[srivett]

Hello!

What a friendly forum this is - I feel like I want to introduce myself already :) My OH, Sarah, and I will be moving to Christchurch in October from Toronto. We did a tour last year that only solidified our love of the country. Sarah grew up in the Austrian Alps, so the South Island feels like home to her already. I'm an Aussie-Canadian (spent my life half and half so far), and after enduring 15 years of Canadian winters, I can't wait to make the move to NZ. Every time I've visited I've felt a connection, and by now it feels like I've been moving towards this my whole life. Much as I value my childhood in Oz, I hate the way the political climate is mimicking the US. I don't think I'd be comfortable there anymore.

Does anyone have any experience living as a same-sex couple in New Zealand? From what I've heard and read, the letter of the law is pretty favourable, but I don't know what to expect from regular people. We had mixed reactions when we were touring, mostly very friendly, so I'm not worried, but I wouldn't mind hearing about other people's experiences.

Good luck to everyone on your moves, and thanks for providing this awesome resource!

Suze

[dharder]

Welcome to the forum :)

I've only been there on a short holiday (two weeks), too short to find out how regular people treat same sex couples. The law seems to be fine, or at least no worse than the UK.

It appears to be a non-issue for immigration, which is a good thing. I think if you are married in Canada, it might by 'downgraded' to a civil union, but then again, you don't need either to immigrate.

There's been a thread here about how same sex couples and gays and lesbians are seen/treated, but it seems to be okay on the whole. I'd expect there to be a difference between city/countryside, but then, I'd expect that in every country.

Good luck with the process :)

Daniela

[mel&nigel]

sorry, i've no idea at all, just saying hi!

[srivett]

Nice to meet you both!

Thanks, Daniela, for pointing out that thread. I took a look and it all seems pretty fairminded - just another outlet for the common-sense Kiwi outlook that's so refreshing. Live and let live, with a good sense of humour to top it off. Works for most issues, I think. I don't usually flout my private life, but since it's an issue that affects my move, I thought it would be reasonable to ask. It's by no means the centre of my life. I could also ask about martial arts clubs or rock climbing or Kiwi fiction ;)

[nippa&pippa]

Hi, welcome to forum :cheers
Looking forward to meet you both when you arrive in October, try to come to our christchurch meets to meet fellow ex-pats :nice1
Have you got children? there is an organisation/club for children with same-sex parents in christchurch called "Rainbows"

[barryp]

I don't usually flout my private life, but since it's an issue that affects my move, I thought it would be reasonable to ask. It's by no means the centre of my life. I could also ask about martial arts clubs or rock climbing or Kiwi fiction ;)

From my brief time in NZ, I will say that that attitude will serve you well here. Casual inquiries into one's personal life are considered rude, and participation in physical/outdoor activities are far better conversation-starters.

I find the change refreshing.

[zardell]

Hi Srivett and welcome to the forum,.

Julie

xx

[Howie]

Hi and Welcome. Yes the laws in NZ mean that same sex couples shouldn't have any problems in NZ and I think the general public is slowly coming on board. Maybe not as progressive as Canada - but people are nice and try to make everyone feel comfortable.
Although Aucklanders will have you believe that the south island is one big ice block, Christchurch really doesn't get too much of a winter.
Welcome to the forum!!
Susan

[srivett]

Thanks everyone. If this forum is any example, we have nothing to worry about. :) We don't have any children, and no immediate plans to have any, but a group like Rainbows shows a good attitude. And we'd love to attend a Christchurch meetup if you're having any after October! We only know one person in the city, and no one else in NZ at all, so it'll be a relief to feel welcome among people with some similar experiences.

We're both big into the outdoors - hiking, etc. - and I'm active in quite a few sports: fencing, tennis, basketball... no rugby interest yet, but who knows. I'm looking forward to exploring the sporty options, especially now that winter won't keep me indoors all the time!

Susan - any 'winter' that doesn't drop below 0C is going to feel balmy by now!

[nippa&pippa]

Susan - any 'winter' that doesn't drop below 0C is going to feel balmy by now!

;) just had -4'c other days...brrrrr.

[Joanne100]

Welcome to the forum Suze and Sarah, looking fwd to meeting u both in October.
Joanne