NZ's future..does it have one?
Jun 8th 2011, 10:33 am
#91
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,994
Re: NZ's future..does it have one?
Hi guys,
I'm not an expat or anything. 50 yo born and bred in Hamilton. But hope you don't mind if I make a comment on this thread, which I found interesting.
If I may reassure Genesis, that ever since I was born, New Zealand has been going down the gurgler, according to media reports and discussions. I remember back in about 1980, some Australian TV station came over here for a story. They interviewed people that were saying NZ is history and they showed pictures of those ball of hay things rolling through the centre of a town, like in those ghost towns in old westerns.
So ... what's happened since that dire documentary of 1980? Population has increased by about 50%, with help from some of you guys immigrating here, our dollar has increased in value, our quality of life has improved ... and so on.
Don't worry about dire predictions of doom. It's not going to happen. They've always been there. We're a small country and sometimes tend to have an inferiority complex. Some of us, like myself, realise its paradise here. Believe me. In Hamilton, for example, things are booming economically. Many of those going to Oz are the unemployed and disaffected who are being replaced by better qualified and more positive people from the UK (mainly) plus Asia and South Africa. And also, many return, when they get the Australian adventure reality check. We're set up well for the future here. Water, remoteness from world problems, greenness ... we can't fail.
I'm not an expat or anything. 50 yo born and bred in Hamilton. But hope you don't mind if I make a comment on this thread, which I found interesting.
If I may reassure Genesis, that ever since I was born, New Zealand has been going down the gurgler, according to media reports and discussions. I remember back in about 1980, some Australian TV station came over here for a story. They interviewed people that were saying NZ is history and they showed pictures of those ball of hay things rolling through the centre of a town, like in those ghost towns in old westerns.
So ... what's happened since that dire documentary of 1980? Population has increased by about 50%, with help from some of you guys immigrating here, our dollar has increased in value, our quality of life has improved ... and so on.
Don't worry about dire predictions of doom. It's not going to happen. They've always been there. We're a small country and sometimes tend to have an inferiority complex. Some of us, like myself, realise its paradise here. Believe me. In Hamilton, for example, things are booming economically. Many of those going to Oz are the unemployed and disaffected who are being replaced by better qualified and more positive people from the UK (mainly) plus Asia and South Africa. And also, many return, when they get the Australian adventure reality check. We're set up well for the future here. Water, remoteness from world problems, greenness ... we can't fail.
Jun 8th 2011, 11:08 am
#92
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Joined: Apr 2006
Location: Rangiora
Posts: 1,201
Re: NZ's future..does it have one?
Yeah me too, best first post by a newbie.
We don't know how lucky we are boys, we don't know how lucky we are...
We don't know how lucky we are boys, we don't know how lucky we are...
Jun 8th 2011, 11:16 am
#93
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 472
Re: NZ's future..does it have one?
Thanks ... may I call you biscuit? And to you too Woodlea.
Anyway, just wanted to add about the economy.
There are various factors that indicate things are in good shape for the future.
The dollar is increasing in value. This means that independent financiers around the world have confidence in our economic future, because they are investing in it. I remember when the dollar was in the high 20's to low 30's against the pound and about 40 against the US dollar. Our unemployment rate is at around the 6% mark I think. And it's currently similar to the Aussie rate. But I think they're expecting that to drop in the next 12 months. Everyone talks about the wages being low here in comparison to Oz. But on the other hand, our cost of living is lower, so there's a fair bit of a balancing out.
Anyway, just wanted to add about the economy.
There are various factors that indicate things are in good shape for the future.
The dollar is increasing in value. This means that independent financiers around the world have confidence in our economic future, because they are investing in it. I remember when the dollar was in the high 20's to low 30's against the pound and about 40 against the US dollar. Our unemployment rate is at around the 6% mark I think. And it's currently similar to the Aussie rate. But I think they're expecting that to drop in the next 12 months. Everyone talks about the wages being low here in comparison to Oz. But on the other hand, our cost of living is lower, so there's a fair bit of a balancing out.
Last edited by waikatoguy; Jun 8th 2011 at 12:19 pm.
Jun 8th 2011, 7:44 pm
#94
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,994
Re: NZ's future..does it have one?
Indeed you may
Generally I agree though that NZ isn't in bad shape and is increasingly looking like a stable sort of place in a rather uncertain global future.
Jun 8th 2011, 8:51 pm
#95
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 472
Re: NZ's future..does it have one?
Good point. That's why it's good to have these forums for you guys, because you see things from your perspective. While the increased value of the dollar shows confidence in our economy, and makes it cheaper for me to travel, it makes it more expensive for you guys to move here and for your visitors.
Jun 8th 2011, 9:25 pm
#96
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 92
Re: NZ's future..does it have one?
