GOOD GOD - well what about this?

[dianabutnotaprincess]

Ermm well as a newbie to the site I don't want to raise tooooooo much trouble, but I do wonder what people have to think about this? I've been to NZ quite a few times as almost all my family live there. This means I haven't done much touristy stuff because I never have any money and I'm always visiting relis and their friends. I've got the impression that NZ social life is quite different to here in the UK. People are really friendly, but somehow the level of interesting conversation doesn't seem to be there. I've noticed that bringing up politics, emotions and complaints of any sort all get short shrift. Getting out of the Pom habit of whinging all the time is great, but the other two I rather miss. Also it seems easier to make acquaintances than friends - what do you think? Is it just my family's friends? Is all of NZ like this? Have you made really good, close friends in NZ?

looking forward to some lively answers!

[MotherBear]

Originally Posted by dianabutnotaprincess

...looking forward to some lively answers!

Or any answers at all would do . What a lazy lot . I'd have thought this was a good topic to start a discussion although I must admit to thinking I was in line for some juicy gossip or similar when I read the title of the thread.

Have faith Diana, someone will get around to answering, although it's getting near to bedtime in NZ now. Might take a while as it's a bit slow on here at the moment and a lot of our NZers tend to get busy doing NZish things and don't necessarily pop into the forum every day.

[Ginabridget]

Originally Posted by dianabutnotaprincess

People are really friendly, but somehow the level of interesting conversation doesn't seem to be there. I've noticed that bringing up politics, emotions and complaints of any sort all get short shrift.

I think that this could be as a result of being a new to the area because what you've mentioned above is exactly how I found England when I first came here, and I think Australia was the same when I lived there for a while. I think that once you get through the first 18 months of being in the new place/meeting new people you tend to get back to talking about absolutely everything and being able to have a right good whinge (which is good for the soul I reckon).

What I found difficult when I first left NZ (I'm in the process of moving back now) was making new friends where you didn't have years of shared history that binds you together, you have to work at making new friends and before you know it you've got that shared history.

I'm not sure I've made that very clear, but I hope you get what I mean.

It's one of the things I'm not looking forward to when I do finally get back to NZ is that I'll have to start all over again on the friend front. Blimey that sounds terrible doesn't it, but now I've got the kids I'm not sure I've got the energy to be super-friendly.

[Dawn]

MB, I did type a lengthy reply to this yesterday, being, as you are aware, a woman of opinion BUT the vair vair stoopid lappy went all spango on me and blanked my screen So, when I get back from working out work later I will sit down and try again. Don't know if that ever happens to you guys but if I've replied once and then lost it, I sometimes don't bother again. You are right MB, vair vair lazy

[dianabutnotaprincess]

cheers for the replies - well I look forward to Dawn's (pesky, techie things allowing).
Ginabridget, it's really interesting that you've felt like this in England and Aus - sounds like you're right, I'll just have to make that effort! In fact we're only planning to go for a year so we'll have to be super super friendly otherwise may not get through that stage before coming back!
Sorry no gossip at the mo - might have to wait till I know you all a bit better, I'm shy y'know

[ebianca]

Well I have been here only 2 weeks now so haven't had too much experience to comment on just yet- especially seen as we have spent most of our time driving around exploring the different areas.

I guess what Gina says is true really- the political comverstaions and winging etc would all come as you build on friendships and establish comon ground and boundries etc.

Once i've settled in more I will come back to thins and give you my personel opinions- if you're still around by then.