lot like living in Cornwall. Ocean, coast and beaches never far away (QT excepted!). Green, mild often damp weather, towns not much bigger in feel than Truro (AKL excepted!). Not overcrowded with people or traffic (AKL and Cornwall on a hot summer bank holiday excepted!) Food not that different to the UK except it's better and cheaper and there's more seafood available. Jobs - slightly better than Cornwall in most fields. Cheaper to buy a good second hand car and a lot cheaper to run it and insure it. People - up to you, a lot of emmets fit very nicely into Cornwall
Feb 6th 2004 | 8:02 pm
#24
Banned
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,094
Originally posted by pleasancefamily
I reckon living in NZ can be a lot like living in Cornwall. Ocean, coast and beaches never far away (QT excepted!). Green, mild often damp weather, towns not much bigger in feel than Truro (AKL excepted!). Not overcrowded with people or traffic (AKL and Cornwall on a hot summer bank holiday excepted!) Food not that different to the UK except it's better and cheaper and there's more seafood available. Jobs - slightly better than Cornwall in most fields. Cheaper to buy a good second hand car and a lot cheaper to run it and insure it. People - up to you, a lot of emmets fit very nicely into Cornwall
I reckon living in NZ can be a lot like living in Cornwall. Ocean, coast and beaches never far away (QT excepted!). Green, mild often damp weather, towns not much bigger in feel than Truro (AKL excepted!). Not overcrowded with people or traffic (AKL and Cornwall on a hot summer bank holiday excepted!) Food not that different to the UK except it's better and cheaper and there's more seafood available. Jobs - slightly better than Cornwall in most fields. Cheaper to buy a good second hand car and a lot cheaper to run it and insure it. People - up to you, a lot of emmets fit very nicely into Cornwall
Oh Don why did you have to compare it to Cornwall
I lived/survived there for 4 years. Cambourne. My neighbours wouldnt give me the time of day for the first 3 years (bloody emmets) and I get on with anyone.
It did seem to be a small minded place. I went to buy a TV once from a shop in Helston. I asked the guy "if they had any stores up north". "Oh yes" he replied " St Austell". I guess I asked for that.
I was a lot younger then so maybe my outlooks changed
Hope the weathers better also. It was either raining or about to rain, a complete grey mist covered it for most of the year. We are either going to Tauranga or Whangarei so hopefully it will be different.
Gotta give a go though.
Take care
Jack
PS Apparently Cambourne is quite a nice place now. Must have knocked it down and started again with it
Feb 7th 2004 | 8:38 am
#25
Banned
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,613
Some might find much the same in NZ - can be very parochial, I get the impression the friendships formed at school are still generally going strong at 40 and 50 and outsiders are outsiders. Lots of clubs and masonic activity...I reckon some might feel a bit cut out at first.
Feb 7th 2004 | 10:24 am
#26
Banned
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,094
Well I'm socialable so will just have to see.
What you been upto lately Don?
Found anymore interesting things about NZ?
Jack
What you been upto lately Don?
Found anymore interesting things about NZ?
Jack
Feb 7th 2004 | 12:35 pm
#27
Banned
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,613
Originally posted by Jack Daws
Well I'm socialable so will just have to see.
What you been upto lately Don?
Found anymore interesting things about NZ?
Jack
Well I'm socialable so will just have to see.
What you been upto lately Don?
Found anymore interesting things about NZ?
Jack
Just kicking out heels a bit, nice dinner at Southerner's last week (cheers, S!), yellow eyed penguins at secret beach on Friday (saw 15), Dunedin has got a summer festival going on right now so looking at various bit of that. Saw the Timebuster in the Octagon yesterday - 6 guys and 6 gals racing round the Octagon at 10 am, trying to beat the 10 chimes of the clock, cracking race!
In the news - Don Brash (leader of National Party) getting majority public approval in the polls for his proposals to treat allNZ'ers as equal and cut out special treatment for Maori...hmmm, could be worth a thread...
Feb 8th 2004 | 10:34 am
#28
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 373
From: Banks Peninsula, SI, NZ
Heh, here's a thought. Don't live in Auckland then!
