Is Life in NZ so Great?
May 21st 2012, 7:57 am
#31
Banned
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 114
Re: Is Life in NZ so Great?
Ermmm, I don't fit into any of those categories, yet I can say, hand on heart, that for now NZ is right for ME. I wouldn't ever presume to suggest what others will think, believe or experience, & I always hesitate from posting in threads where individuals are asking if they should make the move because we all have different experiences & every single experience is valid, even if it doesn't happen to be the same as my experience. If that makes sense.
But I'm almost half way through my first trip back to the UK, typing this sitting in my Mother's spare bedroom in Manchester, I spent last week trekking around my old haunts in London & tomorrow I fly out to Rome for a couple of days. And I'm loving it.........but there's still a bit of me can't wait to get home to NZ!
NZ is not utopia, there's a lot of negatives, emigrating to NZ is definitely not going to correct all the minor, or not so minor, irritants in your daily UK life. And emigrating so far causes more stresses, leaving family & friends on the other side of the world is the biggest for me. There's also all the different culture & attitudes stuff, in the workplace, in friendships, on the roads, wherever. It's a different country, they do things differently there. So, how adaptable are you? How do you feel about leaving friends, family & all that's familiar behind?
It's a massive leap, & that's without talking about housing standards & cost of living etc, which are different, &, generally speaking worse, than in the UK.
But, it can be done, & I, for one, can't imagine wanting to leave NZ to live in the UK again on a permanent basis. And Australia holds no attractions for me as anything more than a possible holiday destination I can tell you.
Each to their own, there isn't a single definitive right answer, but please don't presume to tell me that I need to be a farmer, rich or a wannabe Aussie to be happy in NZ as I'm none of the above, nor am I deluded or too under qualified to work elsewhere. Oddly enough I just seem to "fit" in NZ.
But I'm almost half way through my first trip back to the UK, typing this sitting in my Mother's spare bedroom in Manchester, I spent last week trekking around my old haunts in London & tomorrow I fly out to Rome for a couple of days. And I'm loving it.........but there's still a bit of me can't wait to get home to NZ!
NZ is not utopia, there's a lot of negatives, emigrating to NZ is definitely not going to correct all the minor, or not so minor, irritants in your daily UK life. And emigrating so far causes more stresses, leaving family & friends on the other side of the world is the biggest for me. There's also all the different culture & attitudes stuff, in the workplace, in friendships, on the roads, wherever. It's a different country, they do things differently there. So, how adaptable are you? How do you feel about leaving friends, family & all that's familiar behind?
It's a massive leap, & that's without talking about housing standards & cost of living etc, which are different, &, generally speaking worse, than in the UK.
But, it can be done, & I, for one, can't imagine wanting to leave NZ to live in the UK again on a permanent basis. And Australia holds no attractions for me as anything more than a possible holiday destination I can tell you.
Each to their own, there isn't a single definitive right answer, but please don't presume to tell me that I need to be a farmer, rich or a wannabe Aussie to be happy in NZ as I'm none of the above, nor am I deluded or too under qualified to work elsewhere. Oddly enough I just seem to "fit" in NZ.
May 21st 2012, 8:29 am
#33
---
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,994
Re: Is Life in NZ so Great?
If you are not one of the above-listed categories then NZ is not the right place for you. The vast majority of expats I met in NZ are those who got no other opportunities in their home countries or not qualified enough to be sponsored by employer in AUS. Everyone uses the same cliche, which is "lifestyle", but the reality is different.
The bumps have been all our own doing really, part of the emigrating process, no doubt, but on the whole NZ has been great for dh's career, is schooling my kids well, has given us long warm summers, a wonderful house and I'm getting a uni education for less than $5k per annum. Sweet
NZ's not utopia but the more time that passes and the more trips to Oz I make, the more I think I like the idea of Australia more than Australia.
May 21st 2012, 8:37 am
#34
Banned
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 114
Re: Is Life in NZ so Great?