WaikatoGuy,
Just be careful with comments such as the COL is lower in NZ. If you compare the north shore of Sydney with Dunedin, absolutely, however, there are many variables at play & you cannot discount the disparity in average wages- between NZ & AUS.
On the flip side, there has been some interesting discussions through the Syd Morning Herald on whether household income of circa AUD$150k is enough to get by on, and many people have ventured that, it isn't.
I actually think NZ is positioned fairly well for the future, but the fact that has always been missing in NZ is strong leadership, to make the tough calls. John Key makes all the right noises, but the reality is that he is first & foremost, a politician, interested in getting re-elected. MMP complicates this & without a majority government, he cannot push through the changes that he really wants to do.
One other thing, I moved down from Canada 18 months ago after 14 years in the Canada & I believe the media plays a far more balanced role in terms of reporting on the economy., in Canada. I am continuously amazed by the negativity of the NZ media, but perhaps it also tells me something about kiwis, they buy newspapers which focus in on the negative- it's staggering in this country how the negative gets pronounced coverage.
Just be careful with comments such as the COL is lower in NZ. If you compare the north shore of Sydney with Dunedin, absolutely, however, there are many variables at play & you cannot discount the disparity in average wages- between NZ & AUS.
On the flip side, there has been some interesting discussions through the Syd Morning Herald on whether household income of circa AUD$150k is enough to get by on, and many people have ventured that, it isn't.
I actually think NZ is positioned fairly well for the future, but the fact that has always been missing in NZ is strong leadership, to make the tough calls. John Key makes all the right noises, but the reality is that he is first & foremost, a politician, interested in getting re-elected. MMP complicates this & without a majority government, he cannot push through the changes that he really wants to do.
One other thing, I moved down from Canada 18 months ago after 14 years in the Canada & I believe the media plays a far more balanced role in terms of reporting on the economy., in Canada. I am continuously amazed by the negativity of the NZ media, but perhaps it also tells me something about kiwis, they buy newspapers which focus in on the negative- it's staggering in this country how the negative gets pronounced coverage.
Jun 8th 2011, 9:46 pm
#97
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 472
Re: NZ's future..does it have one?
Hi Howick,
I based my Cost of Living assessment on the respected Mercer survey (of the UK) of cities in the world.
They say:
Sydney (24) is Australia’s most expensive city followed by Melbourne (33) and Brisbane (55) while Adelaide (90) is the country’s least expensive city. Auckland (149) is the most expensive city in New Zealand while Wellington (163) is the cheapest.
So this study concluded that Sydney is the 24th most expensive city in the world to live in and Auckland the 149th.
http://www.mercer.com/costoflivingpr#Asia_Pacific
As far as the negativity of media is concerned, I agree with you entirely. Perhaps it's because we're a small country with not much exciting news and they have to try and invent things to fill up the space. Lol.
I based my Cost of Living assessment on the respected Mercer survey (of the UK) of cities in the world.
They say:
Sydney (24) is Australia’s most expensive city followed by Melbourne (33) and Brisbane (55) while Adelaide (90) is the country’s least expensive city. Auckland (149) is the most expensive city in New Zealand while Wellington (163) is the cheapest.
So this study concluded that Sydney is the 24th most expensive city in the world to live in and Auckland the 149th.
http://www.mercer.com/costoflivingpr#Asia_Pacific
As far as the negativity of media is concerned, I agree with you entirely. Perhaps it's because we're a small country with not much exciting news and they have to try and invent things to fill up the space. Lol.
Jun 9th 2011, 1:19 am
#98
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: homeless
Posts: 1,756
Re: NZ's future..does it have one?
I visit Welly every 3 months so I can tell.
See the food & transport prices for a start in Welly (New World) HOw expensive is it? eh. Compared to albany. I don't want to go to detailes blah blah.
and lets not talk about house price, because its stupidly expensive everywhere. I do think house prices in Welly - overpriced for what's worth. don't you think? Most of houses in Welly are dirty old, rotten and inadequate but the prices...are just crazy. There are no new area or new houses, because physically there are no land to build. Thats one of number 1 reasons why should avoid living in Welly. NOt to mention earthquakes and CR@p weather.
Last edited by crap coffee; Jun 9th 2011 at 1:27 am.
Jun 9th 2011, 1:23 am
#99
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2009
Location: South Auckland
Posts: 2,228
Re: NZ's future..does it have one?
Hi Howick,
I based my Cost of Living assessment on the respected Mercer survey (of the UK) of cities in the world.
They say:
Sydney (24) is Australia’s most expensive city followed by Melbourne (33) and Brisbane (55) while Adelaide (90) is the country’s least expensive city. Auckland (149) is the most expensive city in New Zealand while Wellington (163) is the cheapest.
