How many are moving on?
#46
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,225
Re: Hi many are moving on?
It's a separate site to this one, just add a .com or google the name and you'll find it
#47
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,225
Re: Hi many are moving on?
Kewl! That could work out quite well then if rental costs go up, I guess you'd have to re-submit every new tax year showing the market rents of comparable properties?
#48
BE Enthusiast
Joined: May 2005
Location: In a house very close to the beach
Posts: 984
Re: Hi many are moving on?
Just done that this week as weve been here 15 months now, work does it all I have just got to sign the form!
I think it'll go up a few hundy this year
I think it'll go up a few hundy this year
#49
Re: Hi many are moving on?
Ooooh, dangerous thread. People will actually give reasons for not liking NZ and the brigade that refuse to hear anything negative will get on their soapboxes. Should have made this a private PM response than you'll get more people to respond who will give their genuine observations and not be seen as making inflammatory comments.
NZ has some good qualities, but its clear to see who it works for and who it doesn't as a place to reside full time. There are many aspects of the UK that I like and miss. But I have chosen not to move back there. I guess the greatest of all the reasons to leave (and the one that will least cause a scene) is simply the isolation. That just about covers every aspect of life in NZ. They're an isolated bunch and they don't care, which is absolutely fine - but not for me. You know what it reminds me of? When I was in Las Vegas and Sept 11 happened in NY. I was completely cut off. The news coverage was dire, the flights were cancelled, all the rental cars were taken. I was a million miles from nowhere with people that couldn't understand why glorious America had been attacked - who could do such a thing? Blah, blah. LV turned out a lot of lights just in case anyone attacked it. It was a dull time, people crowded around tv monitors to watch the same footage over and over - the plane slamming into the towers to be precise. I suddenly felt very alone. Actually, take that feeling and then turn the clock back 30 years! That should just about cover it!
Still, I don't begrudge anyone that has found a home in NZ. And I wish them well.
NZ has some good qualities, but its clear to see who it works for and who it doesn't as a place to reside full time. There are many aspects of the UK that I like and miss. But I have chosen not to move back there. I guess the greatest of all the reasons to leave (and the one that will least cause a scene) is simply the isolation. That just about covers every aspect of life in NZ. They're an isolated bunch and they don't care, which is absolutely fine - but not for me. You know what it reminds me of? When I was in Las Vegas and Sept 11 happened in NY. I was completely cut off. The news coverage was dire, the flights were cancelled, all the rental cars were taken. I was a million miles from nowhere with people that couldn't understand why glorious America had been attacked - who could do such a thing? Blah, blah. LV turned out a lot of lights just in case anyone attacked it. It was a dull time, people crowded around tv monitors to watch the same footage over and over - the plane slamming into the towers to be precise. I suddenly felt very alone. Actually, take that feeling and then turn the clock back 30 years! That should just about cover it!
Still, I don't begrudge anyone that has found a home in NZ. And I wish them well.
#50
Re: Hi many are moving on?
I can easily cite negatives about NZ and we are considering a move to Oz at some point, but I really don't understand people for whom NZ/Oz/Canada/wherever doesn't suit them and they then can see no good in the place but remain here (there) doing the whole country and culture down; the people become contemptible, the weather unbearable, the culture backward and blah blah. Black and white thinking folks- doesn't bode well
Less good things about NZ are well covered by the NZIS, imo:
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/settlementpack/
Less good things about NZ are well covered by the NZIS, imo:
First, a few considerations
New Zealand is a small and distant country. For those accustomed to larger, more metropolitan societies this can come as a shock. Of all New Zealand’s cities only Auckland with a population of over a million, about 25% of the national total, would qualify as a major city. For many migrants, our other centres have more the feel of a country town and provincial towns often seem more like villages. If you love big city life, these features will not appeal. Our smallness is also reflected in other ways. The range of consumer goods is more limited and prices are sometimes higher. When compared with larger developed economies, New Zealand wage scales are also lower. This has to be kept in mind when comparing living costs which must be measured in terms of your New Zealand not your current salary. The opportunity to develop highly specialised skills is more limited. Standards tend to be more uniform, with few schools and no universities comprising an elite.
Although new technologies are constantly making it easier for us to keep in touch, quick overseas trips are not an option. Our closest neighbour, Australia, is still three hours flying-time away and overseas travel remains costly and time consuming. Divorce rates amongst migrants are high and distance from family and friends is often a contributing factor. If family and friends are important to you, this is something you’ll need to weigh carefully before choosing to settle here.
New Zealand is a new society. Although Maori settlement of Aotearoa goes back almost a thousand years, the cultural roots of other New Zealanders go back little more than 150. A rich sense of history and tradition is something you will not find here. Freedom from the past can liberate but for some,thjs lack of history can engender feelings of isolation and loss. As a new country we also have our own way of doing things. Our housing is lightly constructed and employs different materials and styles. Two-storey houses, double glazing and central heating are uncommon and construction is generally of wood or manufactured materials. Our roads are usually limited to two lanes and in the country often have a gravel or metalled surface. We are also a do- it-yourself culture. If you want things done about the house, you must generally do them yourself. Home decorating and renovation is a national obsession and you’ll need to take a hands-on approach to most things. Domestic servants are not available and status counts for little. As a New Zealander you will be expected not to stand on your dignity and ‘muck in’ like a good Kiwi, whatever the occasion.
