[craig1234564]

Do you think new zealand is a better place to live than canada?
Ive been looking at nova scotia and it seems as good a choice , similar weather but colder winters,
plus closer to UK etc.
what do you think?

[kanatakiwi]

Is this a trick question?;)
Ultimately it depends what you want out of your move, and you need to visit both places as there is a big different in various places in Nova Scotia , just as there is in NZ. (Halifax is not Amherst, Auckland is not Taihape, etc)

but here's a list toget you thinking........:roll

Canada—Pros
Much cheaper cost of living
Better wages
Lots of outdoor activity, hiking fishing skiing etc
Great scenery
Safe place to raise your kids
Free health care system (struggling)
First nations culture
Housing less expensive than NZ
Close to UK, lots of cheap flight bargains
Close to US
Warm dry homes
Better selection of organic food etc
Great food at reasonable prices in restaurants, cafes
Has Ikea, Pier One and other great stores
close to Montreal for great French culture,jazz etc.
Nova Scotia has Acadian influence
Has tax free registered retirement savings plan
Hockey hockey hockey (ice hockey)
Many employers provide dental and extended health (eyeglasses, prescriptions etc)
snow

Canada –Cons
Cold winter
High heating bills
Too close to US
Harder, longer to get PR
Nova Scotia a bit clannish (settled by Scots) you will always be considered someone from “away”. (Except in Halifax which is a lovely cosmopolitan city)
snow


NZ—pros
Great scenery
Warmer weather
Lots of outdoor activity
Safe place to raise your kids
Rugby and cricket
Good education system
Kiwisaver (but not as good as RRSPs)
4 weeks holidays (at least as long as Labour is government)
cheap prescriptions
free health care system (struggling)
Maori culture
Close to Australia and Pacific Islands
lots of rainbows!


NZ-Cons
Cold damp houses
High cost of living
Eating out every costly
High heating costs
Lower wages
High cost of housing
Large underclass of disadvantaged groups
Prevalence of gangs
Exorbitant Dental costs
Rain
Expensive flights to NA and UK

Keep in my these are just my opinions, others may feel quite differently.
Good luck.
Gloria

[JandM]

I can relate to, 'Is this a trick question?':roll What do YOU want, Craig? Judgement on 'better' about ANYTHING is always going to be relative and subjective, relative to a person's own situation and experience, and subjective because it depends how someone feels inside.

Okay, playing it from that point of view... Yes, NZ is better than Canada, because my family are in NZ, and I've been to NZ and enjoyed myself. I've never been to Canada, and I don't know anybody in the part of it you mention.;) I know most people are going to think that's silly if applied to them - all those reasons that mean something (everything?) to me are totally irrelevant to anybody else.

[Familyofmonkeys]

We also made a choice betwen NZ and Canada. Personally I loved the time I spent in Canada (although i've never been to Nova Scotia) and have some family there too. But, we chose NZ (despite never visiting first) as the work culture is more relaxed and the annual leave (slightly) better. We felt that if the world went to pot (and there are alot of changes beginning to happen now), you could survive more easily in NZ. That said, before we got here and decided we really love NZ, we would have gone to Canada if NZ wasn't working for us.....but it is :)

[spudulike]

I don't think it is a trick question or a silly question in the slightest. Every single answer on this forum is subjective but it doesn't stop people asking questions!

I would certainly find out as much as possible about Canada if I were you. I have several Canadian friends I was talking to the other night that made me think about visiting with a view to moving there one day (although probably one day far from now). I love NZ but can't imagine ever living there again for many reasons but I would certainly consider moving somewhere else...

Good luck :)

[craig1234564]

yes thats right i was meaning , what do you think in your experience of visiting or research etc?
not what should i do, but what do you think of the two places?

anyway, the first person to reply, kanatakiwi, you seem to have a long list of good things about canada compared to new zealand, why did you move?
do you regret the move or you are glad you left canada for new zealand.

Also i share the world problems view as in if america came under attack it would be safer to be away in new zealand .

[kanatakiwi]

I moved to NZ because my husband is a kiwi and wanted to come home as he acquired four grandchildren in a short space of time. He had lived in Canada for 14 years, loved it, still would prefer to live there, but family is here, so we are too. We both enjoy living in NZ, I miss my family in Canada, we go back and forth a lot and may live there again in the future. Its purely subjective where you think is best. We were certainly much better off financially in Canada, but we are doing fine here too and its not always just about money.

I too tell myself that we will be better off here if the US madly causes its own destruction, but when I see the effect the global economic crunch is having on NZ, I think it is faring much worse than Canada in terms of gas prices, food prices, economic downturn etc.

As I said you need to check both places out. Personally I think the west coast of Canada is one of the world's lovliest locations and would return there in a minute if for any reason I was not with OH anymore. Nova Scotia I am not so sure about.
Gloria

[Janey]

Hi
I do not think its a daft question either I have visited relis in Vancouver twice and love the place but agree with all the negatives above, our choice was Oz, NZ or Canada we have relatives in both Oz and Canada but think both are too big for us also we did not want our relis to feel that they had to sponser us We liked NZ and the more we have read the better it seems our recce visit in May went to prove that.

Our OZ relis will only be 3 hours away instead of 24 which will be great so ww will see them and have independance!
incidently Canada is pushing for more Brits at the moment particuarly in Healthcare and Visa applications might become more easy.

FIL works in Healthcare and said I could have a job tomorrow and be sponsored if I needed does sound appealing but NZ is our no 1 dream

[craig1234564]

yes janey i also heard about canada wanting people so thats what got me thinking,
kanatakiwi, why do you think the west coast of canada is better than the east? , also if you are not well off how do you afford to visit canada often as you said? what jobs do you and OH do?

