Why are/did you choose NZ vs OZ or anywhere else?
Feb 11th 2013, 6:44 am
#61
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Re: Why are/did you choose NZ vs OZ or anywhere else?
I haven't heard your story before.
That's awesome, except for the States not being a place your liking just now.
Still, hopefully those two years makes the long term worth it
That's awesome, except for the States not being a place your liking just now.
Still, hopefully those two years makes the long term worth it
Feb 11th 2013, 6:46 am
#62
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Joined: Jun 2010
Location: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
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Re: Why are/did you choose NZ vs OZ or anywhere else?
Persephone, thanks for posting. I wondered where you had relocated to - America it would seem. To think we came within a whisker of meeting when we both lived in Chch. The one thing that comes across loud and clear in the America or MBTUK forums on BE is the level of dissatisfaction (of people who are dissatisfied) of people who live in America. Time and time again people have a problem with no public health care, lack of gun control the list goes on and on.
Feb 11th 2013, 8:22 am
#63
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Location: Up in dem hills.........
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Re: Why are/did you choose NZ vs OZ or anywhere else?
My wife and I had been travelling around the world for a few years, we had previously had a big trip through Australia and apart from the far S.W. around Albany/Esperance, nothing really stood out as "I would want to live here".
When we arrived in New Zealand, our money was running out, so the choice was get a job or head back to Europe (Sweden or UK). Four weeks later I had a work permit. Our first two years were in Auckland and they were a struggle in many ways. The turning point came when we got residency and moved to Marlborough, it was much more in line with our picture of NZ.
I know many people struggle with various aspects of living in this country, I try to avoid making comparisons to the UK, or put blame on the realities of living here. It is tough for us at the moment, my main business took a couple of knocks last year and at times it has been a real struggle. Luckily the wine label is starting to gain traction (we just had a fantastic weekend as part of the Marlborough Wine Festival), we have been able to gain some income through a tourist venture and my wife is now working with horses part time at a organic vineyard (she is complete bonkers for horses, so this is the perfect job).
Nothing validates our choice to be here more than our children, both were born here in Marlborough, both Melisa and I know that being able to raise them in this environment has allowed us to spend as much time with them as possible, with out having to use day care facilities, I work from home so if I am having a bad day there is always small arms to give me a big hug.
It is a completely different way of life living here.
When we arrived in New Zealand, our money was running out, so the choice was get a job or head back to Europe (Sweden or UK). Four weeks later I had a work permit. Our first two years were in Auckland and they were a struggle in many ways. The turning point came when we got residency and moved to Marlborough, it was much more in line with our picture of NZ.
I know many people struggle with various aspects of living in this country, I try to avoid making comparisons to the UK, or put blame on the realities of living here. It is tough for us at the moment, my main business took a couple of knocks last year and at times it has been a real struggle. Luckily the wine label is starting to gain traction (we just had a fantastic weekend as part of the Marlborough Wine Festival), we have been able to gain some income through a tourist venture and my wife is now working with horses part time at a organic vineyard (she is complete bonkers for horses, so this is the perfect job).
Nothing validates our choice to be here more than our children, both were born here in Marlborough, both Melisa and I know that being able to raise them in this environment has allowed us to spend as much time with them as possible, with out having to use day care facilities, I work from home so if I am having a bad day there is always small arms to give me a big hug.
It is a completely different way of life living here.
Feb 11th 2013, 8:29 am
#64
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Joined: May 2008
Location: Up in dem hills.........
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Re: Why are/did you choose NZ vs OZ or anywhere else?
The perfect wine glass.....
Feb 11th 2013, 8:31 am
#65
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Location: In the middle of the continent
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Re: Why are/did you choose NZ vs OZ or anywhere else?
Im not sure if we will be coming to new zealand, its not a final decision but its looking like its not likely. We shall see!
Theres so many great places in europe to visit, really do have to go and visit france germany and belgium. Daves mum is half belgian and we always said we'd go visit that side of the family with her but its not happened!
So many great places to visit in the world and so little time lol. If you come to the UK for a visit then come to scotland if you havent already. The highlands are lovely and also loch lomond. Theres even loads of scotland that i havent saw lol ive only been as far up as inverness
Theres so many great places in europe to visit, really do have to go and visit france germany and belgium. Daves mum is half belgian and we always said we'd go visit that side of the family with her but its not happened!
So many great places to visit in the world and so little time lol. If you come to the UK for a visit then come to scotland if you havent already. The highlands are lovely and also loch lomond. Theres even loads of scotland that i havent saw lol ive only been as far up as inverness
I am looking forward to visit Scotland again. Haven't been to Inverness! I also would love to visit Wales soon!
I also want to travel from Southern Germany through Austria down to Croatia! Haha, never had a lack of plans!
Anyhow, all the best with your decisions! I hope you will find the one that is good for you.
Feb 11th 2013, 8:31 am
#66
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Posts: 586
Re: Why are/did you choose NZ vs OZ or anywhere else?
Mmm, i could be doing with a massive glass of tine right now.
Feb 11th 2013, 8:33 am
#67
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Posts: 586
Re: Why are/did you choose NZ vs OZ or anywhere else?
Oh, I have been there! Stunning. I really loved Edinburgh and the castles, the mountains, and lakes. Awesome. Even the weather was great
I am looking for to visit Scotland again. Haven't been to Inverness! I also would love to visit Wales soon!
I also want to travel from Southern Germany through Austria down to Croatia! Haha, never had a lack of plans!
Anyhow, all the best with your decisions! I hope you will find the one that is good for you.
