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fushnchupsblog — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 04:30:39 +0000

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.

The first, EmigrateNZ, has a huge amount of information available. Once you register, get familiar with the search function, and you’ll most likely find that there are twenty previous posts covering just the issue you want to find out about. If not, guaranteed there will be another member who can help you with the info you’re after.

Keep in mind though that EmigrateNZ is fairly UK-centric, and, IMO, posters tend to have either a “grass is always greener” or a rose-coloured glasses point of view. Makes sense considering they’ve committed to a move to the opposite side of the globe. Be thankful you’re only crossing the Tasman.

The other forum, ExpatExposed, is worth a read to hear the “other” side of living in NZ. It seems to be a gathering place for NZ immigrants who are a bit, let’s say, underwhelmed with NZ, and are pissed off about it, and want the world to know why.

However, if you dig around a bit, there are some interesting discussions on the realities of life in NZ. After you’ve been living here a few months and are still getting used to the wierd and wacky ways of Kiwis, it’s heartening to know there are others feeling the same way. Good for a giggle.

Posted in General, Making the move

Thinking of making the move?

fushnchupsblog — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 18:18:22 +0000

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.

Posted in Making the move

Fush 'n' Chups » Making the move

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Thinking of making the move?