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2011-06-08 8:00 AM

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Champion
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Subject: New Zealand

Out of the blue I have found myself in a situation where I may have a job there.  I am currently a business owners but have been considering selling off my stake and moving the family somewhere "different" to allow my kids to see the US/world.

Anyway, the posiiton fits me to a T and I'm on their shortlist. 

I've never been but from what I've seen (and from talking to others who have visisted) it looks amazing.  Of course vacationing in a place and living there are two different things.

So tell be about New Zealand.  For those who have visited could you see yourself living there?



2011-06-08 8:22 AM
in reply to: #3538472

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Champion
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Tacoma, Washington
Subject: RE: New Zealand
Um... lots of sheep. That's all I've got.
2011-06-08 8:26 AM
in reply to: #3538524

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Veteran
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Subject: RE: New Zealand
briderdt - 2011-06-08 9:22 AM Um... lots of sheep. That's all I've got.


And hobbits.
2011-06-08 8:53 AM
in reply to: #3538472

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Subject: RE: New Zealand
Spent a week there in '96 I think it was. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see much more than the hotel room and the office. The people were super nice. The climate was great. I would think it be a great place to do exactly what you are considering.  
2011-06-08 9:26 AM
in reply to: #3538472

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Elite
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Venture Industries,
Subject: RE: New Zealand
They filmed the LoR movies there, so I assume there are Hobbits there.  Also watch out for orcs and goblins.
2011-06-08 9:27 AM
in reply to: #3538472

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Master
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Subject: RE: New Zealand

I've been there on vacation a couple of times and lived in Wellington for a little while and absolutely loved it there.  Looked into moving there but then my mom got sick.  The people are incredibly friendly, and if you like doing anything in the out of doors there is incredible scenery just about everywhere you go.  And there are no snakes either.  Where is the job?

The major downside is that it's a long plane ride, you can't just pop back to the states for the weekend.  Other than that there were some things that took a little getting used to, like a lot of the shops being closed on sundays (though not as much in the cities) but I'd go back in a second.  If you have any questions feel free to give me a shout.



2011-06-08 9:32 AM
in reply to: #3538711

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Champion
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Subject: RE: New Zealand

Brock Samson - 2011-06-08 7:26 AM They filmed the LoR movies there, so I assume there are Hobbits there.  Also watch out for orcs and goblins.

But then there'd also be elves... Hmm... Arwen...

2011-06-08 9:51 AM
in reply to: #3538713

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Champion
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Subject: RE: New Zealand
drewb8 - 2011-06-08 10:27 AM

I've been there on vacation a couple of times and lived in Wellington for a little while and absolutely loved it there.  Looked into moving there but then my mom got sick.  The people are incredibly friendly, and if you like doing anything in the out of doors there is incredible scenery just about everywhere you go.  And there are no snakes either.  Where is the job?

The major downside is that it's a long plane ride, you can't just pop back to the states for the weekend.  Other than that there were some things that took a little getting used to, like a lot of the shops being closed on sundays (though not as much in the cities) but I'd go back in a second.  If you have any questions feel free to give me a shout.

Thanks for the non-hobbit ladened information ....

Auckland on the north island.  The long plane ride is a bummer but it sounds like such a diverse environment.  From mountains to beach to desert to Forrest all within a few hours of each other.

I had some friends live in Australia for about a year.  They said it was nice but it felt like the US in the late 1990s and early 2000s.  Just about a decade behind in technology.  Did you have the same experience in NZ?

How long did you live there?  Any major cultural differences that surprised you?

2011-06-08 10:28 AM
in reply to: #3538773

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Master
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Subject: RE: New Zealand
TriRSquared - 2011-06-08 8:51 AM

Thanks for the non-hobbit ladened information ....

Auckland on the north island.  The long plane ride is a bummer but it sounds like such a diverse environment.  From mountains to beach to desert to Forrest all within a few hours of each other.

I had some friends live in Australia for about a year.  They said it was nice but it felt like the US in the late 1990s and early 2000s.  Just about a decade behind in technology.  Did you have the same experience in NZ?

