Why did you leave NZ?
Jun 30th 2011, 9:16 am
#16
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,787
Re: Why did you leave NZ?
God Id love to leave, cos it really aint that nice is it?
Nowhere to go, not much to see.
No wonder the locals are like they are, thank god me and my partner have come from abroad, at least we have something to teach the kids.
I think a better question Genesis is "why are you staying?".
I think its the practalities of wife, kids, family , work and money for most of us. It aint cos we'd rather be here.
Nowhere to go, not much to see.
No wonder the locals are like they are, thank god me and my partner have come from abroad, at least we have something to teach the kids.
I think a better question Genesis is "why are you staying?".
I think its the practalities of wife, kids, family , work and money for most of us. It aint cos we'd rather be here.
the only thing that makes it bearable is having fun with my English friends
Jun 30th 2011, 9:34 am
#17
It is what it is Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Location: Blockhouse Bay, Auckland
Posts: 2,797
Re: Why did you leave NZ?
The Phillipines is the same I believe AND enforced at passport renewal, no tax up to date no passport.
Jun 30th 2011, 10:21 am
#18
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: In a large village called Auckland
Posts: 5,249
Re: Why did you leave NZ?
I lurch from one excuse to another to stay here. 
Ultimately, I no longer have the will or the drive to take on the project to get us and all our stuff outta this place. I feel like I am at the bottom of a pit and there's no way for me to climb up and out - it's just seems unfathomable and don't have the strength or tools to organise all that stuff all over again. It's so far away in the too hard basket, so I'm just staying at the bottom of the pit walking in circles and treading water for a while. I still, despite knowing now that this is highly unlikely, have some hope that things will improve.
The goalposts just get moved further out as you get sucked into the daily grind all the more and your resistance gets weaker. First off we're told we have to stay for the summer, the weather will get better .... then we have to give it a chance, stay for at least one year.... then it becomes two years, you'll feel better after two years...... you know a year is really not enough.
You go home for a visit....... apparently that's what you need to do after two years to make you realise how wonderful it is here...... nope that didn't work it made you feel worse......so perhaps it's where you live you need to move. You move and still there's something not right, perhaps it's the job? It goes on and on and before we know it, six years are gone. I can't see the way out but I am ever hopeful that a door will open and all will be revealed, we're lost and just need to find the sign, find the right path.
Emigrating really does suck the guts out of you and I don't believe it can even be considered on a par to folks who talk of doing OEs and staying away longer than they initially intended. Those that go on OEs rarely have established a career, home, routines, commitments or families and usually fall into the category of young free and single. I can however understand the effort required to come back to NZ again after a long period away, with established families, mixed relationships, issues with grandparents etc. it is almost akin to being a new immigrant and having to start all over. The difference is you are coming home to the welcoming arms of old friends and family, okay albeit MILs from hell, but at least they are people you could call upon in the middle of the night or whatever. There's a lot to be said for that.
Ultimately, I no longer have the will or the drive to take on the project to get us and all our stuff outta this place. I feel like I am at the bottom of a pit and there's no way for me to climb up and out - it's just seems unfathomable and don't have the strength or tools to organise all that stuff all over again. It's so far away in the too hard basket, so I'm just staying at the bottom of the pit walking in circles and treading water for a while. I still, despite knowing now that this is highly unlikely, have some hope that things will improve. The goalposts just get moved further out as you get sucked into the daily grind all the more and your resistance gets weaker. First off we're told we have to stay for the summer, the weather will get better .... then we have to give it a chance, stay for at least one year.... then it becomes two years, you'll feel better after two years...... you know a year is really not enough.
You go home for a visit....... apparently that's what you need to do after two years to make you realise how wonderful it is here...... nope that didn't work it made you feel worse......so perhaps it's where you live you need to move. You move and still there's something not right, perhaps it's the job? It goes on and on and before we know it, six years are gone. I can't see the way out but I am ever hopeful that a door will open and all will be revealed, we're lost and just need to find the sign, find the right path.
