Well I'm here in Wellington, actually in the studio rehearsing "Pops Ultimate Star" which is going out live tonight. I do like Wellington but New Zealand is cold and wet at the moment, we've even bought an electric blanket and it's the first one I have owned in my life. All my kids have colds, as do most of the kids on the other family blogs I've got links to! And New Zealand is officially depressed today, the rugby - they lost to the Aussies (Almost a national disgace) and the Americas Cup - where one more win for the Swiss could mean losing out.
I am promted to think that at home in the UK we have floods and the awful terrorist alerts and reason to be really depressed but being Brits we just get on with it. In a strage way I feel guilty, whenever there is strife at home I feel like I should be there. I am, none the less, glad that my children are in a place where the main topic of distraction is a rugby and sailing match and not the prospect of a bomb blowing up innocent people.
On a lighter note this post from a fellow expat made me smile, it is very windy in Wellington and yes when you inside the plane it feels 10 times worse! Have a look, the post is called Life is a Roller Coaster
Saturday, 30 June 2007
Friday, 29 June 2007
Having Babies In New Zealand
Well I have to say the beginning part is the same as anywhere! It is purely apocryphal that being on the other side of the world changes anything about the fun bit!
I write another blog if you want the full story Oh My God it's Twins and my most recent post explains one of the very best aspects of having a baby in New Zealand, or of course in our case two babies!
Having babies in New Zealand is great. The Services are fantastic and if you pay a small amount extra you get even better service. The people you meet during the pregnancy are going to be the same as people in the delivery room. You will get your own room afterwards, at the very worse a room shared with one other mommy. I cannot recommend it enough, I know i'm the bloke but I know Becca feels the same. We love the Rosie in Cambridge UK and we loved having Millie there but the short comings of the NHS are exactly that. New Zealand has some of the same issues but it simply hasn't got to deal with the shear weight of numbers. And you babies are citizens by right - provided you are a permanent resident!
I write another blog if you want the full story Oh My God it's Twins and my most recent post explains one of the very best aspects of having a baby in New Zealand, or of course in our case two babies!
Having babies in New Zealand is great. The Services are fantastic and if you pay a small amount extra you get even better service. The people you meet during the pregnancy are going to be the same as people in the delivery room. You will get your own room afterwards, at the very worse a room shared with one other mommy. I cannot recommend it enough, I know i'm the bloke but I know Becca feels the same. We love the Rosie in Cambridge UK and we loved having Millie there but the short comings of the NHS are exactly that. New Zealand has some of the same issues but it simply hasn't got to deal with the shear weight of numbers. And you babies are citizens by right - provided you are a permanent resident!
Thursday, 28 June 2007
KFC
It is interesting to know that during the first quarter of this year New Zealanders spent 45.5m dollars on KFC alone. Now the power of statistic means the more sensibly that equates to about 10 dollars per person over a 3 month period, which isn't a lot. Then again New Zealand has more fast food outlets per head of population than anywhere else in the world. I doubt if turnover matches the one in Leicester Square London! But between Subway, Burger King, Wendys, MacDonalds, Pizza Hut, Hells Pizza, Dominoes and KFC, the country is reasonably served for fast food. Coupled with the Kiwi love affair with Pies and Muffins - did you know a regular Latte has the equivalent of two tea spoons of fat!
My point, beware its not all triathlons, surfing and tramping. You could get fat not fit living in New Zealand.
My point, beware its not all triathlons, surfing and tramping. You could get fat not fit living in New Zealand.
Wednesday, 27 June 2007
Property Market
SO this is the very latest news on the property front. Despite many reports to the contrary the market doesn't seem to have crashed. It may have slowed but Auckland property values increased by 9.5% over the past year and the region has a whopping average sale price of $484,739. The North Shore showed even stronger growth whttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifith a 11.6% increase. However, The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) recently reported that the average number of days it takes to sell has increased from 28 to 30. This could indicate that the winter blues are here.
Have a look at the table below from Trade Me Property. there is no doubt that the property market in New Zealand has made quite a few people very wealthy indeed. I'd say the market is cooling off and with mortgages at over 7 times earnings the regular home owner has got problems. If the market really falls the negative equity problem will be huge.
