Australia or New Zealand?
#1
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Joined: Jan 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 8
Australia or New Zealand?
This is my first post, so excuse me if this has been covered in depth before - although I did a quick search and couldn’t find much.
I am in somewhat of a fortunate position, in that I have sold my company, and have some money to afford my family (wife and 2 children, 5 year old girl and 18 month old boy) and I a better quality of life. Now I could stay here in the UK, pay my mortgage off, invest in property, find a less stressful job, and have a better quality of life than I currently have.
Or
Alternatively, I could emigrate to Australia or New Zealand, and have a far better quality of life than I “believe� I could ever get in the UK. I have looked at property in Perth (up to Aus$1 million/GBP£430k), which far exceeds size and quality of my own house, or anything else I could purchase in the UK for that matter. The rest of the money I could live off comfortably or invest in property etc.
I have thought about emigrating for a number of years, but with the business, was never really in the position to do so. Now that is going, I am seriously considering it. How do I define quality of life?
Better standard of living
More (some would be nice) outdoor family orientated life
Better weather
More time with the family
“Better� (?) opportunities for the children
Culture (yes I did say culture) – more laid back attitude to work and life. I was driving on the M25 the other day, and everybody looked so miserable in their cars. Most of who are probably in stressful jobs to pay for the nice car they were in, the house, the family they never see, and the 1 or 2 holidays they take a year! Oh and it was raining for a change!!!!
Also something that hit home the other day was that I have just come back off holiday over Christmas, and was the first time that I really felt like I had bonded with my son as I spent 18 days with him (and my daughter of course), which really hit home that there is more to life than working your backside off (easy to say once you got some money I know!). Also within a couple of days of being back home I noticed how much time the children spend in front of the television watching crap (so do my wife and I for that matter), instead of being outside doing different activities!! Now that is partly our fault, but when the weather is bad you just don’t want to go out and do anything!
So, I suppose this gets me back to my original question – Australia or New Zealand? I have been to neither, but plan to go to whichever country I believe is the place to emigrate to, later this year.
New Zealand – probably the north island, as I do like the better weather. Although the southern island appeals to my outdoor nature – diving, skiing, mountain biking, climbing etc.
Australia – Perth at the moment. Cleaner, not quite so hot, more for your money etc.
Other things to mention – My mother would almost certainly come with us (stay in her own place – couldn’t cope otherwise!), my wife’s parents unlikely! This I am sure will prove a problem, being that my wife is an only child (as I am), her parents would be devastated. When we moved 30 mins away from her she broke down in tears, claiming she would never see her daughter again!!! I would offer take them with us (not sure how easy that would be), but they will almost certainly say no!!! This WILL be a sticking point!
We also have some friends that are in a similar position financially and want to move to NZ, so we discussed going together – maybe easier for my wife. They have been to NZ (not sure if they have been to Australia) and loved it, hence they want to move there. I haven’t suggested Australia, so I don’t know what they will say to that?
I have rambled on a bit, I know, but any views, thoughts etc would be very welcome.
Many thanks,
Mark
I am in somewhat of a fortunate position, in that I have sold my company, and have some money to afford my family (wife and 2 children, 5 year old girl and 18 month old boy) and I a better quality of life. Now I could stay here in the UK, pay my mortgage off, invest in property, find a less stressful job, and have a better quality of life than I currently have.
Or
Alternatively, I could emigrate to Australia or New Zealand, and have a far better quality of life than I “believe� I could ever get in the UK. I have looked at property in Perth (up to Aus$1 million/GBP£430k), which far exceeds size and quality of my own house, or anything else I could purchase in the UK for that matter. The rest of the money I could live off comfortably or invest in property etc.
I have thought about emigrating for a number of years, but with the business, was never really in the position to do so. Now that is going, I am seriously considering it. How do I define quality of life?
Better standard of living
More (some would be nice) outdoor family orientated life
Better weather
More time with the family
“Better� (?) opportunities for the children
Culture (yes I did say culture) – more laid back attitude to work and life. I was driving on the M25 the other day, and everybody looked so miserable in their cars. Most of who are probably in stressful jobs to pay for the nice car they were in, the house, the family they never see, and the 1 or 2 holidays they take a year! Oh and it was raining for a change!!!!
