About
| Name: | Tasneem |
| Age: | 33 |
| Occupation: | Software Analyst |
| Number Emigrating: | 2 |
| Emigrated from: | Mumbai, India |
| Moved to: | Dallington, Christchurch |
| When did you arrive in NZ: | June 2000 |
| My Story Written: | June 2008 |
| Daily Commute Time: | 20 mins |
What were your reasons for emigrating?
Better, More relaxed lifestyle
Better life & more time for family
Professional reasons - i.e. different work environment
Wanting a different culture to the hectic, corrupt, violent and often disrespectful culture that occurs in India
What were your reasons for choosing New Zealand?
Extremely laid-back country
Very good international reputation concerning crime, violence, corruption, and quality of life
Easier to get into as a "professional" rather than other countries where 'illegal' starts are almost de riguer.
What differences have you noticed between your NZ town and your home town?
More relaxed, stressfree lifestyle
Better life & more time for family.
Fantastic work culture & professionalism
More respect for women as individuals in society
However in the same way there is a lack of variety & strength in industry - due to smaller economy & population.
People are easier to start a conversation with but deeper friendships are harder to establish.
Clothes come in black, white and grey - where is the colour!!!
What do you like best about New Zealand?
My husband and son :) who are both born here.
The relaxed pace of life and ease of doing most official/govt related things.
The variety of scenery & sense of freedom when out on holiday.
Fantastic gardens & reservers everywhere.
Owning a house & garden - rather than a small apartment.
What don't you like about New Zealand?
Lack of many things which would be taken for granted in many larger cities in the world - variety in food, clothing, public transport etc.
Small mindedness & narrow world-view of many NZers who have no concept of what life is like for other people and don't care either.
Who don't realise how lucky they are to have a welfare system and either condemn it or abuse it, making it harder for genuine hardship cases.
What do you miss from your home country?
The variety of foods & different regional cultures.
The bright colours of everyday life.
Family & friends.
Strong historical connections, old buildings.
How easily did you find work in New Zealand?
within a month. work relevant to my experience 3 months later.
However I am told I am very lucky compared to many migrants from India who experience a lot of discrimination & negativity.
How does your working life in New Zealand compare with your previous work experiences?
Even if I take two buses to and from work, I'm not that stressed out because the whole trip just takes a little less than an hour.
Back home, it takes me 3 hours to work, and 3.5 hours back home.
How does your standard of living in New Zealand compare with your previous country?
Unequivocally better although salaries are not different.
However I hate housework but have not many options here :(
How does your quality of life now compare with your previous country?
Better.
Do you have any other personal experiences or observations that would be useful for people considering immigrating to New Zealand?
Communication skills in English, and a positive attitude will get you far. Don't depend on others - take personal responsibility.