Don’t Move to New Zealand

starving piggy bank

“I am so tired of Kiwis making a virtue of necessity – there’s nothing here to compensate for the forced pennypinching”

This story was originally published on the discussion forum Expatexposed.

A US migrant in New Zealand tells how grinding penny pinching becomes a way of life in NZ with nothing to compensate it, rather than a short term measure to get ahead.

The poster also tells of how carefully ‘Brand New Zealand’ is manipulated to attract people who turn out to be unsuitable migrants.

This is the sort of honesty that seldom gets published about New Zealand, and we’re honored to be able to host it here:

“I am so tired of Kiwis making a virtue of necessity. They should be honest that THAT is what it is – making do on a cute remote island. Nothing more than that. Not an arcane “lifestyle” to be aspired to (cue: clink wineglass of Sauvignon Blanc, look out to blue water, flash impossibly white teeth at partner that you would never see on a Kiwi because most of them don’t do dental).

There’s nothing here to compensate for the forced pennypinching – little opportunity, no rich culture, you can’t easily travel to other places for a change – nothing. The government and migration agencies are dressing New Zealand up and not being honest about what it is really like here – THAT is my biggest gripe.

If you are rich, boaty and/or fetishize nature, you will LOVE it here, and you won’t have to make sacrifices, or the sacrifices may well be worth it. I am not rich, boaty and do not fetishize nature.

I DO wear woolly socks and jumpers inside, and I did that before I came here. I shop secondhand “just because it is sensible”. I make food from scratch. I totally agree – it’s sensible and no less, regardless. I have NEVER had central heating or double-glazed windows in any house I have lived in, though I aspired to such back home where I was able to afford to buy my own house. I used to put thermal plastic sheeting on my windows to keep warm in winter. I will hunt that stuff down for this year in NZ if I haven’t been able to leave by winter. At home, I had a gas furnace (not a standalone heater) and my heating was, under a special distributive program where they spread the money out for winter heating to summer months so you don’t get these big lumps to pay in winter) about 80 a month USD (that’s about, what, 100 NZD?). Just to give you a comparison.

The difference is that back there, I lived this same way and was able to save money and get ahead by being frugal. I could afford better food and I didn’t have to darn big holes in socks. I’d darn a little hole or two and then when the socks persisted in developing more holes, I would give them away to the local animal shelter inside a pillowcase for the animals to use. I had money to travel and visit people.

I’ve lived frugally before – and was able to GET AHEAD by doing so. I was able to save thousands a year doing that. Here, you are FORCED to live that way just to keep your head above water, and you are lucky if you can save anything. Maybe some year upward mobility will pull you into its wake if you can catch the wave at the right time…you can only climb the rungs of the ladder with great difficulty in New Zealand, and just hope you don’t have a setback that sends you back to START. It’s easy to have that happen to you if you have no family here to cushion your setbacks for you.

I do not consider that the people of New Zealand are beneath me. I perceive that they “make do” valiantly with what they have. I have seen them be amazingly creative making good useful things out of nothing. The housewives use everything but the squeal. Jesus, do I have to want to live like that, though? This is admirable, and I’d do it if I had to, but why pay out the nose to do that? Kiwis are both shaped and limited by having to live that way. They don’t have time for intellectual pursuits? Just LIVING here occupies enough of their effort, so ok, it’s understandable (Google “culture of New Zealand”, “anti-intellectualism” if you think I am being a snob). People have crafted the Wiki entry to reflect reality, better, I think, since I came over some years ago, and I think prospective migrants should read it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_New_Zealand#Anti-intellectualism (See below*)
I don’t think you’re aware of how carefully they manipulate Brand New Zealand to attract people who in actuality turn out to be highly unsuitable migrants. That’s where I perceive my fight to be on EE, is representing the reality of New Zealand as I personally experienced it, as one of those unsuitable migrants, so I can prevent other people from making the same mistake I did. It’s the only way I can make lemonade out of my own lemons! That’s why many of the members post here – they are either venting or making sure the downside gets “out there”, hoping that googlers will be able to find and read it through all the net-bombing by “paradise”-mongers who are trying to represent New Zealand as a place that it is NOT.”

*Anti-intellectualism in NZ (Wikipedia)

“Unlike many European countries, but in common with other ‘Anglo’ countries such as Britain, the United States and Australia, New Zealanders do not have a particularly high regard for intellectual activity, particularly if it is more theoretical than practical. This is linked with the idea of ‘kiwi ingenuity’ (see above), which supposes that all problems are better solved by seeing what works than by applying a theory.

This distrust of theory manifested itself in social policy of the early and mid twentieth century, which historian Michael Bassett described as ’socialism without doctrines’: although the policies of the first Labour and other governments pursued traditionally socialist goals, they were not based on any coherent theory. A major break with this tradition came in the 1980s when the fourth Labour and fourth National governments enacted a series of reforms based on free market ideology.

This reinforced many New Zealanders’ distrust of intellectual theory, as many consider that the reforms increased poverty and inequality in New Zealand. Despite the prevailing mood of anti-intellectualism, New Zealand has reasonably high rates of participation in tertiary education and has produced a number of internationally renowned scholars and scientists, including Ernest Rutherford, J.G.A. Pocock and Alan MacDiarmid. It should be noted that both Rutherford and Pocock spent most of their professional lives in Britain. For many years this was a common occurrence, and a consequence both of New Zealanders’ attitudes and the low population which made it hard to support major research.

Attribution

Because New Zealanders often have to relocate to achieve worldwide fame and fortune, New Zealanders are keen to claim famous people as being New Zealanders, however short their residency in New Zealand might have been.

While people born in New Zealand are certainly identified as New Zealanders, those who attended a New Zealand school or resided in New Zealand also qualify, irrespective of national origin. This sometimes leads to famous people and innovations being identified as coming from both New Zealand and another country—such as the pop group Crowded House, the race horse Phar Lap and the actor Russell Crowe, all of whom have been associated with Australia and New Zealand.

Because the measure of New Zealand success was often how well a person did internationally, anything from ‘Overseas’ is seen as holding more cultural capital than the local equivalent, regardless of its quality.

This means that New Zealanders are often lured to the performances of “international acts”. This is exacerbated by New Zealand’s isolation and small population causing it to be skipped by the international tours of all but the most commercially successful musicians and performers. The flipside to this phenomenon is that famous people from overseas can be quickly embraced by New Zealanders if they visit regularly or for an extended period or claim an affinity with the country.”