Also something that hit home the other day was that I have just come back off holiday over Christmas, and was the first time that I really felt like I had bonded with my son as I spent 18 days with him (and my daughter of course), which really hit home that there is more to life than working your backside off (easy to say once you got some money I know!). Also within a couple of days of being back home I noticed how much time the children spend in front of the television watching crap (so do my wife and I for that matter), instead of being outside doing different activities!! Now that is partly our fault, but when the weather is bad you just don’t want to go out and do anything!
So, I suppose this gets me back to my original question – Australia or New Zealand? I have been to neither, but plan to go to whichever country I believe is the place to emigrate to, later this year.
New Zealand – probably the north island, as I do like the better weather. Although the southern island appeals to my outdoor nature – diving, skiing, mountain biking, climbing etc.
Australia – Perth at the moment. Cleaner, not quite so hot, more for your money etc.
Other things to mention – My mother would almost certainly come with us (stay in her own place – couldn’t cope otherwise!), my wife’s parents unlikely! This I am sure will prove a problem, being that my wife is an only child (as I am), her parents would be devastated. When we moved 30 mins away from her she broke down in tears, claiming she would never see her daughter again!!! I would offer take them with us (not sure how easy that would be), but they will almost certainly say no!!! This WILL be a sticking point!
We also have some friends that are in a similar position financially and want to move to NZ, so we discussed going together – maybe easier for my wife. They have been to NZ (not sure if they have been to Australia) and loved it, hence they want to move there. I haven’t suggested Australia, so I don’t know what they will say to that?
I have rambled on a bit, I know, but any views, thoughts etc would be very welcome.
Many thanks,
Mark
#2
Re: Australia or New Zealand?
Originally posted by Mark_Hod
This is my first post, so excuse me if this has been covered in depth before - although I did a quick search and couldn’t find much.
I am in somewhat of a fortunate position, in that I have sold my company, and have some money to afford my family (wife and 2 children, 5 year old girl and 18 month old boy) and I a better quality of life. Now I could stay here in the UK, pay my mortgage off, invest in property, find a less stressful job, and have a better quality of life than I currently have.
Or
Alternatively, I could emigrate to Australia or New Zealand, and have a far better quality of life than I “believe� I could ever get in the UK. I have looked at property in Perth (up to Aus$1 million/GBP£430k), which far exceeds size and quality of my own house, or anything else I could purchase in the UK for that matter. The rest of the money I could live off comfortably or invest in property etc.
I have thought about emigrating for a number of years, but with the business, was never really in the position to do so. Now that is going, I am seriously considering it. How do I define quality of life?
Better standard of living
More (some would be nice) outdoor family orientated life
Better weather
More time with the family
“Better� (?) opportunities for the children
Culture (yes I did say culture) – more laid back attitude to work and life. I was driving on the M25 the other day, and everybody looked so miserable in their cars. Most of who are probably in stressful jobs to pay for the nice car they were in, the house, the family they never see, and the 1 or 2 holidays they take a year! Oh and it was raining for a change!!!!
Also something that hit home the other day was that I have just come back off holiday over Christmas, and was the first time that I really felt like I had bonded with my son as I spent 18 days with him (and my daughter of course), which really hit home that there is more to life than working your backside off (easy to say once you got some money I know!). Also within a couple of days of being back home I noticed how much time the children spend in front of the television watching crap (so do my wife and I for that matter), instead of being outside doing different activities!! Now that is partly our fault, but when the weather is bad you just don’t want to go out and do anything!
So, I suppose this gets me back to my original question – Australia or New Zealand? I have been to neither, but plan to go to whichever country I believe is the place to emigrate to, later this year.
New Zealand – probably the north island, as I do like the better weather. Although the southern island appeals to my outdoor nature – diving, skiing, mountain biking, climbing etc.
Australia – Perth at the moment. Cleaner, not quite so hot, more for your money etc.
