| Name: | Keith Patton |
| Age: | 32 |
| Emigrated from: | London, UK |
| Moved to: | Auckland City |
| When did you arrive in NZ: | July 2004 |
| My Story Written: | October 2004 |
What were your reasons for leaving your home country:
Personally, a more relaxed pace of life. More nature, sun, less stress. I wanted to work for someone else for a while (had run my own business for a few years) and take some time to work out what I really wanted from my career.
What were your reasons for choosing New Zealand:
To get married to my fiance who is from New Zealand. Naturally, this influenced my decision a little!
What differences have you noticed between your NZ town and your home town:
Less busy, cleaner. Smaller, more manageable. Windier.
What do you like best about New Zealand:
Nature and leisure opportunities and lack of class-based careerism.
What don't you like about New Zealand:
The race issue can appear needlessly divisive to a newcomer and is a great shame.
What do you miss from your home country:
Soccer and the Saturday afternoon sport buzz. I like rugby, but perhaps not enough I'm realising!
How easily did you find work in New Zealand:
Found within a few weeks. I'm a software developer and it wasn't all that difficult.
How does your working life in New Zealand compare with your previous work experiences:
I used to run my own business, so it's a lot different in the sense that I'm now working for someone else. In terms of office life, it's not that much different at all, pretty much the same. I'd say if anything it was a little more laid back, less pretension from management, but that may be just my company.
What is your daily commute time:
10 minutes!
How does your standard of living in New Zealand compare with your previous country:
Much better. Although salaries are relatively less in absolute terms I have far more money in my pocket and am saving for a house at the moment. I can afford to live centrally, and am within a 10 minute walk from my office, which is brilliant!
How does your quality of life now compare with your previous country:
Much better. Still getting to know Auckland and there is so much to do and see in and around the city on the weekends. If you're in any way into outdoor stuff like walking, cycling and tramping, NZ is one of the best places to be. London is a fantastic city, but it doesn't compare on this level.
Do you have any other personal experiences or observations that would be useful for people considering immigrating to New Zealand:
Be proactive when you first come if you haven't secured work. I had 6 agencies looking for me but I found my job at a programmer's meet up I decided to go to at the last minute. Use the internet and get yourself out and about as it's a much smaller market.
Keith's New Zealand Blog
Would you like to share your own experiences of living in New Zealand? You can do this at My Story.