.Comment left by staedtler

http://www.listener.co.nz/issue/3355/features/2475/the_unfriendly_isles.html
“We invite them to live here, then set them up for failure. Immigrants and refugees have a tough time settling in New Zealand, and it’s costing them – and us – dearly”

“New Zealand has never been particularly welcoming to immigrants, but a National Business Review-Phillip Fox poll this month suggested that attitudes of ordinary New Zealanders to non-white immigrants are hardening.”

“The requirements for immigration and the requirements for registration [as a teacher] are very different and it’s never been made explicit. So they come here on the basis of their teaching qualifications and can’t register. We suspect it’s the same with other qualifications, particularly those with a registration component, such as engineering.”

Although politicians attack migrants for “taking taxpayers for a ride” by claiming sickness and hardship benefits, a recent Victoria University survey found that a majority of New Zealanders are accepting of immigrants, but they have little to do with them. Those at the bottom of the socioeconomic heap who have most contact with them often perceive them as a threat. Chile was called in recently to sort out a dispute for an African migrant family who bought a house in South Auckland. “The people next door set the dog on the woman of the house and the children have been beaten up.”

(E2NZ.org is being updated all the time, for the latest of hundreds of migrant tales click on this link e2nz.org/tag/migrant-tales. If you would like to send us your migrant tale please leave it in the contribute section).

Everything you read on this site is genuine. We cite all our sources so people can judge the authenticity for themselves. People may not want to believe what they read here, and its easier to dismiss the site than deal with the numerous issues it raises; BUT that is what we call the “New Zealand condition.”

Let’s face it, if New Zealand was that great why does a country larger than Britain have more sheep than people, and a population of a little under 4.5 million. Did you know  >1 million Kiwis live overseas, ever wondered why they do that if ‘everything is awesome’?

Please take a while to read some of the comments that were left on this thread since it was first published in Feb 2010 – scroll to the bottom of the page to get them.

A Selection of Related articles from the Migrant Tales Series

779 thoughts on “Don’t Move to New Zealand”

  1. You are having problems in Singapore as are people that write here about problems with NZ. You should understand the issues and problems then. Integrating into an insular society, not being accepted because you are not from there, you are experiencing there what migrants are experiencing here. That sounds a bit hypocritical.

  2. All I can see here is a bunch of whiny, spoilt and pretentious people that need to learn to be thankfull for what you get in life. I lived in Wellington as an immigrant from Europe for 7 years and I loved every moment of it. Kiwis are great, hospitable people that don’t discriminate. I live in Asia (Singapore) now due to work and I hate this place. So my recommendations for all you people nagging is come to Singapore: theres plenty of your type around so you can flock together, drink tea and bitch about whatever is your new target of complaint. NZ is a great place to live and work and the people are wonderfull. Far different from the people commeting on this thread, no wonder you didn’t or dont fit in.

    • The attitude that “you should be thankful for what you get in life” is what’s wrong with NZ. People are told to suck it up, harden up, stop whining. Then they move away from NZ and realise that living in a brutal country that idolises sport above all else may be the problem.
      Lovely for you that you had a great experience – perhaps you have more similarities with NZ culture to begin with. Wellington is one of the most cosmopolitan and well educated populations in NZ, so it’s not surprise you may not have been exposed to some of the harsher sides of NZ living there.

      Racial discrimination in NZ is very entrenched. Just because you didn’t experience it doesn’t make is disappear. Interesting that the dialogue from pro-NZers is always “what’s your problem that you didn’t fit in?”, never to consider that maybe the culture is unwilling to accept people as they are and instead forces them to “fit in” or else.

    • I agree with you ben. I love my country new zealand. Born and bred. Can’t hate me for loving this country. Yes new Zealand has ups and downs but I still love it here. Some people on here can’t hate all kiwis there not all the same. We have some awesome kiwis here who are trying to make a difference here and some kiwis who just don’t give a toss about new Zealand and abuses it. Can’t expect everything to be cool when migrating to a new country. Yes we have a lot of solo mothers here in nz not all of them abusing the system. Some mothers become solo either because their partners have died and finding it hard to get back on their feet resorts to going on the benefit not for them but their children’s sake. Or some mothers are either sexually abused they had to leave for them and their kids safety. We dont know there story we just cant say all kiwis are all the same. I know for sure that there are some out there just having kids to get money. I was a solo mother with my first child at 21 my ex partner became a very jealous and unloving and abusing person towards my child I got up and left. I didnt go running to work and income to support me i got up of my ass and went looking for a job and got one straight away, which im still at now with two kids and a husband who took in my oldest child like his own and one together. We both have wonderful jobs earning great money and living in auckland with a three bedroom home 300 a week. Two incomes per household is better than one. I have AMAZING KIWI friends and are not how some of the people on here say that all kiwis are racist and what not. New Zealand is a multicultural country we have different races all over this country. I have not yet bumped into any racist kiwis. I don’t blame anyone but John key ! I hate that son of *****. He’s never done anything that’s helpful for citizens or migrants. Nor has he done anything that he said he would and yes ive already lodged complaints to him and even signed tge petition to get him out of here lol Look? He’s spending 26 million on a stupid flag change !!! When he could use that money to benefit children citizens and people looking to move here. New Zealand is a great place for some and for others it’s not a great place. I’ve had rough times but I managed to get where I am today with my two children and partner. New Zealand is the place for me and my children. We are working hard to ensure our kids grow up safely, get an education and live happily like I did. I guess new Zealand can’t make everyone happy. For me living in nz is so better for me and my family. Sorry for those who had bad experiences hope all is well with you😊

      • Yes I have.stayed in the states for about 2.5 years that place made me scared never going there again Lived in Australia
        for 3 years and it was shit. Never met so much racist people in Australia just going on a bus you get racist comments. Had a job and everything there just didn’t like so I came home and more happy as ever. Yes I’ve helped take in a lot of homeless children cause of the love of my parents. We help them get on their feet and some of them have made it on their feet. I’m only 25 years old don’t drink “kool-aid” nor smoke. Got sick of sending complaints so I just look after people until they get on their feet. Some moved from new Zealand due to memories of abuse and are happy where they are now. I see a lot of homeless children just walking to the train station. I help them out and not judge them or back grounds. I wish I could help all but I can’t. It sucks. I understand new Zealand has problems? But what COUNTRY doesn’t ? It’s not about naming the problems it’s about doing something about it if no one’s gonna do it. I’m on my way there. We are all entitled to our own opinions.

