Reasons for wanting a new life in NZ?

[SNataliaH]

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!!)

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.

[molly]

I understand your argument very well. We are working most of the time in Australia, but would never consider to move there. Spiders/snakes etc. are just one point the other one really is that we could not cope with the culture. Doing business over there is very different to doing business here in NZ. Australians are very self-confident (to put it nicely) and don't think much of friendly discussions. Usually it is a one-way directive and then you just have to do what they say. But: Australia is economically very strong and they are spending money, whilst NZ is in a bad downturn.

Re Wellington: If you move here, I would consider the Kapiti Coast. Yes, commuting obviously is a bit of a nightmare, but the weather is really considerably better than in Wellington. Due to the "mountain" ranges around us, we profit from dry downhill wind and therefore mild temperatures and lots of sun. Except from that, Wellington is really a lovely place to live with quite a good variety of arts and culture.

[kiaora!!]

I think NZ is a very unique country.. it s history is young, which is probably why people feel like they are 30years behind when they arrive here :)

But the country is only just building up and trying to find it s identity, hopefully we ll go the right way and stay the unique country we are :( .. nz is special in its own ways, the lifestyle and its people. Dont come to NZ for a richer (as in more money) life, come to nz for the lifestyle and you will love it!
it is a little paradise with so many places yet to be explored..

I know alot of people who have come here and decided to go back home because life was 'too slow' for them. but that s obviously a personal thing :)

Having lived in Australia for over 4 years, I know what you mean :)
I have to honestly say that I dont want to ever live there again
yes I did earn double as much money there and survived easier, spent all my time on the beach and all winter in europe.. but yes, australians are very very arrogant and loud, in fact I found them really really cold people!
I also dont like that australia doesnt have culture, its so mixed up that they totally forgot about who used to be there and their culture.
And as weird as it might sound, it can be 45dag and stinkyhot but the place will always be cold!
Australia is trying too hard to be like america .. please nz stop comparing this country with oz, we are a million times better!!!!!!!!!!!!

[stanley]

We have just come back from doing a recce in a camper van and absolutly loved it, We love a slower pace of life at home whichfor us in the Uk means living in a really lovely but out of the way place,then commuting to work through all the traffic which is great for us but has been a bit hard on our 15 yr old son. It feels like in NZ we could have it all, we looked at smaller towns and felt we could live in a street but still have an acre garden, and be near other kids for our son. We couldnt believe how friendly the kiwis where, even the teenagers. The food was fresher, the roads where better. We came home on friday and cant wait to get back there.