Have a look at the table below from Trade Me Property. there is no doubt that the property market in New Zealand has made quite a few people very wealthy indeed. I'd say the market is cooling off and with mortgages at over 7 times earnings the regular home owner has got problems. If the market really falls the negative equity problem will be huge.
Unfair Immigration Policy
SO there seems to be a lot of media attention around the NZIS, the New Zealand Immigration Service, triggered by a thought that it should be taken out of the department of labor's portfolio.
Everyone has a story about a Russian Doctor, the one who wants to marry a 5th generation kiwi. She can't get in for what ever reason and yet people with no skill and no command of the English language can. Or the fact that a plumber gets in without a problem but his Nanny girl friend can't - have you tried to get a decent nanny?
I'm not into labels or categories, you only have to take a look at my office to know that filing isn't my strong point! I'm not really status driven either. The notion of importance is really only driven by supply and demand. If New Zealand has enough Doctors but no Dustmen then bring on the dustmen. However, it gets really hard when you actually experience a wait for months to see a heart specialist but you have the most regular rubbish bin pick up in the world. I also apologise for the next statement because I know it is racist but I have been watching too much Boston Legal. It is very difficult, especially for New Zealander's in their own country, when they cannot make them selves understood in shops or worse still a bureaucratic situation with the council etc.
As a young man in England I could not stand the right wing rantings of MP Encoch Powell however as my maturity extends in upper middle age I find him a fascinating and misunderstood character. But he did have a point friction is caused when cultures collide. His Rivers of Blood Speech is undeservedly infamous, it was merely a reaction to unfettered immigration leading to conflict because of inequality. Multicultural societies work when there is equality.
I love the fact that in the UK the Indian community have gained enough equality and respect to feel comfortable enough to take the mickey out of themselves. Sure there are the die hard nationalists but the Indian community are generally embraced and celebrated in the UK. It is hard when the level of inequality is around the very thing that will cause problems, the one thing that is needed most, communication so when language is the issue problems are on the surface clear and plain for all to see.
I would hate to work in an immigration service anywhere. To be put in the situation where you do have to decide between the unequal or make comparisons between Doctors, Plumbers and JCB operators, Russians, Englishmen, the Peoples of Arabia and Israel. Personally my experience of the NZIS was very positive. A hard almost impossible job that is easy to criticize. My word, they let me in my sole contribution is the very thing that causes obesity in Children, lack of communication in the home and spawns general mind numbing banality - TV shows! The only positive thing one can say is that I pay my taxes!
Everyone has a story about a Russian Doctor, the one who wants to marry a 5th generation kiwi. She can't get in for what ever reason and yet people with no skill and no command of the English language can. Or the fact that a plumber gets in without a problem but his Nanny girl friend can't - have you tried to get a decent nanny?
I'm not into labels or categories, you only have to take a look at my office to know that filing isn't my strong point! I'm not really status driven either. The notion of importance is really only driven by supply and demand. If New Zealand has enough Doctors but no Dustmen then bring on the dustmen. However, it gets really hard when you actually experience a wait for months to see a heart specialist but you have the most regular rubbish bin pick up in the world. I also apologise for the next statement because I know it is racist but I have been watching too much Boston Legal. It is very difficult, especially for New Zealander's in their own country, when they cannot make them selves understood in shops or worse still a bureaucratic situation with the council etc.
As a young man in England I could not stand the right wing rantings of MP Encoch Powell however as my maturity extends in upper middle age I find him a fascinating and misunderstood character. But he did have a point friction is caused when cultures collide. His Rivers of Blood Speech is undeservedly infamous, it was merely a reaction to unfettered immigration leading to conflict because of inequality. Multicultural societies work when there is equality.
I love the fact that in the UK the Indian community have gained enough equality and respect to feel comfortable enough to take the mickey out of themselves. Sure there are the die hard nationalists but the Indian community are generally embraced and celebrated in the UK. It is hard when the level of inequality is around the very thing that will cause problems, the one thing that is needed most, communication so when language is the issue problems are on the surface clear and plain for all to see.
I would hate to work in an immigration service anywhere. To be put in the situation where you do have to decide between the unequal or make comparisons between Doctors, Plumbers and JCB operators, Russians, Englishmen, the Peoples of Arabia and Israel. Personally my experience of the NZIS was very positive. A hard almost impossible job that is easy to criticize. My word, they let me in my sole contribution is the very thing that causes obesity in Children, lack of communication in the home and spawns general mind numbing banality - TV shows! The only positive thing one can say is that I pay my taxes!
