If you've got any questions on NZ ask away I'll try and answer them
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Brian...Thank you.
If you could give me the straight up on crime, Americans being able to work, export/import, the value of American dollar long-term,the cost of housing,food and clothing etc.,I'd appreciate it. I've read forums involving folks from all over the world who've lived there and without question,every one speaks of it's beauty and the good folks who live there. Hell, I'd love to spend a month there each year. But,it seems if you're a outsider coming into the country,prospects for long term comfort and financial stability might be a troubling goal.
Below lies a few of those forum posts. I realize there are simply some disgruntled folks who choose to bitch regardless so I'll just give you a few comments which caught my attention as far as my life would be concerned. The beauty of your country and the opportunities for a outdoorsman isn't even at issue. It's a given, imo. Picking between NZ and Australia would be tough for any US city goat roper, such as myself,so you giving this US city boy the straight up is sincerely appreciated.
If you could either verify or refute the above and respond to those comments below, you'd be owed a favor I'd gladly repay some day.
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Eve's avatar
Eve � 156 weeks ago
If i can chime in, I am a Secondary schoolteacher, moved to the South Island on a trial basis, luckily did not give up my job or home in the states. NZ did not meet my expectations at all. I am going back to the states at the end of this month, almost ran out of money, cannot wait to get out of here. Where do I start? Even though my profession is on the "shortage skills" list, I was not even shortlisted for most teaching jobs, was not even considered. If there is only one qualified kiwi they will not hire a foreigner. They don't like almost anyone who is not a kiwi but especially Brits,Americans, and Asians. I did get a job but it did not meet the minimum wage threshold to qualify for the work visa; I therefore had to pay for my children to attend a public school for one term. The schools are academically behind those in the states. Students also have to pay for books, materials, lunches, supplies, projects, trips. There are numerous hidden costs; this is for everyone, regardless if you are a kiwi citizen, resident, or visa holder. Many items are extremely expensive such as books, electronics, clothing, shoes, meats, dairy, office supplies, furniture, fuel and travel, entertainment, the list goes on. I would say before you come make sure you have a job lined up, do as uch research as you can, and bring lots of money if you do come. Do not totally give up anything you have back home if possible so if it doesn't work out you can go back.
P.S. IslandMeg, I know exactly how you feel, I am going mad as well, cannot wait to get the heck out of here, what a costly experiment this was...
Oh my god! I understand everything you are said and think you are right on the button with it. I am a Kiwi born and bred but lived in the States for 10 years and have been back here for 3 years and loathe it.
It's such a struggle and everything you have said is so true. I agree that the beautiful landscape (if you in the South) does not make up for the struggle and lowered level of quality of life here.
I feel like I am on a sinking ship and as soon as I can sell my house I am back to the States so I can breathe again.
Thanks for this article. I have been going mad here.
For those of you dismayed by NZ, you might consider Australia, Canada. I am an Australian in NZ. I find Australia far safer, and even if the property is far more expensive, it is an asset which will appreciate because of the entrenched zoning laws and strong population growth. There are plenty of jobs in Australia, a range of climate types, friendly, relaxed, aspirational people. It is the 'land of milk and honey'. The only problem I think with Australia is the pernicious govt, much like the USA. It was enough to drive me to NZ, but probably not enough to keep me here.
Crime in NZ is significantly worse, its too windy in NZ, though I appreciate the rain/green hills and a little chill in the air. I feel I have exhausted myself in NZ...as just two small, under-developed islands. Whereas there is a continent in Australia, lots of parks, lots of walks, lots of roads, all well-maintained. NZ is very socialist...people happily struggle. I love the small town life, but it is limiting.
Buying into Sydney might challenge some people with less than $250,000 in savings, and even smaller cities are expensive. You might be compelled to live in the bible belt, places like Toowoomba, in which case its like NZ. There are prosperous rural towns, but the distances between cities is a great. Australia'a climate is the ultimate gift. Places like Sydney, Gold Coast (working class), Newcastle (still working class), Port Macquarie (a little country, unfriendly) are the best coastal places. My favourite town is Inverell, NSW. My favourite area of Sydney is Eastwood/Epping area. Don't ruin them!
Hi, Im a kiwi but have lived in the UK for the last 17 yrs, we moved back to Nz a year ago, with my 14yr old daughter. It took my daughter a few months to settle in and get used to the way they teach here but now she is settled she is doing really well and is a lot happier in her school work, they push her to better herself and try different things too, sho loves it here and doesn't want to go back. Ive found for myself and my wife, it took a while to get good jobs and we had to spend a lot more in this time than we thought, but now we are settled we are almost back to earning the same as we were in the uk. everything is done the hard way here which is frustrating, food is expensive. From talking to other new comers here the first year is really tough but if you make it through that time then you will never leave. Although Im a kiwi Ive been away for a long time and I find Kiwis a little naive and a bit sad and annoying at times, beautiful place, great lifestyle, but come for a holiday if you can first, Im giving it a couple of years and might go back to england
