OZ or NZ?
 

Hi, I am looking to leave the UK and live abroad. I have been looking at NZ recently as my husband suggested it but I have found myself asking why not Australia, why NZ. We are a family of three, me, my husband and a five year old son. Husband is going to be looking for work as a HGV driver or equivilent, i just want part time work, anything will do during school hours, would like to live in a town, not a big city, where it is warm most of the year, near a beach or within reach of a beach and a house in the region of £100,000. Son has special needs and minor health problems. I know I am probably asking too much. Has anyone live in both? which do they prefer and why? where sounds best for me and my family?


thank you :thumbsup:

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

Hi

Have never been to NZ but when we first started thinking about emigrating we thought about it. I think both Oz and NZ have their advantages and disadvantages but for us we felt that the wages offered my hubby were far too low to manage on (he's a pharmacist) even here in Tasmania he's earning less than half of what he got in the UK and that's a struggle! Also we were advised my friends who have been to NZ that the cost of living was high, lack of infrastructure, transport etc was not so good.

So we chose Tasmania as we felt it was a compromise between the two places and I feel that it is, it has wonderful scenery, lots of wild places and not so many people! But I'm not sure about getting a house for £100k in Oz or NZ, although I guess there may be suburbs that are cheaper in the bigger cities.

Hopefully someone will come along with experiences of both places, who will be able to give more info. Try asking on the NZ forum on here as well.

Sam

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

I have experience of both places and it is a very hard decision and is really based on what you enjoy in life and your needs.

As an HGV driver your husband will almost certainly be on a much higher wage in Australia, especially doing linehaul driving. I know a couple of Kiwis who are leaving NZ to work in Australia because of this. In many cases this extra income is enough to swing the decision.

New Zealand - Pros
-Very clean
-Fantastic access to outdoor activities
-Some of the best scenery in the world
-Much more English than Australia (in weather also, but with better summers)
-No water shortages
-Virtually no poisonous things (no snakes)
-Better TV than Australia
-Better fresh food quality
-Very good education - but this will depend on where you live, if in Auckland you will be OK, but I suspect special needs aren't catered for that much outside major cities.
-I think it is a great place for kids to grow up

New Zealand - Cons
-Generally lower wages
-Higher cost of living in most areas

It's far less populated and busy than Australia so this can be a pro or a con, it also means less choice, less shops and some higher prices.

Feel free to ask any specific questions.

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

First off, do you have a working visa and would you qualify for one? There's no point in making any plans until you know you're eligible to work here.

Secondly, have you looked at housing prices here? You're hoping to find a house for about $250,000 Australian which is frankly not going to happen in most places unless the prices really crash. If you want to know how much houses cost pick a few random areas and have a look at the prices. Check out in the city, out in the suburbs and then the more rural areas. I still think you'd be hard pressed to find a house for $250k, unless of course you had a large deposit and only wanted a $250k mortgage.

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

I wouldn't be that worried, there are plenty of houses available for that price. I don't know Queensland, but in Victoria you would easily get a house in Geelong for instance for that price and it's a major town, close to beaches etc. Only thing is it's cold in winter.

In NZ, I think you would struggle, but then again many places in NZ are never far from beaches anyway. If you want smaller towns then Tauranga could be a place to look at, beautiful beaches around there - as good as anything 99% of Australia has.

http://www.realestate.co.nz/969173
http://www.realestate.co.nz/1004550?order_by=1

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

What health conditions?

Agree with SR71

For NZ I would look at Rotorua

For Oz consider Melbourne or perhaps Canberra (never been) but heard of alot of drivers based there who do East coast long haul (pays better than short day runs).

Get away from considering house prices in terms of £100k its all relative to mortgage repayments and overall family budget. You may spend more on accomodation but less on holidays (because you might find holidays cheaper not for reason of giving them up).

Also consider that between Oz and NZ they are considering the flights domestic ie no international borders which will drop prices by about 30% and therefore live in Oz for the money and opportunities and holiday in NZ (or even buy house for retirement there and earn the higher currency to pay it off:sneaky:)

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

If you want somewhere thats warm most of the year then why are you considering NZ, is'nt it very cold half the year. WAges, employment and the economy is better in OZ.

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

They said they don't want a big city so that rules out Melbounre and it would be out of their price range and they don't want somewhere cold, Melbounre and Canberra are cold half the year.

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

Dont know where you think Melbourne is cold from? another myth.

Greater melbourne entails numerous small village towns which would deem suitable.

Perhaps you are refering incorrectly to Melbounre in Qld which is desert and has a population of 300? Hardly call that a city, but might be for you coming from a one horse town.

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

Shhhhh...thats the plan;)

We loved NZ sooo much and are desperate to go back soon. However I don't think I could live there full time...yet;)

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

l think its just like the OZ vs UK debate, people saying one country is utopia the other crap, both countries have their postivites and negatives, its up to the individual some people might love one country but hate another while others might like think both countries are nice places to live. Theres no right or wrong answer which country is better. If it was Afghanistan vs OZ then saying OZ is a better country to live would pity much be the correct or universal answer. Although some in the MBTUK forum may disagree.