Emigrating really does suck the guts out of you and I don't believe it can even be considered on a par to folks who talk of doing OEs and staying away longer than they initially intended. Those that go on OEs rarely have established a career, home, routines, commitments or families and usually fall into the category of young free and single. I can however understand the effort required to come back to NZ again after a long period away, with established families, mixed relationships, issues with grandparents etc. it is almost akin to being a new immigrant and having to start all over. The difference is you are coming home to the welcoming arms of old friends and family, okay albeit MILs from hell, but at least they are people you could call upon in the middle of the night or whatever. There's a lot to be said for that.
Jun 30th 2011, 10:47 am
#19
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: Auckland
Posts: 463
Re: Why did you leave NZ?
I lurch from one excuse to another to stay here. Ultimately, I no longer have the will or the drive to take on the project to get us and all our stuff outta this place. I feel like I am at the bottom of a pit and there's no way for me to climb up and out - it's just seems unfathomable and don't have the strength or tools to organise all that stuff all over again. It's so far away in the too hard basket, so I'm just staying at the bottom of the pit walking in circles and treading water for a while. I still, despite knowing now that this is highly unlikely, have some hope that things will improve.
The goalposts just get moved further out as you get sucked into the daily grind all the more and your resistance gets weaker. First off we're told we have to stay for the summer, the weather will get better .... then we have to give it a chance, stay for at least one year.... then it becomes two years, you'll feel better after two years...... you know a year is really not enough.
You go home for a visit....... apparently that's what you need to do after two years to make you realise how wonderful it is here...... nope that didn't work it made you feel worse......so perhaps it's where you live you need to move. You move and still there's something not right, perhaps it's the job? It goes on and on and before we know it, six years are gone. I can't see the way out but I am ever hopeful that a door will open and all will be revealed, we're lost and just need to find the sign, find the right path.
Emigrating really does suck the guts out of you and I don't believe it can even be considered on a par to folks who talk of doing OEs and staying away longer than they initially intended. Those that go on OEs rarely have established a career, home, routines, commitments or families and usually fall into the category of young free and single. I can however understand the effort required to come back to NZ again after a long period away, with established families, mixed relationships, issues with grandparents etc. it is almost akin to being a new immigrant and having to start all over. The difference is you are coming home to the welcoming arms of old friends and family, okay albeit MILs from hell, but at least they are people you could call upon in the middle of the night or whatever. There's a lot to be said for that.
Ultimately, I no longer have the will or the drive to take on the project to get us and all our stuff outta this place. I feel like I am at the bottom of a pit and there's no way for me to climb up and out - it's just seems unfathomable and don't have the strength or tools to organise all that stuff all over again. It's so far away in the too hard basket, so I'm just staying at the bottom of the pit walking in circles and treading water for a while. I still, despite knowing now that this is highly unlikely, have some hope that things will improve. The goalposts just get moved further out as you get sucked into the daily grind all the more and your resistance gets weaker. First off we're told we have to stay for the summer, the weather will get better .... then we have to give it a chance, stay for at least one year.... then it becomes two years, you'll feel better after two years...... you know a year is really not enough.
You go home for a visit....... apparently that's what you need to do after two years to make you realise how wonderful it is here...... nope that didn't work it made you feel worse......so perhaps it's where you live you need to move. You move and still there's something not right, perhaps it's the job? It goes on and on and before we know it, six years are gone. I can't see the way out but I am ever hopeful that a door will open and all will be revealed, we're lost and just need to find the sign, find the right path.
Emigrating really does suck the guts out of you and I don't believe it can even be considered on a par to folks who talk of doing OEs and staying away longer than they initially intended. Those that go on OEs rarely have established a career, home, routines, commitments or families and usually fall into the category of young free and single. I can however understand the effort required to come back to NZ again after a long period away, with established families, mixed relationships, issues with grandparents etc. it is almost akin to being a new immigrant and having to start all over. The difference is you are coming home to the welcoming arms of old friends and family, okay albeit MILs from hell, but at least they are people you could call upon in the middle of the night or whatever. There's a lot to be said for that.
