About
Name:Tom
Age:26
Occupation:IT Specialist
Number Emigrating:1
Emigrated from:London
Moved to:Grey Lynn, Auckland
When did you arrive in NZ:November 2006
My Story Written:January 2009
Daily Commute Time:10 minutes


What were your reasons for emigrating?
Escalating levels of crime. Outrageous immigration policies letting the wrong kind of people in. Asylum Seekers. Very high prices for almost everything (fuel, food etc). Council Tax. Jade Goody.

What were your reasons for choosing New Zealand?
I left on round the world trip and NZ was my 3rd stop. Within a few days I knew I was going to stay as I fell in love with the country.

What differences have you noticed between your NZ town and your home town?
Auckland has less crime, less pollution and less people than London. It's better looking, has a much more chilled out atmosphere and doesn't have the Urban Paranoia that London has, amongst it's residents.

What do you like best about New Zealand?
The fact that if I wanted to I could ski and surf in the same day. The fact that there is the most amazing scenery I've ever seen. The fact that Kiwis love to attach bungee cords to everything and jump off them. The vast arrays of fun sports you can do (rafting, kayaking, Zorbing etc). Also Queenstown is a great place to go and party.

What don't you like about New Zealand?
Too many Pom's, although being one myself I'm a bit of a hypocrite. Some bizarre Maori favored laws that lead to unnecessary racial tension. The fact that all Pom's are believed to be whingers! Very Little Else

What do you miss from your home country?
Friends and Family, Monster Munch, Pink and White Nougat Bars, a good pint of Guinness.

How easily did you find work in New Zealand?
Very Easily - took me about a week of very casual searching to find a well paid IT job.

How does your working life in New Zealand compare with your previous work experiences?
Much more chilled out. Less hours and a more relaxed work environment.

How much do you earn in New Zealand:
$80,000 a year.

How much did you pay for your house:
$220 per week.

How does your standard of living in New Zealand compare with your previous country?
Infinitely better. I can't understand how people don't live better than in the UK. EVERYTHING is cheaper. My weekly shop price has been slashed in half, fuel is cheaper, rent is cheaper. There's too many people on these reviews writing contrary to this - I can't work out how they're spending their money.

How does your quality of life now compare with your previous country?
Again, infinitely better - I surf at the weekends, sometimes I'll go skiing, sometimes I'll go to a bach, sometimes I'll go tramping, sometimes I'll go rafting etc. There's so much more variation for someone who is keen to experience the country.

Do you have any other personal experiences or observations that would be useful for people considering immigrating to New Zealand?
Give way to the right when turning left in the car! Get yourself prepared for less choice on the shelves and more choice on what to do at the weekend. Setup an internet phone call system (ie skype) to call home on the cheap. Don't go up the skytower, it's rubbish (but great to look at from the street)! Go to Rotorua and do some fun activities when you get here and you'll start on a high.