New Zealand is a small and distant country. For those accustomed to larger, more metropolitan societies this can come as a shock. Of all New Zealand’s cities only Auckland with a population of over a million, about 25% of the national total, would qualify as a major city. For many migrants, our other centres have more the feel of a country town and provincial towns often seem more like villages. If you love big city life, these features will not appeal. Our smallness is also reflected in other ways. The range of consumer goods is more limited and prices are sometimes higher. When compared with larger developed economies, New Zealand wage scales are also lower. This has to be kept in mind when comparing living costs which must be measured in terms of your New Zealand not your current salary. The opportunity to develop highly specialised skills is more limited. Standards tend to be more uniform, with few schools and no universities comprising an elite.
Although new technologies are constantly making it easier for us to keep in touch, quick overseas trips are not an option. Our closest neighbour, Australia, is still three hours flying-time away and overseas travel remains costly and time consuming. Divorce rates amongst migrants are high and distance from family and friends is often a contributing factor. If family and friends are important to you, this is something you’ll need to weigh carefully before choosing to settle here.
New Zealand is a new society. Although Maori settlement of Aotearoa goes back almost a thousand years, the cultural roots of other New Zealanders go back little more than 150. A rich sense of history and tradition is something you will not find here. Freedom from the past can liberate but for some,thjs lack of history can engender feelings of isolation and loss. As a new country we also have our own way of doing things. Our housing is lightly constructed and employs different materials and styles. Two-storey houses, double glazing and central heating are uncommon and construction is generally of wood or manufactured materials. Our roads are usually limited to two lanes and in the country often have a gravel or metalled surface. We are also a do- it-yourself culture. If you want things done about the house, you must generally do them yourself. Home decorating and renovation is a national obsession and you’ll need to take a hands-on approach to most things. Domestic servants are not available and status counts for little. As a New Zealander you will be expected not to stand on your dignity and ‘muck in’ like a good Kiwi, whatever the occasion.
#51
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,813
Re: Hi many are moving on?
I really don't understand people for whom NZ/Oz/Canada/wherever doesn't suit them and they then can see no good in the place but remain here (there) doing the whole country and culture down; the people become contemptible, the weather unbearable, the culture backward and blah blah.
Then again, I'm not a mental health professional and I'm probably talking shit.
#52
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,225
Re: Hi many are moving on?
I can easily cite negatives about NZ and we are considering a move to Oz at some point, but I really don't understand people for whom NZ/Oz/Canada/wherever doesn't suit them and they then can see no good in the place but remain here (there) doing the whole country and culture down; the people become contemptible, the weather unbearable, the culture backward and blah blah. Black and white thinking folks- doesn't bode well
Some compassion and support is called for I think. If for no other reason than what goes round tends to come round.
#53
Re: Hi many are moving on?
bourbon biscuit, my GOD what I'd give for one those right now, mmmmmm.....
This entire thread is based on why people are leaving, so I think they're entitled to cite reasons without being bashed for it. I also believe that those, like me, are currently in the process of arranging a new home, thus not sticking it out and moaning the whole time. There is nothing worse than someone that moans everyday about their location but DOES NOTHING to change it. I, as the others have tried to make NZ my home and I STILL do see things I like about it and enjoy it. I think even people that detest NZ with all their little heart can see positives about the place. Afterall, my husband was created here, so I have much to be thankful for (waaaaah, miss you darling). Oh and so was my number 1 and 3rd baby!
This entire thread is based on why people are leaving, so I think they're entitled to cite reasons without being bashed for it. I also believe that those, like me, are currently in the process of arranging a new home, thus not sticking it out and moaning the whole time. There is nothing worse than someone that moans everyday about their location but DOES NOTHING to change it. I, as the others have tried to make NZ my home and I STILL do see things I like about it and enjoy it. I think even people that detest NZ with all their little heart can see positives about the place. Afterall, my husband was created here, so I have much to be thankful for (waaaaah, miss you darling). Oh and so was my number 1 and 3rd baby!
#54
Re: Hi many are moving on?
I'm sorry HappyNZ, I like you and I like your work - even though I don't always agree! But I have to say, I do believe you are talking shit. I don't think you can generalise everyone's unhappiness as being self made. A situation takes an unbearable toll on a person. Living in a country they don't like isn't just about the inconvenience of it all. A lot us strived to make NZ our home and came here with open hearts - and immigrating is a HUGE HUGE deal, in case you didn't know?! Anyway, when the dust settles and you start living (past the honeymoon stage) and you realise, hell ,this isn't for me. It takes a lot of guts to come to terms with making a mistake. You have to try and forge a way forward through the mess. This kind of thing can break a marriage, a person. Sorry for being so dramatic, but I don't think you should belittle the feelings of me and others that have had to start all over because the cat didn't fit afterall. Do you know what I mean?