[Leanne]

Hi Craig.

Kanatakiwi is from Victoria and I will agree that it is a beautiful place. I've been to a few other places on Vancouver Island...and equally beautiful.

West coast vs east coast...good luck with that. It's all a personal judgement. Canada is huge. I think you could actually throw the UK in there about 40 times. There are so many lovely places here, and then some not so great places. It's all what you and your family are looking for.

Now, myself being from Winnipeg I will whisper in your ear that I would not recommend it here. That is, unless you regularly like to live at -30 in the winter!:rolleyes: And then watch out for the mosquitos in the summer!

I will say with the research I've been doing, that I think that I would be financially better off if I stayed in Canada. But, I'm going to NZ on my own, and if I choose to come back to Canada, I wouldn't be uprooting kids (again).

One other good thing about Canada is the "free" health care system that we get taxed dearly for. I have never paid for any medical services in Canada. Whether it's to the hospital, to the GP, or any kind of medical test that is needed. I think this differs slightly from NZ, where there are user fees paid. (Somebody please correct me if I am wrong on this).

Good luck with whatever you decide.
:)

[Jason2112]

I too tell myself that we will be better off here if the US madly causes its own destruction,

That's a pretty near-sighted comment, but it's certainly your right to feel that way....


Craig - I took a good hard look at a couple places in Canada - Vancouver and Toronto (not Nova Scotia, no jobs for me), and generally speaking Canada had quite bit to offer but each place had something that wouldn't work out for me. Toronto was way too cold in the winter, and Vancouver was too densely populated. We liked what we saw in NZ, Christchurch specifically. For us, the cost of imported goods (clothes, cars, electronics) was discouraging, as was the overall lack of options/choices for many things, but other things will make up for it. For you, it will all come down to what best meets your "needs" and what has the potential to meet your "wants".

As they say, your mileage may vary.

[kanatakiwi]

That's a pretty near-sighted comment, but it's certainly your right to feel that way....


Ok sorry if that offended you Jason.... I was really responding to Craig's comment which was: "Also i share the world problems view as in if america came under attack it would be safer to be away in new zealand" .:uhoh

As to Craigs question: "also if you are not well off how do you afford to visit canada often as you said? what jobs do you and OH do? "

I never said I was not well off, just that we were better off in Canada. My comment was: We were certainly much better off financially in Canada, but we are doing fine here too and its not always just about money.
:exit
Gloria

[Jason2112]

Ok sorry if that offended you Jason.... I was really responding to Craig's comment which was: "Also i share the world problems view as in if america came under attack it would be safer to be away in new zealand"

No offense taken (it takes a LOT more than that to offend me :D ) but it does bother me that so many people have a negative outlook of the US, whether directly or by association. Nearly all of the negative views of the US are about and/or supported by a minority group of people here; the majority of US citizens (myself included) are just along for the ride and want no part of the negativity.

[Janey]

I agree with you Jason, the one reason we have chosen NZ over Canada is how densly populated Vancouver is its a lovely beautiful city my FIL lives in Surrey when we visited in 1997 he lived out in the open lots of space on a visit in 2004 this had all been built on and from what I understand is now surrounded. However I think this would be our second choice should we not get into NZ although we might llokk at Alberta where they are requiring Brits

[kanatakiwi]

, the one reason we have chosen NZ over Canada is how densly populated Vancouver is its a lovely beautiful city

Vancouver is on a par with Auckland in size, congestion, sprawling growth, and population. once outside either city you can find beautiful rural and small town locations.
Alberta is VERY COLD in winter! however a very rich province, no sales tax, lots of millionaires due to the huge oil reserves there.
Gloria

[wwwdot]

No offense taken (it takes a LOT more than that to offend me :D ) but it does bother me that so many people have a negative outlook of the US, whether directly or by association. Nearly all of the negative views of the US are about and/or supported by a minority group of people here; the majority of US citizens (myself included) are just along for the ride and want no part of the negativity.

I agree with you Jason. Many people WRONGLY associate Americans with the greedy, oil-obsessed corporate culture which is GLOBAL in nature IMO. There are just as many "baddies" in Europe and elsewhere. I always try to defend America as I have great experiences from my exchange student year living in small town, rural Idaho. Great place and lovely people:nice1 And there is so much beautiful nature in the whole of North America. Many "critics" have very little real knowledge...media gives a very one-sided view of issues in many parts of the world IMO.

Anyway, back to the original thread... Canada versus NZ. I have great experiences in Canada although I have only visited it on holidays (great nature, people etc). The climate could be a shock to many. But hey I am a Finn and I love the snow and -30C temperatures and cleaning the car of snow and ice every morning for several months a year. And ice hockey...awww, the one thing I will be missing in NZ as I already do in the UK...

To original poster: ask yourself whether you can entertain yourself outdoors when it's very cold unless you are happy to become a couch potato for a several months a year. Yes, I do ski-touring when it's -25C and sleep in a lean-to-shelter in a sleeping bag. There's loads to do but the question is whether you consider it too "extreme".

[Red Devil]

We seriously considered Canada, in particular Vancouver, as I have an Auntie & Uncle who live on Vancouver Island (Parksville) and so thought this would help with sponsorship and more importantly settling.