How long did you live there?  Any major cultural differences that surprised you?

I was there for about a year altogether, and I'd say yeah, I did have pretty much the same experience, although it's kind of hard to describe.  It's not like you can't get the latest technology - when I lived there in 2001 for example, texting was going crazy, it was all you heard about, but when I got back to the states no one was using it, it hadn't caught on yet.   It's not like you'll never see an iPad.  I think it's more that there doesn't seem to be the pressure on people to have the latest & greatest of everything, people weren't competing against their neighbor as much to see who had the biggest house or the flashest car or the newest phone.  Also, I think even with the favorable exchange rate technology seemed to be a little more expensive than here (though other things were much cheaper). 

Along those lines there were a few things I found which also made it feel like a few decades behind, like my apartment not having central heat or a lot of shops being closed on sundays.  At first I found it frustrating, but after a while I grew to like it, sunday really did become a day off, though I think you'll find this less in the cities. I can't say I was a fan of having to have space heaters all over - one thing I've found about the kiwis - they don't mind being cold.  Aside from that I found it suited me really well though.

There's a lot of little cultural stuff that you just kind of come across along the way - people going out of their way to help you out, even if they don't know you for example, but I guess the major thing that I noticed right away was how big a part of society the Maori are.  They are incredibly well integrated for a (large, but still) minority.  Also, if you don't like rugby yet, you will.  especially with the world cup coming up this fall.

2011-06-08 11:00 AM
in reply to: #3538472

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Raleigh
Subject: RE: New Zealand

you sir, shall receive my envy.

I have wanted to move/ live their for about five years or so now. The only issue I have is that they have banned pit bulls and I refuse to leave my girl behind.

I have heard about the kiwi's looking down on people who tend to show off their wealth as well as the friendly "southern hospitality" aspect. And yes, rugby and cricket are a seriously huge part of their cultural identity.

p.s. GO ALL BLACKS (move and you will understand)

2011-06-08 12:26 PM
in reply to: #3538773

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Subject: RE: New Zealand
TriRSquared - 2011-06-08 10:51 AM
drewb8 - 2011-06-08 10:27 AM

I've been there on vacation a couple of times and lived in Wellington for a little while and absolutely loved it there.  Looked into moving there but then my mom got sick.  The people are incredibly friendly, and if you like doing anything in the out of doors there is incredible scenery just about everywhere you go.  And there are no snakes either.  Where is the job?

The major downside is that it's a long plane ride, you can't just pop back to the states for the weekend.  Other than that there were some things that took a little getting used to, like a lot of the shops being closed on sundays (though not as much in the cities) but I'd go back in a second.  If you have any questions feel free to give me a shout.

Thanks for the non-hobbit ladened information ....

Auckland on the north island.  The long plane ride is a bummer but it sounds like such a diverse environment.  From mountains to beach to desert to Forrest all within a few hours of each other.

I had some friends live in Australia for about a year.  They said it was nice but it felt like the US in the late 1990s and early 2000s.  Just about a decade behind in technology.  Did you have the same experience in NZ?

How long did you live there?  Any major cultural differences that surprised you?



If you think you're conservative now, just wait.


2011-06-08 12:28 PM
in reply to: #3539178

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Champion
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Subject: RE: New Zealand
roch1009 - 2011-06-08 1:26 PM
TriRSquared - 2011-06-08 10:51 AM
drewb8 - 2011-06-08 10:27 AM

I've been there on vacation a couple of times and lived in Wellington for a little while and absolutely loved it there.  Looked into moving there but then my mom got sick.  The people are incredibly friendly, and if you like doing anything in the out of doors there is incredible scenery just about everywhere you go.  And there are no snakes either.  Where is the job?

The major downside is that it's a long plane ride, you can't just pop back to the states for the weekend.  Other than that there were some things that took a little getting used to, like a lot of the shops being closed on sundays (though not as much in the cities) but I'd go back in a second.  If you have any questions feel free to give me a shout.

Thanks for the non-hobbit ladened information ....