Other things to mention – My mother would almost certainly come with us (stay in her own place – couldn’t cope otherwise!), my wife’s parents unlikely! This I am sure will prove a problem, being that my wife is an only child (as I am), her parents would be devastated. When we moved 30 mins away from her she broke down in tears, claiming she would never see her daughter again!!! I would offer take them with us (not sure how easy that would be), but they will almost certainly say no!!! This WILL be a sticking point!
We also have some friends that are in a similar position financially and want to move to NZ, so we discussed going together – maybe easier for my wife. They have been to NZ (not sure if they have been to Australia) and loved it, hence they want to move there. I haven’t suggested Australia, so I don’t know what they will say to that?
I have rambled on a bit, I know, but any views, thoughts etc would be very welcome.
Many thanks,
Mark
This is my first post, so excuse me if this has been covered in depth before - although I did a quick search and couldn’t find much.
I am in somewhat of a fortunate position, in that I have sold my company, and have some money to afford my family (wife and 2 children, 5 year old girl and 18 month old boy) and I a better quality of life. Now I could stay here in the UK, pay my mortgage off, invest in property, find a less stressful job, and have a better quality of life than I currently have.
Or
Alternatively, I could emigrate to Australia or New Zealand, and have a far better quality of life than I “believe� I could ever get in the UK. I have looked at property in Perth (up to Aus$1 million/GBP£430k), which far exceeds size and quality of my own house, or anything else I could purchase in the UK for that matter. The rest of the money I could live off comfortably or invest in property etc.
I have thought about emigrating for a number of years, but with the business, was never really in the position to do so. Now that is going, I am seriously considering it. How do I define quality of life?
Better standard of living
More (some would be nice) outdoor family orientated life
Better weather
More time with the family
“Better� (?) opportunities for the children
Culture (yes I did say culture) – more laid back attitude to work and life. I was driving on the M25 the other day, and everybody looked so miserable in their cars. Most of who are probably in stressful jobs to pay for the nice car they were in, the house, the family they never see, and the 1 or 2 holidays they take a year! Oh and it was raining for a change!!!!
Also something that hit home the other day was that I have just come back off holiday over Christmas, and was the first time that I really felt like I had bonded with my son as I spent 18 days with him (and my daughter of course), which really hit home that there is more to life than working your backside off (easy to say once you got some money I know!). Also within a couple of days of being back home I noticed how much time the children spend in front of the television watching crap (so do my wife and I for that matter), instead of being outside doing different activities!! Now that is partly our fault, but when the weather is bad you just don’t want to go out and do anything!
So, I suppose this gets me back to my original question – Australia or New Zealand? I have been to neither, but plan to go to whichever country I believe is the place to emigrate to, later this year.
New Zealand – probably the north island, as I do like the better weather. Although the southern island appeals to my outdoor nature – diving, skiing, mountain biking, climbing etc.
Australia – Perth at the moment. Cleaner, not quite so hot, more for your money etc.
Other things to mention – My mother would almost certainly come with us (stay in her own place – couldn’t cope otherwise!), my wife’s parents unlikely! This I am sure will prove a problem, being that my wife is an only child (as I am), her parents would be devastated. When we moved 30 mins away from her she broke down in tears, claiming she would never see her daughter again!!! I would offer take them with us (not sure how easy that would be), but they will almost certainly say no!!! This WILL be a sticking point!
We also have some friends that are in a similar position financially and want to move to NZ, so we discussed going together – maybe easier for my wife. They have been to NZ (not sure if they have been to Australia) and loved it, hence they want to move there. I haven’t suggested Australia, so I don’t know what they will say to that?
I have rambled on a bit, I know, but any views, thoughts etc would be very welcome.
Many thanks,
Mark
You can write reams and reams, about what ifs and the parents dont wanna us to go etc.
you have to do what you feel is right.
Thats why we are off to perth.......
#3
I agree with that - you can analyse, scribble on bits of paper, talk about it, debate etc etc but at the end of the end what does your ( and your wifes'!) gut tell you?
I suggest you all take a trip out to NZ and Australia and have a look at the place and see how you feel about it when you come back.
With regards to parents and so on - there will not be one or two obsticles in your way if you do decide to take the plunge, there will be hundreds, big and small, as many of the people on this forum can prove.