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

Not many long haul driving jobs in Tassie.......so the island state would not be an option for your work needs. Good luck in your search.

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

I wasn't suggesting Tasmania as a dextination, just explaining that we had also considered the two countries and why we had chosen to settle here.

I don't think Tas would tick all of her boxes as it certainly is not warm here all year!

Sam

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

For us its Australia, Tasmania. After living in Christchurch NZ for a year i would have to say Tassie is better. But this is just our own opinion and personal experiences. Money is way better as is the weather etc. Not lived on the mainland so cannot comment on that. NZ is stunning scenery wise for sure. No dangerous snakes etc. But we did have many white tail spiders in our rental that some how are getting every where (Aussie spider).

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

Are snakes and spiders a reason to choose one country over the other when no one in OZ has died from a spider bite in 30 years and its rare to see a snake especially if you live in suburbia , very few people get bitten and even less die only around 2 a year, most often they were only bitten because they picked up , stepped on or tried to kill the snake. More people die from bee and wasp stings in the UK then snakes and spiders in OZ.

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

So I take it you given up on canada then......:rolleyes: You really do get around dont you......:rolleyes:

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

Not true.

The western suburbs of Brisbane are where you are MOST likely to see an Eastern brown snake....one of the deadliest.

G

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

That depends on your definition of cold.

Canberra also gets very hot in summer. But the average house price is one of the highest in Australia.


This is true, and I wish more people overseas would realise it!!



Actually, for almost everywhere in Australia it is absolutely correct!!

I was born and raised in Australian suburbia. To this day I have NEVER seen a snake - apart from in a zoo.

Remember, what's true for Queensland is rarely true for anywhere else (when it comes to wildlife, weather, restaurant closing times, sunset times....)

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

Maybe.

I nearly stepped on an Eastern Brown snake a few weeks ago while waking near my house.

Luckily for me it saw me first and slithered away.

G

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

I just realised I completely forgot to answer the original question!

Be warned that every year the number of New Zealanders moving to Australia increases.

Now, I do not love Australia - and having been born in Australia I believe I have a pretty good idea of what's wrong with the place. At the moment it is actually starting to look like I might be moving to New Zealand for a while, and I am quite excited about this prospect.

However New Zealand does have a lot of drawbacks. The most common complaints seem to be that the country offers few opportunities - leading to people getting 'stuck' there; and that it is a place that seems very determined NOT to move forward.

What about New Zealand holds so much appeal for you? If it is for the weather and all that goes with it, remember New Zealand is a place where it rains a lot, is often cold, and is a famous destination for people looking for a skiing holiday.
People have suggested New Zealand is more British, but I'm not entirely sure why anybody would want to leave Britain to move to the end of the world to a place that has the same climate and culture but no support network.:confused::confused:

On the other hand, Kiwis tend to not have quite so much of the brash arrogance of Australians, and they have some of the world's most spectacular scenery (and take it from an Australian, the dead grass and kilometres of nothingness of Australia really are ugly and uninspiring, no matter how much the tourism propaganda would have you believing otherwise).

The countries are close to one another, and once you are a citizen of one you are entitled to live in the other (a bit like the EU, but far less exciting!!).

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

Although with restrictions if you are a New Zealand citizen:

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/New_Ze...s_in_Australia

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

Maybe up thats the case up in tropicak queensland but most people living in suburbian OZ never see snakes except maybe if they live in an outer suburb near bushland.

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

If your saying all of OZ is like that and OZ does'nt have some really spectaclar scenery then you need to get out more and see some of OZ.

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

l almost stepped on a snake once while bushwalking also, l almost got hit by a bus once crossing the road , the chances are about the same, but l'd rather be bitten by a snake anytime, even if its venomous, most bites are either dry bites with no venom or not enough to make you ill and even if the bite is serious l would most like likely have plenty of time to make it to hospital and with modern anti venom almost eveyone survives. Back to my original point is it worth choosing NZ over OZ just because it has no snakes when snakes only kill two people a year in the OZ the same number as people killed by bee stings. If snakes killed thousands of people a year in OZ and were crawling everywhere then l would swim over to NZ.

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

New Zealand is'nt all Lord or the rings beautiful green countryside paradise at the end of the world, it has Mauri gangs and treaty and land rights issues,
racial issues with Pacific islanders and new immigrants from Asia, a poor economy, low wages high unemployment, low standard of living.

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

Well yes actually. What is the point in someone moving country to live in terror?

Irrespective of the risk, the "perceived risk" to the individual is terror. Individuals have a choice on ultimately where they feel most comfortable.


Thank god there are no ghosts here in Melbourne :sneaky:

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

The majority of that statement is complete rubbish.

