New Zealand citizens, what's it like living there, pros and cons pse?

Question

Oh man, thank you for this, it was so helpful! I was beginning to think I was going to get no answer.

Answer 1

I have lived in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, and France, and I prefer New Zealand to all of them by far, for these reasons:

As opposed to the US:

Free healthcare

A great social security system

Four weeks minimum paid holidays a year

No guns

Very low crime

No capital punishment or other, embarrassing anachronisms

No snakes

As opposed to Canada:

Mild climate

Green winters

Compact; you can be anywhere over the weekend

No bears or wolves

As opposed to the UK:

Uncrowded

No class system

Low house prices

Restaurants cheap and good, lots of them, too

No postcode vanity

As opposed to France:

Tough call - NZ is actually a lot like France in many ways; if you're French, might as well stay home, not much difference. Possibly more seals and penguins here though.

As opposed to Germany:

Kiwis are easy-going, and get-togethers are relaxing

None of the weird laws of Germany exist here

No army conscription

Low taxes

No cold winters

No road salt

Top speed on highways is 100 km/h

General pros and Cons:

Pro:

You won't find another country in the world which happens to be as friendly, beautiful, relaxed, safe, free of creepy-crawlies, socially responsible, and open-minded as NZ.

Cons:

Wages could be higher

People drive like mad

Heating is a shambles in most houses

NZ red wines only now beginning to be drinkable (I still prefer Aussie wines).

;-)

Answer 2

If you are considering moving to NZ, your perception of life here will vary greatly depending on where you are from.

If you are American--don't do it!!! The cost of living is extremely high, and the pay is very low. The education system and health care leave much to be desired! Americans like variety, but you won't find it here. There is also quite a bit of racism and narrow-mindedness.

NZ is a GREAT place to visit. There is beautiful scenery--especially on the South Island. But I would not recommend making the move.

Feel free to email me if you have any specific questions.