Only you can decide if a)you want to go and b)if you are prepared to cope with all the crap that will stand in your way to achieve it.
I wish you luck in finding the life you want.
I suggest you all take a trip out to NZ and Australia and have a look at the place and see how you feel about it when you come back.
With regards to parents and so on - there will not be one or two obsticles in your way if you do decide to take the plunge, there will be hundreds, big and small, as many of the people on this forum can prove.
Only you can decide if a)you want to go and b)if you are prepared to cope with all the crap that will stand in your way to achieve it.
I wish you luck in finding the life you want.
#4
I lived in NZ ffor 2yrs and have now moved to Australia...
I think it best to outline exactly what sort of lifestyle you want. Are you happy to be somewhat isolated and restricted in choices of goods and services? Are you used to a city life with lots to do and see or are you more used to the rural lifestyle...all of htese and much more will determine which place will suit you.
I think it best to outline exactly what sort of lifestyle you want. Are you happy to be somewhat isolated and restricted in choices of goods and services? Are you used to a city life with lots to do and see or are you more used to the rural lifestyle...all of htese and much more will determine which place will suit you.
#5
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Joined: Jan 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 8
Originally posted by podgypossum
I lived in NZ ffor 2yrs and have now moved to Australia...
I think it best to outline exactly what sort of lifestyle you want. Are you happy to be somewhat isolated and restricted in choices of goods and services? Are you used to a city life with lots to do and see or are you more used to the rural lifestyle...all of htese and much more will determine which place will suit you.
I lived in NZ ffor 2yrs and have now moved to Australia...
I think it best to outline exactly what sort of lifestyle you want. Are you happy to be somewhat isolated and restricted in choices of goods and services? Are you used to a city life with lots to do and see or are you more used to the rural lifestyle...all of htese and much more will determine which place will suit you.
We live in Cotswolds, but shopping and services are never far away. My wife has already raised the issue of shopping in NZ, I am convinced that is all she thinks about
We like the out door life with plenty to do, but also like nice restaurants, shopping etc.
Also, I am little concerned about the weather in NZ – seems to rain an awful lot?!
#6
Re: Australia or New Zealand?
Originally posted by Mark_Hod
... my original question – Australia or New Zealand? I have been to neither, but plan to go to whichever country I believe is the place to emigrate to, later this year.
... my original question – Australia or New Zealand? I have been to neither, but plan to go to whichever country I believe is the place to emigrate to, later this year.
Given that I am Australian and now heading home after too many years travelling the world I could be accused of bias here, but IMHO Australia is the better option. Why ? larger country more variety of climes etc and from a business perspective more recognised internationally. No doubt the NZ'ers will disagree with me on all counts but thats my opinion. However given also that you say friends of your family are going to NZ then I have to say that is a big plus point for NZ because the support network is very important when emmigrating
But regardless of which you chose it is very easy to travel between the two countries so you could start in one and move to the other if its not too your taste.
If you can afford it best bet is go to both and spend serious time checking out various areas before you make that final decision to emigrate.
At the end of the day only you know what is right for you !
#7
Personally i would say Australia is better option for you just by what you said so far.
Your wife will be bitterly disappointed in the shopping experience in NZ. Even in Auckland (the biggest city) choices are very restricted and also expensive as most quality stuff has to be imported (thats if you can get it at all)
Temperatures in NZ are fairly typical of the UK except farther north you dont get frosts. It does get very cold in wonter especially south island and yes...it rain, rain, rains in Aucks a hell of a lot.
In Australia you have a huge choice of lifestyles and climate to choose from, shopping is much better and domestic flights are very cheap to get away to other places.
Your wife will be bitterly disappointed in the shopping experience in NZ. Even in Auckland (the biggest city) choices are very restricted and also expensive as most quality stuff has to be imported (thats if you can get it at all)
Temperatures in NZ are fairly typical of the UK except farther north you dont get frosts. It does get very cold in wonter especially south island and yes...it rain, rain, rains in Aucks a hell of a lot.
In Australia you have a huge choice of lifestyles and climate to choose from, shopping is much better and domestic flights are very cheap to get away to other places.
