Thinking of emigrating to New Zealand

[thierry]

Absolutely agree with you Mazzie, on all points. I have been in New Zealand for 3 years, and my experience is absolutely similar to yours. The only reason why I am here is because my wife is a New Zealander and not in the best health, the place is completely backwards, and it is comparable to living in Eastern Europe in the 60s. Despite all the "100 pure" publicity of the NZ tourist office, I have not seen yet a country as dirty and as pollted than New Zealand; just check the NZ government website, it will tell you that 55% of the fresh water is polluted to a point of not being safe for bathing, and this is the official version! As for emplyment, as you say, one needs to be very careful, especially a foreigner, I have been offered a job before I came here for $60,000; the position was "eliminated", and after three weeks, I have been offered it back for $34,000... So even a job with a contract is NOT safe

[fritzie]

if nz is such a rotten place, then why was auckland rated #4 and wellington #12 in this survey of the world's best places to live?

not that surveys are the final word, but I've seen many instances where nz and these cities are regarded quite favorably when compared to other places in the world.

it's an honest question and not meant simply for the sake of arguing. every place has pros and cons and such value judgments also depend on the personality of the viewer.

[thierry]

Hard to tell, inasmuch as this survey do not even gives a hint of what their citeria are. Most times, they only goeby what the official version put out by a few people or the official governemnt sites say; anyway, you do not have to agree, this is my opinion, and I stand by it.

[fritzie]

the criteria are right here

Consumer goods
Economic environment
Housing
Medical and health considerations
Natural environment
Political and social environment
Public services and transport
Recreation
Schools and education
Socio-cultural environment

[thierry]

This tells you all: "a questionnaire developed by international Mercer professionals, working closely with major multinational companies". It could be quite a different story if you do not happen to work for a major multinational company relocationg you.

[thierry]

This tells you all: "a questionnaire developed by international Mercer professionals, working closely with major multinational companies". I only say that it is quite a different story if you do not happen to work for one of those multinational companies that pretty much guarantee you the same standard of living than you have at home when they relocate their employees. If the housing is so good, why is there such an uproar in the country, just go on the nz herald site and make a search for "leaky houses"? I am only saying: make your own search, and make up your mind. I have been here three years, and all I want is to make sure that what I know and feel is available to others who might be considering coming here. Just remember that I am not the only one thinking like this, I only agreed with a previous posting. You are looking at one survey nad taking it as truth. I am very sorry but tt takes much more research than the reading of one survey to make a decision.

[debsnotdebbie]

Hi

Do you come to NZ a tricky question I have to say if I could go back in time and change things I would not come here. My husband and I have been here for just over 2 years and it's not for us so we are going back to the UK in October.

We have found the place to be somewhat introspective and well behind the pack in respect of education, health, housing and general infrastructure. That having been said if you like the outdoor life this is the place for you if you like other activities you may want to think twice.

The country has a major problem with kids suffering from asthma and no wonder, we have found the houses to be cold and in a lot of cases damp even in the house we live in now which has heat pumps and a wood burner we have a problem with condensation on the single glazed windows and a de humidifier is an absolute must.The cost of fuel to heat your home whether it be gas, wood or electricity is high if you want to be warm you pay for it certainly well above $178 per mnth.

Despite the wood housing (I know earthquakes) NZ is not a balmy tropical island it rains a lot and when a southerly blows through Wellington which is often its cold. On the plus side when the sun shines you will not see a bluer sky anywhere in the world

Wages are ridiculous and in no way reflect the cost of living which is high. In comparison with the UK our income is down 50% balance this with a 20% reduction in our outgoings and you get the picture. The people work a standard 40 hours a week which is 2.5 hours more than the UK, even with these extra hours productivity is lower than in the Uk and Australia hence the low wages, taxes are high and there is no personal allowance. If you are a professional be prepared to work longer and harder than you did in the Uk its very very hard to get a break

If you want to go to the theatre, concert or even the pictures be prepared to pay the same prices as the UK. The cost of eating out depends where you go but is generally lower than in the UK with the added bonus, again, depending on where you go of BYO wonderful idea better wine lower price.

NZ has a crime problem but over all, I would say in my experience/opinion you are a lot safer here than in the UK. If you are unfortunate enough to be the victim of crime policing is a bit like "Life on Mars" The amount of Domestic violence and child abuse is a disgrace.

The country is good at getting professional people to come here but has a major problem with retention a substantial number leave within 2 years of coming here. Very sad and not good for the economy of the country they need to sort it out.

It was a hard choice to pack up and come here for what we thought would be a better life its not so it's an easy choice to go home. It has cost us a fortune but taught us a useful lesson the grass certainly is not greener on the other side of the planet

I am sad to say I will not miss NZ when I go home well may be the blue sky

[topcat83]

Originally Posted by debsnotdebbie

Do you come to NZ a tricky question I have to say if I could go back in time and change things I would not come here. My husband and I have been here for just over 2 years and it's not for us so we are going back to the UK in October.....

You have highlighted a number of very valid points here, Debs - and it's one of the reasons that I'd recommend to anyone if they possibly can to come over and visit first.

Houses are getting better - we've seen some substantial changes in attitude in the time we've been here.

Our personal experience has been good, and my son in particular is in a career that he would only have dreamed about in the UK (scuba diver instructor!).

But everyone should come over with their eyes opened a little and not expect paradise...

Good luck back in the UK.

[fritzie]

if i do go to nz, i won't expect to be wowed by the architecture!

[topcat83]

Originally Posted by fritzie

if i do go to nz, i won't expect to be wowed by the architecture!

LOL!

Let's put it this way - my son's 'Coronation Street' style terraced house in the UK is nearly as old as the oldest house in NZ. So if you want history, look at the geology. That's fascinating

And there are some well built houses - you just have to be a bit choosy (and of course if you rent you don't get so much choice).