Auckland on the north island.  The long plane ride is a bummer but it sounds like such a diverse environment.  From mountains to beach to desert to Forrest all within a few hours of each other.

I had some friends live in Australia for about a year.  They said it was nice but it felt like the US in the late 1990s and early 2000s.  Just about a decade behind in technology.  Did you have the same experience in NZ?

How long did you live there?  Any major cultural differences that surprised you?



If you think you're conservative now, just wait.

Not getting this.  Are you saying as a whole Kiwi's are more liberal than Americans?

2011-06-08 12:29 PM
in reply to: #3538961

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Champion
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Subject: RE: New Zealand
bullyboy - 2011-06-08 12:00 PM

p.s. GO ALL BLACKS (move and you will understand)

My first introduction to ALL BLACKS was while in Ireland where they played against Limerick.

2011-06-08 12:41 PM
in reply to: #3539186

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Champion
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Subject: RE: New Zealand
I've seen many International House Hunters episodes that are in New Zealand.  If I could afford it, and my family was up for it, I'd do it!

It does seem very laid back. The scenery is unbeatable.

And if you hate it... such is life and you move back to the US.

Did you sell your house? (that was you, right?)
2011-06-08 12:51 PM
in reply to: #3539221

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Champion
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Subject: RE: New Zealand

BikerGrrrl - 2011-06-08 1:41 PM I've seen many International House Hunters episodes that are in New Zealand.  If I could afford it, and my family was up for it, I'd do it!

It does seem very laid back. The scenery is unbeatable.

And if you hate it... such is life and you move back to the US.

Did you sell your house? (that was you, right?)

It was me but we pulled it off the market.  Would be putting it back up again if this works out of course.

2011-06-10 3:16 PM
in reply to: #3539184

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Washington, Utah
Subject: RE: New Zealand
TriRSquared - 2011-06-08 12:28 PM
roch1009 - 2011-06-08 1:26 PM
TriRSquared - 2011-06-08 10:51 AM
drewb8 - 2011-06-08 10:27 AM

I've been there on vacation a couple of times and lived in Wellington for a little while and absolutely loved it there.  Looked into moving there but then my mom got sick.  The people are incredibly friendly, and if you like doing anything in the out of doors there is incredible scenery just about everywhere you go.  And there are no snakes either.  Where is the job?

The major downside is that it's a long plane ride, you can't just pop back to the states for the weekend.  Other than that there were some things that took a little getting used to, like a lot of the shops being closed on sundays (though not as much in the cities) but I'd go back in a second.  If you have any questions feel free to give me a shout.

Thanks for the non-hobbit ladened information ....

Auckland on the north island.  The long plane ride is a bummer but it sounds like such a diverse environment.  From mountains to beach to desert to Forrest all within a few hours of each other.

I had some friends live in Australia for about a year.  They said it was nice but it felt like the US in the late 1990s and early 2000s.  Just about a decade behind in technology.  Did you have the same experience in NZ?

How long did you live there?  Any major cultural differences that surprised you?



If you think you're conservative now, just wait.

Not getting this.  Are you saying as a whole Kiwi's are more liberal than Americans?

Yes, the one's that I know anyways.  I spent a month there a couple of years ago and worked with a large number of Kiwi's.  I absolutely fell in love with New Zealand when I was there and if I were to live anywhere other than the US, without any question, it would be there. 

I spent most of my time on the south island so I don't have a lot of input about Auckland as I was only there about 3 days.  Like others have said, the people there are very friendly and most of them are open to foreigners.  Although I will say that many of the people I met there thought I was Canadian because for some reason, a lot of New Zealanders think all Americans speak like Texans. 

Culturally, there are differences, but many they are subtle.  They have different words for somethings and at times the accent can be hard to decipher until you get used to it.  The food is similar and diverse but there are things that either taste different or that you won't be able to find.  Most of my friends had washing machines but no clothes dryer and hung their clothes on a line outside which obviously required a little extra planning on my part.  Like others have said, really the only bad thing is that Auckland is an 11 hour plane ride from LAX. 



