[Gumbygreeneye]

Got a lovely book on emigrating that was a very useful, especially before I found this site. ("Living and working in New Zealand" (I got it from Waterstones). Full of lots of useful ideas in an easy to read format.

Anyway the thing that I wanted to get a clearer sense of was that in the book it often mentions that Kiwi neighbours are often prone to drop in unannounced at the house. I personally don't mind this as one (minor) reason to go is to get away from never really knowing "street-fellows" and to become more socaial creatures.

Just wondered what peoples experiences were with neighbours and picking up new friends.

Cheers,

KJ

[Cardiff Irons]

Not sure about NZ, but we ended up with a house full of neighbours (unannounced) on Saturday night, followed by a house full of 28 people for brunch on Sunday morning.

Can't wait to get to NZ for some proper socialising! :eek:

Actually very interested in hearing thoughts on this subject. I've found it easy to get to know (some) neighbours in Cardiff, lot less so in London/Essex.

[sizzlingbadger]

Found it depends very much on the area.

In Churton Park we finally got talking to a neighbour just before we moved and she said she hadn't got a clue who her neighbours were either side and she'd been living there 3 years :eek:

Other places they can be overly friendly or just friendly. We're very lucky in the fact that we've got lovely neighbours one side who we consider friends and the other side keep themselves to themselves. On the whole Featherston, especially the stay at home mums, are really friendly and welcoming especially if you put yourself out there. Quite a few new people are moving into the town but aren't making themselves well known and are struggling in making friends.

[Diny]

[QUOTE=sizzlingbadger]
Other places they can be overly friendly or just friendly. We're very lucky in the fact that we've got lovely neighbours one side who we consider friends and the other side keep themselves to themselves. QUOTE]

Pretty much the same here in Ashhurst Manawatu also.

I know the subject of 'very freindly Kiwis' has been broached on many occasions but to be perfectly honest, IMHO they are no more freindly/unfriendly than anywhere else in the world I've lived. Once again I guess it all depends on your experiences in your 'mother country'. We lived in a very small, rural location where everybody knew everybody else and were friendly and socialable. I guess if we'd have lived in a bustling city people would have been less willing to stop and pass the time of day - who knows.


I'm a firm believer (speaking from experience) that Kiwi's are no different to any other race. You show them freindship and you'll get it back (generally) - if you decide to sit at home waiting for somebody to knock on your door ..... well you may find yourself using alot of 'one cup' tea bags.

Diny

[K&CS]

I don't really know our neighbours here at all, I have to say. They are mainly eldery and a couple have introduced themselves, but that's it. This house has always been a rental since it was built 11 years ago, so there's someone different here every year. I think the neighbours can't really be bothered getting to know whoever lives here because they're always here for such a short time. It doesn't really bother me, because I've met so many other people through school and plunket etc and it's just a rental and we'll be moving on quite soon. Once we have a permanent home, I will make a big effort to get to know the neighbours. I agree with what Diny says though. Don't expect to just move in and sit in your house and wait for everyone to come knocking on your door asking to be your best friend - life just ain't like that!

Kate

[Avalon]

When we moved in some of the neighbours did pop round - but only to check if we had dogs that were likely to go after the sheep.

Most dont pop round, and the other thing we found is that if you stick party invites in letterboxes - 99% will get ignored. (Not just ours I hasten to add - before you think we are Bill-no-mates over here).

So for us - a bit of a mix.

[Carol]

Never ever had anyone (kiwis not brits) "pop round" in 10 years.


Think that about sums things up really!;)