Originally Posted by expomm

Of course its not cheaper to live her in NZ what else is it linked to than wages the bottom line is that wages in NZ are terrible compared to equivalents around the world. As a plumber/heating engineer I am seriously struggling to keep my head above water - and thats after 4 months. - I think its inevitable that we will end up back in the UK. what shocks me most about NZ is that my quality of life has dropped drasticly when we thought it would improve. The way i see it his country(nz) is in serious trouble - there are 600 people leaving a WEEK, its obvious why- no money here. I can fully understand the comment from the person who said they left due to no money no job and no future, i can really see why that would be true. my personal opinion is that this is one of the most expensive places ive ever been in comparison to wages, my friends inbali indonesia have a better quality of life compared to what they earn.........

Originally Posted by CWEMM02

We see lots of posts about the cost of living in NZ. It won't last forever. I know that there has been lots of talk by Dr. Bollard and private sector economists for the last year. Also, I saw an interview on NZ TV about how higher interest rates will not drop house prices, though they will level off. Please keep in mind that if more people leave than arrive, or the net increase due to immigration continues as it has done as of late big costs like houses are bound to get cheaper in foreign currency terms. New Zealand is at peak adn hopefully will have a soft landing. We are planning or renting for at least a year or longer and holding off on currency conversion past our August 2006 arrival. Keep you rental costs down, save the difference, invest your money at 9% or so in some quality Australian company debt and enter the real estate market when it has cooled off.

Michael

Originally Posted by isv

Very sensible. If things don't slow down quickly NZ will have a major problem on its hands (well not NZ exactly, but Mr/Mrs Average who are carrying all the debt).

http://tvnz.co.nz/view/video_popup_windows_skin/624243

Originally Posted by benultimate

general price levels or inflation are really the only general indicator of this activity, inflation has only just breached the reserve bank guildeline by +.04%, economys experience cycles-troughs and peaks etc..the reserve band has a good track record (last10-15yrs) of containing inflation, i wouldnt get to worried..the heat will be taken out of the over-inflated housing market..the rise in the ocr last week is seeing to part of that, with bollard saying he will increase the ocr if it doesnt..we used to have infaltion running up2 5-10% this aint bad, give it three years prices i belive will level off with some cities seeing a reduction..its not supply/demand driven (which is real)..rather over-infaltion (ie artifical)

Originally Posted by Gill and Rob

There is a lot of talk about interest rates going up because the rate of the rise in the inflation rate. I don't think this is a major problem as it is effecting many countries, and it is down to the increase in the price of oil. I expect countries will start to relax their inflation targets slightly until the oil price problem sorts itself out.

Robert

Originally Posted by mumomonty

Spot On NZ Climber. Thanks for putting it down so well on 'paper'.

Originally Posted by Rascal

I will second all that too NZC. Its exactly how it is, some kiwis cant accept it, but I have some kiwi friends who will admit to the same.
One of the reasons we will be leaving this country as soon as everything is sorted. One long financial struggle here for us.
I will miss alll the friends I have made here though, kiwi and other nationals which is a shame really.

Originally Posted by NZ Climber

Basically in a lot of ways, they're just f******g rude.

Originally Posted by hubbard

I found them to be very friendly and open, the Aussies too. Much more so than the Brits IMHO. Only thing that they don't get is the our humour, humour in NZ and Aus is far more basic. But as for trusting and friendly people I thought they were great, didn't like NZ but liked it's people.

Originally Posted by NZ Climber

How long were you here?

I agree with everything you say IF you are on holiday or passing through, or a complete stranger. If you live here or are trying to make real friends, instead of just expecting strangers in campsites, shops and pubs to be nice to you, you'll find it much more difficult.

Originally Posted by NZ Climber

Basically in a lot of ways, they're just f******g rude.

Originally Posted by CWEMM02

A year out should see your pounds go further on exchange and the house prices should have levelled off. A realestate agent is suggesting that there may be some mortgage sales on the horizon and our timing of August 2006 could be fortunate.

Michael

Originally Posted by Apollo10

The exact same was being booted about this time last year.