We found it difficult at times to find information we needed when planning the move. A lot of websites are run by the NZ Immigration Service, which like to make NZ sound like a wonderland of clean-green-ness, just like Lord of the Rings (at least the first bits, in the Shire).
Needless to say, they present a slightly biased view.
Luckily, there are a couple of forums which are absolutely essential IMHO for anyone wanting to move to NZ.
So, you’re thinking of heading to live in New Zealand? Can’t be that much different, can it? We’re basically neighbours, share a similar culture, and so on.
Heck, it’s only a three hour flight, and they play cricket (albeit poorly).
You would be mistaken.
It is different.
It’s a funny place. And I don’t necessarily mean funny in the amusing sense. More funny in the alightly left-of-centre way.
You’re probably thinking “yeah I know they’re mad about the All Blacks, and have a slight inferiority complex, but they’re really just like us.”
When I say funny, I mean slightly, well, different. It’s not a matter of slotting into living in a new country. It takes adjustment to the Kiwi way.
I’ve been here now for just over a year, and we’re still getting our head around living here.
I don’t want to put anyone off. There’s a lot going for New Zealand, but it can’t pay to be fully informed before making the jump.
Hopefully some of our experiences can help you in your move across the dutch.
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