Mark Smith

See Pippa's last comment.

jmh

I've just got back from a month in the UK, two weeks of which were in Scotland. I stayed in a mixture of hotels and uni accommodation. I was interested to note that two of the hotels and two of the unis had no double glazing. In all cases the heating was an electric heater attached to the wall or a heater in the fireplace. None had central heating as such. Where do you all get the idea that all UK houses are kitted out with central heating and double glazing?

If I had unlimited money I wouldn't bother with central heating here. I'd probably make do with a couple of heat pumps and a wood burner in case of a power cut. I do see the sense in double glazing though and would fit that.

Hokey-pokey

We have central heating ( underfloor hydronic and wall radiators ) Have used it for 4 days in total this winter. Maybe we just don't feel the cold?

marblep

You were lucky! We always just got told to put more clothes on.

Purrball

The most interesting thing about that Stuff piece is the larger picture, which is that 20 or so years ago, you wouldn't have seen or be able to read opinions like that in the media... or certainly not so easily.

Amongst many New Zealanders — with the advent of the web — they're often now far more aware of how they're perceived in the world by tourists, immigrants, international business partners, kiwi expats and so on... and because it's such a small and remote country, with such a short history and largely dependent on imported cultural products, there's an itch of insecurity about its national image, with people bouncing between thinking it's the greatest country on earth while simultaneously looking to Australia or the US etc.

It's good that there's an ongoing debate in NZ about living standards, because I think many Kiwis are now realising that in some areas, New Zealand has been slipping backwards for a while or stagnating and isn't the paradise for many people over there that some still think it is. It's a cultural myth that we were bought up with as kids in the suburbs of cities and towns across NZ and it can be a difficult one to shake.

Before I visited a while ago, for the first time for over 20 years, I was warned about two things in advance: one, not to talk about all the things you've done overseas even if someone asks, and two, to not complain or mock anything about the country. Was good advice, I think. It was also incredibly noticeable how differently some people would treat you once you told them you were a Kiwi, born and bred, just one with a Britishish accent.

What irritates me most about the 'go back to where you came from' crowd is that sometimes, they're the worst Kiwis to meet abroad, being chippy about how everything in London or wherever else, just sucks because they can't get their peanut slabs or whatever.

RedDragon2008

True for all countries

It says a lot about that group of people

Defensive because they fear better qualified/experienced people can take their jobs. Rather than focusing on learning or gaining themselves more international experience or "job security".

These people will always put a negative slight on anything. You can always find a problem no matter where you travel. Problems waiting for solutions, so rather be a solution player seeking problems to solve, than sit in a cesspool of despair.

Hokey-pokey

I find that a bit strange. Most people I know have lived and worked in various countries. Some perhaps only for a year or two but many for a lot longer ( and Im not including Australia ). The ones who havent lived overseas are certainly well travelled. We all enjoy sharing our experiences. Other peoples travel stories are often fascinating and riveting.

Purrball

When I was back in NZ, travelling around, I moved in a lot of different circles from hippies in Tasman, people working in community centres with the homeless in Wellington to people in high positions in finance and IT, and in the arts and publishing market. I also stayed out on working farms, not lifestyle blocks... and often travelled by coach or train just because I wanted to experience the country more fully, getting into conversations with all types of people.

There were those who were doing OK or spectacularly well — well-travelled, ran their own businesses and so on — and then, there were many ordinary people who had never left the country or even their small towns, except on a couple of occasions to go to a concert or rugby match in Auckland. Funnily enough, these could be the ones with the firmest views about countries overseas.

jmh

Yes, I've found that too, but that may be because I am in Auckland where you will probably find more people who have travelled widely.

love30stm

Because most of the population of New Zealand live in Auckland

Most of my kiwi friends are well travelled, not that I have many kiwi friends I mean

sr71

It's good advice to heed anywhere. Nobody in any country is usually interested in your travels and experience abroad and very few people enjoy others criticising their country. Certainly not limited to NZ.

For example, most British can moan all day long about their countries, but it's a different story for an Aussie/Kiwi/American to come over and complain about the UK

BEVS

Off topic I know but did this extended visit help to confirm your wish to return to NZ ?
Many expats thinking of a return to their homeland think to make an extended visit ( if they can afford it) before returing to settle permanently.

Purrball

I'm a Kiwi, so the advice had a slightly different spin. Was still good advice, though, especially as I'd been away for such a long time. Saw some incredibly dodgy and to my way of thinking — incredibly backwards attitudes — but kept my mouth shut, as some learn to do in NZ. Besides, I was just passing through and probably wouldn't have to live with many of these people again. Why spoil a visit and people's memories?

After all, wouldn't want to be seen as a whinging pom, right?



I'm in a similar position to many expat Brits, which is that I miss certain things about where I originally came from... and friends and family, of course. However, there are other certain things I value immensely about living in London. What's more, I have to also consider some medical angles. So the way I see things isn't necessarily how others would see them. Stay in the UK, won't be around to get drunk with my sister or see my nephews grow up. Move to NZ, might have problems finding specialist and consistent care. Heart says New Zealand, head says stay in the UK. I also think there's a larger range of property and living options available in the UK, because I certainly wouldn't want a house and section to maintain.

Bilbo was never the same after visiting the elves and seeing the mountains. He had an ache in his heart and was restless evermore. I expect that's mostly true of most expats, regardless of where they've come from.

Think I'll have to do another trip back there in the next 5-7 years to consolidate my views, perhaps. Or to be frank, will probably be suddenly called to pack and fly over to attend funerals or serious illness; another curse of the long-distance expat.