beth&rich
4th June 2008, 09:00 AM
This could belong in any of the groups really.....
Whats the one thing you wish you'd known before you made the move to NZ?
Whats the one thing you wish you'd known before you made the move to NZ?
gil
4th June 2008, 09:16 AM
Nothing really, most of our questions were answered on this forum or by googling for what we wanted.
Possibly that the exchange rate would take a downturn!:D
One thing I was genuinely surprised by was the amount of negative/moaning and even ranting by ex-pats who are amazed by how NZ is not the UK or the US or SA etc.
Gil
Possibly that the exchange rate would take a downturn!:D
One thing I was genuinely surprised by was the amount of negative/moaning and even ranting by ex-pats who are amazed by how NZ is not the UK or the US or SA etc.
Gil
Genie
4th June 2008, 09:38 AM
One thing I was genuinely surprised by was the amount of negative/moaning and even ranting by ex-pats who are amazed by how NZ is not the UK or the US or SA etc
Why would anyone go to another country and expect it to be the same as home?? :confused: You'd just stay at home surely? I know, I know...don't call me Shirley :laugh
Why would anyone go to another country and expect it to be the same as home?? :confused: You'd just stay at home surely? I know, I know...don't call me Shirley :laugh
Tia Maria
4th June 2008, 10:48 AM
I think you can often overlook that the hard work often comes after the move.
Its very similar to having a baby, where all your energy and focus is on the pregnancy and birth, when in fact most of the hard work comes in the 18years after that! :p
Many people focus on the emigration process, move and first few weeks of setting up, but then forget the fact that things like friendships, making a house a home, dealing with homesickness, illness, childcare and finding a fulfilling job, will take up much of your energy for the next two years.
So I wish someone had told me that emigrating isn't about the move but more about the ups and downs of the following 2 1/4 years!
(Yes I have decided that two and a quarter years is the magic number! :))
Cheers
Tia
Its very similar to having a baby, where all your energy and focus is on the pregnancy and birth, when in fact most of the hard work comes in the 18years after that! :p
Many people focus on the emigration process, move and first few weeks of setting up, but then forget the fact that things like friendships, making a house a home, dealing with homesickness, illness, childcare and finding a fulfilling job, will take up much of your energy for the next two years.
So I wish someone had told me that emigrating isn't about the move but more about the ups and downs of the following 2 1/4 years!
(Yes I have decided that two and a quarter years is the magic number! :))
Cheers
Tia
Debbie
4th June 2008, 10:53 AM
Thanks to this forum and other research we had done I knew almost everything we needed before we came. I just didn't realize the extent, or I choose to ignore the reality of certain things.
It's the variables that got me, until we moved here I didn't know how homesickness would affect me, I knew the housing was different just not how I would cope with that, or exactly what our budget would be but we had a good ball park figure.
I had been told that kiwis are more friendly but I also didn't realise just how friendly and supportive people were going to be here. Not Just the kiwis but all nations that I know here have this true spirit of being good neighbours and I have made some great friends here.
Debbie
It's the variables that got me, until we moved here I didn't know how homesickness would affect me, I knew the housing was different just not how I would cope with that, or exactly what our budget would be but we had a good ball park figure.
I had been told that kiwis are more friendly but I also didn't realise just how friendly and supportive people were going to be here. Not Just the kiwis but all nations that I know here have this true spirit of being good neighbours and I have made some great friends here.
Debbie
StevieD
4th June 2008, 01:45 PM
nothing really. The forum is a wonderful medium, and I can't say I have been surprised by many things since moving here last year.
We are pretty easy going folk, and tend to take everything for what it is, not try and forge a "UK in the souther hemisphere", in all honesty, we had a pretty crappy time in the one up north over the last few years,so why we would want to re-create that down here is beyond me! :laugh
We are pretty easy going folk, and tend to take everything for what it is, not try and forge a "UK in the souther hemisphere", in all honesty, we had a pretty crappy time in the one up north over the last few years,so why we would want to re-create that down here is beyond me! :laugh
gil
4th June 2008, 07:34 PM
Why would anyone go to another country and expect it to be the same as home?? :confused: You'd just stay at home surely? I know, I know...don't call me Shirley :laugh
That's what I use to think, Shirley! :D
That's what I use to think, Shirley! :D
Sam B
4th June 2008, 07:37 PM
It would have been good to know how mind-blowing culture shock is in the first few months, how shell-shocked you feel ALL the time at first, and how it gets better.
ellenmelon
4th June 2008, 07:54 PM
NZ can be and is very expensive. Everything seems to cost more. More than I realised, even though I was born and bred here. I never had to be truely independant living here so thats why it was a shock maybe. That trips anywhere are a luxury (this includes within NZ). That some of the houses are shockingly cold!
shakyle2906
4th June 2008, 08:07 PM
I dont really know.
