Pros and Cons of both New Zealand and Australia

Question

Afternoon,

I am a Brit thinking of emigrating to either NZ or Australia. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each country in your eyes?

Cheers

Answer 1

Nz has more ethnic crime while Oz has less but its getting like NZ.

Answer 2

Being an Aussie that has traveled to New Zealand a couple of times i'd like to think that both countries are fairly equal. When i asked the Kiwis i work with why they moved to Brisbane they all say because of the weather its to bloody cold in NZ but you being a pommie shouldn't have any real issue with that unless your trying to escape the UK cold weather then i would say come to OZ the weather is better unless you go to far south.  

Answer 3

New Zealand

Advantages:

1. Picturesque everywhere you look.

2. Not a terrorism target

3. Easy access to ski and recreation resorts.

4. Climate is closer to what you're used to in the UK.

5. insomniacs don't need to sleep in order to count sheep.

6. no snakes anywhere, the local wildlife won't kill you with just one bite.

Disadvantages:

1. New Zealand is almost the exact opposite point from the UK on the other side of the globe.  That's a very long journey back the UK should you want to visit family and friends.  

2. Economy isn't as good as Australia's (and the exchange rate with every other country sucks).

3. Smaller country means smaller job opportunities.  Certainly will be less of the specialised jobs you would expect to find in Europe.

4. Occasionally gets earthquakes.

5. If you pick up a Kiwi accent, you will be a target for sheep and kiwi accent jokes (usually from the Aussies).

Australia

Advantages:

1. The economy is booming, and if you work in a job that Australia needs, your immigration will be put on the fast track.

2. Closer to exotic holiday destinations like Thailand, Bali, Vietnam and the Far East.

3. very  multi-cultural (especially Sydney, Melbourne). nobody cares that you have an accent.  You won't have a problem fitting in.

4. It has more unique "nothing else like it in the world" stuff than anywhere else on the planet.   From world heritage listed national parks to wildlife, orchids and ancient landscapes.   If you can't afford an overseas holiday you could spend a life time just visiting what there is at home.

5.  If you want to find wide open spaces where there is not a soul for hundreds of miles, this is the place for you.

Disadvantages:

1. Housing costs a fortune - especially in major cities like Sydney and Perth.

2. Tyranny of distance.   When you're not driving for hours just to get across town, you are flying for hours to get to the nearest place with more than only a man and his dog in it.

3. If it moves - leave it the heck alone, it might just kill you.  While the dangerous animals are far less common than the media will have you believe, they are out there.  You do need to be aware when out in the bush or off the beaten track.  

4.  You have to conserve water.  You won't be short of it, but you will pay for it if you waste it.  In some places you pay for every drop you use.

5.  The climate can be hot (especially for a Brit) particularly in summer.   Unless you move to Tasmania, most states will have temperatures higher than 20C (in the 30C's and more, the closer to the equator you go).   Winters will very rarely get below 5C  

Answer 4

Australia is far safer and much less violence, just look on the NZ news websites, violence all the time www.yahoo.co.nz

Answer 5

Both the countries are developed so that's a plus point. U'll get to see Kiwis & Kangaroos. NZ is very picturesque. Australia's famous for the Downs & the Great Barrier Reef. The New Year celebration at Sydney Harbour is a treat to watch. I think it's a pity that they have to celebrate Christmas in summer & it'll no way be a white Christmas. So decide accordingly. lol