Is life in new zealand a bed of roses?????
#16
Re: Is life in new zealand a bed of roses?????
Is the Kiwi lifestyle as good for kids as everyone says? What do you think makes it so good, if you don't mind my asking?
By the way, we're really hoping so, its one of the main reasons we want to make the move!
By the way, we're really hoping so, its one of the main reasons we want to make the move!
#17
Re: Is life in new zealand a bed of roses?????
All the sports teams i've come across have had girls in them-with no problem to anyone.
My 11 yr old,who hated,or at least never even considered sport in UK, watched her brother play football,cricket,and basketball, and went and joined the netball team, wants to join a footy team,and if it hadn't meant getting up at 0745 on a Saturday,would've joined the cricket team too.
For us,this was all unheard of 18 months ago.
My kids are nowhere near as street wise as the kids they associated with in UK, and out here,they can express themselves much better without fear of ridicule. They walk to and from school without us sweating too much, sleepovers are common, and in most cases a small population means we can socialise with the parents too,so everyone's a winner.
My 9 yr old boy has an earring! A bloody earring!! Now that confidence was just not there last year.
#18
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Joined: Apr 2008
Location: leicestershire now living in Canterbury
Posts: 67
Re: Is life in new zealand a bed of roses?????
To put it mildly,our kids aren't sharing their free time with nasty little robbing scallies.
All the sports teams i've come across have had girls in them-with no problem to anyone.
My 11 yr old,who hated,or at least never even considered sport in UK, watched her brother play football,cricket,and basketball, and went and joined the netball team, wants to join a footy team,and if it hadn't meant getting up at 0745 on a Saturday,would've joined the cricket team too.
For us,this was all unheard of 18 months ago.
My kids are nowhere near as street wise as the kids they associated with in UK, and out here,they can express themselves much better without fear of ridicule. They walk to and from school without us sweating too much, sleepovers are common, and in most cases a small population means we can socialise with the parents too,so everyone's a winner.
My 9 yr old boy has an earring! A bloody earring!! Now that confidence was just not there last year.
All the sports teams i've come across have had girls in them-with no problem to anyone.
My 11 yr old,who hated,or at least never even considered sport in UK, watched her brother play football,cricket,and basketball, and went and joined the netball team, wants to join a footy team,and if it hadn't meant getting up at 0745 on a Saturday,would've joined the cricket team too.
For us,this was all unheard of 18 months ago.
My kids are nowhere near as street wise as the kids they associated with in UK, and out here,they can express themselves much better without fear of ridicule. They walk to and from school without us sweating too much, sleepovers are common, and in most cases a small population means we can socialise with the parents too,so everyone's a winner.
My 9 yr old boy has an earring! A bloody earring!! Now that confidence was just not there last year.
#19
Re: Is life in new zealand a bed of roses?????
Seriously-the excitement sorts that out. The enthusiasm is superb. You won't have any bother when the team are doing the same. It's almost addictive. Having said that,footy starts tomorrow,his game's at 1000, and mine at 2pm. Wife's a bit pissed off,but at me-not my kid. Typical.
#20
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Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2008
Location: leicestershire now living in Canterbury
Posts: 67
Re: Is life in new zealand a bed of roses?????
Hi gozzy
My situation is very different from yours, but I've only recently arrived here (Wellington) so I'll give you my thoughts as someone who is still adapting to life in New Zealand.
First - my situation back in the UK
Location in the UK: Leeds (but worked all over the place)
Wife & kids: None (long story)
Age: 43
Profession: IT (freelance contractor so I sit behind a desk and the most exercise I get is from pushing my mouse. No fresh air at all.)
Reason for coming here: I've wanted to for ages, because of the outdoor & sporting culture & opportunities. Also hoping for better work-life balance.
Now I'm here
Arrived: Middle of January
Location: Wellington
Work: As before - an IT contractor. (The money is good but still a lot less than the UK.)