Feel like i was prepared for most things from the help from the forum.
One thing i guess is the cold ?? Didnt seem to bother me so much last year but have really felt it this year..........it can rip right through you.
Sharon
x
Feel like i was prepared for most things from the help from the forum.
One thing i guess is the cold ?? Didnt seem to bother me so much last year but have really felt it this year..........it can rip right through you.
Sharon
x
peebles16
4th June 2008, 10:02 PM
Mostly just reflecting on what other folks have said - you kind of think when you get here that's it we've done it and the reality is the journey is far from over :yes I wish I had been more prepared for that :D
Cheese and the shocking quality and indeed price of it - I love my cheese :laugh
Karenx
Cheese and the shocking quality and indeed price of it - I love my cheese :laugh
Karenx
nippa&pippa
4th June 2008, 10:48 PM
Nothing to do with this forum, it is more of NZ but I wish I did been told that there was lack of allergy specialist in Christchurch Hospital. You have to pay to see one and only allergy specialist in South Island!!
For now, we are coping with Paediatrician who have background in allergy at Christchurch Hospital and she is done well so far with us today for my three children to be deal with :roll
For now, we are coping with Paediatrician who have background in allergy at Christchurch Hospital and she is done well so far with us today for my three children to be deal with :roll
buzztalks
5th June 2008, 09:57 AM
that the dollar would hit a 22 year high against sterling literally on the day we landed, and that it would remain high - causing us to re-think our house buying plans.
that the housing stock (looks so great on Open2view, from the comfort of our centrally-heated, double-glazed, fully insulated UK home) leaves a lot to be desired.
that the majority of drivers are lazy and unskilled. Plus children are allowed to drive....
that there is a 'boy racer' culture who persist in fitting aftermarket big-bore (ie loud) exhausts. Tedious in the extreme.
that the standards of broadcasting are more 'relaxed', allowing swearing that I don't want my ten year old son to hear.
that levels of customer service can vary. Took 3 months and 6 phone calls to get Telstraclear to send us out their listings magazine. Tooks 7 months, countless phone calls, personal visits and a letter to the CEO, to get the bus company to admit that one of their drivers had crashed into our PARKED car, and to compensate accordingly.
that estate agents could market themselves om billboards???
that Watties soup tastes like medicine
that it would cost us one hundred pounds a month for gas and electricity.
that the Kiwis would still be bleating on about their Rugby World Cup exit a full 7 months after the event.......
that the housing stock (looks so great on Open2view, from the comfort of our centrally-heated, double-glazed, fully insulated UK home) leaves a lot to be desired.
that the majority of drivers are lazy and unskilled. Plus children are allowed to drive....
that there is a 'boy racer' culture who persist in fitting aftermarket big-bore (ie loud) exhausts. Tedious in the extreme.
that the standards of broadcasting are more 'relaxed', allowing swearing that I don't want my ten year old son to hear.
that levels of customer service can vary. Took 3 months and 6 phone calls to get Telstraclear to send us out their listings magazine. Tooks 7 months, countless phone calls, personal visits and a letter to the CEO, to get the bus company to admit that one of their drivers had crashed into our PARKED car, and to compensate accordingly.
that estate agents could market themselves om billboards???
that Watties soup tastes like medicine
that it would cost us one hundred pounds a month for gas and electricity.
that the Kiwis would still be bleating on about their Rugby World Cup exit a full 7 months after the event.......
simpsons
5th June 2008, 10:10 AM
A hundred pounds or dollars? I think thats what i pay in scotland? Did you think it would be a lot cheaper?
Simpsons
Simpsons
beth&rich
5th June 2008, 10:12 AM
Yeah, sad to say we pay £100 per month in Birmingham too. That came as a shock last quarter.
buzztalks
5th June 2008, 10:33 AM
yep - hundred quid ($250).
we've never paid that much in the UK (left July 07)
sounds like power prices have risen??
I think we were under some illusion that because NZ produces a lot of its energy from hydro, that it would be cheaper....
Not the case. In fact not only is it (IMO) expensive, there are also rumblings about 'energy-saving measures' - that's power cuts to you and me.
we've never paid that much in the UK (left July 07)
sounds like power prices have risen??
