NZ or Australia?

Welcome to the latest in our series of Migrant Tales, first hand accounts of the migrant experience of New Zealand taken from places around the net.

Today’s tale arises from a question that is seldom far from a migrant’s mind when making the decision to emigrate to New Zealand – is it better, or worse, than Australia and which should they choose?

The question was presented to a emigration forum’s New Zealand discussion board, and this is the reply given by one of the moderators. Read and learn, Australia definitely seems to be the choice destination for younger people. Furthermore, its health service is better, there are more opportunities, salaries and the cost of living are more agreeable, sales taxes are fairer and there’s more support for families. Even the dreaded critters aren’t a deterrent for the rationally minded.

Here’s the question:

I am an IT professional (Java) and I have more than 8 years of work experience. My husband has completed Hotel Management and has more than 10 years of hotel experience. We have a 2 year old kid as well.

I am currently eligible for both Australia and New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category.

But I am confused which country is best suitable for my husband and myself.

I would like to know in terms of job oppurtunities, cost of living, kid’s needs such as day care/schools, government benefits etc.

Kindly advise.

and this was the advice:

Hi, I moved to Sydney, Australia whilst in my early twenties and lived there for 32 years.
If i was young again I would choose Australia rather than New Zealand because it has more opportunities for young people, higher salaries & many things are cheaper, including the cost of building a quality house and the government gives you a grant when buying your first house!
The Health & support service is better. There is a tax free threshold for anyone on a low income. The government provides more support for families by way of childcare & financial support.
Weather is varied on account of it being a large country. The far north is tropical but Tasmania ( an island off the coast of South Australia) has colder weather although in summer it can get very hot & bush fires. I was never bothered by snakes. spiders or sharks, people exaggerate & most people living in cities never see them.
I have lived in New Zealand for 12 years now & at my age I love it, but if I was young again my choice would be Australia. Also Australia does not charge GST on groceries (other than chocolate biscuits & take away food. In NZ 15% GST is charged on everything!