So last October we visited B.C. for 3 weeks. We flew from Manchester to Calgary and stayed with my cousin for 3 days, taking in the sights as you do. We then went onto Banff & the Rockies for 4 days and then travelled across B.C. to stay with my other cousin in Vernon, again staying for a few days and taking in the sights. We finally ended up in Vancouver and first impressions were impressed with the city... OH had an interview at the General Hospital and was offered a position in her field of Renal with excellent salary to match, complete with relocation package :eek: OH said she'd need time to think and would get back to them once we'd returned back to our home in France. After doing the touristy thing in Vancouver, we then went onto Vancouver Island to see my Auntie & Uncle for 3 days to have a good chin-wag about our thoughts and ideas.

I think it was at this stage that we decided Canada was not for us... don't get me wrong, it's a great country with very friendly people but something just didn't quite feel right. We we're living in rural France at the time of our visit to Canada and felt quite intimidated in most Canadian towns and cities... large volumes of traffic, over-crowding, high levels of crime mentioned on local news, etc.

Without wishing to waffle on too much, it wasn't until we'd visited NZ in April of this year that we finally realised why Canada hadn't hit the spot for us... it's just too BIG. That might not be a problem for most folk, but we personally like the size of NZ and the opportunities it has to offer for us. We also like the way they manage their immigration and who they let into the country and it just generally feels far safer and could become home far quicker than anywhere else.

We've been very fortunate to have visited both countries within 6 months of each other, which in all honesty is the only way you'll draw a conclusion on matters (but not necessarily in that timeframe)... if you too have that opportunity, I'd take it before making a decision!!!

Best of luck :nice1

[craig1234564]

i guess the main problem factors i am now thinking are,

Canada - the weather, too cold for an outdoor lifestyle that i want for my kids, i know there is skiing but you can do that in NZ also.

New Zealand - main worry is money and will it be possible to return to the UK every 18 months or so.

[beth&rich]

With the upward trend in oil prices looking likely to continue, the affordability of returning to the UK every 18 months or so looks doubtful to me. On an average kiwi salary, at least. :uhoh

[Janey]

Craig
I could not guarantee that you could do that from Canada either my FIL and partner have really good jobs and they would not be able to do this it does depend on you lifestyle fares from cnada to the UK are not cheap, also the exchange rate like NZ and OZ would worka gainst you so you would be paying double for everything on visits to the UK. FIl has always siad if the conversion was $1 to £1 cost of living would be the same both FIL and BIL came over last week for the chrsitening and both of them could not believe the costs for petrol eating out etc without even converting.
Flights too were expensive for both I think FIL in the end used points that had taken 3 years to save., which is when they lst came out. To pt it in perpective FIL is in IT with vast experience and salary into 3 figures no dependant kids etc, BIL and wife are both lawyers in oz no kids need I say more

[Leanne]

Try getting in touch with coldnovascotia. She just joined the forum last month and I'm sure she could give you lots of info about the area.

In terms of how much it costs to travel back home, it looks like it would cost twice as much from Auckland as opposed to the east coast of Canada. I actually never considered that jump accross the pond overly expensive, but everybody's perceptions are different.

Good luck with whatever you decide.
:)

[Tui2too]

"Do you think new zealand is a better place to live than canada?
Ive been looking at nova scotia and it seems as good a choice , similar weather but colder winters,plus closer to UK etc.what do you think?"

I think the most important question is: could you find work in Nova Scotia?
We live in Canada and hope to immigrate to NZ. Nova Scotia to me would be a close second if we couldn't get into NZ....but there aren't any jobs there for OH.

I fully agree with kanatakiwi's list of pros and cons. I think as a foreigner I'd pick Canada over NZ.....but as a Canadian who is home-sick for NZ there are certain qualities unique to NZ that appeal more to me.

I have lived in NZ and one memory that always strikes when this debate comes up is a conversation I had with a kiwi about why I wanted to live in NZ. She couldn't understand why I wanted to move to NZ. She said at the end of the day how much difference can there be, you get up, go to work, come home....but to me there is a big difference. Life is ALOT easier in Canada but for me personally the climate has a big effect on how I live. If you don't mind minus 30 winters and plus 30 summers then this place is great.

[granger]

If you're comparing Nova Scotia with New Zealand you need to watch out for the fog. Nova Scotia is one of the foggiest places in the world. It can last for days at a time and when you add up the foggy days they total about 3 months or more each year.

People sometimes joke that most of Canada has just 3 seasons.

1. Preparing For Winter
2. Enduring Winter
3. Recovering From Winter

I have relatives all over Canada and it's a beautiful place but for me here in mid-winter taking my kids out in the sunshine this afternoon in t-shirt weather is worth a lot in terms of quality of life.

Just make sure you get yourself a decent house here and life is a breeze all year round.

Good luck whichever way you go.

[Leccy-Lee]

I always wanted to try living in NZ, but that said i had also very much considered Canada an option too, possibly even more so as my Brother is considering moving out there with the family. I never really compared the two to be honest before i came here, i just went with my heart and thought NZ was always my first choice.

Having all my problems with NZIS, if it all goes wrong consider me trying to get into Canada next! LOL :nice1 (seriously).

I would love the winters i think, cold doesn't bother me if i am prepared for it, in fact i always prefer cold to hot. And i was sat here last week fed-up that theres no snow here in winter (as in right here in Welly). I always love the four distinct seasons and that would be nice.

Ah its always an option maybe, Do they want Electricians? :nice1

[Familyofmonkeys]

Having all my problems with NZIS, if it all goes wrong consider me trying to get into Canada next! LOL :nice1 (seriously).



As long as you had a job offer.....the waiting list without one is between 5 and 8 years unless you have a skill that allows you to go for provincial sponsorship, but that would limit where you were allowed to settle.