        • it’s about doing something

          Not necessarily about homeless children, but most migrants come looking to DO SOMETHING positive and are met with huge resistance. Most make do with what is on offer, with an attendant waste of talent.
          Others give up and leave. I’d leave this village [of a country] in a heartbeat, if the opportunity arose.

  3. wow! there’s a whole lot of NZ bashing going on in here. As a 1st generation kiwi, married to an immigrant, I cant say that my parents, my husband or I have seen much of the bad stuff that people have mentioned. My husband is from a ‘developing country’ and like many others, came to NZ with a qualification that wasn’t recognised here and lacked the ‘NZ experience’ to get into the industry that he was in back home. However within a few years he has worked a multitude of jobs to get into his chosen industry and met so many people that have looked beyond the accent and skin colour to give him a chance.

  4. I’ve found it funny, that they set up things like Broadcast Standards and [the NZ version of] Labor Court, and have no expectation that anyone will use them, or if they do use them, will be ostracised because they did used them.
    These fixtures are set up to project an immage of propriety.

  5. One of the big problems in NZ is that there is no justice whatsoever for those who have been discriminated against in terms of race or ethnicity due to their pride and arrogance. For example, I made formal complaints many times to Broadcast Standard Authority over bad discriminative words that came out of the radio talk-back hosts such as “Dirty Germans”, “Damn Chinese” and “Terrible Chinese People”, however, they NEVER uphold any of the complaints, saying that “it is lighthearted (What a lie! If it is true, why it was said in such an angry manner?!), it is a sarcasm that reflects respect (What a poor excuse! If it is true, how come he said “We’re sending it to China – don’t you realize how BAD that is? Those terrible Chinese people.” ) and those words such as “Terrible” or “Damn” are permissible even in public broadcasting (Praise God that my country is not as immoral and corrupt as this country where this kind of language is totally unacceptable to use to describe any people or nation in a public broadcast no matter what!) At the end of the day, they are kiwis and they never uphold this kind of complaint especially from a foreigner due to their pride. Anyway, soon or later, God will judge this nation.

  6. I don’t think that you should make a general assumption of New Zealand just because of your experiences. I’m not sure what part of New Zealand you moved to but there are many places that are NOTHING like you explained. Yes many people drink sav or something along those lines after a hard day at work but in some parts of America that is also considered the norm. You are judging New Zealand by a certain area. I think before you can judge New Zealand as a country you need to travel and interact with the locals.

  7. interesting perceptions of my little NZ. As a born & bred NZr .
    ( am not a kiwi,that is a short fat flightless nocturnal bird of little use… hmmmmm.)
    all the fickle complaints re teeth and frugality are not wrong But all stem from the cost of living here.
    it is essential to have two incomes.. to get by .not to live well.for that you may need 3 or 4 incomes.IMO we are fiercely loyal yet fully non patriotic.suffer from an intense inferiority complex .(hence the grouping together) which is the drive behind most international achievements .we think the world is impressed by them but mostly the word smiles sweetly ,says “how quaint”,and gives it no further thought.

    we are far more culturally friendly then given credit for
    my own close circle of friends consists of NZ’rs.Filipinos,Germans and Chinese..
    The opinions of politics do not reflect the opinions of people, as nz government ignores people to follow its own agenda.The media here decides who will win elections in advance,tells us and we ,like sheep,vote accordingly.

    we are pay city rates of ever increasing amounts to payback city bank-loans we did not ask be taken out.we are taxed on our income taxed on our purchase,taxed on our petrol.
    they desire to tax us on cows farting also.

    but hey ..its very affordable to have a baby,so they can grow up with yellow teeth wearing frugal clothes ,amount huge student debt and exist in a life of “just getting by”….

    come on over…
    or not.

  8. Hey guys.. why not come to live in South Africa…it has the highest standard of living in the world for professionals and educated people. The scenery is second to none and the currency is so cheap that huge brock houses are virtually fee with some currencies such as GBP, NZ$ AND US $. the weather si the best in the world and there are a myriad of opportunities available…see you in Johannesburg, or Durban or CapeTown…all great places to live!!!!!! There are some problems but the spirit of unity is strong amongst races except for a small handful of jerks…

    • I have spent enough time living in South Africa not to swallow the Kool Aid about the “Rainbow Nation”. The country has shocking levels of crime. Even more disconcerting is that the crime is not simply poor people stealing, but rather people who attack and torture victims for pleasure.

      Infrastructure is falling apart, corruption is rife, and frequent blackouts occur. I certainly think South Africa does have great weather and scenery and it is also a good place to earn money in business. However, it is not somewhere I would want to live.

    • The Saffers I knew mainly moved on to Australia or went back to S. Africa. Couldn’t be that bad if they left ‘Paradise’ for it!

  9. People think they are moving here http://www.realestate.co.nz/2254582 (the right link this time, iv been reminiscing about football

    When in fact your more likely to end up here http://www.realestate.co.nz/2282832

    They are so far away from anything nobody notices the bent pr work, it is a beautiful place and has a decent summer, but unless you are taking a substantial amount of money over to either build your own house or buy one of the very few that are built well, it a no go.

    A sentence I saw in here summed it up superbly, “a fantastic scenery doesn’t pay a mortgage.”

  10. People think they are moving here http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oGeMZ3t8jn4

    When in fact your more likely to end up here http://www.realestate.co.nz/2282832

    They are so far away from anything nobody notices the bent pr work, it is a beautiful place and has a decent summer, but unless you are taking a substantial amount of money over to either build your own house or buy one of the very few that are built well, it a no go.

    A sentence I saw in here summed it up superbly, “a fantastic scenery doesn’t pay a mortgage.”

  11. Yes, NZ has amazing PR- ‘NZ Pure’ is no more than smoke and mirrors (funny how the name ‘The land of the long white cloud’ actually alludes to this). Highlighting one area: Canterbury is still having quakes, people are living in garages (concrete floor and no insulation), the rivers are flooding, hundreds more residents may be redzoned as a result of the floods and the local companies are releasing effluent into the Waimakariri whenever it storms. Add to this the recent admission that many residents live on contaminated land (ex-tips, fertilizer burial sites etc) and the sale of Canterbury farms to Asia for intensified dairy farming- the 30% of contaminated wells and threat to the groundwater supply will soon mean Christchurch residents have no clean water supply at all… sounds great NZ!!!

