Hi. No, haven't been living in the UK - apart from regular visits. As an intinerant English language teacher I've been living in various countries, mainly in the Middle East.
It's partly job burnout as well as "living in foreign countries burnout" which is driving me back. A large proportion of NZ'ers leave to get what we call OE (overseas experience). They usually return after a couple of years but I guess I got stuck! Having had the experience of living in places where human rights are not respected, where there is little real religious freedom - and in that I include the right to not have a religion if that's the case - where there is little respect for the environment, zero freedom of the press and no right of public complaint, appalling corruption at all levels etc etc New Zealand really is a paradise. Just wish all NZ'ers could realise how lucky they are.
Crime levels there worry me - ironically despite all the things mentioned above the M.E. ( war zones excluded) is remarkably safe - partly due to the fact that there is little alcohol fueled violence.
Obviously there is no perfect place - but I think if you weigh up the plusses NZ does come up pretty high on the list.
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