Originally Posted by hubbard

Not true at all we came and lived in NZ for 3 years and left. Absolutely nothing to do with money just thought there were hugely more interesting and vibarnt places to live in the world. We found NZ abit of a nonentity, ok in a retirement sort of way but not very inspiring culturally, scenically, or business wise. My lasting thoughts really were 'don't believe the hype.'.

Originally Posted by jonesey

So dont get me wrong here, so why are you in Christchurch if all of your national icons seem to give you a bad taste in the mouth, UK national icons leave a bad taste in my mouth, National Uk icon Graffiti on most architectural buildings around us that have history, but not to the scroats that desecrate them for kicks or hey lets look cool......hoody culture of the UK we seem to be drifting into or the Happy Slap phase of lets kick in a down and out and record it on my mobile for a laugh.....that was my generalisation of UK coming under fire from a very different generation of the 21st century being left behind. NZ was happy and still is to be part of the commonwealth and its diverse culture so why not come over and be part of it . I'm sure we have enough to make you proud of as you think NZ is culture bar-en of your own national icons.

Originally Posted by livewire

nope, kiwi dollars Mumu.

Originally Posted by uk+kiwi

I agree with the sentiment here, but I believe it is exactly the same in NZ. In fact I think it's worse isn't it?

It is considered quite normal in the UK for only one person in a family to work and thus support the whole family, wherease I am led to believe that in NZ it is considered more normal for both parents to work (obviously out of financial necessity since wages are lower and cost of living only marginally so). Did you not find this when you were in NZ?

Certainly I have many (female) friends in the UK that don't work, whereas all our female friends in NZ work (one is the sole breadwinner in fact!)

Australia would definitely be a better move from this point of view with the comparatively (to NZ) higher wages and lower costs of living.

Originally Posted by SarahB

None of the kiwi mothers Ive met through Playgroup and around Beachlands work.... they are all stay at home mums.... theyre all got used to me moaning now that I havnt got a job, but at first they looked at me in disbelief and said "but you have a job"..... hmmmmmm I need some space from "Mr-two- year-old-into-everything-pulling-everything-apart-tipping-drink- everywhere-crying-all-the-time-Pain" even if they dont.... he drives me nuts by the end of the week!!

None of my expat friends work either....they all stay at home with the kids.

Oh, I know one lady that works!!! Shes french and works full time....so I lie!

Originally Posted by DaisyNZ

I live in Hawkes Bay and am a 'stay at home mum' to three boys. I have a big circle of friends, kiwi and poms, and I can't think of any who work while still having preschoolers. I haven't got one friend back in the UK who is staying at home with their babies, they ALL work. I have had no pressure at all to work and whenever I've talked about it, or mentioned college, other Mums ask why!! Certainly around here you are respected when home with your kids.

Originally Posted by Albion

Thats certainly been my experience too. I don't have kids myself yet but all my friends here in Auckland bar one (who is a single mum) stay at home with their kids. Its almost considered strange if you go back to work. By comparison all my friends in the UK have gone back to work very quickly (within a few months) of having their babies. Financially they all have to go back to work it seems....strange when you consider that there is a lot of moaning on here about wages being too low!!

Originally Posted by SarahB

Well, I didnt think I was "strange" in wanting to work part time. Ive never not worked since I finished school and staying at home full time with a toddler is just not for me. If I manage to get part time work then I will be a better mum and ultimately thats better for me and my DS.