reecefam

Hi,
I have been offered a job in New Zealand but the more i look on the various ex pat web sites, i am not sure why people have moved!
We have two girls, aged 11 & 8.
Can you tell me say 5 things, where New Zealand is a lot better place to live than England and may be 5 things, which you miss from England?
Maybe i am getting nervous but i see more people moaning than saying they made the right decision by moving!
PLEASE help!
Martin

littleal

Hi Martin

Whereabouts is your job? Have you been to NZ?

We went on a recce and the country is completely different depending where you are and on which island. We are hoping to emigrate with our kids but visiting did help us decide where would suit us best.

Congratulations on the job offer.
Good luck

reecefam

Hi...no we have not been ourselves, just family who have been over there for holidays...and a lot of time spent on !
I like the look of the north island...and the weather!
What did you like/dislike about the country?
Martin

littleal

We liked everywhere (apart from Greymouth - hope I don't offend anyone here). But some bits were very isolated which is great for a holiday but not so great for bringing up kids.

We didn't do much of North Island. I liked Auckland but it was too big for us to live there. I loved Napier. I couldn't give you a balanced view of Wellington as the weather was bad when we were there which limited our sight-seeing.

We fancy Christchurch because the climate seems OK - not too extreme - and the size and culture of the place are similar to home. I'm applying for jobs like mad.

Good luck

happynz

I'm not British so I can't compare New Zealand to the UK. However, here are some things that I find attractive about New Zealand:

1. The countryside can be stunningly beautiful. You can be cruising along and it just strikes you, 'Damn, this place is gorgeous!'

2. Summers here (when they arrive) are very comfortable.

3. Heaps of fresh quality foods and if someone is halfway competent in the kitchen one can easily turn out some fabulous meals.

4. Less pressure on keeping up with the Joneses. No-one really cares if someone is driving the latest Range Rover or a beat up Toyota ute with 450,000kms.

5. Really crap TV so there is no temptation to become a couch potato.

reecefam

Thank you both for your replies...i am just getting a little nervous!
I was aiming to look at Northland, as properties were cheaper than in Auckland and the climate looked good!
Do you guys not have Sat. TV over there?
Anyway of watching any Football games!!

SWALLOW2

Yes I can understand your nervousness as we are in a similar situation. There does appear a lot of moaning and not enough positive vibes. Would love to hear a few more positives! Good Luck.

P2L

Good Stuff

1. Better Climate (14deg here yesterday and snow in the valley!!)
2. Not so much pressure on the kids
3. Don't have to keep up with the Jones's
4. More time together as a family
5. More time spent outdoors, not in front of TV, computer etc

Bad Stuff
1. Miss people badly although webcam helps
2. Not the selection of goods available and quality can vary greatly
3. Geography of NZ means that you can feel isolated at times
4. The insulation/heating issue can be a problem although it is improving
5. Making kiwi friends takes time esp if you don't work.

happynz

There's twenty-four hours of broadcasting, just not that much worthwhile watching. As for watching football (I assume you mean something like soccer) you'd have to have SKY TV for that.

As for Northland, yes, there are less expensive properties there. It is also very attractive there. However, and it's depending on your skills of course, finding suitable well-paid employment might prove to be a challenge.

justinthyme

Good:

1: Super Fishing
2: Super Boating
3: Less PC than the UK

reecefam

Thanks...what would you say was a good salary then...to live ok in New Zealand.
We would be renting a house for around $500 a week and there is four of us.
Obviously do not know what cost of living etc. is like compared to here so do not know what a good salary is!
So £30k here...would be worth what in New Zealand to get the same sort of living?

happynz

I think if you get stuck into a dualistic mindset of naming A as being better than B then you are going to run into some traps. Life isn't static and what may be an advantage at one time may prove to be a hindrance later. That's life, eh? Suffice to say that there are some universal human commonalities in both places and there are some differences in how folks approach the environment in which they live. Your own efforts and attitudes will determine if the move to New Zealand is for you or not.

I will put away my ten cent philosophy primer now.

reecefam

I quite agree happy...but there are a lot of negative views on here...and i was looking for confirmation of some positives!

happynz

Fair enough. OK, yesterday was an absolutely crackin' excellent beautiful winter's day here in Christchurch. Bright bright sunshine, 16 C and fairly mild breezes. To top it off my wife made an awesome chicken and saffron rice evening meal. It was a good day.

reecefam

Sounds great...being in the South Island...i thought you guys had heavy frosts and snow!!!