I am looking for to visit Scotland again. Haven't been to Inverness! I also would love to visit Wales soon!
I also want to travel from Southern Germany through Austria down to Croatia! Haha, never had a lack of plans!
Anyhow, all the best with your decisions! I hope you will find the one that is good for you.
Feb 11th 2013, 8:38 am
#68
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Re: Why are/did you choose NZ vs OZ or anywhere else?
Feb 11th 2013, 8:40 am
#69
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Re: Why are/did you choose NZ vs OZ or anywhere else?
By the way, we are in America for two years. He was offered a job too good to refuse. It was never somewhere I wanted to live and I am finding it difficult. It has also not worked out as planned for him. Both of us would return to NZ immediately if we got the chance
Having left has made me realise just how much NZ and Chch has become home.
Funny when I look at how people moan about NZ misselling itself to potential immigrants, you should try here. The American Dream-don't make me laugh!
Having left has made me realise just how much NZ and Chch has become home.Funny when I look at how people moan about NZ misselling itself to potential immigrants, you should try here. The American Dream-don't make me laugh!
Feb 11th 2013, 8:44 am
#70
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Re: Why are/did you choose NZ vs OZ or anywhere else?
Most of you regulars probably know my story, but here goes:
Went to South America 2006, met a Kiwi, liked each other a lot, we both returned to our own countries, visited NZ 3m later, then met up in various countries round the World, decided it was easier for me to move and get work than for him, applied for residency [SMC, not possible under partnership obviously], moved here 2008, moved to Chch and bought a house together, married 2012.
Sometimes, just sometimes holiday relationships work
I had never considered living abroad before then. As a result I would be happy to return and live in the UK. I did not leave the UK because I wanted out, I left to try somewhere [and someone!] new. I also didn't want to turn into an elderly spinster always wondering what that Kiwi was doing and kicking myself for not being brave enough to go for it
By the way, we are in America for two years. He was offered a job too good to refuse. It was never somewhere I wanted to live and I am finding it difficult. It has also not worked out as planned for him. Both of us would return to NZ immediately if we got the chance Having left has made me realise just how much NZ and Chch has become home.
Funny when I look at how people moan about NZ misselling itself to potential immigrants, you should try here. The American Dream-don't make me laugh!
Went to South America 2006, met a Kiwi, liked each other a lot, we both returned to our own countries, visited NZ 3m later, then met up in various countries round the World, decided it was easier for me to move and get work than for him, applied for residency [SMC, not possible under partnership obviously], moved here 2008, moved to Chch and bought a house together, married 2012.
Sometimes, just sometimes holiday relationships work
I had never considered living abroad before then. As a result I would be happy to return and live in the UK. I did not leave the UK because I wanted out, I left to try somewhere [and someone!] new. I also didn't want to turn into an elderly spinster always wondering what that Kiwi was doing and kicking myself for not being brave enough to go for it
By the way, we are in America for two years. He was offered a job too good to refuse. It was never somewhere I wanted to live and I am finding it difficult. It has also not worked out as planned for him. Both of us would return to NZ immediately if we got the chance
Having left has made me realise just how much NZ and Chch has become home.Funny when I look at how people moan about NZ misselling itself to potential immigrants, you should try here. The American Dream-don't make me laugh!
Hows he feeling with only getting 2 weeks holiday?
Feb 11th 2013, 11:44 pm
#71
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Re: Why are/did you choose NZ vs OZ or anywhere else?
I hope things improve for you soon Persephone x
Feb 12th 2013, 3:48 am
#72
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Location: In NZ!
Posts: 4,785
Re: Why are/did you choose NZ vs OZ or anywhere else?
Persephone, thanks for posting. I wondered where you had relocated to - America it would seem. To think we came within a whisker of meeting when we both lived in Chch. The one thing that comes across loud and clear in the America or MBTUK forums on BE is the level of dissatisfaction (of people who are dissatisfied) of people who live in America. Time and time again people have a problem with no public health care, lack of gun control the list goes on and on.
Some of the other issues relate to where I am in the US -it is the middle of nowhere and best described as having all the atmosphere and appearance of a large UK motorway services [I am serious
] The only reason you can't hear the banjos strumming is because there's a busy motorway here.... No public transport and everyone drives everywhere
, walking anywhere is seen as odd and bizarre behaviour, food is of lower quality and costs the same as NZ, the amount of waste produced is phenomenal-cashiers cannot cope with being told to put more than 3 items in one carrier bag
, the general incompetence-not one thing has been done correctly first time...Others are more general eg the excessive amount of bureaucracy to get anything done, tipping, over the top patriotism, rushed restaurant service [USA is not better IMO], gun control or lack of, foreign policy, lack of healthcare, the effect religion has on education and healthcare...
I'll stop there as I could write pages on this
Some of these affect me more than others but they all add up to a country that's just not for me. Some people will love it here, some won't.
One thing it has taught me is that if you're having major and real doubts [ and not just pre emigration nerves!] about moving somewhere then don't think it will get better once there. Was hard for me, I feel he would resent it if I'd said no even though that was my immediate reaction-compromise is that I work in the UK or NZ at some point and he pays for everything!
Last edited by Persephone; Feb 12th 2013 at 3:51 am.
Feb 12th 2013, 6:11 pm
#73
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Location: Near the beach, NZ
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Re: Why are/did you choose NZ vs OZ or anywhere else?
Feb 13th 2013, 9:11 am
#74
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 38,629
Re: Why are/did you choose NZ vs OZ or anywhere else?
