kiwibrit86

Hey all

Just thought I'd say hello and see if there was anyone out there similar to myself! I've been living in Christchurch for nearly 2 years (came over with work) and still struggle to meet people near my own age (24). I work in tourism so many people I do meet don't stay here for long!

Of the other Brits I do come across, many do comment on the invisible "cultural divide" that we can have with the kiwis - although we may look the same and speak the same language, there certainly can be a lack of easy connection at times. Does anyone else find this?

If anyone has any good suggestions on how to meet new people in CHCH/NZ without coming across like a total loser pls share!

Ellen

Jan n Neil

You are welcome round here for a bit of tea n cake, it,s been a while since we where 24 tho

Neil

Wiz'n'Ton

Hey Ellen - I know exactly what you mean. When the missus and I first got here we went through the same thing and experienced the same issues. When it came to meeting kiwi friends everyone was nice as pie on the surface and then we'd never hear from them again! It seems to be that unless you've been around for a while, people just don't trust that you'll be around in the future and so don't put the effort into you.

the best way we found of meeting folks was through pursuing interests. Freediving, fishing and watersports has given me a decent network of Kiwi mates, and sports in general like Netball has worked well for others - get involved in a team sport and you're away.

Good luck, and like Jan'n'Neil say, you're welcome to drop over to ours too but we're more the 30 mark! I still feel 18 though

Tray

Hi Ellen,
Be as pro-active as you can if u fancy a coffee or walk on the beach in Sumner let me know (as long as u don't mind socialising with someone twice your age! still feel 24 though, not an old lady yet!!) or if u fancy a joint trip to Rangiora to visit Neil (as long as you don't mind dogs i could drive u could navigate?! send me a mess if u fancy any of the above on your day off,......it's always good to chat
ttfn Tray

kiwibrit86

Cheers all - sounds good, thanks for the replies but I am unexpectedly away back to UK until end of August - will repost when back and see if anyone is up to much then!

El

kiwieire

Hey,

New to this, and not actually british, but am having the same problems It's a big huge divide, even though I work in a school, there's a huge age divide!I'm only 23, and everyone else is older

Would love to try and make some new friends out here as me and my fiance are really feeling it!

Tray

Hey there,
Here is something for you both;
'Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul...& sings the tune without words...& never stops' -Emily Dickinson.
Don't give up..we've been here since Feb and i was feeling the same but now i've made two close friends.One i met last time we were on holiday here (4 years ago) and the other whilst walking my dog on the beach..you never know when your'e going to make that special connection with someone your own age but when you do it's great and well worth the wait

kiwibrit86

Someone once said it takes 4 years to feel properly integrated ha ha I'm half way there if so! Whereabouts are you living now kiwieire and where are you from?

Barberella

Hi Ellen

Me my partner and son have been here 6 months now and i am finding it hard to meet people or even find somebody that gets my humour... Painful sometimes the Kiwi's hehe

After that bloody earthquake that made me poo my pants nearly i miss my friends and family even more! Said to my partner if it happens again im going home!!!

Where bouts you living in Christchurch Ellen? Im 37 but a very young 37 i have you know and i have an 11 year old son!

Look forward to hearing back from you

Barbie x

Dustybin

since when was 37 old??? now where is my walking stick...

Barberella

Ok i'm not old Any damage after the quake?

staceyg

Hi there! Just wanted to introduce myself and hopefully meet some people!! I'm 32 from Christchurch (in Dorset, England) co-incidently! I've been living in Auckland for the past 15 months and have just arrived in Christchurch so I can see some of the south island before I leave for the UK next year.
I don't know a single soul here!! I know it will be easier once I start work.. but if anyone is out there and would like to meet for a cup of tea and a chat I'd really appreciate it (not wanting to sound too desperate..!) My boyf will be arriving in a couple of weeks, but Id like to try and meet a few people before he gets here, and it might also stop me spending too much time shopping instead! Hope to hear from you !

Tray

Hi Stacey,
What a time to arrive in Christchurchif you fancy a bit of time out in sumner, sea air & sand between ure toes! catch a bus at the station a.s.a.p and i'll meet you for a tea/coffee- lots of nice cafes here i'm close to ure age too Tray( pm me & we can swap no's)

staceyg

Hi Tray thanks for your message! For some reason it won't let me PM you.. something about a restriction! anyway, you can email me at [email protected] and I can reply to your private email? - love to come over to Sumner to see the sea!

SuffolkbritinNZ

Hi
I'm a 28 female from Suffolk in UK, have been living in Christchurch almost 2 years now. Am currently back in UK but will be back in Christchurch in 2 weeks and so if anyone's keen to meet up for a coffee - let me know! Always great to see a friendly Blighty face!!