What to Expect from Life in New Zealand

If you’re dreaming of starting a new life in New Zealand I’m pretty sure you will have read tonnes of information about what to expect and chances are you will have visited the country already and got a feel for the way of life.

It’s true, there’s much to envy about those who have already emigrated…but if you’re of the strong opinion that everything about your new life will be nigh on perfect there are probably a few points that you might like to consider so that you are at least prepared for aspects of life that are worse than you had back home!  Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from life in New Zealand – both positive and negative - as supplied by some of our readers who have already made the move.

On the Positive Side of Life in New Zealand

Wide open spaces – when you’re living in New Zealand you can drive away from the main urban centres and within minutes be surrounded by beautiful, wide open spaces.  New Zealand feels so under populated and it gives you a great sense of freedom.

The people – they are far less status-centric than Brits and are generally very accepting of Brits moving to live full time in New Zealand.

Family life – more emphasis is placed on enjoying a family centred life than on socialising separately from your spouse or children.  For men with children this means that it’s more than acceptable to attend school functions and for women with children you are not so likely to be prejudiced against in the workplace once you start a family.

Greater personal freedom – the government in New Zealand and general atmosphere that pervades seems to be supportive of and conducive for entrepreneurial expression and achievement.

Safer/better for children – New Zealand is still a country where children can play outside together and where there is plenty of emphasis on after school activities for children – especially popular are any sport based activity which helps kids stay fit and away from the TV and games consoles that seem to dominate life in other countries.

The weekend lifestyle – Kiwis live for the weekend and there are so many activities and events you can take part in and enjoy, or you can just get away from work and enjoy anything in New Zealand from the stunning scenery to rock climbing, from camping at the beach to skiing.

On the Negative Side of Life in New Zealand

Location – sometimes New Zealand can feel so remote, so far from ‘home’ and this feeling affects the whole family.  Some people never get over this feeling of isolation and have to return to their former country.

Cultural differences – even though New Zealanders speak English this does not mean that they are ‘the same’ as Brits or Americans or even Australians.  New Zealanders can have different aspirations, different experiences and personal histories, different political opinions and just because they speak English this does not mean they are the same!  This can result in culture shock setting in quite hard as it is so totally unexpected.

Sense of humour – the Kiwis have a very different sense of humour to that which pervades throughout the UK and this can sometimes mean sarcasm is taken literally and only slap-stick will do.

TV – television in New Zealand is not of the same standard as TV in the UK!  I’m sure there are millions who would disagree but generally speaking TV in New Zealand is really rubbish.

Housing – a lot of houses in New Zealand away from the main urban centres have tin roofs and are very basic in terms of construction and interior finish and this is absolutely the standard and the norm…if you want anything different you may be left wanting.

Fines – you can be fined for just about anything in New Zealand from parking five minutes over your ticket time to being a day late paying a utility bill.

Shopping – the supermarkets are low grade and there just isn’t the choice when it comes to grocery products, clothing, electronics…anything really.

So, now you know a little more about what to expect from life in New Zealand you will be able to make a better informed decision about whether emigration really is right for you and if it is, you’ll know to pack loads of DVDs of your favourite British TV comedy programmes!