Everyone has a different experience, This is from my experience:
Things are tough here. but if you dont mind living on the sniff of an oily rag and being pushed out of work, intimidated/attacked/assaulted/drugged and raped as a punishment for speaking out or criticising anything/anyone here, plus death threats then it should be ok for you.
Also dont rely on support from anyone when anything bad happens. Some see it as a source of new gossip and schadenfreude rather than help. Others find it embarrassing and say that things like this dont happen in Godzone.
I would say, bring all your friends (because it is hard to make new ones here) and make sure you have loads of money and a bodyguard and you will be ok.
Things are tough here. but if you dont mind living on the sniff of an oily rag and being pushed out of work, intimidated/attacked/assaulted/drugged and raped as a punishment for speaking out or criticising anything/anyone here, plus death threats then it should be ok for you.
Also dont rely on support from anyone when anything bad happens. Some see it as a source of new gossip and schadenfreude rather than help. Others find it embarrassing and say that things like this dont happen in Godzone.
I would say, bring all your friends (because it is hard to make new ones here) and make sure you have loads of money and a bodyguard and you will be ok.
Last edited by tweetweet; May 21st 2012 at 8:47 am.
May 21st 2012, 8:40 am
#35
---
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,994
Re: Is Life in NZ so Great?
Sorry if you're having a tough time tweettweet.
May 21st 2012, 8:49 am
#36
Banned
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 114
Re: Is Life in NZ so Great?
yes we are hoping we get out alive. it has been a terrible experience for us. and we have had absolutely no help. that is why i would not give anyone advice on emigrating anywhere. everyone has a different experience. i can simply give my experience as an example. and that will be different from the next person's experience. unfortunately we have been dealt a bad hand. c'est la vie. onwards upwards and hopefully outwards!
Last edited by tweetweet; May 21st 2012 at 8:51 am.
May 21st 2012, 9:23 am
#37
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,298
Re: Is Life in NZ so Great?
I think you should go with what your heart says. We burned all our bridges and came here with a 'no going back' frame of mind. The reasons I left the Uk would never go away so I was unlikely to wish to return. Fact, Nz is almost empty and the UK is full to the brim. That just about does it for me and means NZ will/would work for me. And it has, 7 years on life is good inspite of some very hard times here and many frustrating aspect of life in Nz. But it is all about compromise eh? I, like Catchafire could not imagine my kids living elsewhere. We have much here in NZ that we could never have had in the UK. All I would say is have a bloody good reason for choosing NZ over Oz!!!!!!!!!!
May 21st 2012, 7:33 pm
#38
---
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,994
Re: Is Life in NZ so Great?
Of course people are going to say that what I wrote is crap because look at the sheer numbers, etc, but I think NZ and OZ are quite benign- they just are, our experiences are what make us decide we are happy or unhappy somewhere and those experiences and our reactions are entirely subjective. I feel for anyone having a tough time in NZ, God knows we had a very hard year, which was why we hopped the ditch and holed up with my mother for a bit, so I do understand what it's like to be driven to the edge but I don't understand entirely blaming NZ as if it has a vengeful spirit! As emigrants we are more susceptible to things going pear shaped because we lack the support systems we had and others have and we also come here without all the social/ cultural knowledge that helps you avoid curve balls (like where's a decent place to live, which employers are shite, what lifestyle your salary affords, etc).
May 21st 2012, 7:45 pm
#39
Who loves you, baby?
Joined: Mar 2009
Location: just lovin' Levin
Posts: 748
Re: Is Life in NZ so Great?
I totally understand why folk get tempted by Australia, particularly when they're not having a good time in NZ. However, Australia really does have its own set of problems and issues- if you look in the Australia or MBTTUK forums you'll see lots of unhappy campers. We Kiwis still think of Oz as the land of milk and honey- that place we can fantasise about when it all goes to shite. For some it really does work out better in Australia after an unhappy time in NZ, but there are lots of people who are happy in NZ and have no desire to move to OZ, just as there are lots of people who move to Oz and hate it to such a degree they're miserable. There is also a smattering of people who hop the ditch this way and find happiness- there was an article in the Herald written by a reporter who had done just that and fallen for NZ.