  12. Thank you for your comment. People from your corner of Eastern Europe must be glad to have somewhere to go. Unfortunately, most of the migrants aren’t from Eastern Europe, they’re from countries that have a better standard of living than NZ and moved thinking they were swapping like for like. They also expected comparable health and education systems and the right to be treated as equal citizens, that’s tough in a country that’s committed to being bi-cultural (Paheka/Maori) rather than multi-cultural because there’s no provision for their culture.

    • Yes, if you come from some places, it will be a step up, and surely some of these folks would be excellent NZ citizens, as appreciative as they are. If you come from somewhere like the UK, Germany, Canada, U.S., the problem is that what you get in return for the lifestyle sacrifices you have made to go to New Zealand is…truly, nothing good. Scenery? Just as nice back home. Money? You’ll have less of it. Housing quality and education and public health? All comparatively crap. That poster above who mentioned that “at least in Mexico, you know what you are getting yourself into” – he’s spot on. I do not know what hole they pull their ratings out of. It’s all just very good P.R.

    • I so agree with you here. I work in higher education in New Zealand and the policy is generally, boost funding for research by Maori researchers or boost the no. of people doing Te Reo. Basically its not spoken anywhere else in the world except for a small portion of people in a 3 million person country, so unless your Maori yourself then what’s the point of that? Even if you are Maori (as I am) then basically nobody really speaks it in every day life so there’s not much point in learning it either.

      Unless you are a Kaumatua on a Marae, in which case probably yeah, you would use it a lot.

      By contrast if you learn a language like French, German or even Hindi then yeah…you will most definitely find people to have a conversation with all over the world.

      I find the whole “everyone learn Te Reo” thing really dumb and pointless and Im Maori myself. I suppose I am a traitor of my people then, but I am just telling you my opinion.

  13. Pingback: Crushing that dream | Awkward Silences

  14. ABSOLUTE DISAPPOINTMENT!!!

    I thought Mexico was an impossible hell hole and felt really sorry for what the people there having to endure from those ‘Narcos’ with their hopeless politicians coming in not too far behind. (Borderlandbeat.com).
    But, what I’ve read here so far has totally shattered the solid crystal impression I once had for NZ.
    At least, there in Mexico or pretty much in any other corrupted part of the world, you’ll know what you’ll be getting yourself into. But NZ??? Nope!!! Not a chance in hell!
    Literally, caught with my pants down.Thankfully here where I am right now rather than being there and weeping myself into manic depression!

    How could this be happening?
    I could never see it coming. I don’t think generalizing the ‘Kiwis’ would be a fair go. Probably they are caught in this vicious cycle themselves and struggling to get out of
    this awful system.

    This beautiful island has been grossly mismanaged by those political wolves sheep’s skin -NZ’s very own.

    I was even looking into a serious possibility of migrating with an intention to set up a business there since I felt the tranquil environment and the country’s immigration policy are far more captivating and welcoming than Australia (used to be my prime choice and would still, after knowing this…)

    I spoke highly of NZ and all the possibilities and opportunities that might be on offer there to my associates. Now, I’m feeling like a complete jackass. Rest assured I’ll be emailing them with the link to this website!

    Such a shame! In my opinion, New Zealand is Southern Hemisphere’s answer to what Iceland is, to the North in terms of untouched natural beauty and serenity. You can’t go wrong with any of these on postcards from heaven.

  15. New Zealand sucks and one of the worst countries you can be in ( in the developed world)
    The country is poor, behind technological advancement, refined life style and motivated people. It is filled with lazy, mentally ill (1 in 4 new zealander has serious mental issue based on the research) . Government is stupid and wasteful. Job market sucks. Food is horrible. The country sits on many earthquake faults and volcanoes. and it is far from any country so for a simple holiday you end up paying 3 times. Oh did I mentioned everything here is 2-3 grades lower quality than Europe but 3 times more expensive? I have been here 10 years and invested my life. but dont make the same mistake! NZ sucks!

  16. Ahh NZ, I was contemplating moving home to CHCH from France but that fire has been extinguished thanks to everyone on here giving me a well needed jolt!

    I think that the saddest thing about NZ is the way any kind of ethnic person is treated. I remember my friend who is Kiwi with Samoan parents, tell me that people proudly try and use Maori on her during Maori language week. Any Kiwi should be able to distinguish between Maori and Samoan.

    I have a friend from Japan who was told to F…off back to China and my own Continental European hubby has been treated like he is absolutely stupid because of his accent.

    Guess I will be staying in France!

  17. I lived for 4 years in New Zealand and could not wait to leave.
    I had the misfortune to work at a University in a very senior position and
    all I can say is that it was a hideous experience.
    Lack of communication,bullying , amateurism on all fronts and a surprisingly aggressive behaviour in many areas. The story of the laid back Kiwis is a fantasy tale. Rude and pretty badly educated people are the majority, that was my experience.
    The ever so beautiful countryside:
    I don’t think it compares with Tuscany , Central France or the Norwegian fjords ,not at all.
    Particularly as whenever you approach one of their shitty little towns or hamlets with their lousy architecture ,the most abysmal in the Western world, then your dream is spoilt.
    I’d rather go to Tuscany now, eat some proper food and enjoy the atmosphere of cities that have a culture and a history and a landscape that matches NZ any given time.

  20. I have been in this country for about 20 years, but the longer I stay here, the more I hate it from the bottom of my heart – they are so Arrogant, Proud, Evil and Perverse. They do not have any respect whatsoever for other countries – especially any Asian countries. The other day, when I was listening to the radio, the radio talk-back show host said “Damn Chinese…”. I really think that this country 100% deserves to go to “Hell” literally.

  22. And in response to your written thoughts, there is a cruel awakening when you reach retirement age and despite being eligible for NZ Super, you will have your overseas pensions deducted from it. Even if just either you or your partner have one overseas pension between you, your NZS will be less.
    Mark my words, application of an antiquated draconian law passed in 1938 ( Section 70 ) is causing some 70,000 retirees financial and emotional grief through this blatant thievery which yields the NZ Government some $250 m per year.

  23. I grew up in NZ but have spent the past 10 years living in Canada, US and now Australia. My husband (a NZer) wants to move home and I am sooooo afraid. I remember Christchurch being so insular and snobby (like the high school you attended should define you for the rest of eternity?!). Last time I visited (2012) I was shocked by how racist and small minded my friends and family were. The combative and confrontational directness was also quite affronting, and was not at all intentional – that was considered friendly! Sheesh, I am not sure we fit there anymore.

