Quote:
Originally Posted by KiwiHopeful
As for 'negative' news, I don't really mind it. I check the Herald and Stuff every day myself, so most of what is posted I've seen elsewhere (though not necessarily read). I want to know the good, the bad, and the ugly ... in fact, I'd rather prefer to know the bad and the ugly than the good, since PureNZ, the guide books, and NZIS aren't going to give that part of the story!
I'm not too worried about people being scared off by negative news stories about NZ. For one, the news really isn't that bad (is it?). Second, better to be scared off by a forum than to pack up the family, move to the other side of the globe, and find out that interest rates are on the up, housing is skyrocketing, and kids can't be spanked. :wink:
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My point exactly. I also feel that if the news is currently full of gloom and doom about a particular topic, which it is at the moment regarding NZers' difficulties with finances and housing, at least it shows that it's out in the open and, hopefully, if it gets enough bad press, someone, somewhere will try to do something about it. It's more worrying when all is quiet and appears to be swimming along nicely. You never know what's being swept under the carpet.
When the press is repeatedly slamming a topic, either people will get bored and switch off or, preferably, will sit up and take notice and ask what's being done about the situation. If folks become aware that they aren't alone in these struggles, it should empower them to try to change things.
I've no doubt Helen Clarke and her minions read the papers and can't be too pleased at all the stories about hardship among NZers and lack of reasonably priced housing. Surely something will have to be done at some point to relieve the situation?
Personally I'm encouraged by the fact that these matters are being discussed openly and look forward to the time when measures are put in place to help those who are struggling. Or am I being too naive?
As for posting these articles on the forum, I just feel it's more responsible to show the problematic side of NZ as well as the good, so people are forewarned and can arm themselves accordingly. I don't think I could sleep at night if I'd helped to send them off to pastures new with glowing reports of the land of milk and honey, just for them to find out the reality is quite a different story. There are good and bad things in every country and NZ is no different, but if you're aware of the bad before you set out, at least you have a chance of facing it head on rather than have it mow you down before you can protect yourself. For me, it's better to head for NZ expecting the worst and then being pleasantly surprised than suddenly having all sorts of unforeseen problems falling on my bonce.