[globetrecker]

Vancouver is on a par with Auckland in size, congestion, sprawling growth, and population. once outside either city you can find beautiful rural and small town locations.
Alberta is VERY COLD in winter! however a very rich province, no sales tax, lots of millionaires due to the huge oil reserves there.
Gloria

I have to agree with Gloria. I was born and raised in Alberta and it (as well as many other places in Canada) is freeeeezing and WINDY constantly. I think it is equally as cold in other provinces (except B.C.) just ask around. However, it's all about what you are looking for. Alberta and other provinces have absolutely gorgeous cities but you have to deal with very short summers and long, windy winters. I have friends who have lived in Nova Scotia, PEI and New Brunswick and loved it in the summer but winters were crazy and very cold. But very charming. Pros: Very friendly, polite people. Beautiful, clean cities, hospitals (excellent) and an outstanding educational system throughout the country. A very high standard is set by the government, so kids graduating in Canada come to the U.S. and college is a breeze. Also, as Gloria says, Alberta is wealthy and is second to UAE in oil production, so there is a lot of money there. However, it is also creating a strange and almost scary new society (uneducated workers/high school dropouts getting $25 an hour at McDonald's in Northern Alberta ... but with that has come high crime, drugs and gangs, and not enough infastructure to support the rapid growth). But that hopefully doesn't trickle too far into the other cities. Not sure if it is the same situation in other provinces. Also, there is GST of 7%. Taxes are high. But, wages are decent and cost of living is decent as well.

[AlbertaGirl]

Hi y'all!

This thread is very timely and it had to make me laugh as I'm getting tired of Alberta's cold winters. I'm actually doing some research on NZ for my husband because he's not convinced.

Anywho, just to give y'all a quick update on Alberta. Its not as awesome here as everyone makes it out to be. The gov. and province is Conservative, the cost of living is very high, Calgary is over populated for its size and infastructure is a problem; Edmonton is only slightly better but has more cold winters. Alberta's saving grace though, are the Rocky Mountains and Provincial forests; they're both equally lovely.

Personally, I'm getting sick of the cold and the brown everything turns the second it gets cold. Some of our summers are not warm at all (low 20's C) and can be quite windy; some of our winters are extremely bland and boring. Its such a toss up weather or not I like this place.

Btw, petrol right now is at around $0.729/L and this past summer it was about $1.399/L. Prices for everything else though (except housing, which is very slowly going down; avg. though is around $450K) has gone up. Its getting very expensive to live here as most pay increases are not close to the standard of living increase. Both my hubby and I work good jobs and sometimes it feels like we're just getting by :no

Anywho, I'm going to go look around on the forums and try to get as much info as I can about life in NZ.

If you need anymore info re: Alberta, let me know! I'll be more than happy to help.

[cowtown#2]

Canada can be cold, sometimes to cold to go play outside for extended periods of time.....but a most of the time you can still enjoy an outdoor lifestyle, there are plenty of nice winter days when the mountains are just gorgeous! Here are two pictures I took a month ago.

[Oilers2007]

Hello all,
I am from Edmonton and I have to agree with AlbertaGirl. Until a couple of months ago looked like the streets are paved with gold - the lowest unemployment in Canada, people working in oil making $10-15,000/month after taxes. Things are changing - in December we had 16,000 people loosing their jobs mostly in construction and oil (companies are delaying and canceling oil projects). Edmonton still has the lowest unemployment in Canada, but I think that will change quickly if the oil will not go up soon. The Rockies are gorgeous but I still have to drive 350 km to get to Jasper (the same for Banff). In last month it was really cold (-25, even -35 with the wind). If you have any questions about Edmonton, do not hesitate to ask.

[Super_BQ]

Sorry for the late response.

I was born and raised in Canada and didn't come to NZ until over 10+ years ago. I would say Canada would be my choice. Even my wife agrees the 1st time she visited Canada as soon as she walked off the plane in Vancouver, she felt different.

Now I must say, this may be a touchy subject but the key reason for my choice for Canada is simply because of culture.

Canada has the "Charter of Rights & Freedom Act" which is the basic right that every Canadian citizen has. In the act, it details the area of freedom of religion and thought that is above all, supercedes many of the laws that NZ have as a comparison. For eg. an east indian person who is a police officer has the right to wear his turban during police duty because that is his religion. Though NZ may have a similar version of some "charter of rights"? but it's not strongly inacted among the citizens - it is not regarded as the top law for all citizens and any future laws that come about, must not impede on the charter in any way. Ie. a person carrying a 60cm long sword while while on a routine walk in the street is considered illegal in NZ but perfectly legal to that person of that is their culture and belief. This what separates Canada vs NZ. I suppose Canada's charter is what really makes the country truly multicultural. Sure NZ has lots of ethnic migrants... but a country having lots of migrants isn't the true measure of a multicultural country. As i've posted before in the past (archive), my 10 years in NZ havn't been easy in terms of racial discrimination. Even today's highschool pakahe continue to make rude comments when an ethnic event is being held in town. The NZ media in the past has also had it's fair share of discriminating at certain "visable minority" races.

Money isn't everything. When you compare both places financially, sure it's easy to choose finance as the deciding factor. However, when it comes to issues like racism and the level of discrimination in NZ or how illogic the culture thinks, NO AMOUNT OF MONEY CAN CHANGE THIS! and that quite frankly what makes the country all about - the people.

However, previous posts have mentioned family being the key that keeps them where they are. That is my reason for still being in NZ. But if it wasn't because of all my relatives and family in NZ, i'd be back in Canada in a heartbeat.