For the majority of the population they have as much dealings with Maori gangs as Aussies do with snakes.

Australia has significant gang problems, far worse than NZ - and we aren't just talking about Hells Angels and their bombings and murdering innocent people, we are also talking about the significant ethnic crime gangs that exist.

NZ is probably one of the countries with the least racial problems around, again Australia exceeds NZ by a large margin when it comes to racism and intolerance. NZ is also highly regarded in respect to their attempts to reconcile historical problems (caused by the British) with regard to the indigenous people. Australia again is full of problems with Aborigines, land claims etc. In fact it's absolutely disgraceful the state of how some aborigines live and it's something Australians should be embarrassed about.

NZ's economy is in pretty good shape for a Western nation these days, unfortunately it's been dragged down just like Australia's because of problems elsewhere.

And the majority of Kiwis have an excellent standard of living.

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

Snakes live all over the place, including urban areas. In fact there have been snakes discovered in Melbournes CBD. Just a couple of years ago a lady was also killed by a Tiger snake in her garden in Kew.

And spider bites are plentiful, I even know someone with half their inner thigh cut-out after being bitten and getting necrotising fasciitis.

As for choosing one country over another because of the fauna - it's not something that overly worries me but it makes me nervous with kids playing in the backyards - in NZ there is no worry at all and you can enjoy life to the full rolling around in long grass - a joy most Aussies will never have. (as well as playing with garden hoses in these dry days too)

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

I enjoyed living in NZ and there's much I miss but on balance I prefer Australia so far.

Things NZ has that are better than Australia:

More chilled pace of life
Less extreme weather
Fabulous pre-school- kindies and the incredible Playcentre :wub:
The barefoot, community-feel laidback, inclusive, 'she'll be right' thing

Things Australia has that are better than NZ:

Better wages and tax credits for families
More of a 'buzz'
Better beaches and more surf lifesavers
Cheaper to fly to UK for visits
Awesome wildlife and more prolific
Cheaper, fresher food

All just ime of course!

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

I'm confused by this comment. I would love to know what do you mean by much more English ?

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

I'm sorry to say that in regards to your first paragraph, that was not my experience. The ingrained racism in NZ I found very wearing and depressing and whilst at a legislative, political level the attempts at reparation seemed admirable and plausable, on the ground the values and attitudes of pakeha (both recently arrived and born and bred) was largely a disgrace. Probably on par with Australia in that respect- although the health-wealth gap between Pakeha and Maori and indigenious and non-indigenious Australians is, as far as I understand it, far, far worse for the latter although pretty dire for the former.

Your last paragraph is dubious. The poorest Kiwis live pretty grim lives in shitty dilapidated houses suffering terrible health problems (look at childhood asthma rates). Minted Kiwis have an excellent standard of living though.

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

It is! Cricket, morning tea, the weather- the 'nice' parts of NZ are quiet and gentile in a proper 'years ago' English sense.

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

Yes, in many respects it's hard to define, but NZ was largely populated (voluntarily I might add) by people from the British Isles, much more than Australia which has had large numbers of immigrants from Italy, Greece, Vietnam etc.

Australia is far more brash and 'American' than NZ. NZ still seems to hold on to links to the UK - Coronation St is one example. The music is another, much more English than Australia's charts.

But if course it isn't Britain at all, it just seems to have a lot more in similarity than Australia does.

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

I agree, it feels very British. Its green and leafy and has rolling hills. You can get a vast array of British foods in the supermarkets and there are small villages and windy roads. I felt very at home:eek:

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

NZ being much more English is a disadvantage, it means it is stuck in the past clinging to an empire that no longer exists, It can't adapt to the modern world and the modern economy like OZ has, OZ stopped seeing the UK as the mother country in the 1950's and has its own national identity and self confidence now. NZ is backward, stuck in the past with an economy to match. They all sit around in the cold with their sheep watching Cornation street and heartbeat pretenting or wishing they are back in the UK. While those in OZ would'nt want to live anywhere else.

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

Are you actually going to post anything factual or useful or are you just going to continue to be a troll?

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

We have lived in both places.

We lived in a very rural part of NZ and so comparisons are hard. We wanted to find somewhere to live that had the lifestyle of NZ and the economic realities of the UK and Melbourne is the place that has fitted that bill.

We found that the relationship between low wages and high costs in NZ made it unaffordable to live there.

Also I find rural NZ much more racist than Urban Melbourne towards me, if you can call it racism. I get more anti-pommie jibes in a 2 week holiday in NZ than I have had in 2 years of living in Melbourne.

I think NZ would be a great place to live if you were financially independent.

Buzzy

Re: OZ or NZ?
 

That's the conclusion I came to Buzzy. I can certainly earn more money in Australia (teaching - source: state pay tables and anecdotal) and if I decided on a career change, I think that'd there would be more opportunities in Australia.

Cooler