I'm still not one hundred percent sure I will be moving to New Zealand, but as an Australian, it's a decision that is not going to have the same massive impact on my life, so I don't need to put years of planning into it (no applications or visas to worry about, and not exactly a long trip over!!).
One of the biggest drawcards for me is, of course, the fact I can move to New Zealand whenever I want because of the agreement between their country and my country - I can just turn up on a plane and stay for as long as I want. Also, it is closer to my family - I have lived in England and north east Asia and I know how difficult it can be to be so far away from home - especially when there is an illness or other emergency.
I know most people do the New Zealand to Australia move, rather than a move from Australia to New Zealand. But for me, New Zealand just fits better.
There are so many similarities between the countries (all the way down to Pavlova, lamingtons and rugby), but there are some differences too. Australians are a bit louder, brasher, more arrogant. I don't like that I can't criticise any aspect of Australia without having everyone gang up on me and attack me for being 'un-Australian'. Australia is marketed as some sunny Utopia, but I find it to be a very different place indeed. But good luck telling anybody here that!!
(Plus, as funny as some people may find the Kiwi accent, the Australian accent just gives me a headache!!
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The landscape and weather (yes, really!!) of New Zealand appeal to me more than Australia's. There's only so long you can sit on a beach in the searing sun and then the appeal kind of....goes....
I'm planning on living in Wellington, largely because it's compact but has so much - especially in the way of arts and culture. That is the most important aspect for me.
