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This forum doesn't get many posts about New Zealand so I'm not expecting too many responses to my question.
Of those of you who are thinking about emigrating to another country - why New Zealand?
I'm just interested to find out why people chose NZ over other countries and what the draws are right now.
May I answer?
Chose NZ for a number of reasons. Im Australian who has also done a stint in the UK and US. Initial thoughts were to live as a Kiwi for a couple of years only and return home. However 10 years later Im still here, looks like were here to stay too.
Came here as my wife got a job that was too good to pass up. We had been on holiday here before so knew what to expect. So outside of the employment opportunity the main lifestyle draws were the easy access to the outdoors, the better weather (im comparing to Scotland here) and the relative safety of the communities. You might be able to draw that we are more than happy with our choice.
I think many western countries have problems with teen drinking ...however, I concede, it is probably a bit worse here.
As far as general safety goes...is generally better here.
I have ended up in some unsafe places in the US (got lost in my rental car during the day) ...inner Houston and NE Miami... both times lots of people came out of the woodwork, stared at me and gave me real bad attitude .
That does not happen in NZ
Get lost in Sth Auckland and you DO NOT have tens of unemployed, gangster types giving you the evil eye, warning one to stay out of their turf
I think if NZ had the population and size of the US, you;d have the same experience..
This forum doesn't get many posts about New Zealand so I'm not expecting too many responses to my question.
Of those of you who are thinking about emigrating to another country - why New Zealand?
I'm just interested to find out why people chose NZ over other countries and what the draws are right now.
My husband and I wanted to move to NZ. My husband still does, but I am having second thoughts. We were there twice before and loved it. But the more that I hear about it, the less wonderful it seems.
We just want to get out of the U.S.. I know, the grass is always greener...right?
Crime in NZ can't be that bad compared to here. Our taxes are high and going to get higher. We will soon have socailized medicine.
That being said, my husband is fine with getting a job in any country at this point. He just wants out. Money would not be much of an issue, since he would still work for the same company (they have offices all over the globe).
New Zealand, to us, was less work. No more working 65 plus hours a week. Spending time outdoors. Being around more for our kids. Safer, much nicer people. Just all around more laid back. And I love the fact that there are no poisonous snakes, or spiders!
I would be willing to give both NZ and OZ at least a year, to see if we could do it.
But that is why we "chose" NZ. ALthough he turned down one job offer/ position, there and now is kicking himself for it, we have not made it there, other than to vacation....
Hope that answers your question.
My husband and I wanted to move to NZ. My husband still does, but I am having second thoughts. We were there twice before and loved it. But the more that I hear about it, the less wonderful it seems.
We just want to get out of the U.S.. I know, the grass is always greener...right?
Crime in NZ can't be that bad compared to here. Our taxes are high and going to get higher. We will soon have socailized medicine.
That being said, my husband is fine with getting a job in any country at this point. He just wants out. Money would not be much of an issue, since he would still work for the same company (they have offices all over the globe).
New Zealand, to us, was less work. No more working 65 plus hours a week. Spending time outdoors. Being around more for our kids. Safer, much nicer people. Just all around more laid back. And I love the fact that there are no poisonous snakes, or spiders!
I would be willing to give both NZ and OZ at least a year, to see if we could do it.
But that is why we "chose" NZ. ALthough he turned down one job offer/ position, there and now is kicking himself for it, we have not made it there, other than to vacation....
Hope that answers your question.
New Zealand just increased GST from 12.5% to 15% which is effectively a
2.5% tax hike.
We have socialised medicine already.
Traditionally Americans have struggled in New Zealand, there are just too many very fundamental differences. There is also a very strong anti-American sentiment there.
Maybe you should contemplate a different state instead of a different country.
My husband and I wanted to move to NZ. My husband still does, but I am having second thoughts. We were there twice before and loved it. But the more that I hear about it, the less wonderful it seems.
We just want to get out of the U.S.. I know, the grass is always greener...right?
Crime in NZ can't be that bad compared to here. Our taxes are high and going to get higher. We will soon have socailized medicine.
That being said, my husband is fine with getting a job in any country at this point. He just wants out. Money would not be much of an issue, since he would still work for the same company (they have offices all over the globe).
New Zealand, to us, was less work. No more working 65 plus hours a week. Spending time outdoors. Being around more for our kids. Safer, much nicer people. Just all around more laid back. And I love the fact that there are no poisonous snakes, or spiders!