So true.
I met my kiwi wife while she was doing her OE in London.
She lived there for ten years and our lives were cash rich but had nothing else positive. I've lived in NZ for two years now and everything is good except we are now cash poor.
She did admit to me recently that maybe she had been looking back at NZ through rose-tinted spectacles (from back in the days when we could afford to go on holiday there as much as we liked!)
I don't want to stay here but I don't want to go back to London either, I am too old to enjoy it there now.
So what can I do but just continue to put up with it?
All the friends that she used to have here before she went on her OE moved to Australia years ago.
All the new friends that she has made since she returned are talking about moving to Australia.
hmmm
Jun 30th 2011, 10:56 am
#20
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,208
Re: Why did you leave NZ?
Interesting thread. I haven't left NZ and currently have no desire to. I am very happy here. I shall be losing more money through my impending divorce to a work shy Kiwi than through having moved to NZ!
I was thinking about this predicament earlier and it reminded me of my life back in London x amount of years ago. I worked for many years in childcare and lots of nannies and staff were Kiwis.
I never once heard any of them slag off NZ. Quite the opposite, they were all almost jingoistic about their homeland. Incredibly proud and loyal and spoke of every intention of returning to bring up their children when they had settled down. Most had done the expected OE, but most had then extended it once they had settled and found work.
Even then (early to late 90's) I found it refreshing to hear people speak lovingly of their homeland having got so used to the English complaining about the UK "going to the dogs".
But then I am a glass half full person, so maybe I hear what I want to hear and choose to surround myself with positive people? I guess it's all relevant?
I thought Bo's post was very good by the way.
I was thinking about this predicament earlier and it reminded me of my life back in London x amount of years ago. I worked for many years in childcare and lots of nannies and staff were Kiwis.
I never once heard any of them slag off NZ. Quite the opposite, they were all almost jingoistic about their homeland. Incredibly proud and loyal and spoke of every intention of returning to bring up their children when they had settled down. Most had done the expected OE, but most had then extended it once they had settled and found work.
Even then (early to late 90's) I found it refreshing to hear people speak lovingly of their homeland having got so used to the English complaining about the UK "going to the dogs".
But then I am a glass half full person, so maybe I hear what I want to hear and choose to surround myself with positive people? I guess it's all relevant?
I thought Bo's post was very good by the way.
Jun 30th 2011, 4:06 pm
#21
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2007
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Posts: 239
Re: Why did you leave NZ?
We left over a year ago and moved to Canada (best move we did) having lived there for nearly 5 years.
I will have to say apart from the wondering beautiful natural aspect and the hilariously Maori community and the ever so down to earth Kiwis I could not settle properly.
The job opportunities in a small town like Palm North were deflating, I worked there but my job wasnt exactly of my choosing however due to the number of people against the number of jobs it was slim pickings.
I did not enjoy the expense of housing, utilities, food and the sheer lack of opportunity. A comment on here (NZ is going down) the writer got barraged for it however couldnt have spoken a truer word.
The suicide rate for the younger generation well, I have never seen or heard anything like it.
77% of the educated child in NZ leaves NZ, again a statistic from 2009, God only knows how much that has risen.
I had two older well traveled children that struggled with the place, from coming from countries that they had oppotunites and chance they were stuck in a small town and the expense to explore was ridiculous.
The crime rate is astounding, and yes before I get attacked on this I worked very closely with the corrections and labour department and believe me a great percentage of the crime is not statistically allowed to be published due to relations and tourism that the country relies heavily on.
The child and domestic abuse is short of phenominal, all of this is to the naked eye, simple as if you dont see you dont think it happens.
The recession apparantly overlooked NZ ha! when did that happen, again my knowledge is thick and NZ did not get overlooked by the world wide recession.