    House prices have gone crazy and the cost of living was always extreme. How do people survive? I think there are some good aspects to NZ (potentially having a large yard for children to play in) but I am not sure the cost is justified…both socially and monetarily. I have acquiesced that we can try NZ for a year and will be hightailing it back to Canada if it feels to alien (and poverty stricken).

  24. New Zealand is a funny place- some good things and some bad things. Been back and forth 3 times to US. I like the environment bin NZ but really not the Kiwi culture. If you drink, like promiscuous women and can accept bullying in the workplace or Uni then NZ is for you. NZ women are better with men but with foreign women not so- unless you live up to their agenda and can handle all their haughtiness and bossiness, forget it. There is a shortage of men in NZ and NZ women have a chip on their shoulder and think bossiness makes them equal to or better than men. Beware. Workplace bullying is a norm and especially from women. Drinking a lot and flashing tits at work parties seems also a norm for women. This culture is highly dysfunctional so what you see that is worst in the US is common here regarding work ethics. It is very scary. NZers do not know the meaning of impartiality, nor do they understand what discrimination is nor do they see what bully is- all these things are accepted and a social normal. Sex harassment is also accepted and only if you are a prostitute working girl will the Human Rights Commissioner stand-up for you and give you a settlement of 25K. If you are a normal working lady with a normal job or a student- good luck- they may not even consider your case. Unequal treatment based on your nationality or gender is an acceptable practice… Customer service is also very poor here. No price negotiations, not even pay negotiations for many jobs. NZ has no capability for conflict resolution in anything. What appears “laid back” is not so.

  26. The more I read this site the more I realise all those things I thought only I felt about New Zealand are not unique to me. We really need to get the word out there. I am going to make a point of sharing the true story of New Zealand wherever I can.

    • Good luck to you Sam, thank you for the feedback. So many people say the same as you and you give us fresh determination to carry on with the site.

  27. I’m a kiwi born and raised 5th generation, I’ve lived in most parts of NZ from Auckland to Inverargill. And in defense of all kiwis it wasn’t till i spent ten years living in Australia, England and Scotland that I realised how miserable I was in New Zealand how little I knew about the world and how totally insular my upbrining was.Now that I am back in NZ I can see the same thing in everybody here and its kinda depressing. I have come to realise the govt is actively encouraging this you can even see it happening on the telly! ( I’ve been to twenty something countries now and never have i seen a place advertise itself to its own people so much! isnt it great here arent we lucky what a beautiful place blah blah blah). the stupid part is most of the people here haven’t even been anywhere here ! ( your average Aucklander (half the population of the country!) has never been more than 40 km out of Auckland!).
    Also with regards to immigrants, having lived away from NZ for ten years I think I have some understanding with how they feel , having been away for so long since my return it has been extremely difficult to relate to or talk with NZers .everyone I actually assosciate with is foreign,
    simply because most kiwis seem completely self absorbed and can’t gel with you if youre from “foreign parts” and I’m not even foreign! I can only imagine what its like for actual immigrants.
    As for everyones comments on being the white guy your’e right everything here is based on race all govt forms ask for your ethnicity at the start so you can have different laws and processes applied to you, from my point of view its one of the most blatantly racist places in the western world stereotypes here are the norm and people seem to actively live up to them .Every single person here will tell you they’re not racist but then in the course of a conversation will say the most blatantly racist things and think nothing of it (was it an asian driving (first question youll ever get asked about any driving accident). Did a Maori job ( cheapest possible way of doing something) gonig to the chinky (getting chinese food) kill whitey (surprisingly common statement) and the all important Pakeha ( when I was growing up it was Maori for white pig! then changed to white meat now apparently means european!
    which means my own govt now refer me officially as a white pig! lovely
    it seems as if New Zealand is the only country in the world deliberaty setting about racial segregation in a publicly acceptable way we have the govt with multiple parties for all to vote unless youre a maori then you have political parties which are only for Maori people these are now quite big players in the govt, there are a plethora of other thing only maori can have if you wish to argue then just think how would it go if a whites only party was actively trying to win the govt!!!!
    see!
    I personally disagree with anything based entirely on race! (automatically eliminating most of the female population of the world from ever sleeping with me!!!!) what a stupid thing racism is if only for that reason.

    • Yes!!! I agree with everything you have said (and was also raised in NZ and have been away for 10 years). My parents (british immigrants) get so angry at me for calling out the NZ propaganda in the media, smug attitude of NZers in the face of abysmal child poverty, child abuse and suicide stats (check out the last few OECD reports people!). It is like everyone at home wants everyone else to come back and suffer with them. Miserable country!!

      I don’t think I will have many kiwi friends we we go back (under duress from my husband), I cannot relate to the NZ abusive ‘toughen up’ atttitude and will not be labelled Pakeha- a truly insulting term. I am so afraid to take my two children back as I would hate for them to associate NZ as home and have to wrestle with this decision after they have been away and had the wool pulled off their eyes…

      • Be careful taking your children back to New Zealand – you may not be able to leave again. Read our Trapped in NZ page and all the comments there. We’ve heard of parent’s getting ‘pre-nups’ drawn up to prevent problems like those occurring.

  28. You can say what you want about NewZealand. But I think your wrong. I’m a kiwi and I’m proud of it! I have been born here and I think it’s amazing and a beautiful place that has culture and wildlife. To me, NewZealand is safe and it is home. But when you say stuff about the culture that’s just wrong. I’m 13 and I think NewZealand is for everyone rich or poor.

    • Not to sound pedantic, but do you know the difference between your and you’re. If New Zealand had as outstanding an education system as advertised, then perhaps you would spot the difference at 13. Most people that study English as a second language for the same number of years as you have been at a New Zealand school are able to identify the difference.

      What aspects of New Zealand culture do you find attractive?

      • This probably isn’t a 13 year old. They rarely come across sites like this because they move in different orbits to us on the net. The name ‘Tiffany’ was enough to give him away as a middle aged man. This is most likely a troll with a penchant for impersonating little girls.

        • You are probably right. New Zealand judges and the police system are soft on paedophilia, so it should not surprise us that people will have no inhibitions about impersonating children online.