#8
One of my reasons for going is to change my lifestyle.
I know that this can probably be done here, but out in Oz everything is so more laid back.
here my lifestyle is so very sressful, I know it will kill me in a few years.
My jod is stressful, as is my partners, we struggle to keep our heads above water, and yet have £1000 equity in the property.
Our kids dont go out in the eveing, it is too dark/unsafe/nowhere to go.
I can go on and on for ever.
I feel I am on a roundabout and just want to get off.
I know that this can probably be done here, but out in Oz everything is so more laid back.
here my lifestyle is so very sressful, I know it will kill me in a few years.
My jod is stressful, as is my partners, we struggle to keep our heads above water, and yet have £1000 equity in the property.
Our kids dont go out in the eveing, it is too dark/unsafe/nowhere to go.
I can go on and on for ever.
I feel I am on a roundabout and just want to get off.
#9
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Joined: Dec 2003
Location: Alton, Hampshire
Posts: 16
Re: Australia or New Zealand?
Mark
In your enviable position, why not plan some holidays in both Aus and NZ? You might even take your parents and inlaws. Until you've visited it would be an extremely silly (and potentially a very expensive thing) to choose one or other.
We have looked at NZ for some time and late last year went on a month long look-see and I can tell you that that had a major impact on our ideas. For example, we had previously looked at me getting a job with my current employers in Auckland but having been there we decided that we would far rather prefer to be based in Wellington where, hopefully, we're off to soon. In my view had we gone the Auckland route without having been there it would have been disasterous. Given complete freedom of choice I think we'd like to live in either Nelson or Christchurch but we'd be happy moving to Wellington and we only know this because we've been!
You know, with kids of 5 and 18 months you could take all the time you need to visit NZ and Oz for lengthy holidays and equip yourself with all the info you need to make a decision. You might even ultimately decided to buy a farmhouse in France and share your time between that and a home in the UK!! And if that's what turns out to be right for you you'll be glad you took the time and effort.
In your enviable position, why not plan some holidays in both Aus and NZ? You might even take your parents and inlaws. Until you've visited it would be an extremely silly (and potentially a very expensive thing) to choose one or other.
We have looked at NZ for some time and late last year went on a month long look-see and I can tell you that that had a major impact on our ideas. For example, we had previously looked at me getting a job with my current employers in Auckland but having been there we decided that we would far rather prefer to be based in Wellington where, hopefully, we're off to soon. In my view had we gone the Auckland route without having been there it would have been disasterous. Given complete freedom of choice I think we'd like to live in either Nelson or Christchurch but we'd be happy moving to Wellington and we only know this because we've been!
You know, with kids of 5 and 18 months you could take all the time you need to visit NZ and Oz for lengthy holidays and equip yourself with all the info you need to make a decision. You might even ultimately decided to buy a farmhouse in France and share your time between that and a home in the UK!! And if that's what turns out to be right for you you'll be glad you took the time and effort.
#10
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 759
Re: Australia or New Zealand?
Don't want to put a dampener on things but before you really set your heart on one place or the other, have you checked whether you're actually eligible to emigrate to both countries? From what I can gather it's quite difficult to get in to NZ at the mo. (We're off to Aus so don't really know the ins and outs for NZ.)
Nicola
Nicola
#11
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Joined: Jan 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 8
Re: Australia or New Zealand?
Originally posted by Nicstids
Don't want to put a dampener on things but before you really set your heart on one place or the other, have you checked whether you're actually eligible to emigrate to both countries? From what I can gather it's quite difficult to get in to NZ at the mo. (We're off to Aus so don't really know the ins and outs for NZ.)
Nicola
Don't want to put a dampener on things but before you really set your heart on one place or the other, have you checked whether you're actually eligible to emigrate to both countries? From what I can gather it's quite difficult to get in to NZ at the mo. (We're off to Aus so don't really know the ins and outs for NZ.)
Nicola
Good point Nicola!
I have researched a little - with my age (36) experience in building up a company to 50 people with a certain tunrover in the IT sector, I have chance at a getting a visa for Australia. Re. NZ I heard if you buy a business and run it then it is also easier - my friend and I are thinking about buying a scuba diving business - don't know how true this is?
