rented properties & pets??

[MotherBear]

Originally Posted by Taffy

To be honest, all the internet/book/tv or whatever research you do will never truly reflect what life is actually like in NZ.

Yes, that's quite right but my thoughts are that, if you can find out as much as possible about the country, how things run in it and what to expect, it'll help save you coming up against things that you just didn't realise went on. Then you can hope to avoid the 'OMG, I didn't think it was going to be like this' syndrome.

Immigrating, and people's reaction to it, is always going to be a personal experience because we're all different and we're all going to encounter different situations but, if you have as much background info as possible before you set foot on NZ soil, it's bound to stand you in good stead.

I always try to do a lot of research on things I'm dealing with and then I store the information, but don't take it as gospel. As I just said above, I use it as background information to pull on when necessary, but real life experience is what I form my opinions on. Settling in a new country is very daunting with lots to take in, so if you can at least say 'Yes, I already knew it was going to be like that' it leaves you free to concentrate on other new things that you come up against. An information overload during your first few weeks in a new country is not what you need to be able to think clearly when there's big decisions to be made.

[Glenda]

I was fortunate enough to have lived in NZ as a teen in the 1970's/80's, but still found settling down with my family in NZ two years ago exhausting at times.

There are so many things you take for granted in the UK, with knowledge built up over many years of living there. Now you have to learn how to do things the Kiwi way - get to grips with their telecom system, utilities, banking, tax, road code, renting and buying procedures, school terms and curriculum, etc. On top of that you will be learning the country's geography, pronouciation of place names, and picking up it's culture. It is a lot of info to take in, and it is uncomfortable having to fumble about finding out these things as mistakes can be made. Some things you can only learn when you get here, but I certainly think that being as prepared as possible definitely helps.

One thing potential immigrants should be aware of is that NZ is a prime tourist destination and spends a lot of money promoting its scenic, clean air and outdoor image. OK, it is scenic and there are a lot of outdoor activities, but living here is not one long holiday ... though it is very nice and we don't regret it for one moment!

[Dawn]

You know what, it's like this, when you get here you'll do what you need to do when you need to do it, you'll learn what you need to know when you need to know it. All this 'getting to grips' with stuff is common sense man, it's no different to moving to another part of the UK. The culture isn't that much different here to the UK, it's like UK mentality in the 70's before we were all caught well and truly by the short and curlys. It's not rocket science, not unless you want it to be.

I really don't get what the big deal is, sit back and enjoy the ride because wherever it takes you there's one thing for sure, it won't be the same place you started in. Get up every morning with a fresh excitement for life and life will play the game with you, be a player not a pawn.

And when you're sitting on your deck, bbq'in your freshly caught fish and accompanying home-grown side salad wondering why the hell you didn't do this years ago, spare a thought for all the sad folks back in the UK who are sat in exhaust fume heaven wondering when the hell they'll get to see their kids next and trying to remember the last time they enjoyed a days work and raise your glass of Hawkes Bay Sauvignon and say, 'it's there to be had my friend, if only you have the courage.'

Here's to tomorrow, whatever it may bring