Of course people are going to say that what I wrote is crap because look at the sheer numbers, etc, but I think NZ and OZ are quite benign- they just are, our experiences are what make us decide we are happy or unhappy somewhere and those experiences and our reactions are entirely subjective. I feel for anyone having a tough time in NZ, God knows we had a very hard year, which was why we hopped the ditch and holed up with my mother for a bit, so I do understand what it's like to be driven to the edge but I don't understand entirely blaming NZ as if it has a vengeful spirit! As emigrants we are more susceptible to things going pear shaped because we lack the support systems we had and others have and we also come here without all the social/ cultural knowledge that helps you avoid curve balls (like where's a decent place to live, which employers are shite, what lifestyle your salary affords, etc).
Of course people are going to say that what I wrote is crap because look at the sheer numbers, etc, but I think NZ and OZ are quite benign- they just are, our experiences are what make us decide we are happy or unhappy somewhere and those experiences and our reactions are entirely subjective. I feel for anyone having a tough time in NZ, God knows we had a very hard year, which was why we hopped the ditch and holed up with my mother for a bit, so I do understand what it's like to be driven to the edge but I don't understand entirely blaming NZ as if it has a vengeful spirit! As emigrants we are more susceptible to things going pear shaped because we lack the support systems we had and others have and we also come here without all the social/ cultural knowledge that helps you avoid curve balls (like where's a decent place to live, which employers are shite, what lifestyle your salary affords, etc).
Some interesting points bourbon
May 21st 2012, 10:25 pm
#40
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2012
Location: Auckland
Posts: 536
Re: Is Life in NZ so Great?
Generally, I think NZ is good for those people:
1-Farmers, as it is a farmer haven. If you got money and want to invest in farming/dairy then NZ is the right choice.
2-Rich people who want just to sit down and relax, enjoy life style, fishing and hunting and not to worry about money.
3- Those who want to obtain NZ passport to get into the back door into Australia
If you are not one of the above-listed categories then NZ is not the right place for you. The vast majority of expats I met in NZ are those who got no other opportunities in their home countries or not qualified enough to be sponsored by employer in AUS. Everyone uses the same cliche, which is "lifestyle", but the reality is different.
1-Farmers, as it is a farmer haven. If you got money and want to invest in farming/dairy then NZ is the right choice.
2-Rich people who want just to sit down and relax, enjoy life style, fishing and hunting and not to worry about money.
3- Those who want to obtain NZ passport to get into the back door into Australia
If you are not one of the above-listed categories then NZ is not the right place for you. The vast majority of expats I met in NZ are those who got no other opportunities in their home countries or not qualified enough to be sponsored by employer in AUS. Everyone uses the same cliche, which is "lifestyle", but the reality is different.
I spent a year in Aus on a WHV and it was a great experience - its a lovely country to experience - BUT - i never felt settled. I lived for 9 months in Perth and I had great friends and a good job there - but there was something about Oz that never gripped me. I feel I have a good idea of the country - not just Perth - as I spent a few months travelling around most of the rest of it as well.
When I arrived in NZ my plans were to work the winter, travel the summer, work the winter a bit and then go over to Canada on a WHV. By the time it came round for me to apply for my canadian visa, I just felt like I didn't really want to go - i'd been in Auckland for only 3 months.
Life here was different. I really liked it - i felt settled and happy. I had lots of frustrations with kiwi life and I felt confused about what I wanted to do - but there was something stopping me from leaving.
Yes I will admit, the money is better in Australia. There are many more job oppurtunities - and this is the reason why many many Kiwis leave to go there. What I think you'll find though with a lot of Kiwis is their plan is to leave for a while, get something behind them, then come back home because - it is actually a good lifestyle here.
I think too many people come over with a pre-conceived idea that its the same as England. Its not. I have had a different experience - I'm a JAFFA.....I'm living in the city - its not such a culture shock - out the rural areas though its a different story altogether - and that's most of NZ.
For me - the move is gradual and nothing is permanant yet so it gives me a certain freedom. I came on a WHV. I'm now on a Work to Residence visa. In another 20 months I can apply for residency if I want to. Its been less of a committmant and financial outlay for me than for most so I can afford to be a bit more uncertain about what I still want.