#55
Re: Hi many are moving on?
I think perhaps some people come out here with the stakes too high or something because NZ doesn't owe anyone anything so there's no cause for bitterness if it doesn't suit.
Nerine- I hear what you're saying, I honestly do, and I actually have a lot of compassion for people struggling to adjust to life here (have a couple of rl friends in this position, I feel their pain and I'm not 100% at peace with it here either). My grievance isn't with people finding it hard or struggling, and I'm not lacking in compassion because I find insulting generalisations insulting!!! It's good to share the problems of living in NZ but there's a line between doing so in a constructive manner and just relentlessly sounding off about the *whole* place in a derogatory manner.
O, I don't know- perhaps I just have a high standard of manners
#57
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,225
Re: Hi many are moving on?
On any forum people are going to get bashed for the comments they make, it's a fact of life. Just so long as people are allowed to put all points of view across, a balance is struck and it doesn't descend into a personal slagging match I can't see what the problem is.
You're always going to get people who say "well, change it or **** off out of it if you don't like it" but saying it and being able to do it are two different things.
(just supplying some balance here)
You're always going to get people who say "well, change it or **** off out of it if you don't like it" but saying it and being able to do it are two different things.
(just supplying some balance here)
#58
Re: Hi many are moving on?
bourbon biscuit, my GOD what I'd give for one those right now, mmmmmm..... tell me about it- my stash from rellies ran out weeks ago
This entire thread is based on why people are leaving, so I think they're entitled to cite reasons without being bashed for it. I also believe that those, like me, are currently in the process of arranging a new home, thus not sticking it out and moaning the whole time. There is nothing worse than someone that moans everyday about their location but DOES NOTHING to change it. I, as the others have tried to make NZ my home and I STILL do see things I like about it and enjoy it. I think even people that detest NZ with all their little heart can see positives about the place. Afterall, my husband was created here, so I have much to be thankful for (waaaaah, miss you darling). Oh and so was my number 1 and 3rd baby!
This entire thread is based on why people are leaving, so I think they're entitled to cite reasons without being bashed for it. I also believe that those, like me, are currently in the process of arranging a new home, thus not sticking it out and moaning the whole time. There is nothing worse than someone that moans everyday about their location but DOES NOTHING to change it. I, as the others have tried to make NZ my home and I STILL do see things I like about it and enjoy it. I think even people that detest NZ with all their little heart can see positives about the place. Afterall, my husband was created here, so I have much to be thankful for (waaaaah, miss you darling). Oh and so was my number 1 and 3rd baby!
#59
Re: Hi many are moving on?
No, I think that is quite true. But there is a middle way between blaming oneself and blaming everything Kiwi and making insulting sweeping generalisations about New Zealand and Kiwi culture.
I think perhaps some people come out here with the stakes too high or something because NZ doesn't owe anyone anything so there's no cause for bitterness if it doesn't suit.
Nerine- I hear what you're saying, I honestly do, and I actually have a lot of compassion for people struggling to adjust to life here (have a couple of rl friends in this position, I feel their pain and I'm not 100% at peace with it here either). My grievance isn't with people finding it hard or struggling, and I'm not lacking in compassion because I find insulting generalisations insulting!!! It's good to share the problems of living in NZ but there's a line between doing so in a constructive manner and just relentlessly sounding off about the *whole* place in a derogatory manner.
O, I don't know- perhaps I just have a high standard of manners
I think perhaps some people come out here with the stakes too high or something because NZ doesn't owe anyone anything so there's no cause for bitterness if it doesn't suit.
Nerine- I hear what you're saying, I honestly do, and I actually have a lot of compassion for people struggling to adjust to life here (have a couple of rl friends in this position, I feel their pain and I'm not 100% at peace with it here either). My grievance isn't with people finding it hard or struggling, and I'm not lacking in compassion because I find insulting generalisations insulting!!! It's good to share the problems of living in NZ but there's a line between doing so in a constructive manner and just relentlessly sounding off about the *whole* place in a derogatory manner.
O, I don't know- perhaps I just have a high standard of manners
#60
Re: Hi many are moving on?
[QUOTE=Littletoe;6236445]
Dead right- but saying "I find pakn'save an unbearable experience- how do Kiwi's cope with it?" is soooooo different to saying "kiwi's know no better than shopping pakn'save, they're so one eyed". Do you see what I mean? I do sound off about the isolation and about being cut adrift from my English culture (the BBC- what I wouldn't do for the BBC to set up shop in NZ) but I hope I stay the right side of rude and obnoxious (well, possibly not the latter ).
Come on bourbon, you're telling me that you've not let off steam at a service you've had, or a country you went to on holiday to, a culture that you couldn't understand?? If you've never let off steam and vented than you must clearly be god reincarnate in a sheep. Lets be honest, that saying, 'can't see the wood for the trees' comes from somewhere. Some of us post a few negatives, whoopdidoooo, but then some of us also post some positives too. Take Nerine for example (sorry nerine) blimey, she sure takes some whoop arse whips, but she does post things that make sense and can be positive. And can be helpful. So who's going to begrudge her, or me, or anyone for that matter.