Personally I would not go back, my family would not go back and other ex pats that are good friends are scratching to get out of it, but most have invested (well thought they had) in property and even that is on the decline, so therefor they cannot afford the move or the ridiculous penalties of quitting a mortgage. The boom is over folks and for a very long time.
Aside from the negativity, I do sincerely apologise if I have offended, but facts are facts.
The Kiwis and the country are just perfect and if you could earn a living by just loving that element then yes it would be the place to stay. But if you are going because you think you are going to get rich in an easy way of life erm I havent met one yet.
Good Luck to those that make that leap over the pond I really hope it is what you are looking for. It just was not for us!
I will have to say apart from the wondering beautiful natural aspect and the hilariously Maori community and the ever so down to earth Kiwis I could not settle properly.
The job opportunities in a small town like Palm North were deflating, I worked there but my job wasnt exactly of my choosing however due to the number of people against the number of jobs it was slim pickings.
I did not enjoy the expense of housing, utilities, food and the sheer lack of opportunity. A comment on here (NZ is going down) the writer got barraged for it however couldnt have spoken a truer word.
The suicide rate for the younger generation well, I have never seen or heard anything like it.
77% of the educated child in NZ leaves NZ, again a statistic from 2009, God only knows how much that has risen.
I had two older well traveled children that struggled with the place, from coming from countries that they had oppotunites and chance they were stuck in a small town and the expense to explore was ridiculous.
The crime rate is astounding, and yes before I get attacked on this I worked very closely with the corrections and labour department and believe me a great percentage of the crime is not statistically allowed to be published due to relations and tourism that the country relies heavily on.
The child and domestic abuse is short of phenominal, all of this is to the naked eye, simple as if you dont see you dont think it happens.
The recession apparantly overlooked NZ ha! when did that happen, again my knowledge is thick and NZ did not get overlooked by the world wide recession.
Personally I would not go back, my family would not go back and other ex pats that are good friends are scratching to get out of it, but most have invested (well thought they had) in property and even that is on the decline, so therefor they cannot afford the move or the ridiculous penalties of quitting a mortgage. The boom is over folks and for a very long time.
Aside from the negativity, I do sincerely apologise if I have offended, but facts are facts.
The Kiwis and the country are just perfect and if you could earn a living by just loving that element then yes it would be the place to stay. But if you are going because you think you are going to get rich in an easy way of life erm I havent met one yet.
Good Luck to those that make that leap over the pond I really hope it is what you are looking for. It just was not for us!
Jun 30th 2011, 4:48 pm
#22
Life is what YOU make it.
Joined: Oct 2009
Location: Christchurch
Posts: 3,312
Re: Why did you leave NZ?
We left over a year ago and moved to Canada (best move we did) having lived there for nearly 5 years.
I will have to say apart from the wondering beautiful natural aspect and the hilariously Maori community and the ever so down to earth Kiwis I could not settle properly.
The job opportunities in a small town like Palm North were deflating, I worked there but my job wasnt exactly of my choosing however due to the number of people against the number of jobs it was slim pickings.
I did not enjoy the expense of housing, utilities, food and the sheer lack of opportunity. A comment on here (NZ is going down) the writer got barraged for it however couldnt have spoken a truer word.
The suicide rate for the younger generation well, I have never seen or heard anything like it.
77% of the educated child in NZ leaves NZ, again a statistic from 2009, God only knows how much that has risen.
I had two older well traveled children that struggled with the place, from coming from countries that they had oppotunites and chance they were stuck in a small town and the expense to explore was ridiculous.
The crime rate is astounding, and yes before I get attacked on this I worked very closely with the corrections and labour department and believe me a great percentage of the crime is not statistically allowed to be published due to relations and tourism that the country relies heavily on.
The child and domestic abuse is short of phenominal, all of this is to the naked eye, simple as if you dont see you dont think it happens.