Saturday, 23 June 2007
An Alien in the Boonies
A Brit in The Boonies is a fortnightly column published in New Zealand's "Malvern News" and reveals how immigrants see New Zealand and how New Zealand sees immigrants. They are Helen Leggatt's observations of everyday life with all the cock-ups and successes, misunderstandings and steep learning curves that go with it. From housing to hoons and jam to jandals, even the mundane can be a hurdle for a Brit in the Boonies!
So says the title of this great and very well written an observed blog. Its good to get a view from the South Island and Helen lives in Canterbury in the foothills of the Southern Alps, the main city of the region is Christchurch.
Have a read its very easy to think of New Zealand in terms of Auckland. If you live in a UK city you will be blown away by the south island. It is beautiful rugged and hugely under populated. It is probably more of a place where a "new life" can really be achieved. Auckland is after all a city like all cities and I still work in the same business as I did in the UK. So to call this blog Our New Life feels a bit fraudulent. I have to say in mt defense, beware! Any move to any country away from home no matter how "English" it may appear is a wrench, a culture shock and can lead to personal and financial disaster or at the very least, lots of tears!
So says the title of this great and very well written an observed blog. Its good to get a view from the South Island and Helen lives in Canterbury in the foothills of the Southern Alps, the main city of the region is Christchurch.
Have a read its very easy to think of New Zealand in terms of Auckland. If you live in a UK city you will be blown away by the south island. It is beautiful rugged and hugely under populated. It is probably more of a place where a "new life" can really be achieved. Auckland is after all a city like all cities and I still work in the same business as I did in the UK. So to call this blog Our New Life feels a bit fraudulent. I have to say in mt defense, beware! Any move to any country away from home no matter how "English" it may appear is a wrench, a culture shock and can lead to personal and financial disaster or at the very least, lots of tears!
Friday, 22 June 2007
Other Stories
It is very easy to feel like you are the only person to have ever felt the things you go through when you relocate. All the other expats you meet are really enjoying the experience. A common issue is admitting the pitfalls, it is such a huge investment emotionally and financially to even begin to admit second thoughts or even slight doubt opens up a vast can of worms. So every one you meet is positive the negative ones stay at home and wait for the taxi to the airport.
The thing is we all know what its like and in the main it was like it for all of us and just in case you thin my views lack objectivity have a read of the other sites I've posted in the side bar. They are all ordinary people who have made the same journey. Our exoeriences are surprisingly similar and our view of the country has many similarities.
You'll find all the links on the left under the heading "Links to Other UK Ex Pat NZ Blogs"
The thing is we all know what its like and in the main it was like it for all of us and just in case you thin my views lack objectivity have a read of the other sites I've posted in the side bar. They are all ordinary people who have made the same journey. Our exoeriences are surprisingly similar and our view of the country has many similarities.
You'll find all the links on the left under the heading "Links to Other UK Ex Pat NZ Blogs"
Wednesday, 20 June 2007
The Grass is Greener
I really like this article published here on the Guardian Newspaper web site its entitled "A Greener Pleasant Land".
You should read it if you're thinking of coming over. Last night Becca and I sat in the Dark for 2 hours. Ram Raids seem to be the crime du jour. And come to New Zeland for the sun!
The houses are cold and we live in a warm and cosy new home! Every Kiwi you meet will ask, with an astonished look on their faces, so why did you move to New Zealand?
My answer is usually, 3 hours a day, the time I save not having to commute every day. It is actually about 2 hours 45 as it still takes me 45 minutes in the morning and 15 at night. But I stop for a coffee which a drink in the drag down Esmond road. I love New Zealand because after widening Esmond Road at a cost of some 38m dollars the improvement is massive, well no there is actually no change at all. Precisly no difference and it still take 35 minutes to travel a distance that would take 45 seconds with no standing traffic. It is a great visual testament to the often crazy things that go on in this lovely country.
It is so very important to realize when you move you still have to "live" in your place of choice. The frustrations are there but in different places, the silly rules abound, we take the ones in our countries of birth forgranted because we just live with them. The new dumber then dumb rules in your new home land appear crazy because they are new and unfamiliar.