BQ

[PeterV]

I think it is definitely individual.
Some place works better for one guy, and some other place is way better for another guy.
As for me, I am aware that Canada is great place, good salaries, economy and all that... but I know I could not stand those winters. I just couldn't !!

NZ weather for me is very good, especially in warmer areas.
Also, I love beaches and seasides where can actually spend time without freezing, and you can even swim and surf.
And more, I found NZ is more fun, easier to start conversation with people (my experiance), and there is much wider range of outdoor activities, since you have both: snow mountains and warm beaches.

But that's only me.
Everyone should find what suits him better.

PS
Everybody, sorry for bad english.

[Sheldon]

By some quirk of fate, I may be able to gain Canadian PR quicker than NZ. I was just wondering if any of you, if given the choice, would choose Canada over NZ, and why?

[M-Squared]

My parents nearly emigrated to Canada when they were first married...

Whereabouts were you thinking to move to in "America's Hat"?

[Tui2too]

Hi, I'm Canadian and have lived in NZ, we're hoping to return to NZ for reasons that aren't tangible (homesickness). If you don't already have definite reasons for preferring NZ then I'd say go for Canada......
usually in Canada you will find:
1. a higher standard of living more easily attained (lower cost of living/higher salaries)
2. better standard of housing (insulated, warm, double glazing etc)
3. Free healthcare (no paying for GPs as in NZ)
4. Benefits in addition to salary (pension/dental/etc) are more common
5. Cheaper flights if you want to travel elsewhere

That's off the top of my head...feel free to pm me if you want more details or have questions. I love NZ, but if you don't already have a strong preference then I think (personal opinion only! and I don't know you, so this is a sweeping generalization, sorry!) that you'd settle better in Canada....

If you do a forum search there was a good comparison of the two countries discussed some time ago...

[alancoll]

Howzit Sheldon. We had to go through the same thought process. What made us go for NZ instead of Canada was 1) The weather - snow is cool but I think it can get old very quickly 2) Southern Hemi - the sky stays the same......

We have family in Canada and they love it.....

We have family in NZ and they love it.....

[Sheldon]

Thanks for the replies so far. My preference is Maritime Canada - Nova Scotia, and probably Halifax. Similar in size to Christchurch.

[M-Squared]

Thanks for the replies so far. My preference is Maritime Canada - Nova Scotia, and probably Halifax. Similar in size to Christchurch.

But with faaaaaaaaaar more cold and snow than Christchurch! Hope you like frigid temperatures... ;)

[Sheldon]

But with faaaaaaaaaar more cold and snow than Christchurch! Hope you like frigid temperatures... ;)

Agreed, but the houses are warmer, so in some ways I would rather be in Nova Scotia in winter!

[Sovenok]

By some quirk of fate, I may be able to gain Canadian PR quicker than NZ. I was just wondering if any of you, if given the choice, would choose Canada over NZ, and why?

If you're asking this question, my friend, then I suggest you go to Canada, as Tui2too said, it is more profitable in terms of income, Canadians won't differ you from themselves, on the other hand I'm not sure New Zealanders ever treat me as a Kiwi. The only reason for choosing NZ is when you love that country ;)

[M-Squared]

Agreed, but the houses are warmer, so in some ways I would rather be in Nova Scotia in winter!

Depends what house you buy. Not everything is a shed with no heat / insulation / double glazing, you know. ;) We have heat in every room, tip-top insulation, and fab double glazing. Our house is 5 years old, and every new house must have double glazing and a certain level of insulation in NZ. I'm sure you'd find your share of cold houses in Nova Scotia, with people telling you to "harden up". ;)

[Sheldon]

If you're asking this question, my friend, then I suggest you go to Canada, as Tui2too said, it is more profitable in terms of income, Canadians won't differ you from themselves, on the other hand I'm not sure New Zealanders ever treat me as a Kiwi. The only reason for choosing NZ is when you love that country ;)

To be honest, I do love New Zealand, and in particular, Dunedin. We had a great reccie, and I know I would be happy living in New Zealand. I haven't been to Canada before, but I know that it's also a great country. I'm not motivated by an intense desire for wealth, so as long as I can support my fa,ily, and be comfortable I would be happy in New Zealand.

[Sheldon]

Depends what house you buy. Not everything is a shed with no heat / insulation / double glazing, you know. ;) We have heat in every room, tip-top insulation, and fab double glazing. Our house is 5 years old, and every new house must have double glazing and a certain level of insulation in NZ. I'm sure you'd find your share of cold houses in Nova Scotia, with people telling you to "harden up". ;)

Good point. A cold house can be rectified!

[M-Squared]

To be honest, I do love New Zealand, and in particular, Dunedin. We had a great reccie, and I know I would be happy living in New Zealand. I haven't been to Canada before, but I know that it's also a great country. I'm not motivated by an intense desire for wealth, so as long as I can support my fa,ily, and be comfortable I would be happy in New Zealand.

Do bear in mind, too, that in comparison to most countries, Canada is HUUUUUUUUUUGE!!!!!!!!

Having lived in the US, home to over 300 million people, I find NZ to be the perfect size. I don't even want to go to Australia on holiday, I'm more than happy here. :)

[Sheldon]

Do bear in mind, too, that in comparison to most countries, Canada is HUUUUUUUUUUGE!!!!!!!!

Having lived in the US, home to over 300 million people, I find NZ to be the perfect size. I don't even want to go to Australia on holiday, I'm more than happy here. :)
I agree - New Zealand is the perfect size for me!

