[Singel]

Did we achieve quality life here?
mmmm......................YES :nice1

Beach
In Holland - every summer, we travel one and half hour to the seaside town and another one hour caught in the traffic jam and looking for parking place. :no
In NZ - the beach is 5 mins walk from our home :nice1

Savings
In Holland - we earn more (NZ$140k) but we have low take home pay because of income tax, social benefit contribution, private health insurance*. We pay for higher petrol costs. Thus, poor savings. :no
* we can't participate in the govt healthcare scheme because of the income bracket
In NZ we earn lesser (NZ$100k) but we have better take home pay. Petrol is cheaper. Thus, good savings. :nice1

House
In Holland - we paid NZ$590k for a 1980s house that need major renovation to modernise it. The land size is 480 sqm.:no
In NZ - we could buy a brand-new house for NZ$400k. The land size is 600 sqm :nice1

Garden
In Holland - small courtyard, not enough space for family or friends gathering. :no
In NZ - large garden with a patio :nice1

We are glad that we make the move :laugh

[Anita & Marco]

It's great to read that you really achieved quality life in NZ. That's where we're looking for as well. Not that we feel bad in Holland, not at all, although is still changing and not only for the better.
For me it is not only about having to leave Holland because I do not feel comfortable over here, but searching for maybe an even better environment, which better suits our way of life.
And yes, I realise that it ain't only all pros in NZ, there are also cons, but the balance is far to the pros at the moment and hope to join you there somewhere this year.
Enjoy your weekend :cheers
Anita

[DrPhred]

Hey, nice sheep! :cool

[Singel]

End of the day what we want is ...............................
:nice1 Good house at reasonable price on nice location.
In Holland, the maintenance of the house and the second-hand car had drained our monies and time. Here, we have a maintenance-free house and we could engaged in outdoor activities, literally at our door-step.

:nice1 Better purchasing power for consumption and recreation/social.
In Holland, we could not afford to buy a brand-new car and here, we could think of buying one (when we have enough savings).

Of course, there are also the down side...................
We missed our family and also incurred more travel time when going back to Europe. :(