YOu have to look at the positives and decide if they are better than those in your place of origin. Its a comparison only you can make and it differs from person to person.
Hey we just had the shortest day, you guys up north had the longest. I'm looking forward to longer sunny days and BBQ's on the deck and boy did the stars look great when the power went out! And Becca and I talked over a glass of Pinot Noir by torch light. That sounds better!
You should read it if you're thinking of coming over. Last night Becca and I sat in the Dark for 2 hours. Ram Raids seem to be the crime du jour. And come to New Zeland for the sun!
The houses are cold and we live in a warm and cosy new home! Every Kiwi you meet will ask, with an astonished look on their faces, so why did you move to New Zealand?
My answer is usually, 3 hours a day, the time I save not having to commute every day. It is actually about 2 hours 45 as it still takes me 45 minutes in the morning and 15 at night. But I stop for a coffee which a drink in the drag down Esmond road. I love New Zealand because after widening Esmond Road at a cost of some 38m dollars the improvement is massive, well no there is actually no change at all. Precisly no difference and it still take 35 minutes to travel a distance that would take 45 seconds with no standing traffic. It is a great visual testament to the often crazy things that go on in this lovely country.
It is so very important to realize when you move you still have to "live" in your place of choice. The frustrations are there but in different places, the silly rules abound, we take the ones in our countries of birth forgranted because we just live with them. The new dumber then dumb rules in your new home land appear crazy because they are new and unfamiliar.
YOu have to look at the positives and decide if they are better than those in your place of origin. Its a comparison only you can make and it differs from person to person.
Hey we just had the shortest day, you guys up north had the longest. I'm looking forward to longer sunny days and BBQ's on the deck and boy did the stars look great when the power went out! And Becca and I talked over a glass of Pinot Noir by torch light. That sounds better!
Friday, 15 June 2007
The Roads
So the Drive to work was thankfully uneventful. You have to be aware that coming from the UK the standard of driving in NZ is simple awful. The number of accidents is shocking and on the roads you can see why. I am a good confident driver and I found it frightening at first. There are many arguments as to the reasons why, you can drive on a restricted license here at 15 or the driving test for immigrants is a joke, I can say that having done it. Multiple choice and thats it, you are on the road. Some of the regulations are accidents waiting to happen, ask anyone about the rule for turning right, simply awful. The bottom line is that the roads are danferous places and you have to exercise extreme care.
Insurance isn't compulsory either and that really is scary. What do i do if an uninsured 15 year old driving a nitro charged honda civic ploughs into my family. We live on a quiet road, yes the corner is a little sharp, in the last 18 months 3 cars have ended up in my neighbor's garden. It is unacceptable and the government needs to introduce legislation to improve the driving in the country.
Work as normal, had to make a trip to the Auckland Hilton on Princes Wharf, it is a lovely hotel we have stayed there and I would really recommend it. It is expensive but the views are just great and it has a really funky pool.
Sundays
This is a typical Sunday! We get up early, luckily the twins sleep through, Becca is brilliant and has them on a routine inspired by Gina Ford and we also believe that the 2 weeks they were in the special baby unit helped them into a strict routine. While Becca did "stuff" I took Millie to the swings in Windsor Reserve
Devonport and then picked up some bits in Foodtown If you follow the link you get to the on line shopping website, It is worth having a look at the prices, living in NZ is not cheap!
If you have a look at the Map by clicking on Devonport and follow Lake Road North you will notice that there is basically one Road in and out of Devonport. This is the main disadvantage of an other wise great suburb. Owing to an event at the football field it took me an hour and a half to get home, this was not great on the domestic harmony front!
We then had a quick walk along Takapuna Beach with the buggy and Millie in her wellies. It was spitting with rain but the temperature was still in the 60's. Millie splashed around in the puddles and got soaked, but we didn't have to rush home fearing chills no we went to have coffee and feed the babies in the excellent Takapuna Mall and a quick look around for birthday presents for Millie's 3rd next week.
