Finally in New Zealand

[uniflyboy]

Finally we arrived in Hamilton. It is very cold and wet but the air is so clean. We are incredibly surprised how helpful and friendly people are.

Thanks to all of you who gave us advice.

One surprise. I always said "what the hell is a HEAT-PUMP" Now I learned it is an "Air Conditioner"!

Cheers
Mike

[MotherBear]

Gosh, that was quick. Hadn't realised you were going so soon but then time has a habit of catching up with me. Hope you are settling well in Hamilton (our intended destination when it's our turn ) but shame about the weather. At least it can only get better . Please keep us posted with how you're getting on as those early days and impressions are always very interesting.

If you've just come from Sydney, how do you rate the Ozzie people against the kiwis for friendliness?

Originally Posted by uniflyboy

One surprise. I always said "what the hell is a HEAT-PUMP" Now I learned it is an "Air Conditioner"!

Yes, it's a sort of air conditioner that can blow either hot or cold. Much cleaner and less hassle than a log burner. We had them installed in our house in NZ, but haven't had the pleasure of trying them out yet.

[ebianca]

Welcome to NZ Mike.

Hope you settle well in hamilton and make sure you pop in and let us know how things are going for you.

Beth

[Welshgirl]

Welcome to Hamilton, Mike

Let us know if you need anything or would like to catch up as we're in the same city! Bugger about the weather but this is about as bad as it gets for winter, so don't despair!

Wishing you all the best for your future in NZ

[uniflyboy]

Thanks for your good wishes. We get on well. We have just rented a nice house in Te Awamutu gving us fresh air and a nice environment. My place of work, Hamilton Airport, is half way between Hamilton and Te Awamutu so it doesn't matter where we live.

Sure, we had to come fast because I had to start work, I was recruited to take up and appointment with a big flight training academy as instructor.

Ha, I know a "heat pump" as a "Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner".

Sure it is cold for me in New Zealand, I used to live in Maitland near Newcastle/Australia. Haha.

One other thing I don't understand.... Why is New Zealand wine more expensive than the Australian (imported) wine?

Mike

[Dawn]

Originally Posted by uniflyboy

One other thing I don't understand.... Why is New Zealand wine more expensive than the Australian (imported) wine?

Mike

Yeah, I don't understand this either but I do like the Australian so makes no difference to me

Te Awamutu's a great little place isn't it. We've passed through it a few times as we live Cambridge way. It's a compact place, got a nice feel about it and the people are very friendly.

As for the weather, like WG says, this is as bad as it gets. It doesn't feel that cold to us as we're from the UK. It's rare not to see the sun at some point during the day and we don't mind the rain, it's keeping our water tank topped up

Good luck with the new job.

[MrsD]

One other thing I don't understand.... Why is New Zealand wine more expensive than the Australian (imported) wine?

Mike[/quote]

We went on a wine tour and were told because it's a smaller industry they go for high end quality wines rather than mass produce them. Better profit margins.