Methodic,
Glad you could join us on the forum.
I’m neither American nor have I already immigrated to NZ, but the gut feeling I have about the place is that the kiwis are ‘more in touch with the earth’. I know that sounds a bit hippy-ish, but I get the impression that the average kiwi is more interested in getting on with life than meddling in politics or high finance (outside of Auckland, anyway). Life is simpler and more ‘back to basics’. Perhaps this is due to them not having so much disposable income to hand, but they do seem to enjoy and indulge more in what nature has to offer. Coming into NZ from a more materialistic country you could find this very unappealing or, alternatively, depending on your train of thought, refreshing.
I don’t see it that there is this ‘Big brother is watching you’ culture where the stuffing of your whole life is monitored. Politicians are too busy fighting amongst themselves to worry about what you’re doing and, yet, I do think that the general public does have a voice there. Several times issues have been raised, there’s been a public outcry, and very quickly the issues have been shelved again. If not, then they try to compromise. As with every government, there is good and bad, but I don’t think NZ could compare in any way to the complex involvement of the US government in the running of the country. NZ is a much smaller country and there’s not so much at stake.
I don’t know if this will enlighten you about the
taxation system in NZ, but it’s a start.
Quote:
Originally Posted by methodic
It's hard for me to put into words my ultimate utopia. I just want to live my life, contribute to the good causes, and not feel like I am being enslaved, but rather working towards a better humanity. I just don't feel that way in the United States. I got a letter from the IRS that says I "owe" them $6,000. Thing is, I know all about the federal taxes, the Federal Reserve, and where that money goes. It's a huge scam, it's highly illegal, and stuff like this just keeps piling on me to the point I can barely take it.
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I think a lot of people will identify with those sentiments so you aren't alone in expressing them. I would imagine it would be a lot easier to get on with your life unhampered in NZ than in the US, provided you can bring in a reasonable income to support yourself and your family. Once outside the cities you can very quickly escape to peace and quiet, which must be good for the soul. As Kiwihopeful says, it's much easier to do certain things like starting your own business or buying property because there isn't so much red tape. I don't think kiwis can be bothered with it.
I've rambled on a bit and probably haven't done much to put your mind at rest, but I would say that, if you aren't the materialistic type, you could do a lot worse than NZ.