  29. Don’t rely on wiki anything for your info. Anti-intelectualism is just one aspect of the general distrust we NZders have for each other. You’ll find plenty of people eager to discuss theory and just as many stuck in the stubborn traditional “that’s how we always did it” mindset. On the one hand there are good things to be gained by investigating theory, on the other, why would anyone just roll over for a theory never tried or tested and based on a culture and situation thousands of miles away? The idea that NZ is different stands true, in the same way as Denmark is different, or Russia is different. Each country has a different past, which makes for a unique present, unique social problems, customised solutions. To think that “free trade” or any other isolated sterile economic recipe will solve all human ills, isn’t very intellectual at all.

    “Getting ahead” is difficult here, but why choose NZ for that? It sounds to me like people who complain about that thought NZ would be an Idiocracy, easy to rise to the top, and since they fancied themsleves as so smart, they would automatically be made Prime Minsiter or something important. Their complaints sound like it’s not that NZders aren’t intellectual, but that they weren’t made an intellectual master of NZders.

    NZ was founded on theft, lies and deception – nothing has changed. Vote for who you like, but get the same bunch of psychopathic predators. We make do because there is no other choice. It’s what happens to colonies as they dissolve into something new. Ironically, soon the upper 5% of NZders will make NZ just like any other Americanised consumerist culture and people wanting a modern place to “get ahead” will find exactly what they want.

    As one of the “lower” social classes myself, and living among a lot of immigrants, I’ve learned plenty from them, but also occasionally refused some of their cultural attitudes that seem a bit too ruthless and greedy. I think that’s normal for anyone. It’s not like every immigrant here is a god-like perfect human or can deal with the culture shock. On balance, I think my life is better for having known them all. There’s no way I would trade a new, all-white, NZ born neighbourhood for the diverse immigrant population. All the aggressive rude nasty people I’ve lived with or met have been my own – white pakeha NZ. If getting ahead means going back to or becoming that, I’ll stay lost in the immigrant world thanks.

    • “There’s no way I would trade a new, all-white, NZ born neighbourhood for the diverse immigrant population. ”

      Is there such a place? Please do tell, I’m curious. The wealthier suburbs in the major cities are full of immigrants. The newer developments in Auckland are as well, even in the less prosperous South Auckland district. None of the small towns in Canterbury that I know well are “all white.” Many, many New Zealanders (possibly a majority) have some Maori heritage, even if it’s not immediately evident or acknowledged. Maori, Pacific Islanders, East and South Asians live all over the country, even in the smallest towns. This is a fairly recent phenomenon, and would not have been true for previous generations of New Zealanders. The prevailing culture, though, is definitely one of xenophobia, as if the country really was some kind of Pakeha haven.

      • There are immigrants and then there are immigrants. In Auckland, nestled right up close to what you call the wealthier suburbs, there are some “lower class” (an ugly way of putting it, I know) suburbs full of great people from all of Africa, India, China, Thailand, Iraq, Arab States, Russia… just about anywhere. All different religions, personalities and beliefs, and all visually distinct as people and in their manner. When I was growing up, a Japanese tourist was an amazing occurance; when an American boy joined my primary school class, it was like he’d landed from Disney World Heaven.

        Being white isn’t just a skin colour, it’s a perspective, a culture. If economics is the measure, then I’ve met plenty of white maori, white chinese, white indians (when they put their mind to it, those guys do white better than whites), anyone can be white (pakeha), at least right up to the point where they come into contact with white-skinned whites, then they aren’t white enough.

        Hypothetically, you could drop a family of foriegn origin into anywhere you like in NZ and they’d be tolerated, but this shouldn’t be mistaken for successful multicultural intergration. If anything went wrong, there’d be a high chance that they’d find out that certain laws and rights only apply to certain people. My family has been here since the German ships sailed to the West Coast and I’m not white enough to be considered human in the South Island. Not even white enough for parts of Auckland. Not that I worry too much about it. Just have to be careful is all.

        I don’t understand why any immigrants would come here and expect instant success. Sure everyone needs to make a living, but bringing indivdualistic adversarial ideas into and already socially divided country doesn’t make sense. Cheaper to stay at home for the same results, I would have thought.

        My personal opinion is that if an immigrant chooses to come here to co-incidentally make this place better than it is, adding their ideas and culture into the mix and creating something that isn’t what they just left and isn’t what is already here, now that is admirable and exciting. By better, I mean to help turn our existing greedy focus for cash and possessions back towards mutually satisfying human relationships.

        Sadly, whites are good at manipulation and tearing their families apart for money and status and it seems to be getting worse. This year the politicians have started in on the kids – wanting to shape them with “education” into greedy class-conscious money-grabbers earlier than ever. They reckon this will solve all our social problems.

        The immigrants I’ve met (the majority of them) have been skilled in bringing people together for reasons other than cash. Whatever stresses they may have, they are not usually openly hostile to strangers. Perhaps this is what some immigrants don’t understand: just by being here and expressing their natural-to-them (not sure the right word) “community tendencies” NZ becomes a better place. No special work required. No fortunes necessary. No proving yourself to anyone. Coming to a place just to make what a person might think is “easy cash” is as immoral and stupid as what my colonial ancestors did, and in my opinion, not in short supply here. Why run from one place only to re-create it somewhere else?

        • Do people come to New Zealand to make easy cash? More likely because they think its a safer place to raise their children or they’re looking for an elusive dream lifestyle.

  31. did you notice they took the anti-intellectualism part out of the New Zealand culture article on Wiki? The page has “issues”. People constantly trying to take bad-sounding stuff out of there.

  32. I am a so called kiwi who was born here. I agree with most of the comments made her. I have been working since I was 17 and have worked part time while studying for the last year. It is a constant struggle to afford food, childcare,health insurance for my children and I as well as all other associated living costs. I do agree that a lot of people in nz have bad teeth such comes down to exceptionally high prices that dentists charge here. Unfortunately there are a lot of ‘poor’ families in nz which comes down to the government not wanting to make a living wage mandatory. I do what I can for my children to be well educated, well fed and clothed and make sure that they are safe, happy and well loved. I would not encourage anyone to move to nz if they do not have money ( and I mean a lot of it). House prices are ridiculous alongside high prices for food, travel, doctors, dentists, childcare and general living. Don’t get me wrong I love the picturesque green hills and blue skies with blue seas that you would see on any website advertising nz. BUT with as hard as you have to work here just to get by you would hardly ever get to see these things. I have been trying to save for the last 6yrs to leave nz with no luck. As for the men their are some good ones out there. To sum it up don’t come to nz expecting sunny skies and friendly great smiles from everyone with great big houses and lavish lifestyles as this would all be a dream unless you already have money. Once you are here and have run out of money you will find it extremely hard to save up to leave again once you realise that our government is full of crap.