2011-06-10 7:02 PM
in reply to: #3538472

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Master
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Ann Arbor, Michigan
Subject: RE: New Zealand

Can't match Drew's comments, was only there a month but the hubster and I always thought that's the place to retire.  Low population density, great climate, the people were outstandingly friendly.

We loved, loved, loved NZ, much more than Australia.  Did sort of a cirle tour of the N & S island.  Just recently chatted again about heading back to Stewart Island. 

I can't imagine any of the minor cultural differences will even be noticeable after awhile.  I'd jump at the chance in a heartbeat!!!!

The plane trip though'll be a challenge.  We were on our way back home from traveling in Asia and broke it up stopping in Fiji, then HI then to the U.S.....

2011-06-10 7:07 PM
in reply to: #3543314

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Regular
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Auckland, New Zealand
Subject: RE: New Zealand
NICE!

NZ is awesome...but I am biased. Lived here my whole life, apart from two years in San Diego USA. 16 years in Gisborne on the east coast of North Island (watch the Whale Rider film for a look at that area) and the rest in Auckland.

People here are nice but we have our share of issues like the rest of the world. Business is easy.
The South Island is awesome for scenery, bit shaky lately with the earthquakes in Christchurch, but the multisporting down there is great. Triathlon is strong all over the country, as you would imagine. Ironman held same place every year, Taupo (North Island) each March.

Great schooling, what more can I say...know a few americans down here and have nt yet met one who didnt like NZ.
2011-06-10 7:29 PM
in reply to: #3538472

Iron Donkey
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Subject: RE: New Zealand
It's smaller than Australia.  That's all I gots.
2011-06-10 9:12 PM
in reply to: #3538472

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Montreal
Subject: RE: New Zealand

MOVE THERE. That's all I can say!! Actually, depends where the job will be. 

I'm from Canada, have been through much of the US, have lived in Australia for one year and have lived in New Zealand. The moment I am done with a couple things back in Canada, I am moving straight back to New Zealand -- it's the most beautiful place in the entire world, absolutely peaceful, with SO much outdoor, athletic and adventure activities. I seriously thought I was living in paradise. Then again, I was living on the South Island, which I'd consider far more picturesque than the North Island (and also with far less people, which might be a drawback for you, I consider it a plus). 

Where will you be located?

2011-06-11 6:46 AM
in reply to: #3538472

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Champion
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NOVA - Ironic for an Endurance Athlete
Subject: RE: New Zealand

I spent two weeks on South Island.

Every inch of the country is beautiful.  The people are great.

Imagine middle America in 1955, with gorgeous mountains, lakes, rivers and oceans.  Restaurants close at 8 PM.  The people are self-sufficient and outdoors oriented.



2011-06-11 11:22 AM
in reply to: #3538472

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Master
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Rural Ontario
Subject: RE: New Zealand
I spent a bit of time on the south island. I wish such an opportunity came my way. Beautiful, relaxed and friendly.
2011-06-11 4:02 PM
in reply to: #3543604

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Regular
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Auckland, New Zealand
Subject: RE: New Zealand
pga_mike - 2011-06-12 12:46 AM

Restaurants close at 8 PM. 



...not any more. All this stuff about how backward we are WAS true maybe 5 or 10 years ago, but now shops are open Sundays, we have large shopping malls, and...shock! restaurants are open after dark. you can buy liquor in supermarkets, 7 days a week. In fact, after a recent visit to Australia, I'd say we are more progressive than Aussie these days.
2011-06-13 8:00 AM
in reply to: #3538472

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Champion
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SRQ, FL
Subject: RE: New Zealand

Thanks for all the info.  Bigfella and krystyna47 if you do not mind I may PM with a few other questions.

Of course this Am I see that the south island was hit by another 6.0 earthquake.  That's a bit concerning.

2011-06-13 9:15 AM
in reply to: #3543958

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Expert
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Alabama
Subject: RE: New Zealand

Aren't there some pretty strict requirements for becoming a resident of NZ?

I've never visited, but always dreamed of the possibility of moving there one day.

One day, I'll make the visit.

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