I think we were under some illusion that because NZ produces a lot of its energy from hydro, that it would be cheaper....
Not the case. In fact not only is it (IMO) expensive, there are also rumblings about 'energy-saving measures' - that's power cuts to you and me.
IanW99
5th June 2008, 02:05 PM
yep - hundred quid ($250).
we've never paid that much in the UK (left July 07)
sounds like power prices have risen??
I think we were under some illusion that because NZ produces a lot of its energy from hydro, that it would be cheaper....
Not the case. In fact not only is it (IMO) expensive, there are also rumblings about 'energy-saving measures' - that's power cuts to you and me.
I'm assuming you mean that the combined cost of gas and electric comes to $250 dollars per month.
Is that average, the highest or last month? And are these your only forms of energy e.g. no wood burner?
Ian
we've never paid that much in the UK (left July 07)
sounds like power prices have risen??
I think we were under some illusion that because NZ produces a lot of its energy from hydro, that it would be cheaper....
Not the case. In fact not only is it (IMO) expensive, there are also rumblings about 'energy-saving measures' - that's power cuts to you and me.
I'm assuming you mean that the combined cost of gas and electric comes to $250 dollars per month.
Is that average, the highest or last month? And are these your only forms of energy e.g. no wood burner?
Ian
lockstock
5th June 2008, 05:23 PM
How disgusting the sausages are and how much you feel like taking the Ab King Pro and shoving it where the abs don't matter.
Moorf
5th June 2008, 05:29 PM
Ab King Pro and shoving it where the abs don't matter.
:laugh:laugh:laugh ...along with Natural Glow and that other cover-your-zits brown powder....
:laugh:laugh:laugh ...along with Natural Glow and that other cover-your-zits brown powder....
gil
5th June 2008, 05:32 PM
How disgusting the sausages are and how much you feel like taking the Ab King Pro and shoving it where the abs don't matter.
I've never understood why people think the sausages are so disgusting :confused: We've had some lovely ones from both the butcher and the supermarket, with the exception of the steak and oyster ones and the mussel ones. Despite our butcher's sign proclaiming them to be "Yummo" :D
I've never understood why people think the sausages are so disgusting :confused: We've had some lovely ones from both the butcher and the supermarket, with the exception of the steak and oyster ones and the mussel ones. Despite our butcher's sign proclaiming them to be "Yummo" :D
Moorf
5th June 2008, 06:00 PM
Ditto Gil - never did understand that one! Local butcher does lovely saussies and the supermarket ones by Hellyer (sp) are fine too...
Sam B
5th June 2008, 06:04 PM
Yeah but I'm totally with you on the ab king pro
lockstock
5th June 2008, 06:08 PM
I've never understood why people think the sausages are so disgusting :confused: We've had some lovely ones from both the butcher and the supermarket, with the exception of the steak and oyster ones and the mussel ones. :D
That's just what I mean. Steak and Oyster? How on earth can that be a sausage? Chicken and Cheese? Ostrich and ...well, anything really. And the smell!
I'm talking Cumberland and Lincoln. Real meat not 'flavoured' recycled car tyres. Pork and beef, end of.
We are only at the begin of our quest, to be honest. We will be going for the real butcher sampling once we have been released from our secure accommodation.
That's just what I mean. Steak and Oyster? How on earth can that be a sausage? Chicken and Cheese? Ostrich and ...well, anything really. And the smell!
I'm talking Cumberland and Lincoln. Real meat not 'flavoured' recycled car tyres. Pork and beef, end of.
We are only at the begin of our quest, to be honest. We will be going for the real butcher sampling once we have been released from our secure accommodation.
gil
5th June 2008, 06:21 PM
That's just what I mean. Steak and Oyster? How on earth can that be a sausage? Chicken and Cheese? Ostrich and ...well, anything really. And the smell!
I'm talking Cumberland and Lincoln. Real meat not 'flavoured' recycled car tyres. Pork and beef, end of.
We are only at the begin of our quest, to be honest. We will be going for the real butcher sampling once we have been released from our secure accommodation.
:laugh:laugh I guess you mean sausage-SHAPED food is disgusting! Mind you, I like ostrich steaks, never had the sausage though...
Steer well clear of anything that says pork- or beef-flavoured :uhoh Real pork from our butcher is delish, and Hellers/Hellyers (whatever) is passable from supermarkets.
Gil
I'm talking Cumberland and Lincoln. Real meat not 'flavoured' recycled car tyres. Pork and beef, end of.