I'll get into the cost of Books in New Zealand later just be aware that the simplest way of getting an idea of the price of things in NZ is to forget currency conversion. If you are earning NZ dollars just call everything pounds. ie your wage could be say 60,000NZD but then imagine it as 60,000GBP but then think about paying £34 for a childrens book. If you earned 60k in the UK you would only pay £5.99 for the average under 3 kids books, yes it hurts. Here's the best equivalent of WH Smiths its called Whitcoulls now imagine those dollar signs are pound signs!!!
Then it was home for tea, on Sunday there's not much on the TV, CSI and Jerrico are my picks. Although I record them on My Sky the Nz equivalent of the UK's Sky Plus. My Sky has not been around for very long, the demo really says it all. You also should look at TVNZ's site and the TV listings here - TVNOW You'll get a good idea of what to expect. I'm not suggesting you base a decision to emigrate to NZ on the TV listings but you'll need to acclimatise to the change.
And then I wrote my blog... night!
Thursday, 14 June 2007
The Harbor Bridge
I think people would agree that it isn't Sydney Harbor or the Golden Gate but it is Aucklands' life line and in particular it is my life line the only connection to the CBD if you live on the North shore. I am of course talking about Auckland's Harbor Bridge
True if it fell down tomorrow I'd get the ferry, probably lessening my carbon footprint as I'd no longer drive to work. However, the pay back would mean that a trip to the zoo would take an hour and about 75kms, as the zoo is so great for the kids it would be a regular trip and balance my carbon credits!
Now why do I mention all this, well today it was announced that heavy good vehicles could no longer use the outer lanes (the clip on extensions) of the bridge. this is in the interests of prolonging the bridges life span, when built that was about 2011. So the nippon clipons as they became known, after the Japanese company that built them, are suffering cracks and fatigue.
Many alternatives have been mooted, tunnels and second crossings, when you hear that a 10cents regional tax on petrol is seriously being considered in Auckland just to keep the regular roads moving, the idea of an alternative crossing is really pie in the sky.
If the bridge does come crashing down I think that the economy of the whole north shore will follow.
True if it fell down tomorrow I'd get the ferry, probably lessening my carbon footprint as I'd no longer drive to work. However, the pay back would mean that a trip to the zoo would take an hour and about 75kms, as the zoo is so great for the kids it would be a regular trip and balance my carbon credits!
Now why do I mention all this, well today it was announced that heavy good vehicles could no longer use the outer lanes (the clip on extensions) of the bridge. this is in the interests of prolonging the bridges life span, when built that was about 2011. So the nippon clipons as they became known, after the Japanese company that built them, are suffering cracks and fatigue.
Many alternatives have been mooted, tunnels and second crossings, when you hear that a 10cents regional tax on petrol is seriously being considered in Auckland just to keep the regular roads moving, the idea of an alternative crossing is really pie in the sky.
If the bridge does come crashing down I think that the economy of the whole north shore will follow.
Tuesday, 12 June 2007
The Heat is on
Yes it is now officially the time of year we start to put on our heating! The temperature in the girls bedrooms is down to 17C at night. Opinion seems to think 19 is the best for them depending on what they are wearing. It is amazing how one acclimatizes to the warmer climate. I now get cold when I'm sitting still at around 21 degree's, steamy for the UK?
There is no or very little central heating in New Zealand, underfloor is making inroads but portable is the usual - oil heaters or fan heaters. Many use wood burning stoves or a reverse air conditioner called a heat pump.
Damp is an issue, and many homes need dehumidifiers an they are expensive or built in systems that circulate air in the roof space and use heat exchangers to remove the moisture, DVS is popular.
It is an important consideration because of asthma, which is on the increase in the country, isn't it everywhere?
I think it's important to be aware this is NOT a tropical paradise in terms of climate. It is warmer but it can be very grey and wet over the winter. It is a few degrees hotter, I was talking to a colleague from the south of France today, she said she missed the weather!
There is no or very little central heating in New Zealand, underfloor is making inroads but portable is the usual - oil heaters or fan heaters. Many use wood burning stoves or a reverse air conditioner called a heat pump.
Damp is an issue, and many homes need dehumidifiers an they are expensive or built in systems that circulate air in the roof space and use heat exchangers to remove the moisture, DVS is popular.
It is an important consideration because of asthma, which is on the increase in the country, isn't it everywhere?
