Originally Posted by hubbard

I think the NZ forum is the most negative because more immigrants are disappointed with their 'NZ dream' than anywhere else. The country is oversold, people's expectations are too high. The Kiwi dream is not how most live. Most live near a city for work purposes, and none of the cities are that brilliant or magnificent when compared to other world cities (Rome, Geneva, Vancouver, Sydney - I could go on). Most suffer in traffic because of limited public transport. Most live in a house that has been subdivided and so their view is of another house. Most end up shopping in Pak n Sav and cutting food coupons out in the newspapers to ensure making ends meet. Books and overseas travel become a luxury most can not afford. Yes there is more sunshine but there is also a lot more rain. Houses (particularly rentals) are cold and damp. This for so many ends up the Kiwi dream. Yes you can drive to Bay of Islands and other scenic places for a weekend away - but you can't live there unless you are a millionaire and don't need to work.

I am 100% sure this is why so many Kiwis live overseas, and so many migrants move onto Australia. You can look up the stats for these numbers and it is a shocker but all this people have left because the dream does not stack up. That is why the NZ gov had to lower the points so much - to attract anyone to come to NZ.

I know this isn't what native kiwis want to read and I think living there all your life probably makes a huge difference - but for alot of new migrants the scenario I have written may start as the Kiwi Dream but it soon becomes the Kiwi Nightmare.

Originally Posted by kelvynd

I acknowledge there may be some over-protective kiwi's.....but by and large they're not whinging....except for whinging about the whingers....which I guess is what i'm doing.

A stereotypical brit? heard the phrase whinging pom?
No offence meant to any brits here but i'm sure they all agree that this is their sterotype is it not....

Originally Posted by hubbard

I think the NZ forum is the most negative because more immigrants are disappointed with their 'NZ dream' than anywhere else. The country is oversold, people's expectations are too high. The Kiwi dream is not how most live. Most live near a city for work purposes, and none of the cities are that brilliant or magnificent when compared to other world cities (Rome, Geneva, Vancouver, Sydney - I could go on). Most suffer in traffic because of limited public transport. Most live in a house that has been subdivided and so their view is of another house. Most end up shopping in Pak n Sav and cutting food coupons out in the newspapers to ensure making ends meet. Books and overseas travel become a luxury most can not afford. Yes there is more sunshine but there is also a lot more rain. Houses (particularly rentals) are cold and damp. This for so many ends up the Kiwi dream. Yes you can drive to Bay of Islands and other scenic places for a weekend away - but you can't live there unless you are a millionaire and don't need to work.

I am 100% sure this is why so many Kiwis live overseas, and so many migrants move onto Australia. You can look up the stats for these numbers and it is a shocker but all this people have left because the dream does not stack up. That is why the NZ gov had to lower the points so much - to attract anyone to come to NZ.

I know this isn't what native kiwis want to read and I think living there all your life probably makes a huge difference - but for alot of new migrants the scenario I have written may start as the Kiwi Dream but it soon becomes the Kiwi Nightmare.

Originally Posted by melting pot

Thats a fair post.....I agree....but wont vote cause the option I want isnt available

Originally Posted by turkeytickler

I would add to that - for those that DO have the established base of a decent house and maybe a bach somewhere.... most kiwis only get 15 days a year holiday to enjoy the "lifestyle"

Originally Posted by silvermuse

i agree with u there hubbard. nz is made out to be this place of all hope and glory. unfortunately, that is a major disappointment when u get here. nz is nothing like its made out to be and that why is ppl find it hard to resist complaining about it. tbh, ppl are duped into coming here, believing this is the kingdom of heaven itself. why are there 14,000 kiwis leaving their own country every week? we arent the only ones complaining!

Originally Posted by Batty

Now you KNOW that that is changing don't you? 20 days minimum from next year (or is it 2007?)

Originally Posted by Batty

Now you KNOW that that is changing don't you? 20 days minimum from next year (or is it 2007?)

Originally Posted by silvermuse

i agree with u there hubbard. nz is made out to be this place of all hope and glory. unfortunately, that is a major disappointment when u get here. nz is nothing like its made out to be and that why is ppl find it hard to resist complaining about it. tbh, ppl are duped into coming here, believing this is the kingdom of heaven itself. why are there 14,000 kiwis leaving their own country every week? we arent the only ones complaining!

Originally Posted by Apollo10

I thought the figure put on Kiwis to just Oz was 600 a week.

Originally Posted by Nice Guy

So where do the other 13,400 per week go????????

Anyone got any ideas????????