Originally Posted by Bo-Jangles

Because therein lies a big point of difference: by our very nature emigrees to NZ we're not what could be considered low wage earners by any stretch of the usual imagination. We generally are professional or senior trades types who probably in the past 'mostly' did not have to scratch around looking for the cheapest option. We 'mostly' managed to live comfortably within our means and this comes as quite a surprise and quite a challenge to many of us to balance the books in the same way when we get to NZ. i.e. being a certain trade or profession should generally afford you xyz in terms of lifestyle.

There are people here that never in their life would have thought about joining a UK centric forum to discuss the price of fish or baked beans, people that never had to think twice about the cost of a loaf of bread; never mind the bigger worries about the issues of leaving the lights or heating on. Myself I never thought once, let alone twice about them. I was cold, I put the heating on; no debate, no guilt, no worries about the cost, there was no discussion and no shadow of a doubt that it would be any different if I were still in the UK today.

I agree it's not about averages and cost of individual items or exchange rates, however the big picture is people are not generally not better off by moving to NZ . Managing the budget IS a lot more difficult for a LOT of people. If it doesn't apply to you, then move on. I don't understand why people continue to try to close down the discussion, when it is clearly an issue for a lot of other people and has been for a long time; notwithstanding the present economic climate with recessions and exchange rates having skewed everything beyond recognition.

To belittle those people who do find it difficult to manage 'within their means' is very overbearing and condescending.

Originally Posted by sheene

I do hope that people reading these forums, who are contemplating emigrating, will be able to see a pattern. Whilst microscopic in terms of breadth, the attitudes displayed are quite prophetic. Put up and shut up - you will be fine, but dare to question, and you may be in for a rough ride.

Originally Posted by waikatoguy

Could the same not be said of the many more who enjoy living here that are hounded out of saying nice things about the country by the doomsayers? Be miserable and negative about NZ, or you may be in for a rough ride.

Originally Posted by sheene

Not really. I would, as said previously, encourage anyone to emigrate if that is what they desire, and NZ can be a fantastic place for many people. However, things can aft go agley, and people need to feel reassured that if that happens, they can expect a level of understanding when they are far from their support network. This forum sometimes paints a very bad picture.

Originally Posted by waikatoguy

From what I've read, I think people are pretty understanding. The problem occurs, I think, when assumptions are made about the country as a whole based on an individuals personal experiences.

Example 1 :
I am getting less wages here compared to the UK = NZ has low wages compared to the UK

Example 2 :
A brand of skin cream is $27 in NZ and 10 pounds in the UK = NZ Cost of Living is astronomical.

Originally Posted by lardyl

I'll criticise your thinking as much as I like. But if you wanna go Ad Hominem by alleging it in others that's your right.
If you don't like criticism of your argumentsd then time to harden up.
Discussion is what we are about here.
If you want to be a mod then I'm sure you'd find a nice niche there.

Your point was badly made and if you re-read it phrased in a rather terse pointed manner.

Thank you and have a nice evening.

Originally Posted by bourbon-biscuit

Is life OK lardyl? I think you've been uncharacteristically abrasive recently- hope money isn't seriously getting you down (that's genuine- not sarcastic, but there's no genuine-not-sarcastic emoticon).

Originally Posted by bourbon-biscuit

Is life OK lardyl? I think you've been uncharacteristically abrasive recently- hope money isn't seriously getting you down (that's genuine- not sarcastic, but there's no genuine-not-sarcastic emoticon).

Originally Posted by jmh

And if you bought a locally made product it would cost you $10. I saw Some Sanctuary Body Butter for $12 today. In the UK it costs £10. Proves nothing.

Originally Posted by sheene

Yes Lardyl, please tell us. You have been saying negative things about NZ, so there must be something wrong with you. Utterly unbelievable.

Originally Posted by sheene

If it was genuine, send a PM for god's sake, don't post it on the forum.

Originally Posted by bourbon-biscuit

It was totally genuine! But I was referring to tone, not content- lardyl, like lots of us has long had issues with NZ, that's nothing new.

I'm really not sure what your problem is with me sheene- as far as I know lardyl and I have ruffled each other's feathers from time to time over the years but are on reasonably friendly terms, so why is it odd to ask if he's OK? I don't really use PM- it's not unusual to ask if someone's OK on here, I don't think

Originally Posted by sheene

So, no, fundamentally no, I do not agree that questioning someone on an open forum as to their happiness is correct or caring - it comes across as point scoring.

Originally Posted by sheene

So, no, fundamentally no, I do not agree that questioning someone on an open forum as to their happiness is correct or caring - it comes across as point scoring.