My thoughts
Life probably isn't a bed of roses anywhere. It depends what things are important to you.
In New Zealand, there seem to be lots more opportunities for sports and general outdoor leisure pursuits. People are friendly. I've yet to see a fight (or even an argument) when I've been on a night out. Teenagers loitering in one part of Wellington city centre can be boisterous, but I've never felt that they're malicious or any kind of threat.
I know this summer has been the best for years, but I believe the weather here is generally less depressing than the UK. It does rain, and it can rain pretty hard. The cloud can settle low over Wellington and hide the tops of the surrounding hills. The wind can blow. But there are fewer grey days than in the UK. The clouds gather, the rain falls, the clouds disappear, and next day the skies are blue again.
How old are your kids? What do they like doing? They might find the music scene a bit limited here (so might you). But if they like outdoor stuff they'll probably like New Zealand.
For me personally - like I said I'm still adapting. I came out here on my own, I only knew one other person in NZ (who lives about 5 hours drive away). I'm still forming acquaintances and friendships. I'm doing sports that I haven't done for ages (football, possibly some rugby) and I'm trying others that I've never done before (kayaking, kitesurfing). With no family considerations, I had the freedom to gamble and just take the plunge. That's a luxury that you don't have. On the other hand, sometimes it's tough being here on my own. At least you'll have your family with you.
My summary so far
It's been easier for me to take the plunge, because I only have myself to worry about. I've only been here a couple of months, so who knows whether I'll stay? But there's lots of really great stuff here. There's a lot to love about this country and the people are great. Really friendly. I know there's a lot to love about the UK too (especially Yorkshire ) but, in all honesty, at the moment it feels like I've gained more than I've lost. I'm enjoying it here, and winter hasn't even arrived yet (as a snowboarder, the prospect of a New Zealand winter is getting me excited).
One thing that I can already say for sure - I did the right thing by coming out here. It would have eaten me up inside if I'd never tried it. If I decide it's not for me, I'll go back to the UK with loads of new experiences and memories and stories to tell, and I'll know that I gave it a go. And I don't mean this in a smug way, but I'll also feel that I can be proud of myself for actually trying, instead of just wondering.
So I don't know if I'll make a new life here, but I already know I've done the right thing by coming here and trying. I think it's a great place.
I don't know if that helps at all, and I'm sorry if it sounds corny. If only I was better with words.
My situation is very different from yours, but I've only recently arrived here (Wellington) so I'll give you my thoughts as someone who is still adapting to life in New Zealand.
First - my situation back in the UK
Location in the UK: Leeds (but worked all over the place)
Wife & kids: None (long story)
Age: 43
Profession: IT (freelance contractor so I sit behind a desk and the most exercise I get is from pushing my mouse. No fresh air at all.)
Reason for coming here: I've wanted to for ages, because of the outdoor & sporting culture & opportunities. Also hoping for better work-life balance.
Now I'm here
Arrived: Middle of January
Location: Wellington
Work: As before - an IT contractor. (The money is good but still a lot less than the UK.)
My thoughts
Life probably isn't a bed of roses anywhere. It depends what things are important to you.
In New Zealand, there seem to be lots more opportunities for sports and general outdoor leisure pursuits. People are friendly. I've yet to see a fight (or even an argument) when I've been on a night out. Teenagers loitering in one part of Wellington city centre can be boisterous, but I've never felt that they're malicious or any kind of threat.
I know this summer has been the best for years, but I believe the weather here is generally less depressing than the UK. It does rain, and it can rain pretty hard. The cloud can settle low over Wellington and hide the tops of the surrounding hills. The wind can blow. But there are fewer grey days than in the UK. The clouds gather, the rain falls, the clouds disappear, and next day the skies are blue again.
How old are your kids? What do they like doing? They might find the music scene a bit limited here (so might you). But if they like outdoor stuff they'll probably like New Zealand.
