[Taffy]

I think the NZ idyllic lifestyle doesn't really exist any more, as much as the Govt would like to think otherwise. They are promoting what NZ used to be, rather than what it is now.

NZ is still a great place to live, but it does have social, and various other issues. I know this site is always accused of making everything seem rosey (although I don't know why, everyone gives personal opinions, not lines from a script!) but setting up a site to purely bash NZ is a bit of a strange move. People should concentrate on the balanced opinions, not just the good, not just the bad. Whatever you do, most importantly you should make up your own mind.

I also find it interesting that she is American. It does seem Americans have the biggest problems settling in NZ for whatever reason. Is the cultural gap that big? I know there is racism in NZ, but just look at some of the southern states in the US - race hate heaven!

I think NZ is a good option if you're really and truely fed up of life in your home country. On the flip side, it's probably the worst place you can go if you just fancy a change. I personally think life is quite hard in NZ, but the good things it has to offer make up for it.