What I do know is that when I think about living in England at the moment it sends shivers down my spine. I think of the weather, the crowds, the traffic, the pollution, the reccession and the economy and lack of jobs. Missing my mum, family and friends and the cheap shopping isn't enough to send me back living there at the moment.
Here I drive down the motorway everyday to get to work and have a lovely view to great me on the on-ramp and particularly at this time of year I get fanastic sun rises and sun sets to look at on my drive to and from work.
I'm lucky - I start work early and finish early here - I'm home by 5pm every day. I can spend an hour or two making dinner if i want to and having a nice evening at home. I can get my chores done during the week instead of spending all weekend doing it because I don't get home till 6.30 /7pm and then am too shattered to do anything other than put a quick bite together and collapse in front of the TV.
I have a great lifestyle here - yes I struggle sometimes with money as it doesn't go so far - I earn a good wage for NZ, but the cost of living can be very high - especially if you like going out socialising! Then again - I can just drive out to Mission Bay or St Heliers on a saturday to hang out with friends by the beach.
yes the houses don't generally have central heating, but most of the winter I can go out with just a wooly jumper or cardigan on rather than wrapping up in hat/coat/scarf/gloves (i know its because i'm up north though!).
I have good days and bad days but in general i'm much more content in my life in NZ than I ever have been in England.
May 22nd 2012, 1:36 am
#41
Who loves you, baby?
Joined: Mar 2009
Location: just lovin' Levin
Posts: 748
Re: Is Life in NZ so Great?
What links do you have with the farming industry?
Farmer heaven - yeah right
May 22nd 2012, 2:14 am
#42
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,787
Re: Is Life in NZ so Great?
Well i've been in NZ for just over a year now - and I love my life here. I don't fit into any of the catagoires mentioned (farmer nor rich! - neither am I looking at staying here as back door into Australia).
I spent a year in Aus on a WHV and it was a great experience - its a lovely country to experience - BUT - i never felt settled. I lived for 9 months in Perth and I had great friends and a good job there - but there was something about Oz that never gripped me. I feel I have a good idea of the country - not just Perth - as I spent a few months travelling around most of the rest of it as well.
When I arrived in NZ my plans were to work the winter, travel the summer, work the winter a bit and then go over to Canada on a WHV. By the time it came round for me to apply for my canadian visa, I just felt like I didn't really want to go - i'd been in Auckland for only 3 months.
Life here was different. I really liked it - i felt settled and happy. I had lots of frustrations with kiwi life and I felt confused about what I wanted to do - but there was something stopping me from leaving.
Yes I will admit, the money is better in Australia. There are many more job oppurtunities - and this is the reason why many many Kiwis leave to go there. What I think you'll find though with a lot of Kiwis is their plan is to leave for a while, get something behind them, then come back home because - it is actually a good lifestyle here.
I think too many people come over with a pre-conceived idea that its the same as England. Its not. I have had a different experience - I'm a JAFFA.....I'm living in the city - its not such a culture shock - out the rural areas though its a different story altogether - and that's most of NZ.
For me - the move is gradual and nothing is permanant yet so it gives me a certain freedom. I came on a WHV. I'm now on a Work to Residence visa. In another 20 months I can apply for residency if I want to. Its been less of a committmant and financial outlay for me than for most so I can afford to be a bit more uncertain about what I still want.
What I do know is that when I think about living in England at the moment it sends shivers down my spine. I think of the weather, the crowds, the traffic, the pollution, the reccession and the economy and lack of jobs. Missing my mum, family and friends and the cheap shopping isn't enough to send me back living there at the moment.
Here I drive down the motorway everyday to get to work and have a lovely view to great me on the on-ramp and particularly at this time of year I get fanastic sun rises and sun sets to look at on my drive to and from work.
I'm lucky - I start work early and finish early here - I'm home by 5pm every day. I can spend an hour or two making dinner if i want to and having a nice evening at home. I can get my chores done during the week instead of spending all weekend doing it because I don't get home till 6.30 /7pm and then am too shattered to do anything other than put a quick bite together and collapse in front of the TV.