The recession apparantly overlooked NZ ha! when did that happen, again my knowledge is thick and NZ did not get overlooked by the world wide recession.
Personally I would not go back, my family would not go back and other ex pats that are good friends are scratching to get out of it, but most have invested (well thought they had) in property and even that is on the decline, so therefor they cannot afford the move or the ridiculous penalties of quitting a mortgage. The boom is over folks and for a very long time.
Aside from the negativity, I do sincerely apologise if I have offended, but facts are facts.
The Kiwis and the country are just perfect and if you could earn a living by just loving that element then yes it would be the place to stay. But if you are going because you think you are going to get rich in an easy way of life erm I havent met one yet.
Good Luck to those that make that leap over the pond I really hope it is what you are looking for. It just was not for us!
I will have to say apart from the wondering beautiful natural aspect and the hilariously Maori community and the ever so down to earth Kiwis I could not settle properly.
The job opportunities in a small town like Palm North were deflating, I worked there but my job wasnt exactly of my choosing however due to the number of people against the number of jobs it was slim pickings.
I did not enjoy the expense of housing, utilities, food and the sheer lack of opportunity. A comment on here (NZ is going down) the writer got barraged for it however couldnt have spoken a truer word.
The suicide rate for the younger generation well, I have never seen or heard anything like it.
77% of the educated child in NZ leaves NZ, again a statistic from 2009, God only knows how much that has risen.
I had two older well traveled children that struggled with the place, from coming from countries that they had oppotunites and chance they were stuck in a small town and the expense to explore was ridiculous.
The crime rate is astounding, and yes before I get attacked on this I worked very closely with the corrections and labour department and believe me a great percentage of the crime is not statistically allowed to be published due to relations and tourism that the country relies heavily on.
The child and domestic abuse is short of phenominal, all of this is to the naked eye, simple as if you dont see you dont think it happens.
The recession apparantly overlooked NZ ha! when did that happen, again my knowledge is thick and NZ did not get overlooked by the world wide recession.
Personally I would not go back, my family would not go back and other ex pats that are good friends are scratching to get out of it, but most have invested (well thought they had) in property and even that is on the decline, so therefor they cannot afford the move or the ridiculous penalties of quitting a mortgage. The boom is over folks and for a very long time.
Aside from the negativity, I do sincerely apologise if I have offended, but facts are facts.
The Kiwis and the country are just perfect and if you could earn a living by just loving that element then yes it would be the place to stay. But if you are going because you think you are going to get rich in an easy way of life erm I havent met one yet.
Good Luck to those that make that leap over the pond I really hope it is what you are looking for. It just was not for us!
Jun 30th 2011, 4:50 pm
#23
Life is what YOU make it.
Joined: Oct 2009
Location: Christchurch
Posts: 3,312
Re: Why did you leave NZ?
Jun 30th 2011, 10:50 pm
#24
Banned
Joined: Jul 2010
Location: Queensland, Australia
Posts: 1,010
Re: Why did you leave NZ?
New Zealand retains and attracts certain types I think, whilst others run screaming.
This may explain why there is such a dichotomy of opinion about the country:
Culture of New Zealand, Anti-intellectualism
This may explain why there is such a dichotomy of opinion about the country:
Culture of New Zealand, Anti-intellectualism
Unlike many European countries, but in common with other 'Anglo' countries such as Britain, the United States and Australia, New Zealanders do not have a particularly high regard for intellectual activity, particularly if it is more theoretical than practical.
This is linked with the idea of 'kiwi ingenuity' (see above), which supposes that all problems are better solved by seeing what works than by applying a theory. This distrust of theory manifested itself in social policy of the early and mid twentieth century, which historian Michael Bassett described as 'socialism without doctrines': although the policies of the first Labour and other governments pursued traditionally socialist goals, they were not based on any coherent theory.
A major break with this tradition came in the 1980s when the fourth Labour and fourth National governments enacted a series of reforms based on free market ideology. This reinforced many New Zealanders' distrust of intellectual theory, as many consider that the reforms increased poverty and inequality in New Zealand.