I would be willing to give both NZ and OZ at least a year, to see if we could do it.
But that is why we "chose" NZ. ALthough he turned down one job offer/ position, there and now is kicking himself for it, we have not made it there, other than to vacation....
Hope that answers your question.
I think the point should be made (as in previous posts) that NZ appeals to some type of person and not to others so do not write it off.
In summary, if you love the outdoors, are not worried by the very high cost of living (and less choice than the US), and its sense of isolation, then you'll probably love it.
But the high cost of amenities, imported goods, utilities etc does leave a sour taste in your mouth.
Crime has risen in recent years, but in the relative sense. Certain parts of the country are worse, others are better.
I am originally a NZ'er, but live now in Australia for a number of reasons (one of the main being that my wife struggles to get a job over there as she works in a niche industry).
As an aside, I find it amusing how some people use the "snakes and spiders" argument as a detractor for moving to Oz. Given most of us choose to live in urbanised areas it really is not an issue.
Good luck anyway - my advice is keep researching, speaking to others and think very carefully about it. And...best of luck whatever you decide to do
My husband and I wanted to move to NZ. My husband still does, but I am having second thoughts. We were there twice before and loved it. But the more that I hear about it, the less wonderful it seems.
We just want to get out of the U.S.. I know, the grass is always greener...right?
Crime in NZ can't be that bad compared to here. Our taxes are high and going to get higher. We will soon have socailized medicine.
That being said, my husband is fine with getting a job in any country at this point. He just wants out. Money would not be much of an issue, since he would still work for the same company (they have offices all over the globe).
New Zealand, to us, was less work. No more working 65 plus hours a week. Spending time outdoors. Being around more for our kids. Safer, much nicer people. Just all around more laid back. And I love the fact that there are no poisonous snakes, or spiders!
I would be willing to give both NZ and OZ at least a year, to see if we could do it.
But that is why we "chose" NZ. ALthough he turned down one job offer/ position, there and now is kicking himself for it, we have not made it there, other than to vacation....
Hope that answers your question.
Sounds like NZ could be for you .... 40 hr week/lots time for the kids/outdoors/laid back/no snakes/safer
If you are in the immigrant group which can afford decent housing in a nice suburb and make a good salary then taxes and cost of living will not be such an issue .... these people tend to like it here.
I guess it also depends on where you are coming from. Coming from Texas, NZ's cost of living will seem expensive (exception property tax which is very reasonable).
If you are used to San Francisco or NYC cost of living ....then perhaps you won't think NZ is too expensive
My husband and I wanted to move to NZ. My husband still does, but I am having second thoughts. We were there twice before and loved it. But the more that I hear about it, the less wonderful it seems.
We just want to get out of the U.S.. I know, the grass is always greener...right?
Crime in NZ can't be that bad compared to here. Our taxes are high and going to get higher. We will soon have socailized medicine.
That being said, my husband is fine with getting a job in any country at this point. He just wants out. Money would not be much of an issue, since he would still work for the same company (they have offices all over the globe).
New Zealand, to us, was less work. No more working 65 plus hours a week. Spending time outdoors. Being around more for our kids. Safer, much nicer people. Just all around more laid back. And I love the fact that there are no poisonous snakes, or spiders!
I would be willing to give both NZ and OZ at least a year, to see if we could do it.
But that is why we "chose" NZ. ALthough he turned down one job offer/ position, there and now is kicking himself for it, we have not made it there, other than to vacation....
Hope that answers your question.
Taxes and living expenses are not any better so if you are going to NZ to escape that you'll be in for a hell of a shock.
But if his company can transfer him, then maybe try it out for the experience and see how it goes.
I think it just comes down to going in eyes wide open and recognizing NZ is not a fantasy land like some think and create in their mind.
There is also a very strong anti-American sentiment there.
Seems to me the Kiwis are "anti" many countries :
- anti British because it was the former colonial power
- anti French because of the Rainbow Warrior incident and the nuclear trials in the Pacific Ocean (I can relate to that somehow...)
- anti Australian because Australia is the "rival brother" of NZ
- anti German and anti Japanese because they fought against them during WWII
- anti Russian because NZ was part of the ANZUS pact during the Cold War
- anti ?????????
I'm starting to wonder : do the "Kiwis" love some other countries besides their own?
Somalia, Afghanistan or Saudi Arabia maybe ?
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