There is no doubt that the immigrant has to think hard of what NZ will give to him and his family. Few of us would go through all the hurdles and anxieties of immigrating if there was not the hope of bettering life in one way or another.
I don't think people think like you Burgundy - considering what they can do for NZ - as most are wrapped up in realising their own personal dreams. Those on a Business Visa certainly have to in order to get their entry into NZ accepted. However, apart from having your own business, I would not be surprised if a poll found that most immigrants taking up employment here in NZ have to play down their expertise in order to fit in - in this respect Kiwis don't like being told that what they are doing is possibly outdated or wasteful.
Must admit it seems that my only contribution to NZ has to be whatever money I've spent keeping the economy ticking over
and adding to the increase in population with my four kids, three of them boys to rebalance the gender gap (there are more females than males in NZ).
Integration will take time. The initial sheer 'high' of being here and starting a new life can open doors to new friendships, usually other expats at first. Some folks worry over the time it takes to settle; others like to take their time, learning step by step about their new country, kept buoyant by the better weather, scenery, outdoor life etc.
You shouldn't crumble without central heating - it wasn't that long ago that most of Europe and the UK relied on fireplaces and gas/electric heaters. (Remember well waking up to ice on the windows ... and I ain't that old!) Most new houses being built now have insulation in the walls and roof spaces which (surprise surprise) keeps these homes so much more warmer than the others which are basically sheds. In time, they will get around to putting double glazing into houses, especially in the South Island. As Mother Bear said, heat pumps are the most popular form of heating and they sure do give out some heat. Woodburning stoves are still very popular here and I had one installed in my house as well as the heat pump in case of any power cuts.
I'm sure you will get used to driving on the left. As to whether your child gets a Kiwi accent, well it depends how old they are. Children 10 years and over do tend to keep their original accents unless they go out of their way to integrate by copying their Kiwi peers.
(This looks like one of those 'know it all' essays that pop out from me now and again on this forum.
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