Despite the prevailing mood of anti-intellectualism, New Zealand has reasonably high rates of participation in tertiary education and has produced a number of internationally renowned scholars and scientists, including Ernest Rutherford, J.G.A. Pocock and Alan MacDiarmid. It should be noted that both Rutherford and Pocock spent most of their professional lives in Britain.
For many years this was a common occurrence, and a consequence both of New Zealanders' attitudes and the low population which made it hard to support major research.
This is linked with the idea of 'kiwi ingenuity' (see above), which supposes that all problems are better solved by seeing what works than by applying a theory. This distrust of theory manifested itself in social policy of the early and mid twentieth century, which historian Michael Bassett described as 'socialism without doctrines': although the policies of the first Labour and other governments pursued traditionally socialist goals, they were not based on any coherent theory.
A major break with this tradition came in the 1980s when the fourth Labour and fourth National governments enacted a series of reforms based on free market ideology. This reinforced many New Zealanders' distrust of intellectual theory, as many consider that the reforms increased poverty and inequality in New Zealand.
Despite the prevailing mood of anti-intellectualism, New Zealand has reasonably high rates of participation in tertiary education and has produced a number of internationally renowned scholars and scientists, including Ernest Rutherford, J.G.A. Pocock and Alan MacDiarmid. It should be noted that both Rutherford and Pocock spent most of their professional lives in Britain.
For many years this was a common occurrence, and a consequence both of New Zealanders' attitudes and the low population which made it hard to support major research.
Jun 30th 2011, 11:52 pm
#25
slanderer of the innocent
Joined: Dec 2008
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 6,695
Re: Why did you leave NZ?
New Zealand retains and attracts certain types I think, whilst others run screaming.
This may explain why there is such a dichotomy of opinion about the country:
Culture of New Zealand, Anti-intellectualism
This may explain why there is such a dichotomy of opinion about the country:
Culture of New Zealand, Anti-intellectualism
Jul 1st 2011, 12:09 am
#26
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Was Alicetown NZ, now Whitstable UK
Posts: 211
Re: Why did you leave NZ?
Well, I am about to nick off back to the UK at the end of this month.
There is no one single reason but a variety of factors combining that influenced the decision.
1 - We (wife, two kids) did not move here because we thought the UK was broken. I have lost count of the number of Poms who complain about the UK. We came for a bit of an experience and adventure and have certainly had that.
2 - Family links back in UK. Can't help feeling that the kids should be around grandparents, cousins etc. The age of my kids (8, 11) is still a nice time for grandparent/grandchild relationships. I feel that in a few more years they will have lost interest in the oldies in favour of teenage angst.
3 I applied for a job back in UK - and got it.
Having said that, we made so many good friends, in lieu of family, that it will be really hard to say goodbye and with mixed feelings. The 'safety net' of residence is quite handy.
Would I come back? Not sure. Whatever we do next I think has to be decisive or we will end up bankrupt; settle in back in the UK or sell up and come back to NZ.
There is no one single reason but a variety of factors combining that influenced the decision.
1 - We (wife, two kids) did not move here because we thought the UK was broken. I have lost count of the number of Poms who complain about the UK. We came for a bit of an experience and adventure and have certainly had that.
2 - Family links back in UK. Can't help feeling that the kids should be around grandparents, cousins etc. The age of my kids (8, 11) is still a nice time for grandparent/grandchild relationships. I feel that in a few more years they will have lost interest in the oldies in favour of teenage angst.
3 I applied for a job back in UK - and got it.
Having said that, we made so many good friends, in lieu of family, that it will be really hard to say goodbye and with mixed feelings. The 'safety net' of residence is quite handy.
Would I come back? Not sure. Whatever we do next I think has to be decisive or we will end up bankrupt; settle in back in the UK or sell up and come back to NZ.