    • Re. Living wage

      Wellington council voted to introduce a living wage for its employees from 1 Jan. However, its decision has been met with derision from Nicola Young, a city councilor who tried to delay it. She wrote

      The “living wage” proposed by the Living Wage Aotearoa New Zealand Campaign, is higher (relative to GDP per capita) than the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Incredibly, ours is higher than London’s; the 18th most expensive city in the world (Wellington is ranked at 74th in Mercer’s Cost of Living survey).

      A review of the research that produced the New Zealand rate of $18.40 by researcher Brian Scott concluded the rate is over-stated and questioned its method and data (as did Treasury). It also questioned whether conclusions reached from overseas research on productivity, morale and poverty could be safely applied to New Zealand’s situation.

      We wish Wellywood council every success with its decision and for breaking ranks. No doubt there are many local businesses worried about their large profit margins right now and who place no value on raising productivity, morale or reducing poverty.

    • The distance from the UK to France is nothing like the distances most people travel to migrate to New Zealand – very easy to make research trips and to leave again if the lifestyle doesn’t suit.

      People consider consulting the NZIS website as a large part of doing their research. Other countries seem to be up-front about their migrant marketing, why not New Zealand?

      Some migrants do visit before moving to New Zealand, however a great many do not and take official sources of information on good faith. Those sources of information have been honed to perfection to attract them for over a century, trading on the sheer distances involved to present the country in an unrealistic way. Like you, those that visit often do so on holiday, during which they spend overseas earned currency, soak up the scenery and live the life of a tourist. Working, earning and living in New Zealand can be a very different experience for many of them.

      I’ll leave you with this thought. If New Zealand’s lifestyle was as glamorous as the official immigration sites make out why is the population just over 4 million and over a million Kiwis live abroad?

    • The problem is this – the ‘sell’ is so much harder than the life is good in NZ. The sell claims 10x the quality of life than actually exists. And because it’s on govt websites, people assume that it is true (because the government cannot lie like private entities can). In NZ, the problem is – there isn’t much of a difference. The govt acts like a private entity, colluding in the ‘sell’. People don’t know enough about NZ (because of its remoteness and relative obscurity) to realize that the description of NZ life is not in any way corresponding to the reality of NZ life. A visit isn’t enough to find out – because the grind of life there sets in when your money runs out, which is about a year or so. And the natural amount of time that anyone would take anywhere to make GOOD friends is extended in NZ. If they manage to make them at all. Due to the cliquish nature of their society. NZ life in no way matched the “sell” for the people who post on this website. We all just want to get the “reality” out there and make it available for people considering moving to NZ.

  36. Anyone got any other countries’ immigration information they’d like to share with us?

    This is the USA’s – no hard sell whatsoever.

    “Working in the US”: …just information about visas.

    • So the true moral of the story is to stay put because the world is much the same wherever you go and that New Zealand is no different to France, the UK or the USA?

      Thanks for the confirmation. Now all we need is for that truth to be reflected in the country’s marketing of itself to immigrants and tourists. Would France or the SW of England or the Southern USA ever describe themselves as Godzone, 100% pure or the real Middle earth, and have their residents believe it too?

      Glad to see you’re not drinking the Kool-Aid, all the best for your new life in France.

  38. People are dying because they can’t afford basic healthcare needs in New Zealand too, proportions of scale (New Zealand’s population is miniscule compared to America’s) may mean you don’t hear as much about it. Believe me it is there, the effects of poverty cause third world diseases like rheumatic fever. Mothers decide between feeding themselves and their kids or paying for doctors visits and medicines,. I don’t know where you lived in New Zealand but you must have had a very insulated existence.

    • Agreed. I think NZ is a very tough place if you are hard up. There seems to be so little government help and support.

  39. Laura’s Diploma and and Degree.(in Titology, presumably) will stand her in good stead in the developed world, I am sure! Japan’s hostess clubs are waiting!

  40. Everyone is so harsh on here! Please note the “I think” in my post, clearly stating MY OWN OPINION of MY OWN LIFE and people try to tell me I’m wrong? Like wow calm yo tits. New Zealand may not be the place for you but it was the place for me. If America is anything like the Americans on this thread then that’s not the place for me. Everyone is raised different, everyone enjoys different things. New Zealanders are, on the whole, very chilled so this is maybe the reason for the “I’ll have you over” situation. It’s just who we are. We’ll get around to it eventually.

    • Just as you are entitled to your opinion so is Get Me Outta Here. You don’t hold exclusive rights to having one so “wow calm yo tits”. On the whole, you don’t appear to be exhibiting any chilled-ness. Just the opposite.

      Thanks for dropping by to enlighten us, it was a blast to “have you over” do come again.

      Have fun abroad, travel broadens the mind – you may find that a novel experience.

  41. Dear Wilson, who exactly do you mean when you are saying “can have access to healthcare”? Are you talking for yourself (e.g. as a NZ citizen) or for a foreigner with work visa and no private insurance? And do you really have any idea how much it costs for a foreigner woman to give birth in a NZ hospital? You’re talking for the US as a foreigner yourself, while you are referring to NZ as a local…Whell I guess, you too, if you are not content with your lifestyle in US, you can go back to your homeland, and try to settle there…

  42. Having seen the poverty in America over the past 4 years,I would say NZ is doing pretty well,lots of people live below the poverty line here,lots of homelessness,people on food stamps,people dying because they cant afford basic health care needs

    How would you know what the poverty in New Zealand is like if you haven’t been back for 10 years?

    New Zealand is a beautiful country and I am proud to say I am from here

    But you said you’re from Canada. Also, your IP address puts you in Boca Raton in the USA.

    You seem confused, but that’s understandable. Perhaps a good pharmacy can sort you out, probably better for you to stay in the US?

    To our readers

      This is an example of how New Zealanders feel threatened by the messages in the blog – they feel a need to troll it with upbeat comments. Just another sign that E2NZ.org is having a great deal of influence on public opinion, something that is reflected in our site stats from countries around the world

  43. I grew up in New Zealand. It was great. I wasn’t bullied, I had a great education. I now have a Diploma and and Degree. It’s time for me to leave now I think as I’m ready for bigger and better things. I think New Zealand is a great place to grow up and also raise children. New Zealanders tend to get to their 20’s and want to explore the world. It’s just what we do. It’s how we live. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

    • We wish you all the best on your travels :). Call back in when you’ve been out of NZ for a few years and let us know how much your life has improved since you left. One in four of your countrymen live abroad so you’ll be in good company.