[Sovenok]

To be honest, I do love New Zealand
If your heart is in NZ, follow it :)

[M-Squared]

If your heart is in NZ, follow it :)

Not that I'm biased or anything but......... ;)

I've only been to Canada once, and that was way back in 1992, to Quebec. I stayed in Montreal and went with then Quebecois boyfriend on a coach trip to Quebec City. I speak perfect French (accent-wise, some of my vocab has slipped as of the last 14 years I've not lived in France) but the people in Quebec generally refused to understand my version of French.

But in Quebec City it got worse. I and my French-Quebecer boyfriend were told, in a very very nice restaurant, to either speak in French, whisper in English, or get the f*** out. We chose the latter, and very swearily and loudly, I must add. :laugh We just couldn't stand such intolerant people!

[Sheldon]

Not that I'm biased or anything but......... ;)

I've only been to Canada once, and that was way back in 1992, to Quebec. I stayed in Montreal and went with then Quebecois boyfriend on a coach trip to Quebec City. I speak perfect French (accent-wise, some of my vocab has slipped as of the last 14 years I've not lived in France) but the people in Quebec generally refused to understand my version of French.

But in Quebec City it got worse. I and my French-Quebecer boyfriend were told, in a very very nice restaurant, to either speak in French, whisper in English, or get the f*** out. We chose the latter, and very swearily and loudly, I must add. :laugh We just couldn't stand such intolerant people!

In all honesty, they should have another referendum and let Quebec go. That is one thing about Canada that puts me off. Another concern is that they are painfully PC whereas I find most Kiwis quite frank and open, and quite willing to call a spade a spade.

[Flutterby]

i'm totally biased and would opt for NZ, you may get a more balanced view from a forum about general migration rather than one specific to NZ.

what else might we call a spade?:laugh

[JandM]

M-Squared, that was a horrible experience, but it's a shame it put you off the whole country - understandable, though.:uhoh

what else might we call a spade?Quote from my late grandfather, about anyone who was TOO in-your face: 'He's the sort of man that calls a spade a *****y shovel.';)

[Sheldon]

i'm totally biased and would opt for NZ, you may get a more balanced view from a forum about general migration rather than one specific to NZ.

what else might we call a spade?:laugh

I think a lot of people who consider New Zealand do so because it's easier and quicker to get in. Some people I know have been waiting 5 years for their Canadian application for PR to be processed. Not many people are in the position where they can make a choice between the 2 countries and not have to consider the time factor.

[M-Squared]

Thank you J and M! :)

In all honesty, they should have another referendum and let Quebec go. That is one thing about Canada that puts me off. Another concern is that they are painfully PC whereas I find most Kiwis quite frank and open, and quite willing to call a spade a spade.

When I was there, they were just having another referendum about splitting from the rest of Canada. However the wording on the referendum was the other way around, so if your stance hadn't changed, and you voted "No" last time, you would have to vote "Yes" this time! :laugh I think the T-shirt makers had the time of their lives. :D

[welsh_italian]

Not that I'm biased or anything but......... ;)

I've only been to Canada once, and that was way back in 1992, to Quebec. I stayed in Montreal and went with then Quebecois boyfriend on a coach trip to Quebec City. I speak perfect French (accent-wise, some of my vocab has slipped as of the last 14 years I've not lived in France) but the people in Quebec generally refused to understand my version of French.

But in Quebec City it got worse. I and my French-Quebecer boyfriend were told, in a very very nice restaurant, to either speak in French, whisper in English, or get the f*** out. We chose the latter, and very swearily and loudly, I must add. :laugh We just couldn't stand such intolerant people!

That sounds ironic given that all my French friends really make fun of the Canadian French accent...

[mikey and tor]

I had the chance of canada but decided NZ. For me the relentless canadian winter was to much. its ok having a warm house but you have to venture out some time. secondly the house prices are huge in comparrison with nz. I suppose it all comes down to going where your heart is.
One thing to remember is that NZ IS the number 1 peacful country in the world and Canada is 8th. NZ has no recognised ememies, but Canada used to have that status it is now slipping.

[ExitStageSouth]

I think a lot of people who consider New Zealand do so because it's easier and quicker to get in.

I don't doubt that some do, but I imagine for most people it's more of one decision factor within a group of potential destinations all being considered because they share similar qualities and less of a case of "I'm only considering NZ because it's easiest", which makes it sound rather more mercenary than the decision probably is.

From a UK perspective Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the States are often all considered because they share the major benefits of English as the first language and having cultures that are reasonably similar to the UK. Some people might dismiss Australia because of the spiders, Canada because of the winters, America because of the gun culture or NZ because of the wages but for the most part they are all fantastic places to live. NZ's relatively accessible and rapid immigration process is a selling point, but I suspect that they know it is and fully intend it to be so.

[miep]

Have you read The Shipping News by Annie Proulx? It's set in Nova Scotia and let me just say that it redefined the concept of Winter for me. Many books I've read make me want to visit the place or country where its set, not in this case I can assure you!:exit I know someone who grew up there and when he saw I was reading it he laughed and said it was all true! It's an excellent book and worth reading even if you aren't considering emigrating to Canada:nice1

I've only ever been to Toronto for a few days and really liked the city but the winters are just too long for me.

[beanbeanz]

I'm from Canada (Toronto) but live in NZ (Chch) now. My two cents on the winter situation:

NZ may not be as cold, but from my perspective it's depressing. I don't like the amount of rain or how overcast it usually it. I live in a house that was built around 14 years ago so it's not double glazed and it's cold. We end up spending all day in the one room that has a heat pump. I feel the cold a lot more here than I do in Canada.

