Chris Elles and his partner Jodi Dodge emigrated to Christchurch from the USA near the beginning of 2001. Chris is 34 years of age and he purchased two businesses in Christchurch - Eric Wood Motorcycles Ltd. & Motorcycling Downunder Ltd. Chris's two businesses sell Aprilia, Harley-Davidson, Moto Guzzi and Yamaha motorcycles. Since arriving, Chris has started two further businesses, insurance.net.nz and mortgage.net.nz. Chris kindly gave an interview to ENZ.
ENZ Which part of the USA did you come from and why did you decide to leave?
Chris I originally come from Pennsylvania, about halfway between Philadelphia and New York City. Jodi originally comes from Idaho. We met while working for Amazon.com in Delaware. I made the decision to migrate back in 2000 for a number of reasons. First, I was tired of a 120 mile (200 km) daily round trip commute, and the frequent work-related travel around the US. Then I wanted a change of lifestyle where I could live in a less urban environment without sacrificing my urban luxuries. And finally, after working for other companies, I wanted to have the opportunity to own my own business.
ENZ What attracted you to run a business in NZ rather than the USA?
Chris New Zealand appealed to me because it has one of the most "friction free" economies I've ever experienced.
A recent example of this is when we were starting our insurance agency. Although the existing business had substantial experience in selling motorcycle insurance, expanding into other personal insurance lines like home, contents, life, auto, and marine didn't cause any licensing issues. No licenses are required. We simply had to find an underwriting partner interested in working with us and expand our skill-set to effectively sell the new products. There was literally no governmental hindrance to stop us, whereas in the United States I would have had to expend more effort and resources due to licensing and regulatory hurdles. Mind you, the lower barriers to entry results in more competition, which means we have to sharpen our pencil a bit more to compete for business!
Another benefit of operating a business in New Zealand over the US is the lack of Personal Injury related lawsuits. With the advent of the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), personal injury lawsuits in New Zealand don't represent the same risk factor they do in the US. The ACC covers all accidental injury claims in New Zealand, negating the need for an accident victim to sue a small business owner and eliminating the disruption a lawsuit can have on a small enterprise.
ENZ What, if any, differences have you found in the way people do business in NZ compared with the USA - have you been surprised by anything?
Chris I would say the biggest surprise was a pleasant one. While I was here on my first visit, I met with someone from a financial services company. Based on our extended conversations, nothing more, we entered into a partnership that almost 3 years later still stands as strong as the day we shook hands on the deal. Until then, I had never had anyone base the foundation of a business relationship on just my word. It was a great experience that has been repeated several times since! I'm not saying contracts and credit checks do not play an important role in New Zealand business, they most certainly do, but they seem to play a complimentary role rather than an exclusive role in defining the business relationship.
ENZ Why did you choose NZ as a destination above other countries?
Chris I started thinking about moving to New Zealand when I found the motorcycle businesses for sale on the internet: approximately, September 2000. Until then, I'd only experienced New Zealand through mediums like National Geographic. After my first exploratory visit, I felt it offered an incredible variety of climates, attractions, and lifestyle choices all within a reasonable driving distance. It offered excitement and new adventures and experiences I felt were lacking in my life while offering the familiarity and comfort of a modern and safe, first-world, English speaking nation. Many other countries offer much of what New Zealand has to offer, but upon closer inspection, most other options require significant compromise or a certain degree of risk. So I felt New Zealand offered a safe and comfortable existence away from the all too frequent "bad news" we see in the headlines.
I didn't single out Christchurch as a place to live, it just happens to be where the businesses I purchased are located. I'm fortunate enough to have travelled throughout New Zealand, and the east-coast of Australia. Although other accessible places offer more appealing (warmer) winters, I personally prefer to see all four seasons. I like the fact that summers and winters in Christchurch are quite mild in comparison to what my partner and I are used to back in the US (hardly any snow in winter or humidity in summer).
ENZ Was there any sort of defining moment when you decided you really were going to migrate?
Chris I think the defining moment was after completing a "lap" of the South Island during my initial visit in November, 2000. It was then that the idea became tangible. It became reality when I met with an immigration consultant and was told I was "guaranteed" permanent residency based on my personal situation.
ENZ What do you like about Christchurch/NZ?
Chris Christchurch has a certain appeal to us. It has a rural, small town feel to it, yet it offers an excellent infrastructure that rivals any other place I've visited considering it's size. I have the distinct feel we can "have our cake and eat it too", without most of the downside of a large urban city.
I'm fortunate enough to have excellent management in place at my business to allow me to work as an "absentee" owner giving me the option to move elsewhere, but we're quite happy in Christchurch.