I think it's important to be aware this is NOT a tropical paradise in terms of climate. It is warmer but it can be very grey and wet over the winter. It is a few degrees hotter, I was talking to a colleague from the south of France today, she said she missed the weather!
Admin!
As more people read this, which is gratifying, and less read the sister site I'm going to start to phase out the sister pages. Hopefully I'll be able to concentrate on more meaningful and regular posts to just one place! And you wont have to check out two sites!
Jonathan
Jonathan
Petrol Tax
I'm sorry but this is the most undemocratic tax I have ever seen out side of, well I may get letters if I say where. 10 cents on a litre of petrol for the cities of Auckland and Wellington. What on earth is that about? Sure the congestion charge is fair if you want to use your car in Londons' inner areas you pay. Rebecca travels around out of rush hour never on the areas that are congested, she rarely leaves the North Shore back roads, why would she she would get stuck in a Jam! Yet she also has to Pay 10 cents a litre.
Is there any sort of viable alternative, no not really. Busses and boats exist but in general you have to travel to catch them. And they are not 25 hour. And the thing that really gets me. I live in the city and travel about 17kms a day to and from work. A person in a rural area probably has to travel 50 to 60 kms a day. And their roads were just as expensive to make and maintain. They are putting more carbon into the atmosphere. Oh but they will all cry because they use more fuel etc etc. You know don't tax people unfairly. Charge me for using the bridge, the city needs a new crossing. Charge me for using my car in the CBD. Maybe I'll get a boat because there is a cheaper viable alternative option.
Don't charge my partner for running 3 kids around outside of the city center. There is no alternative at all, no choice just like people who live in the county. And do you know the big cities do contribute huge sums of money to the economy as well as the country. If there is an urban drift to out of town the first people to moan about the influx of out of towners will be the same people who are currently smiling that city dwellers get hit in the pocket again. I know I've seen it in the UK. And you know what your house prices will shoot up even more as you try and make a killing and your children wont be able to buy homes. and the areas will become commuter ghost towns. Why does no one learn by the mistakes of others. You look at the comments about new urban development near the M11 Duxford Junction.
Is there any sort of viable alternative, no not really. Busses and boats exist but in general you have to travel to catch them. And they are not 25 hour. And the thing that really gets me. I live in the city and travel about 17kms a day to and from work. A person in a rural area probably has to travel 50 to 60 kms a day. And their roads were just as expensive to make and maintain. They are putting more carbon into the atmosphere. Oh but they will all cry because they use more fuel etc etc. You know don't tax people unfairly. Charge me for using the bridge, the city needs a new crossing. Charge me for using my car in the CBD. Maybe I'll get a boat because there is a cheaper viable alternative option.
Don't charge my partner for running 3 kids around outside of the city center. There is no alternative at all, no choice just like people who live in the county. And do you know the big cities do contribute huge sums of money to the economy as well as the country. If there is an urban drift to out of town the first people to moan about the influx of out of towners will be the same people who are currently smiling that city dwellers get hit in the pocket again. I know I've seen it in the UK. And you know what your house prices will shoot up even more as you try and make a killing and your children wont be able to buy homes. and the areas will become commuter ghost towns. Why does no one learn by the mistakes of others. You look at the comments about new urban development near the M11 Duxford Junction.
Wellington
Now one of the reasons that I've been posting so erratically is that I have to spend every weekend in Wellington at the moment. I am the executive producer of Pops Ultimate Star which we record at Avalon TV studios in Lower Hutt.
I just want to state that I love Wellington. If feels like a town with History, it certainly feels very bohemian and it seems to have more to offer culturally than Auckland.
I would also like to mention the best Mexican restaurant I have eaten in ever with the best re fried beans outside of Mexico! I know the words re fried beans look and sound very unappetizing, done right they are delicious. The restaurant is on Cuba Street and it's called The Flying Burrito Brothers. Cuba street is is a great place to go and visit, full of interesting boutiques and book shops.
I stress that most of my experience of Wellington is through the window of a taxi on the way to work or the 9th floor of the Duxton Hotel.
The museum of New Zealand is called Te Papa and is a must for all visitors.
Thursday, 7 June 2007
New Rules
Just a quick note with some hot of the press information! Today it was announced that some rules for entry to New Zealand were changing. these rules centre of investment. If you have 20 million dollars NZ to invest in a business that is actual and will create employment, ie not sitting in a bank or property you don't need anything other than a rudimentary grasp of English to get in.