We are only at the begin of our quest, to be honest. We will be going for the real butcher sampling once we have been released from our secure accommodation.
:laugh:laugh I guess you mean sausage-SHAPED food is disgusting! Mind you, I like ostrich steaks, never had the sausage though...
Steer well clear of anything that says pork- or beef-flavoured :uhoh Real pork from our butcher is delish, and Hellers/Hellyers (whatever) is passable from supermarkets.
Gil
benandclare
5th June 2008, 06:37 PM
We love the Venision sausages here :nice1
Ojai
5th June 2008, 06:38 PM
I guess I could have known what an uninsulated house feels like when autumn is here and you get home and your heater hasn't been on all day :laugh
pinkpiggy
5th June 2008, 08:22 PM
I'm with Lockstock. Haven't managed to find a decent sausage yet that I like without it costing an arm and a leg e.g. little boy sausages, sold in New World).
buzztalks
5th June 2008, 08:37 PM
I'm assuming you mean that the combined cost of gas and electric comes to $250 dollars per month.
Is that average, the highest or last month? And are these your only forms of energy e.g. no wood burner?
Ian
yes - combined cost of gas and electric was $250 dollars for last month's (May) bill. You get billed monthly here, not quarterly. As we are just going into the worst of the weather, the bills are getting progressively higher. I wouldn't be surprised if we top $300 next month. So at this rate it's going to cost us getting on for a grand sterling for the year. :(
we do not have a wood burner.
Is that average, the highest or last month? And are these your only forms of energy e.g. no wood burner?
Ian
yes - combined cost of gas and electric was $250 dollars for last month's (May) bill. You get billed monthly here, not quarterly. As we are just going into the worst of the weather, the bills are getting progressively higher. I wouldn't be surprised if we top $300 next month. So at this rate it's going to cost us getting on for a grand sterling for the year. :(
we do not have a wood burner.
bumpffslam
5th June 2008, 09:28 PM
That a laid back relaxed work/life balance means a tough life you are the manager trying to get the front line workers to do a fair days work.
IanW99
5th June 2008, 10:06 PM
yes - combined cost of gas and electric was $250 dollars for last month's (May) bill. You get billed monthly here, not quarterly. As we are just going into the worst of the weather, the bills are getting progressively higher. I wouldn't be surprised if we top $300 next month. So at this rate it's going to cost us getting on for a grand sterling for the year. :(
we do not have a wood burner.
Your bill is high? Our bill for May was just over NZ$150 dollars for the same combined gas and electric.
I wonder why yours is so high?
According to "powerswitch (http://www.consumer.org.nz/powerswitch/)" an average 4 person house in Wellington region should be costing around $1000 per year (not that ours will be that low).
Ian
we do not have a wood burner.
Your bill is high? Our bill for May was just over NZ$150 dollars for the same combined gas and electric.
I wonder why yours is so high?
According to "powerswitch (http://www.consumer.org.nz/powerswitch/)" an average 4 person house in Wellington region should be costing around $1000 per year (not that ours will be that low).
Ian
benandclare
5th June 2008, 10:16 PM
We too are surprised at the high figures, we are paying $110 for leccy a month and had 2 full large gas cylinders in Nov for heating and cooking and the first one has just run out yesterday.
Also run a portable gas fire which is also the BBQ gas bottle and filled that up 3 weeks ago for $26 and it was minus 2 here in Christchurch last night.
Thats for 2 of us and out all day no doubt this will rise when Sam and MIL get here in 2 weeks time :p
Also run a portable gas fire which is also the BBQ gas bottle and filled that up 3 weeks ago for $26 and it was minus 2 here in Christchurch last night.
Thats for 2 of us and out all day no doubt this will rise when Sam and MIL get here in 2 weeks time :p
PeteS
5th June 2008, 10:43 PM
We too are surprised at the high figures, we are paying $110 for leccy a month and had 2 full large gas cylinders in Nov for heating and cooking and the first one has just run out yesterday.
Also run a portable gas fire which is also the BBQ gas bottle and filled that up 3 weeks ago for $26 and it was minus 2 here in Christchurch last night.
Thats for 2 of us and out all day no doubt this will rise when Sam and MIL get here in 2 weeks time :p
You've not done the pink batts in the roof yet then?
Also run a portable gas fire which is also the BBQ gas bottle and filled that up 3 weeks ago for $26 and it was minus 2 here in Christchurch last night.
Thats for 2 of us and out all day no doubt this will rise when Sam and MIL get here in 2 weeks time :p
You've not done the pink batts in the roof yet then?
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