Comparing NZ to UK is irrelevant, they are two entirely, distinct, individual places!
Where we are traffic is minimal/non existant depending on time of day. Childcare is good but we never had children of this age anywhere else so can't compare that.
You can drive anywhere and keep a constant limit speed.
We are made to feel very welcome and 50% of the people at Pay Centre are English anyway which is good.
Plenty to do if we fancied travelling into Christchurch but having small children we prefer the beach and walks near here although they have the Lollipop’s Playland. Chipmonks, etc which are good.
Great wine (NZ white Ozz Red's).
Seems to have a problems with Methamphetamine or P as it is called but heh, so do most places. You need to lock yourself away to escape that anywhere.
I also love the UK, especially for it's close proximity to Europe (mainland). And intend to switch between the two once the kids are older.
Like I said NZ and the UK each have good and bad points. Tale the ones you want. As for us, we are pleased and privileged to have the opportunity to live here.
You can feel a little cut off and make sure you are financially secure as you will never see the 'wood for the trees', because you will be too worried about afording anything.
Comparing NZ to UK is irrelevant, they are two entirely, distinct, individual places!
Where we are traffic is minimal/non existant depending on time of day. Childcare is good but we never had children of this age anywhere else so can't compare that.
You can drive anywhere and keep a constant limit speed.
We are made to feel very welcome and 50% of the people at Pay Centre are English anyway which is good.
Plenty to do if we fancied travelling into Christchurch but having small children we prefer the beach and walks near here although they have the Lollipop’s Playland. Chipmonks, etc which are good.
Great wine (NZ white Ozz Red's).
Seems to have a problems with Methamphetamine or P as it is called but heh, so do most places. You need to lock yourself away to escape that anywhere.
I also love the UK, especially for it's close proximity to Europe (mainland). And intend to switch between the two once the kids are older.
Like I said NZ and the UK each have good and bad points. Tale the ones you want. As for us, we are pleased and privileged to have the opportunity to live here.
You can feel a little cut off and make sure you are financially secure as you will never see the 'wood for the trees', because you will be too worried about afording anything.
Feb 8th 2004 | 10:49 am
#29
Here in Dunedin
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,976
From: Dunedin
Originally posted by WheelsOfSteel
...
Comparing NZ to UK is irrelevant, they are two entirely, distinct, individual places!
....
Great wine (NZ white Ozz Red's).
....
I also love the UK, especially for it's close proximity to Europe (mainland). And intend to switch between the two once the kids are older.
Like I said NZ and the UK each have good and bad points. Tale the ones you want. As for us, we are pleased and privileged to have the opportunity to live here.
You can feel a little cut off and make sure you are financially secure as you will never see the 'wood for the trees', because you will be too worried about afording anything.
...
Comparing NZ to UK is irrelevant, they are two entirely, distinct, individual places!
....
Great wine (NZ white Ozz Red's).
....
I also love the UK, especially for it's close proximity to Europe (mainland). And intend to switch between the two once the kids are older.
Like I said NZ and the UK each have good and bad points. Tale the ones you want. As for us, we are pleased and privileged to have the opportunity to live here.
You can feel a little cut off and make sure you are financially secure as you will never see the 'wood for the trees', because you will be too worried about afording anything.
Comparing a specific big country (UK) vs a specific little country (NZ) is often counterproductive. Deciding that you want to live in a small country, and then asking yourself which country that should be is a bit more logical (IMO).
By the way, size in this context is to do with population, economy, infrastructure etc, not physical landmass; ie. Australia is a small country for the purposes of immigration.
Feb 8th 2004 | 2:33 pm
#30
Banned
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,613
Originally posted by Jack Daws
We are either going to Tauranga or Whangarei
Jack
We are either going to Tauranga or Whangarei
Jack
Great for gardening and agriculture.
Gateway to Northland/ Bay of Islands.
Great climate (warm all year) but wet, tho' the rain comes in big bursts not constant drizzle.
Not a bad option if job suits.