If you have a tourist level of English and 10 million you can get in. For 2.5 and fluent English provided your investment is active and your in.
There easy and I expect deeply unhelpful!
If you have a tourist level of English and 10 million you can get in. For 2.5 and fluent English provided your investment is active and your in.
There easy and I expect deeply unhelpful!
Friday, 1 June 2007
My Feelings after we Arrived
After We arrived and had all the basics sorted out it was great. New Places to see people to meet, we just enjoyed it, it was a holiday! Even though I was working an a show called "How Normal are You" and was slowly discovering so of the more interesting differences between the BBC and TVNZ - It was hard work!
The weather was great we had brunches every Sunday at Paper Moon in Mairangi Bay, we were enjoying Millie who was starting to crawl and was just loving every second of our attention. We walked on the beaches and started finding all the nooks and crannies.
I gained 4 hours a day, even taking the Harbor Bridge into account I was only spending 40 minutes a day commuting. I was in my car and not sqished in a tube dying of heat stroke, no I had air-con and a Radio.
We were a bit shocked at the prices and we found shopping really difficult. We are spoilt in the UK, spoilt for choice, especially for children's clothes. We missed the familiar, places like GAP and Mamas and Papas. Lets not even talk about Marks and John Lewis. Tragic as it may sound it is a big issue. We have all had to make changes at some point. Take a cave man used to hunting Dear and Stags to a place where it's rabbits and voles and his hunter gathering pride will be hurt and he will heaven upset tummy through the change in diet and board with the difference between a big hunt and simply laying traps. That is the difference between Marks and Foodtown or Bluewater and Albany Mega center! Sorry New Zealand but I will argue the definition of Mega with anyone who cares to take me on!
Be prepared if you have teenage girls, a partner who likes to shop or if you love gadgets, it isn't going to happen. But again perhaps its part of the change in lifestyle. Go for walks enjoy the climate, the sea the sand and the lack of consumerism. Enjoy the diversity, sure every town has a Foodtown estate agents banks and a Dick Smiths (This is the Maplin end of the gadget market)but you still find great unexpected shops to explore with diverse stock that is regional. Not the cloned high streets of the UK.
Relocation is a mixture of experiences ours is almost schizophrenic in spectrum and intensity. It will take two years and some of that time will be awful. Get through it and then you may get to like it, there are no guarantees, just be honest with your self and your loved ones.
The weather was great we had brunches every Sunday at Paper Moon in Mairangi Bay, we were enjoying Millie who was starting to crawl and was just loving every second of our attention. We walked on the beaches and started finding all the nooks and crannies.
I gained 4 hours a day, even taking the Harbor Bridge into account I was only spending 40 minutes a day commuting. I was in my car and not sqished in a tube dying of heat stroke, no I had air-con and a Radio.
We were a bit shocked at the prices and we found shopping really difficult. We are spoilt in the UK, spoilt for choice, especially for children's clothes. We missed the familiar, places like GAP and Mamas and Papas. Lets not even talk about Marks and John Lewis. Tragic as it may sound it is a big issue. We have all had to make changes at some point. Take a cave man used to hunting Dear and Stags to a place where it's rabbits and voles and his hunter gathering pride will be hurt and he will heaven upset tummy through the change in diet and board with the difference between a big hunt and simply laying traps. That is the difference between Marks and Foodtown or Bluewater and Albany Mega center! Sorry New Zealand but I will argue the definition of Mega with anyone who cares to take me on!
Be prepared if you have teenage girls, a partner who likes to shop or if you love gadgets, it isn't going to happen. But again perhaps its part of the change in lifestyle. Go for walks enjoy the climate, the sea the sand and the lack of consumerism. Enjoy the diversity, sure every town has a Foodtown estate agents banks and a Dick Smiths (This is the Maplin end of the gadget market)but you still find great unexpected shops to explore with diverse stock that is regional. Not the cloned high streets of the UK.
Relocation is a mixture of experiences ours is almost schizophrenic in spectrum and intensity. It will take two years and some of that time will be awful. Get through it and then you may get to like it, there are no guarantees, just be honest with your self and your loved ones.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)