    • Laura :
      I grew up in New Zealand. It was great. I wasn’t bullied, I had a great education. I now have a Diploma and and Degree. It’s time for me to leave now I think as I’m ready for bigger and better things. I think New Zealand is a great place to grow up and also raise children. New Zealanders tend to get to their 20′s and want to explore the world. It’s just what we do. It’s how we live. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

      New Zealand is NOT a good place to raise children. Just check the statistics for all the markers from disease to suicide. It does not have a good standard of education. It is not a socially healthy place – for children or adults in terms of mental or physical health. New Zealand is a bad place for immigrants – I have been here for more than 20 years and it is difficult to make friends with kiwis in general – I have made more dinners for kiwis than I can count, but they are always the people who say “oh I must have you over” then they never do. They will, however, call you if they need a favour.

      If they are friendly it is because in some way you can help them or you have something they want. They do not have a great concept of quid pro quo and they will really not feel indebted if you help them in any way. In fact if you are generous it can count against you and mark you out as someone to be bilked because you are both rich AND stupid.

  44. I stumbled upon this website and after reading the comments, I could not help but post one. So I moved to NZ (Auckland) on residency (highly skilled category) in 2010. I must admit I was not exposed to much of the economic hardships that have been shared on this website since I had a job secured even before I moved here and I get paid quite well (easily crack the highest tax bracket in this country). Not to mention that my wife also makes good money and between the two of us, we live quite comfortably.
    Having lived and traveled in several Western countries, I find that Auckland offers a great quality of life. However, I found it very hard to make friends and the ones that do talk seem to be very superficial. I get the impression that Aucklanders do not care much for immigrants and they’d rather not have them. It is important for Aucklanders to realize that these very immigrants bring a lot to the economy.
    Alcohol problem is huge in Auckland and while some may argue that alcohol issues are not limited to NZ, in my view, Auckland seems particularly bad with both old and young indulging in drunken stupors.
    Tertiary education in NZ lacks quality, specially on global stage (except for a few fields like Biomed engineering). Having had the experience of mentoring tertiary grads, I get the impression that most teenagers are less than interested in making a career. Auckland teenagers are more inclined to partying and getting drunk, not to mention the skimpy clothing. I would argue that Auckland is not a good place to raise kids.
    Aucklanders are quite bad when it comes to driving, specially following driving rules. While I acknowledge that most big cities come with a fair share of horrible drivers, Aucklanders seem particularly bad. Most Aucklanders do not stop at STOP signs, indicators seem to be few and far between and speed limits are almost never followed. Attitude towards Pedestrians is horrible.
    I wont even mention the housing problem, although I must acknowledge some of the housing woes have been triggered by wealthy Asians wanting to move to NZ.
    Overall, I’d say NZ is a beautiful country to come visit and potentially retire if you have loads of money. It is not easy for someone wanting to make a career!

  45. Jan,I told my parents that,someone needs to talk with my dad,all he cares is his paycheck and all he can eat,for me its the opposite,I am off to Japan in 5-7 years

  46. It is good that you are doing your homework for your parents so they do not get any nasty surprises at the end when your parents turn 65. And who knows maybe the rules may change.
    Nothing is very clear about NZS, but I do not believe your parents will be asset tested. They must have the 10 years in though of residency in NZ and between specific ages.
    Your parents are better off returning to HK and at least they can probably take at least 50% of the NZS with them.

  47. Also has anyone had a look at the housing prices in terms of Auckland and Wellington,notice they are starting to begin to head in Hong Kong’s direction,to get a decent sized apartment you need at least 6 mil HKD which is around 1 mil NZD

    • Yup, it’s 19 incomes
      http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11169717
      “Auckland’s $582,000 median house price is below many of world’s big cities but low wages make it a bigger ask.”

      “In the 1,119,195 Census forms filled out for Auckland, the median annual income was $29,600, a Herald analysis found.”

      Don’t forget that taking on a mortgage (death-pledge in French) is a hope that you will be able to pay it off in some decades due to being employed at the same job (remember the 90 day trial period!) or being promoted – not to mention the deposit that you have to put down.

      Professor Tripe said Auckland incomes were low because the percentage of unskilled workers was high compared with other big cities.

      Yet they don’t seem to want foreign STEM graduates with a qualification from one of their local universities which is on the Skills Shortage List, eventhough they began and completed their studies in New Zealand. Strange.

      Yet, apparently better wages in NZ than London (?)
      http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11169704
      Far better lifestyle than London, with much cheaper childcare

      And high cost of living, is paid for by scenery (shame nobody said anything about eating the grass)
      http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11169707
      Special report: Why we’re counting the high cost of living

      • Auckland has caught up with Hong Kong,I wonder why the media won’t report it,soon it will be the whole of New Zealand

  48. Greener,my advice is don’t bother,I got my Citizenship in 1997 and have not even been able to find a job,8 years of my life wasted

      • Allen, you seem to have some issue with Alex, please find somewhere else to air them. Your profile has been marked ‘disruptor’. Please read our comments pages before trying to make any more posts. Thank you.

  49. I have been searching the net to find out information about living in nz and come across this helpful and scary site.
    My partner and I are in Australia. Myself born here but partner born in South Island NZ(first 15 years growing up there, than family move to oz). We wanted to go back as he still has a lot of family there. He has a trade and has worked in mining for the past few years. He applied for a job and has found out through family he is way more qualified than most on site. Doesn’t matter they aren’t interested at all. He applied for other jobs over there also and was shut down, not even a phone call. Needless to say he was heartbroken as he wanted so desperately to move back to his home as he never wanted to leave in the first place as a young teenager. So we aren’t even sure if we will be able to move there now. They are obviously not even interested in getting their own citizens back that have achieved good things overseas.

    • There aren’t many jobs in NZ as it is, unless you are moving back here for lifestyle choices then don’t come back to NZ.

      When you don’t get call back it doesn’t necessarily mean we don’t want our own citizens back into NZ. There can be a million other reasons too. If you do decide to come back don’t be surprised if you don’t find a job in the first few months, you may have to work minimum wage jobs.

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