#12
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Joined: Jan 2004
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Re: Australia or New Zealand?
Originally posted by danno
Mark
In your enviable position, why not plan some holidays in both Aus and NZ? You might even take your parents and inlaws. Until you've visited it would be an extremely silly (and potentially a very expensive thing) to choose one or other.
We have looked at NZ for some time and late last year went on a month long look-see and I can tell you that that had a major impact on our ideas. For example, we had previously looked at me getting a job with my current employers in Auckland but having been there we decided that we would far rather prefer to be based in Wellington where, hopefully, we're off to soon. In my view had we gone the Auckland route without having been there it would have been disasterous. Given complete freedom of choice I think we'd like to live in either Nelson or Christchurch but we'd be happy moving to Wellington and we only know this because we've been!
You know, with kids of 5 and 18 months you could take all the time you need to visit NZ and Oz for lengthy holidays and equip yourself with all the info you need to make a decision. You might even ultimately decided to buy a farmhouse in France and share your time between that and a home in the UK!! And if that's what turns out to be right for you you'll be glad you took the time and effort.
Mark
In your enviable position, why not plan some holidays in both Aus and NZ? You might even take your parents and inlaws. Until you've visited it would be an extremely silly (and potentially a very expensive thing) to choose one or other.
We have looked at NZ for some time and late last year went on a month long look-see and I can tell you that that had a major impact on our ideas. For example, we had previously looked at me getting a job with my current employers in Auckland but having been there we decided that we would far rather prefer to be based in Wellington where, hopefully, we're off to soon. In my view had we gone the Auckland route without having been there it would have been disasterous. Given complete freedom of choice I think we'd like to live in either Nelson or Christchurch but we'd be happy moving to Wellington and we only know this because we've been!
You know, with kids of 5 and 18 months you could take all the time you need to visit NZ and Oz for lengthy holidays and equip yourself with all the info you need to make a decision. You might even ultimately decided to buy a farmhouse in France and share your time between that and a home in the UK!! And if that's what turns out to be right for you you'll be glad you took the time and effort.
I certainly don't look forward to taking the youngest one on a 24 hour flight the 8 hours we did a week ago was bad enough!!!
#14
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
If you want big a big city where it happens and plenty of opportunity try Sydney. Housing is expensive to buy (not to rent) and there is traffic but Aucklanders say the thing. If weather is a factor look at NZ carefully as it can get cold there. Auckland weather is a lot wetter than Sydney.
NZ is for the quiet life.
NZ is for the quiet life.
#15
Banned
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,613
Suck it + see.
So much depends on you and your wife's feelings and response to life in NZ or Aus. I suggest you spend at least 3 months in each country but limit yourself to the more likely areas.
We're in NZ but I know QLD pretty well too and Sydney a bit.
Most non-hermits/ farmers will find living too far away from a largish town or city just too isolated - that does limit you a bit.
If you are serious about the scuba diving business, that means 95% choosing Aus (unless you are a masochist who likes cold water). Think customers - they are not masochists even if you are.
Personally, I can't imagine why anyone going to Aus would choose Perth as opposed to the East coast but the diving might change that - it's pretty good I hear on the west coast reefs area.
But your tourist dollar is still going to see Cairns as the gateway to the best accessible/ affordable diving in the world and most money is made getting people through OW.
So much depends on you and your wife's feelings and response to life in NZ or Aus. I suggest you spend at least 3 months in each country but limit yourself to the more likely areas.
We're in NZ but I know QLD pretty well too and Sydney a bit.
Most non-hermits/ farmers will find living too far away from a largish town or city just too isolated - that does limit you a bit.
If you are serious about the scuba diving business, that means 95% choosing Aus (unless you are a masochist who likes cold water). Think customers - they are not masochists even if you are.
Personally, I can't imagine why anyone going to Aus would choose Perth as opposed to the East coast but the diving might change that - it's pretty good I hear on the west coast reefs area.
But your tourist dollar is still going to see Cairns as the gateway to the best accessible/ affordable diving in the world and most money is made getting people through OW.