Toronto winters are freezing, but the sun shines. I was there in Jan this year and with enough layers on spent 8 hours shopping OUTSIDE. However, the city is built for the cold - houses are warm and you don't necessarily have to be exposed to the snow if you choose. There are underground paths that connect the downtown, underground shopping etc. It does get slushy and messy though.

I particularly enjoy how diverse the population of Toronto is. I don't feel 'different', which I tend to do here. 50% of Canadians (holding citizenship) are born outside Canada. I love it for the diversity.

However, Canada does have it's own problems. I've heard lot of immigrant families (mine included) complain about being discriminated against during the hiring process and turn down for jobs because they lack 'Canadian experience'.

You've got to do your research... there will be plenty of anecdotal evidence for and against like mine...but it may/may not be relevant to you. If you can visit both places it might help narrow it down.

[ENZ]

NZ may not be as cold, but from my perspective it's depressing. I don't like the amount of rain or how overcast it usually it.


Have a look at the climate stats for Toronto and Christchurch. Christchurch typically gets more sunshine and fewer precipitation days in winter than Toronto.

On average in its least sunny month (December) Toronto gets 75 hours of bright sunshine while Christchurch gets 119 hours in its dullest month (June).

Christchurch (http://www.niwa.co.nz/education-and-training/schools/resources/climate/sunshine)

Toronto (http://climate.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_e.html?Province=ALL&StationName=toronto&SearchType=BeginsWith&LocateBy=Province&Proximity=25&ProximityFrom=City&StationNumber=&IDType=MSC&CityName=&ParkName=&LatitudeDegrees=&LatitudeMinutes=&LongitudeDegrees=&LongitudeMinutes=&NormalsClass=A&SelNormals=&StnId=5051&)

[beanbeanz]

And that's why I said "from my perspective". Asking for opinions is always going to be subjective.

Anyway, I did have a look at the stats and on average Chch gets 2100 hrs of sunshine a year, Toronto gets 2037.6. Significant or not, it doesn't really matter; I still feel that winter here is a lot more depressing. Although, winter in general sucks. Maybe I should resort to splitting my time between summers in both hemispheres.

Have a look at the climate stats for Toronto and Christchurch. Christchurch typically gets more sunshine and fewer precipitation days in winter than Toronto.

On average in its least sunny month (December) Toronto gets 75 hours of bright sunshine while Christchurch gets 119 hours in its dullest month (June).

Christchurch (http://www.niwa.co.nz/education-and-training/schools/resources/climate/sunshine)

Toronto (http://climate.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_e.html?Province=ALL&StationName=toronto&SearchType=BeginsWith&LocateBy=Province&Proximity=25&ProximityFrom=City&StationNumber=&IDType=MSC&CityName=&ParkName=&LatitudeDegrees=&LatitudeMinutes=&LongitudeDegrees=&LongitudeMinutes=&NormalsClass=A&SelNormals=&StnId=5051&)

[Sheldon]

Toronto is a good twenty degrees colder in winter though.

[Tui2too]

...yes and when you wake up in the morning, your house is a good 20 degrees warmer ;)

you are not going to be ever told to 'harden up' (more likely "turn up your thermostat") and you are not going to find a house without heat. Plain and simple: the climate requires it, so heating in a house is taken for granted.

Houses are not more expensive in nz, that is just ridiculous....there are cheaper cities and more expensive cities everywhere. When we compared buying a house a 45 min commute from Wellington to what houses cost here a 45 min commute from Ottawa (our capitol) houses in NZ looked alot more expensive. Canada isn't just Vancouver and Toronto.....plenty of cheaper cities to choose from here, just as not everyone wants to live in Auckland.

I think it comes down to how you want to live and where your heart is. There are few (to none) places in Canada where you can work in the garden year round. You are not going to see flowers outside in the winter time, winter is usually black and white and shades between (though the sun reflecting off the snow is stunning!). My mother keeps asking me why NZ, and I say because I can have a lemon tree and bougainvillea growing. She laughs at me and says she has those two things growing perfectly in her house (true) but I want them outside in my garden year round! I also LOVE LOVE RAIN RAIN!!!! Ottawa is very very sunny and I long for those NZ cool rainy days..

If we get back to NZ we must have central heating....it worries me that so few people achieve this, it must be a big expense on top of buying a house (as so few have it included). We will just have to budget for it. Gone are my youthful days (in NZ) where waking up freezing felt romantic:exit

[ENZ]

I also LOVE LOVE RAIN RAIN!!!! Ottawa is very very sunny and I long for those NZ cool rainy days..


You won't avoid sunshine by moving to Wellington.

From the same sources as above:

Annual Sun Hrs:
Wellington 2065 hrs
Ottawa 2061 hrs

On the other hand, you will get more precipitation: 1249 mm vs 914 mm a year in Ottawa.