For me personally - like I said I'm still adapting. I came out here on my own, I only knew one other person in NZ (who lives about 5 hours drive away). I'm still forming acquaintances and friendships. I'm doing sports that I haven't done for ages (football, possibly some rugby) and I'm trying others that I've never done before (kayaking, kitesurfing). With no family considerations, I had the freedom to gamble and just take the plunge. That's a luxury that you don't have. On the other hand, sometimes it's tough being here on my own. At least you'll have your family with you.
My summary so far
It's been easier for me to take the plunge, because I only have myself to worry about. I've only been here a couple of months, so who knows whether I'll stay? But there's lots of really great stuff here. There's a lot to love about this country and the people are great. Really friendly. I know there's a lot to love about the UK too (especially Yorkshire ) but, in all honesty, at the moment it feels like I've gained more than I've lost. I'm enjoying it here, and winter hasn't even arrived yet (as a snowboarder, the prospect of a New Zealand winter is getting me excited).
One thing that I can already say for sure - I did the right thing by coming out here. It would have eaten me up inside if I'd never tried it. If I decide it's not for me, I'll go back to the UK with loads of new experiences and memories and stories to tell, and I'll know that I gave it a go. And I don't mean this in a smug way, but I'll also feel that I can be proud of myself for actually trying, instead of just wondering.
So I don't know if I'll make a new life here, but I already know I've done the right thing by coming here and trying. I think it's a great place.
I don't know if that helps at all, and I'm sorry if it sounds corny. If only I was better with words.
#21
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Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2008
Location: leicestershire now living in Canterbury
Posts: 67
Re: Is life in new zealand a bed of roses?????
Seriously-the excitement sorts that out. The enthusiasm is superb. You won't have any bother when the team are doing the same. It's almost addictive. Having said that,footy starts tomorrow,his game's at 1000, and mine at 2pm. Wife's a bit pissed off,but at me-not my kid. Typical.
#22
Re: Is life in new zealand a bed of roses?????
Example: As a family we work hard, but at the end of the day after a hard days work we have heaps more time here, time enough to walk to the beach swim in the sea. These are thing we didn't do in the UK except during holiday times because we were either too tired or the weather was rotten. We are all happier and the days just seem much longer.
#23
Re: Is life in new zealand a bed of roses?????
To put it mildly,our kids aren't sharing their free time with nasty little robbing scallies.
All the sports teams i've come across have had girls in them-with no problem to anyone.
My 11 yr old,who hated,or at least never even considered sport in UK, watched her brother play football,cricket,and basketball, and went and joined the netball team, wants to join a footy team,and if it hadn't meant getting up at 0745 on a Saturday,would've joined the cricket team too.
For us,this was all unheard of 18 months ago.
My kids are nowhere near as street wise as the kids they associated with in UK, and out here,they can express themselves much better without fear of ridicule. They walk to and from school without us sweating too much, sleepovers are common, and in most cases a small population means we can socialise with the parents too,so everyone's a winner.
My 9 yr old boy has an earring! A bloody earring!! Now that confidence was just not there last year.
All the sports teams i've come across have had girls in them-with no problem to anyone.
My 11 yr old,who hated,or at least never even considered sport in UK, watched her brother play football,cricket,and basketball, and went and joined the netball team, wants to join a footy team,and if it hadn't meant getting up at 0745 on a Saturday,would've joined the cricket team too.
For us,this was all unheard of 18 months ago.
My kids are nowhere near as street wise as the kids they associated with in UK, and out here,they can express themselves much better without fear of ridicule. They walk to and from school without us sweating too much, sleepovers are common, and in most cases a small population means we can socialise with the parents too,so everyone's a winner.
My 9 yr old boy has an earring! A bloody earring!! Now that confidence was just not there last year.
A few people have expressed a bit surprise that we're planning on moving our entire family 12000 miles away, but we reckon its got to be worth a try. We don't mind working hard, its what we do now. But we'd rather try than never know
#24
Re: Is life in new zealand a bed of roses?????