Jul 1st 2011, 12:40 am
#27
Banned
Joined: Jul 2010
Location: Queensland, Australia
Posts: 1,010
Re: Why did you leave NZ?
2 - Family links back in UK. Can't help feeling that the kids should be around grandparents, cousins etc. The age of my kids (8, 11) is still a nice time for grandparent/grandchild relationships. I feel that in a few more years they will have lost interest in the oldies in favour of teenage angst.
Personally speaking, not having extended family around doesn't bother me in the slightest. It's a bit different for the kids.
Last edited by Expat Kiwi; Jul 1st 2011 at 12:44 am.
Jul 1st 2011, 12:54 pm
#28
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 696
Re: Why did you leave NZ?
New Zealand retains and attracts certain types I think, whilst others run screaming.
This may explain why there is such a dichotomy of opinion about the country:
Culture of New Zealand, Anti-intellectualism
This may explain why there is such a dichotomy of opinion about the country:
Culture of New Zealand, Anti-intellectualism
This is the biggest load of tosh I have read in a long time. Talk about validating your own existence/decisions in life with rubbish such as this.
Jul 1st 2011, 1:05 pm
#29
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,285
Re: Why did you leave NZ?
Well, I am about to nick off back to the UK at the end of this month.
There is no one single reason but a variety of factors combining that influenced the decision.
1 - We (wife, two kids) did not move here because we thought the UK was broken. I have lost count of the number of Poms who complain about the UK. We came for a bit of an experience and adventure and have certainly had that.
2 - Family links back in UK. Can't help feeling that the kids should be around grandparents, cousins etc. The age of my kids (8, 11) is still a nice time for grandparent/grandchild relationships. I feel that in a few more years they will have lost interest in the oldies in favour of teenage angst.
3 I applied for a job back in UK - and got it.
Having said that, we made so many good friends, in lieu of family, that it will be really hard to say goodbye and with mixed feelings. The 'safety net' of residence is quite handy.
Would I come back? Not sure. Whatever we do next I think has to be decisive or we will end up bankrupt; settle in back in the UK or sell up and come back to NZ.
There is no one single reason but a variety of factors combining that influenced the decision.
1 - We (wife, two kids) did not move here because we thought the UK was broken. I have lost count of the number of Poms who complain about the UK. We came for a bit of an experience and adventure and have certainly had that.
2 - Family links back in UK. Can't help feeling that the kids should be around grandparents, cousins etc. The age of my kids (8, 11) is still a nice time for grandparent/grandchild relationships. I feel that in a few more years they will have lost interest in the oldies in favour of teenage angst.
3 I applied for a job back in UK - and got it.
Having said that, we made so many good friends, in lieu of family, that it will be really hard to say goodbye and with mixed feelings. The 'safety net' of residence is quite handy.
Would I come back? Not sure. Whatever we do next I think has to be decisive or we will end up bankrupt; settle in back in the UK or sell up and come back to NZ.
Jul 1st 2011, 1:48 pm
#30
Banned
Joined: Jul 2010
Location: Queensland, Australia
Posts: 1,010
Re: Why did you leave NZ?
OMG are you for real?!?!?! You're really quoting Wikipedia as a source of reference and research! You do know anyone can add anything they want to on Wikipedia. You're basically calling all the people who "fit into" or settle into NZ a bunch of thickos, and all of those that leave are fabbo intellectuals
This is the biggest load of tosh I have read in a long time. Talk about validating your own existence/decisions in life with rubbish such as this.
This is the biggest load of tosh I have read in a long time. Talk about validating your own existence/decisions in life with rubbish such as this.
Saying "this may explain why there is such a dichotomy of opinion about the country" does not equal "calling all the people who "fit into" or settle into NZ a bunch of thickos, and all of those that leave are fabbo intellectuals."
It's obvious that not everyone who leaves is a "fabbo intellectual" and that the "brain drain" is a figment of an underdeveloped imagination.