ENZ What do you miss about the USA?
Chris Pizza. Although Kiwis like their pizza, they're not in love with it.....yet. Same goes for Mexican food and donuts. My partner and I have become quite good at making things at home. I'm the designated pizza maker, Jodi is the Mexican food cook; and donuts......we haven't figured that one out yet!
American Football and Baseball.....Go Phillies! Go Eagles! Don't expect much coverage of US sports here, although the NBA and NHL do get a fair bit of coverage come playoff season. Rugby is the national passion here in New Zealand.
Of course we both miss our friends and families, but with the advent of the internet and the continuing drop in telecom costs means a phone call or email home is very inexpensive. We both call the US and email frequently and that has certainly made the move much easier.
But other than that, there isn't much we miss, or if we did miss any additional things, it seems quite trivial now.
ENZ What sort of people do you think would enjoy living in Christchurch and what sort of people wouldn't like it?
Chris I think nearly every person I've known in my life would certainly enjoy visiting New Zealand. As far as living here, I think a very open mind is quite important. I had the opportunity to study much about and travel some of the world before moving here, and although New Zealand may appear to be quite similar to the US, UK, and Canada, the culture can be a bit different below the surface. It would be impossible to define the exact differences between the cultures in the US and NZ, but I think knowing it's different and being respectful of that fact will carry you through. Someone who is close-minded or unable to adjust new surroundings well would probably not enjoy much more than a holiday here.
ENZ What products or services do you think are good value in NZ?
Chris Most of the vehicles sold here are imported used from Japan and you can get great value because there are no import tariffs. Like anywhere, just be careful where you buy!
Real estate is also great value. The farther south you go in the country, the cheaper it gets, generally speaking. I've always wanted to live by the beach and with such an enormous coastline for such a small population means a piece of land with a great view can be quite affordable.
I also need to mention the public health care system. I had an accident where I was hit from behind on a motorcycle and suffered a concussion. The medical care I received in the hospital was world class. The follow up was just as good and the best part was it was free! The fee services and pharmaceuticals are reasonably priced, when compared to the same level and quality of care received in the US from our experiences.
Here in Christchurch we have a very extensive bus service at a reasonable price as well as a free bus shuttle service in downtown Christchurch which is incredibly convenient for spending a day in town.
ENZ And what's not such so good value?
Chris Things like gasoline, tobacco, and liquor can be more expensive as they appear to be more highly taxed than in the US. But it would appear this is a cost incurred to be able to offer services like public health care, and public transportation.
ENZ Were you able to find a house to rent without any problems?
Chris We currently live on the beach in New Brighton. We spent our first 18 months living in downtown Christchurch and although it was quite nice and accessible to city attractions, I've always wanted to live on the beach.
We've rented a total of three apartments/houses since moving here and we are still living in a rental house. I've purchased commercial property but we haven't yet purchased a personal home yet. We've been actively searching and are just waiting for the perfect house or section. We'll know it when we see it. The good news is, based on my purchase of commercial property, completing a real estate transaction is quite simple and nothing to worry a potential migrant from the US,UK, or Canada as the process is quite similar, with the added benefit of not having to pay property tax - although Rates are a different story!
Finding a rental home or purchasing a home is quite straightforward. Simply contact a rental property specialist or a real estate agent. The only point worth mentioning would be to those considering moving to a "university town" like Christchurch or Dunedin. Be aware many university students are hunting for housing at the beginning of the calendar year resulting in a bit of short-term demand.
ENZ Based on your own experiences, do you have any tips for anyone considering migrating to New Zealand?
Chris My first and best bit of advice is to perform as much research as possible. It's a huge decision. If I come across as having made a "shoot first, ask questions later" decision, it should be noted I spent considerable time and effort in studying New Zealand, it's culture, and my perception of where it fits into the constantly changing global economy. Failing to adequately study and understand the ramifications of such a life-changing decision could lead to tears and regrets. Only after KNOWING New Zealand was the destination for my partner and me to build a life together was I able to make such a quick decision.
Also, I'd suggest seeking the help of people and organizations that exist to help people to not just make the move, but to become acclimated. My partner and I made the right decision to move to New Zealand and we also
made the right decision to seek out a professional to help us successfully migrate. Although it's possible to perform all of the work yourself, you can save considerable time and effort, possibly better spent on other important tasks, by seeking competent professionals to help complete the process. Moving half-way around the world can be stressful, having someone you can depend on to help certainly made things much easier for Jodi and me. We both feel it was money well spent.
ENZ Thank you very much Chris, and good luck with your businesses and life in New Zealand.