The number of rainy days weren't directly comparable because the two countries use different criteria, but I think (because you won't see much in the way of snow) you're right that you'll see more rainy days in Wellington. (Sorry, but when I get the chance, I can be a weather bore.) :exit

[mojo]

It is a really tough call; I have lived south of Toronto in Burlington and in Epsom and Ponsonby in Auckland. While in Toronto I worked up town in the cabinet office and while in Auckland I worked in a pub just off K road. Both have some really strong plus points, but I have always thought that going to New Zealand first and then Canada really took the shine of Canada, and if I had done it the other way around I would have been more impressed with Canada. But instead I found myself thinking that it was an amazing place but just not as good. Spring and Autumn in Canada are difficult to beat, cottaging in the lakes is amazing, cost of living and quality of life is very good and the Canadians really identify with the UK and so are very welcoming, especially with open houses and other social occasions. It does take a little getting used to, being invited by a friend to a strangers house, so often, but Canadians do so much networking by friend association that it is really the norm. The Southern Ontario summer is so hot, with such a high humidity with so many mosquitoes and then winter is so cold for so long. You do feel stifled for both these seasons and while there are benefits such as hot tubing and ice cold malls’, it does get a bit much. The first two to three weeks of having snow on the ground felt like being back in primary school and was a great laugh (at that time of year you can spot the tourists as they are the few adults playing in the snow). But after that when the salt starts to destroy the bottom of your trousers and you have cleaning off your drive way again, it does get to be a bit much. In short it is a tough call, I know from experience that it would be NZ for me, but it is such a close call between the two and no matter how many lists of pro’s and con’s you do (and I say that guessing that you are doing the same as my OH and I are doing at the minute between NZ and OZ) it will not be able to produce a clear winner, and so it might just have to come down to a heart rule head or flip of the coin choice.

[JandM]

Hello, Mojo, and welcome to the forum. :)

[cani]

There are few (to none) places in Canada where you can work in the garden year round. You are not going to see flowers outside in the winter time, winter is usually black and white and shades between (though the sun reflecting off the snow is stunning!). My mother keeps asking me why NZ, and I say because I can have a lemon tree and bougainvillea growing. She laughs at me and says she has those two things growing perfectly in her house (true) but I want them outside in my garden year round! I also LOVE LOVE RAIN RAIN!!!! Ottawa is very very sunny and I long for those NZ cool rainy days..

Have you been to the West Coast? Lots of rain in winter, flowers still blooming for Christmas. Both Vancouver and Victoria have palm trees and exotic flowers. Victoria doesn't even have snow clearing equipment and on those rare occasions(5-6 times in the last 100 years) they've had to borrow from other communities up island. These places in themselves are expensive but you can get fairly close and still live well.

[Tui2too]

Hi Cani
yes we have considered the West coast over the years...OH could potentially work in Vancouver but the housing costs keep coming up as a deciding factor against it for us. Also, my heart belongs to NZ so it would always be a first choice (if we can ever get there again...)

[Tui2too]

Here is the link to a previous thread: New Zealand v Canada

http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=19237

should these two threads be merged?

[JandM]

Here is the link to a previous thread: New Zealand v Canada

http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=19237

should these two threads be merged?Good thinking - duly done.:nice1

[Red Devil]

Do you think new zealand is a better place to live than canada?

In answer to your question... YES :D

We visited relatives in the autumn of 2007. Starting off in Calgary where we visited my cousin, this was followed by making our way across B.C. and stopping off at the various tourist hot-spots such as Banff, etc. Then it was onto the Okanagan region to see my other cousin. Then it was onto Vancouver (yuk, say no more) and finally onto Vancouver Island to see my Auntie & Uncle.

We can honestly say this particular part of Canada didn't do it for us whatsoever!!!

As for the Rockies... well put it this way, personally the Southern Alps here on the South Island blows them away, as does all the other scenery here in NZ :D

Still pleased we visited Canada mind, just for the point of view of eliminating the place before committing to fabulous New Zealand.

Good luck with your quest :nice1

[Familyofmonkeys]

In answer to your question... YES :D

We visited relatives in the autumn of 2007. Starting off in Calgary where we visited my cousin, this was followed by making our way across B.C. and stopping off at the various tourist hot-spots such as Banff, etc. Then it was onto the Okanagan region to see my other cousin. Then it was onto Vancouver (yuk, say no more) and finally onto Vancouver Island to see my Auntie & Uncle.

We can honestly say this particular part of Canada didn't do it for us whatsoever!!!

As for the Rockies... well put it this way, personally the Southern Alps here on the South Island blows them away, as does all the other scenery here in NZ :D

Still pleased we visited Canada mind, just for the point of view of eliminating the place before committing to fabulous New Zealand.

Good luck with your quest :nice1


That just shows how subjective the question is really. My favourite parts of Canada are around the rockies and I really loved Vancouver and Victoria. New Zealand is equally fab, but in different ways :)

[Sheldon]

I'm getting a good sense that both countries are great countries. It would seem that Canada as a G7 country is better, but New Zealand is better in many other subtle ways. Neither one is a Utopia, and if any of you think it is a Utopia, don't move there cos you'll ruin it :-)

[dusk]

Some people might dismiss Australia because of the spiders, Canada because of the winters, America because of the gun culture...

This made me chortle as it's pretty much what our decision was based on!! :laugh:exit
(well it was certainly the case that those items were on the list!)

[Sheldon]

Have you read The Shipping News by Annie Proulx? It's set in Nova Scotia and let me just say that it redefined the concept of Winter for me. Many books I've read make me want to visit the place or country where its set, not in this case I can assure you!:exit I know someone who grew up there and when he saw I was reading it he laughed and said it was all true! It's an excellent book and worth reading even if you aren't considering emigrating to Canada:nice1

I've only ever been to Toronto for a few days and really liked the city but the winters are just too long for me.

Just by way of clarification - The Shipping News is set in Newfoundland, not Nova Scotia. Still, I believe both are cold!

[willsken]

This made me chortle as it's pretty much what our decision was based on!! :laugh:exit
(well it was certainly the case that those items were on the list!)


And me!:D

[Mgee]

And me!:D

Ditto! :D

(well, at least partly ;))

[Sheldon]

I dismissed Australia because of the Aussies!