So this study concluded that Sydney is the 24th most expensive city in the world to live in and Auckland the 149th.
http://www.mercer.com/costoflivingpr#Asia_Pacific
As far as the negativity of media is concerned, I agree with you entirely. Perhaps it's because we're a small country with not much exciting news and they have to try and invent things to fill up the space. Lol.
I based my Cost of Living assessment on the respected Mercer survey (of the UK) of cities in the world.
They say:
Sydney (24) is Australia’s most expensive city followed by Melbourne (33) and Brisbane (55) while Adelaide (90) is the country’s least expensive city. Auckland (149) is the most expensive city in New Zealand while Wellington (163) is the cheapest.
So this study concluded that Sydney is the 24th most expensive city in the world to live in and Auckland the 149th.
http://www.mercer.com/costoflivingpr#Asia_Pacific
As far as the negativity of media is concerned, I agree with you entirely. Perhaps it's because we're a small country with not much exciting news and they have to try and invent things to fill up the space. Lol.
Jun 9th 2011, 1:41 am
#100
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 472
Re: NZ's future..does it have one?
Jun 9th 2011, 2:09 am
#101
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,994
Re: NZ's future..does it have one?
Wages in Australia, on average, are better (not that I'm any kind of expert in this field), which I think is part of the reason for the higher cost of living I guess. Say, for example, a plumber is getting higher wages. It stands to reason he has to get that extra money from somewhere. The consumer pays ... through the roof.
Oh, I did that
We found Australia to have a lower cost of living than NZ for a nurse supporting a family of four. There are just so many tax breaks and salary packaging deals over there, as well as cheaper groceries and utilities. We lose our Kiwi nurses in droves because they get a better deal over there and the reality is a lot of them don't come back. Shame. I think the education system is far better here, as is the access to the great outdoors. And the coffee's better
Jun 9th 2011, 2:23 am
#102
Truth is the safest lie.
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: @ the beach.
Posts: 7,241
Re: NZ's future..does it have one?
But it is mostly educated professionals and skilled people who go. I've noticed that overall we have similar UN Human Development Index rankings but Australians do appear to have more disposable incomes and I think that diffrence in disposable income between countries is probably greatest for skilled workers.
Jun 9th 2011, 2:39 am
#103
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 472
Re: NZ's future..does it have one?
Certainly a good proportion of the people going to OZ are educated professionals and skilled people. I'm not sure about mostly though. The ones you hear about are. A lot go to work in the huge wage paying mines. A lot are unskilled labourers trying to find work. A lot are truckers to work on the long hauls inter-city. I know it may sound hard to believe, but people have been leaving NZ for Oz since I was a youngster.
There was a famous quote by the Prime Minister, Rob Muldoon, in the late 70's
"I'm not worried about New Zealanders going to Australia," he said. "It raises the IQ of both countries."
We're still a vibrant country with a high standard of living. Auckland was recently rated the 4th best city in the world in terms of standard of living, I think I remember. This, despite people dropping over the ditch for 50 years.
Also, a high proportion of the people coming in are skilled professionals as well. From what I understand, the criteria to get in is pretty strict.
Well, that's what I reckon. I probably sound like I work as a PR agent for NZ or something. Lol.
There was a famous quote by the Prime Minister, Rob Muldoon, in the late 70's
"I'm not worried about New Zealanders going to Australia," he said. "It raises the IQ of both countries."
We're still a vibrant country with a high standard of living. Auckland was recently rated the 4th best city in the world in terms of standard of living, I think I remember. This, despite people dropping over the ditch for 50 years.
Also, a high proportion of the people coming in are skilled professionals as well. From what I understand, the criteria to get in is pretty strict.
Well, that's what I reckon. I probably sound like I work as a PR agent for NZ or something. Lol.
Last edited by waikatoguy; Jun 9th 2011 at 2:44 am.
Jun 9th 2011, 6:48 am
#104
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2
Re: NZ's future..does it have one?
It's always interesting to get different perspectives on things like this. My husband and I moved to NZ nearly 5 years ago and really like it here. The future of any nation - or any region, town or suburb for that matter - is multi-dimensional. As someone not born in NZ I would say it has a lot going for it - space, less crowding, cleaner air.
Jun 9th 2011, 8:43 am
#105
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Market Harborough, East Midlands
Posts: 190
Re: NZ's future..does it have one?
Wherever you live, there are always pros and cons, but some look at the bottle as half empty whilst others look at the bottle as half full. The only reason why we left NZ for the UK 10 years ago (and I originate from the UK), was purely financial, and in that time we have proved to ourselves that this was the right decision.
However, NZ has got bundles of positives - just like Waikatoguy (and others on the Forum) has pointed out - and it is these positives that people should take encouragement from. But for me, when deciding against remaining in NZ, I did not dwell on the negatives, just being positive on the move back to Blighty, which is why I continue to have NZ in my sights at some future date (although not whilst the pound remains weak!!!).