New Zealand (for immigrants)
Some people think New Zealand is where the Lamb comes from - others believe it to be an isolated country at the butt-end of the world. Whilst technically true, depending on your perspective, it has distinct advantages as a place to live and work.
Language: English is widely understood here, although it may take you some time to get to grips with Kiwish.
Overcrowding: New Zealand's cities are just as crowded as everyone else's but there are large, empty gaps in between. On South island road trips, counting cars is still a popular family favorite. Auckland is the largest city, with a population of 1 million. That makes it the same size as Birmingham (UK not Alabama). A further 2 million people live in the North Island and 1 million people rattle around in the South Island.
Climate: The geography, latitude and prevailing wind generally determines the weather so as a rule of thumb:
- South - West - cold and wet
- South - East - cold and dry
- North - West - warm and wet
- North - East - warm and dry
So, with ¾ of the population in the North and East, the Kiwis generally enjoy a temperate climate and the beach lifestyle. The Scottish settlers, on the other hand, found the North too warm and cheerful and settled in the nearest place with Scottish-style climate - Dunedin.
Work: Kiwis have a tendency to start work early. 9 till 5 is not very common in the construction or Engineering fields. Finishing early has its benefits though. There is still enough time in the day to take the boat out or do some other leisure pursuit. Inner City business tends to be corporate shirt & tie but outside, work dress is pretty relaxed. It is not uncommon in Tauranga to go to work in shorts and flip-flops (called jandals here).
Play: All outdoor pursuits are catered for. ¾ of the population live within 10km of a beach so it is not surprising that sea/beach activities are the most popular. There is skiing in central North Island and South Island and a very good dry ski slope near Orewa to keep your hand in. Walking is very popular and there are a good selection of long and short distance tramps. Dogs are not welcome everywhere, particularly in the far North. Anywhere where there is a green Department of Conservation sign, the pooch is definitely not allowed. Beaches are generally OK for dogs but there are seasonal time restrictions. Motor sports are very popular and many young kiwis spend hours trying make 1.5L Nissans look and sound like Holden V8's.
Food & Drink: Traditional Kiwi fare is not something you can easily find. Due to the cosmopolitan nature of the place, you can find just about any type of food - although I have yet to find traditional Scottish deep-fried Mars bars. Central Auckland is popular for Oriental food, and Fish & Chips are available just about everywhere. The main wine regions of Marlborough and Hawkes Bay produce very palatable wines but with cheap, good quality Ozzie wine widely available, the local producers are up against it. New Zealand Beer and Lager are first class and wash the barbie down a treat.
Housing: Traditional Kiwi houses are made of wood with tin roofs and generally not constructed to any particular standards, or design - so buyer beware. More modern houses are timber framed, brick veneered and have tiled roofs similar to modern UK houses. Prices vary considerably. Parts of Auckland are very expensive but on the fringes you can build a brand new 250 sqm house, on a 1000 sqm plot, for around $600,000. As a top of the scale Teacher earns under $60,000 and interest rates are between 8 and 10 % it is not what you would call cheap.
General: Rates of pay are generally lower than in Europe and America, income tax is higher and fringe benefits, including company pensions are not commonplace. Mortgage interest rates are higher and private health care, including dentistry are expensive. You are thinking that this is not a winning pitch right? There are many subtle things that balance the equation however, and it is not until you have lived here that you appreciate what they are.
There is no class system here, sure there are rich and poor but generally everyone is the same. The need for the most expensive items is not something Kiwis bother about unless you are a JAFA (Just Another Friendly Aucklander!). Goods and Services Tax (VAT) is half that of Europe and many indirect taxes simply don't exist so consumer goods and generally cheaper. Small businesses flourish here so you have a genuine choice and they have to be competitive so you are not force-fed your consumer goods by large multinationals at fixed prices. You spend considerably less heating your home.
Crime: The lifestyle is pretty laid back and the crime rate is generally lower than in many developed countries, but of course every country has its hot spots.
Violent crime is still a rare enough to make headline news and If you dropped your wallet in the street, you'd be far more likely to have someone chase after you
to hand it back. If your car breaks down, chances are someone will stop to help you, rather than to mug you.
Children have safer freedom to go out on their own and, if they embrace the outdoor lifestyle, they will be healthier too.
Health & Pensions: As you have to pay for doctors appointments, you put up with the sniffles or the odd ache & pain so there is probably not the same drain on health services. You are entitled to nationally assisted health care once you have been resident here for two years and there is an excellent Accident Compensation Scheme. Once you have been resident and working for ten years you are entitled to a full state pension so company pensions are not absolutely necessary. You can top-up your state pension by contributing to a private scheme if you wish.
Compare the cost of paying an extra 30 years National Insurance contributions for your pension, considerable indirect taxation, higher crime related costs, out of control local authority spending - and things start to make a little more sense.
They glossy brochures will make New Zealand sound fantastic and Kiwi's will tell you they live in paradise. There is no such place and you would have to make any move with both eyes open. This is not a country where everything is handed into your hand when you get off the plane. Success still has to be worked at and it can be as tough here as anywhere else.
I hope you have enjoyed my irreverent, but honest view of good old NZ. Many people come, hate it and leave - many people come, love it and stay. The only way you are going to find out is to come and be prepared to work at it. There is no magic formula and, unless you're loaded, no easy way either. One of the best things you can do is take the right career advice and if you can get the right job, many of the other settling in problems won't seem so bad.
Give us a call!
Keith Smith
(Director)
Bloodhound Recruitment Ltd.
