Originally Posted by kiwichild

Joining social groups or whatever is fine, but don't expect much to come from it. Socialising in this context is distance defined,eg, if you aren't already in our little clique, you stay with the more general one.

There have been several reports on this forum about extending invitations but experiencing a lack of recipriocity. So don't hold your breath for a return invitation.

Australians don't like to hear negative comments because they don't want to have to process and deal with the meaning. Far easier to just pretend all is well and it's the other person's problem. The society is defensive because it is insecure.

I don't sing praises unless they are genuine. I do though understate the negative or try not to get onto such a topic when chatting face to face, so as to retain some diplomacy. But why the hell does anyone have to ask what others think of their country? Maybe because they are seeking reassurance that all is well in paradise, even though they know inside it's not.

Originally Posted by kiwichild

I'm a white New Zealander and I have had the same problem making friends as you have. So have many other migrants, many of whom are also white.

Originally Posted by Vicky88

Ansy, I am curious as to why you feel you deserve the free medical benefits, though you obviously don't have a real affinity for Australia. One thing I have learnt in life is no-one owes you anything, and as to not getting promotions because you are not an Aussie, who really knows what the reason is. You may very well be right, however the real question is do you have an improved quality of life and if Australia is not giving you what you want why even bother with PR.

You might want to be careful, as you sound like you have a bit of a chip on your shoulder, blaming your perceived failures on the locals and taking no responsibility yourself.

Originally Posted by Ansy

As far as friends go, I've made some good friends here, most are immigrants like myself. As far as PR goes, I already have it and will apply for citizenship. Once you are a citizen, then you remain one, until you renounce it. There are no chips on my shoulders, lol. I have not failed at anything, lol. Just stating my experiences. I have had better experiences at other parts of the world, hence, my consideration for moving back north. I'll keep a holiday house here, maintain it and continue enjoying the outdoor activities and water sports. Oh yeah, Vicky88, whether you like it or not, I'll retire in Aus as a citizen, when, I'm older, lol.

Originally Posted by jib

Only then, will the world be a better place to live