An alternative look at NZ

[Dawn]

Now, you guys know we're loving living in NZ but I have to say that in the first month we were here we did comment on how many unwashed, BO smelling kiwis we came across, they don't seem to be so keen on the bodily hygiene thing NOT EVERYBODY obviously before anyone wades in with a 'drop kick' but I also work at a gym and believe me it's not always that pleasant in there and I know gyms are hot and sweaty places BUT I sweat heaps when I workout but I don't stink!

However, there are a lot of unwashed smelly peeps in UK and the sights to be seen in the city centres any night of the week with fat drunken women behaving like slappers and fat drunken hairy men taking advantage of the event - not nice.

Obesity is on the rise everywhere, there are a lot of over-weight people here, it's noticeable, there are a lot of overweight people in the UK it's noticeable - but in USA - really really really fat people who are so fat they can't walk and have to ride in motorised buggies to get to McDonalds. The number of obese kids is also noticeably on the rise.

There are a few lake views up in the Lake District that would rival Taupo

It's interesting to read other peoples views on things though. I'd like to read the rest of it.

[selchie]

I think he's going for the shock/outrage aspect (he's oh-so clever & witty, eh?), and so I can easily ignore his writings. I see far more unkempt, ugly and/or obese people where I live now than I saw in NZ. However, I wasn't that impressed with Taupo (coulda been the weather or something), except for the fantastic lamb pizza and seafood pizza we had one night.

[MollieMoo]

....he may actually have a few valid points.....

I've been to Taupo a few times - seems a bit dull to me......a big lake and a few mediocre shops....can't see what all the fuss is about......after half a day you would have seen everything there is to see...then what do you do......and its in the middle of no where.......I reckon Mr Fallowell has a point.......in fact I think he might have a good few points actually......face it people......there is a lot wrong with this country......sure.......there's a lot wrong with other places too.....but THIS IS NOT PARADISE.....its NOT clean and green, its not 'a great place to bring up kids' (HELL NO!) and its so PC its gone banana's - if another teacher tells me my kids have to learn Maori I'll flip - I'd rather they learnt something useful like French or German or Spanish. GET REAL and MOVE ON!!!!

Fallowell also writes about the demise of Wellington's old buildings.......I'd agree there too.......have a close look at townships and little towns all over New Zealand - they are a mess - thrown up out of cheap materials, falling down, pealing paint, rusting corrigated crap........its a shocker....it all looks like what it is......CHEAP

By the way, if anyone has any ides of where to go for a weekend away in NZ I'd love to hear them - we struggle to think of anywhere apart from going to Oz. We wouldn't want to go to Auckland....don't like it......Christchurch, nope...not much there; Dunedin - nah...not worth the trip; Masterton/Gretown - yep, been there - nice, but small; Nelson - yep - nice area......but all not as thrilling as Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane or Sydney.

[Carl]

Hi MollieMoo,

I havent yet been to New Zealand (planning on visiting in about a year), and I havent been around this forum for very long, but i have to say, you seem a bit negative.

I don't think that anybody on this forum thinks that NZ is a total paradise; and even if they did, that is their own opinion... I'm sure that some points this guy has mentioned are completely and utterly agreed upon by some people, but so what? I went to Paris last year, and it was cool, but not all that its cracked up to be. I also visited Istanbul, and i absolutely hated it! I do, however, I know people that loved both places. Guess its all about opinion eh?

Personally, I don't think that New Zealand will be a paradise, I dont think that it is perfect. Every single country has its flaws, name one that doesnt.... I'll be waiting a while for that one...

At any rate, I agree with you, there are certain to be a lot of things wrong with NZ; I dont know what they are now, but I will find out when i get there! But you know what? I will deal with them, because there is sh*t going on everywhere. I think it is important to point out the issues/problems with NZ. It may help people realize thats not what they want, who knows. Perhaps that is all you are doing. Whatever the case, however you stack it, I think that its a personal thing. So, if you want to spend your holidays in Brisbane or Sydney, more power to you!

[molly]

MollyMoo

You're right New Zealand is not paradise - but so far I have not yet met someone who claimed it would be...

New Zealand is not appealing because of the cities, rather despite of. If you're looking for posh, hip, stylish cities you're in the wrong place...

Taupo is not known for it's shops, you know. Maybe you should have put on some hiking boots and walked around a bit. But you are right for people with an "what can you offer me" consumer attitude, NZ might not be the right place to live.

Coming from Switzerland, with four spoken languages I think it is quite important to learn each others culture and language. Maoris are part of NZ and I find it absolutely ok that kids learn basics of their culture and language. They can still learn French or German (or Chinese).

I would have tons of good ideas to spend a great weekend in NZ but I doubt you would like it (nothing to consume there)...

[MotherBear]

I guess it's all down to having a positive attitude of mind and making the most of a situation. Some can do it, some can't. If you're a worrier, like I am, you tend to see the glass as half empty instead of half full and it colours your thoughts and feelings about things. There comes a time when it's an idea to try to get on top of things, pick out the positives and concentrate on them. Then work on the negatives and see how you can change them for the better.

There are some on here who are really striving (or struggling, if you prefer) to make a good life and are hanging in there where others have long since packed up and gone home. I assume they do this because they really want to stay, so the place must have some benefits. Horses for courses. I would say to those who are fighting to stay 'Power to you' and to those who can't see any good there 'Perhaps explore other options if you're never going to be happy in NZ'.

[johnty]

i dont know where you come from mollymoo,or where you are,but for us nz is a much better place for us to raise our kids.
we like going to these not much there places to cycle ,fish, swim and we like the fact that theres not much there.and are constantly surprised by the free concerts and events that christchurch hosts
what exactly do you want from nz
did you look into it before you left
if you are here on any form of residency,then ozzie should not be to hard for you to get in.
as it sounds like the only bits of nz you like are the airports

[kokopeli]

Originally Posted by MollieMoo

By the way, if anyone has any ides of where to go for a weekend away in NZ I'd love to hear them - we struggle to think of anywhere apart from going to Oz. We wouldn't want to go to Auckland....don't like it......Christchurch, nope...not much there; Dunedin - nah...not worth the trip; Masterton/Gretown - yep, been there - nice, but small; Nelson - yep - nice area......but all not as thrilling as Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane or Sydney.

MollieMoo, I can't believe you're being serious. If you want to live with bright lights/big city/multiplex/chain store banality, you're in the wrong country. Get yourself some tramping boots, a mountain bike or a kayak and get out there! NZ is full of magical places.

[Dawn]

We agree Johnty. We believe NZ a better place to raise our kids too And Molly, I agree with your comment about pulling on some hiking boots, that's the best way to find out why NZ is so much better and I don't just mean because of the scenery. It's about how much more you see in yourself. Maybe we take a little too much for granted.

When things turn out to be different to the way you want them to be, it can sometimes be a bitter pill to swallow. NZ isn't all things to all people and there are plenty of disillusioned folks around to prove it. Even Kiwis think they have to move away to find happiness. Funny how many of them return once they've realised that the grass isn't greener on the other side

Wake up peeps. You are your life. The life you are living now is the one you've constructed for yourself. If you don't like it, change it. It's never too late to have the life you really want. Get happy

[molly]

Originally Posted by Dawn

Wake up peeps. You are your life. The life you are living now is the one you've constructed for yourself. If you don't like it, change it. It's never too late to have the life you really want. Get happy

Totally agree!