I have a great lifestyle here - yes I struggle sometimes with money as it doesn't go so far - I earn a good wage for NZ, but the cost of living can be very high - especially if you like going out socialising! Then again - I can just drive out to Mission Bay or St Heliers on a saturday to hang out with friends by the beach.
yes the houses don't generally have central heating, but most of the winter I can go out with just a wooly jumper or cardigan on rather than wrapping up in hat/coat/scarf/gloves (i know its because i'm up north though!).
I have good days and bad days but in general i'm much more content in my life in NZ than I ever have been in England.
I spent a year in Aus on a WHV and it was a great experience - its a lovely country to experience - BUT - i never felt settled. I lived for 9 months in Perth and I had great friends and a good job there - but there was something about Oz that never gripped me. I feel I have a good idea of the country - not just Perth - as I spent a few months travelling around most of the rest of it as well.
When I arrived in NZ my plans were to work the winter, travel the summer, work the winter a bit and then go over to Canada on a WHV. By the time it came round for me to apply for my canadian visa, I just felt like I didn't really want to go - i'd been in Auckland for only 3 months.
Life here was different. I really liked it - i felt settled and happy. I had lots of frustrations with kiwi life and I felt confused about what I wanted to do - but there was something stopping me from leaving.
Yes I will admit, the money is better in Australia. There are many more job oppurtunities - and this is the reason why many many Kiwis leave to go there. What I think you'll find though with a lot of Kiwis is their plan is to leave for a while, get something behind them, then come back home because - it is actually a good lifestyle here.
I think too many people come over with a pre-conceived idea that its the same as England. Its not. I have had a different experience - I'm a JAFFA.....I'm living in the city - its not such a culture shock - out the rural areas though its a different story altogether - and that's most of NZ.
For me - the move is gradual and nothing is permanant yet so it gives me a certain freedom. I came on a WHV. I'm now on a Work to Residence visa. In another 20 months I can apply for residency if I want to. Its been less of a committmant and financial outlay for me than for most so I can afford to be a bit more uncertain about what I still want.
What I do know is that when I think about living in England at the moment it sends shivers down my spine. I think of the weather, the crowds, the traffic, the pollution, the reccession and the economy and lack of jobs. Missing my mum, family and friends and the cheap shopping isn't enough to send me back living there at the moment.
Here I drive down the motorway everyday to get to work and have a lovely view to great me on the on-ramp and particularly at this time of year I get fanastic sun rises and sun sets to look at on my drive to and from work.
I'm lucky - I start work early and finish early here - I'm home by 5pm every day. I can spend an hour or two making dinner if i want to and having a nice evening at home. I can get my chores done during the week instead of spending all weekend doing it because I don't get home till 6.30 /7pm and then am too shattered to do anything other than put a quick bite together and collapse in front of the TV.
I have a great lifestyle here - yes I struggle sometimes with money as it doesn't go so far - I earn a good wage for NZ, but the cost of living can be very high - especially if you like going out socialising! Then again - I can just drive out to Mission Bay or St Heliers on a saturday to hang out with friends by the beach.
yes the houses don't generally have central heating, but most of the winter I can go out with just a wooly jumper or cardigan on rather than wrapping up in hat/coat/scarf/gloves (i know its because i'm up north though!).
I have good days and bad days but in general i'm much more content in my life in NZ than I ever have been in England.
as for socialising lol thats a laugh in NZ kiwis think Socialsing is having drinks at 5pm and in bed by 9pm! to sleep by the way lol
May 22nd 2012, 4:41 am
#43
grumpy bugger
Joined: Sep 2011
Location: out there...... somewhere
Posts: 368
Re: Is Life in NZ so Great?
I kept meaning to tell my mates that, as i bounced down the hallway at 1am last friday night after popping out 6 pm for a couple after work...
May 22nd 2012, 5:06 am
#44
Who loves you, baby?
Joined: Mar 2009
Location: just lovin' Levin
Posts: 748