This is exactly what I'm talking about! The SO is sport mad - plays something at least 3-4 nights a week, I try and get out at least a couple and we're both keen for the kids to do the same and enjoy it. There was a programme on tonight here called 'Cotton Wool Kids', about the culture kids are growing up in here now, and it was awful. when I compare it to my childhood, kids have so much less freedom here than we used to. There was a kid on the programme, 13, and his dad dropped him at school, picked him up (all in the car) and apart from that the child was never allowed on his own at all, becos his parents are terrified he might be stabbed, or shot, or get in with a gang, or kidnapped by a sex offfender. spent every night and all weekends playing his playstation or texting his school mates, becos his dad thought that was better. seriously.
A few people have expressed a bit surprise that we're planning on moving our entire family 12000 miles away, but we reckon its got to be worth a try. We don't mind working hard, its what we do now. But we'd rather try than never know
A few people have expressed a bit surprise that we're planning on moving our entire family 12000 miles away, but we reckon its got to be worth a try. We don't mind working hard, its what we do now. But we'd rather try than never know
Please don't think I a m trying to put anyone off coming,because I'm not...The reason I am saying this is because I never knew anything about this before I came ,and I did get a shock when all these figures and stories about gangs and child abuse in Nz were in the papers..
I think its a lovely country but they have the same problems as any other...shit happens in life no matter where you stay...
On the positive side..as a country they have got it spot on with the sports and being more laid back..Schooling(primary anyway)is much more advance than UK...Don't think College is (in my experience )..Schools are so positive with the kids here,and encouraging them...
I remember the first school assembly at my sons school..Parents are always welcome at these,and I was close to tears..everyone gets so involved and the atmosphere was fantastic....Jacky
#25
Bitter and twisted
Joined: Dec 2003
Location: Upmarket
Posts: 17,503
Re: Is life in new zealand a bed of roses?????
There was a kid on the programme, 13, and his dad dropped him at school, picked him up (all in the car) and apart from that the child was never allowed on his own at all, becos his parents are terrified he might be stabbed, or shot, or get in with a gang, or kidnapped by a sex offfender. spent every night and all weekends playing his playstation or texting his school mates, becos his dad thought that was better. seriously.
Those parents were clearly suffereing from an Obsessional disorder.
G
#26
Re: Is life in new zealand a bed of roses?????
it took me a few months to realise this is how we should be living...Kids can be kids here and not prisoners...
The schools have climbing frames,asault courses, in the schools,my sons school has 3 different assault courses with frames ,monkey bars ,wooden tree houses,the kids have a ball...Health and safety back home just wouldn't allow it..God knows how many times my son has came back from school with bruises because he fell of these,
But no phone calls from the school to tell me,nor do you have to go and fill in an accident form in triplicate,they just get on with it hereJacky
#28
Re: Is life in new zealand a bed of roses?????
All these factors prevent kids being kids..
Theres part of me that will always be paranoid to a certain extent with my kids,thats just my nature,but I have chilled out loads since coming here..You can't help but chill out,the pace of life is slower here...Jacky
#29
Bitter and twisted
Joined: Dec 2003
Location: Upmarket
Posts: 17,503
Re: Is life in new zealand a bed of roses?????
It is all a state of mind really.
I have treated a number of people for this Obsessional overprotectiveness over the past 30 years and the fears were just the same 30 years ago as they are now.
G
#30
By name and by nature
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,852
Re: Is life in new zealand a bed of roses?????
Anyway, I was talking to a friend last weekend and her 6 year old was having a sleep over in the school and a crowd of mums were with them but staying in a separate room - I thought that was just fantastic
I think it's important to point out that the 'child abuse' is not random attacks as a rule (that is quite rare) but family abuse. It's really very sad but not something that will affect the day to day lives of the majority of people.