Why should you leave the UK for NZ?

You gather round the log burner, pull on another Skivvy and tuck up under a blanket

PEOPLE leave the UK for a better lifestyle elsewhere. They imagine the petty rules, regulations and obligations will be left far behind in a green-less memory, and that any choices they make in the new country will be easy, successful and illuminated by sunshine.

But of course it's not like that. For a start there are plenty of people who find it difficult to navigate the sometimes obtuse immigration requirements, and there are other expats who find daily costs more expensive than they'd budgeted for. Moving money between the UK and New Zealand can be expensive, particularly at the moment.

Then the weather, though better in New Zealand on average, does not always behave in a predictable way. The blue skies are tremendous, azure, shimmering, awe-inspiring even, but they are often covered, not by drizzly-mist, but by ferocious storm clouds.

Add to this that the houses can be like cheesegraters with a tin roof and it's clear many newly arrived expats will fondly recall their centrally heated, double-glazed homes in the UK.

Things you have long taken for granted in the UK are surprisly missed when they are no longer available. One of my favourite moans is about the standard of news coverage in New Zealand. International news is almost non-existent and the rest of the time the papers are obsessed with traffic accidents, fires and boating tragedies. Thank God for the internet.

Time softens attitudes
You do however get used to many of these small details. After a while you appreciate the local feel of the news. In contrast Radio 4 - on the internet - fills you with horror and panic at the state of Britain.

You get used to the climate too, and on those few weeks of the year where temperatures drop to below 10 degrees you gather round the log burner, pull on another Skivvy and tuck up under a blanket.

And let's not forget, New Zealand is an exceptionally beautiful place, and sometimes, you just need to slow down.

Oh, and in New Zealand you can play football until you drop dead. That's as good a reason as any to move here.

Comments

[Domestic Executive]

You are oh so right. Well almost, I think the climate is better in the UK. Even in high summer as soon as the sun goes down it's very chilly. I miss the balmy nights that happen occasionally in the UK - even occasionally would be nice. I have to keep NZ weather in perspective. It's actually a very cold country with a very hot sun.

[Sarah]

Here, here!

[forex affiliate program]

Moving from one city to another is ok. But moving from one continent to another might need a little more time. You should plan everything accordingly.

[homes for sale]

I agree. You better plan this through before moving from one continent to another. But if your mind's made up, there are always homes for sale available for you.

[In NZ]

I would say just don't do it. It's not worth the hassle considering that it's actually pretty awful here. You can get pretty scenery anywhere, there are rolling hills in the highlands and blue skies in the country-side anywhere. Due to the size of the country people's open-minded-ness has shrunk to fit. Some laws are barbaric and punishments are well out of whack for criminals. Education systems do little to teach students about the world outside of New Zealand unless you can go to uni and the availability of everything (from work, to objects) is scant at best. What is wrong with the world does not exclude new zealand and coming here won't help you (unless you're a farmer). I have lived in NZ most of my life and it is dreadful. I'm the opposite, I want to go home to the UK as does my dad and my mum and brother want out of here too. Further on the weather it's cold here and depending where you are, very drizzly. But the sun can burn you quickly even if it's only a mild day. Always carry an umbrella, jacket, sunscreen and sun glasses.