where do you want to live in nz?

Gran · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 10:16 am Post subject: Tip about where to live

Here's a tip it took me years to work out, no house agents will tell you!! Take a compass with you when you go househunting, this applies to all parts of NZ. If the house is on the northern side of the hill it will have a totally different micro climate than if it is on the south side. Also the living and outdoor living should face north. North is warm. It is now mandatory for new houses to be built with the living areas in this direction, but older houses did not have to comply.

kiwi · Valued Member Joined: 02 Apr 2004 Posts: 126

oh! ...I wonder why why they thought it was a hole......might be because it is boring!

If you sign up for a fixed (most are a year) you cant get out of it...unless you pay for advertising and get someone in, otherwise you are stuck paying even if you move out. (no getting out of a fixed term)

3 weeks notice is only due if it is a periodic lease. 3 mths though from the landlord...whether it is fixed or periodic.

Dont forget peoples when you rent you pay a letting fee (2 weeks rent) to a real estate agent (for the priviledge of living there) , plus 4 weeks worth of rent as a bond, (like a deposit...) plus 2 weeks rent in advance..all in CASH as they wont take credit cards etc.$$$$$$$$$$$$$

If anyone wants a 3 bed cottage for a week end July..let me know as one of the girls off the uk2nz site, arrived last wed,....and bought a house yesterday! As she has paid for a months accomm, she was wondering if anyone wants the cottage as it will be available....(you just pay her for the time you stay there)
It is in town, 3 bed 3 bath, elec and phone $575 (alot..but cheaper than a motel..and it is a full house with all linen etc no bond...)
Just let me know if that suits anyone....

Nicky

nancy · Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 11:52 am Post subject:

I kind of like the sound of the North Shore but I'm wondering if you guys could tell me if there's a place that Americans tend to settle in New Zealand? I know that probably sounds terrible but I'm sure it helps you settle in a new country if you can easily chat with a few people who have moved there from your own country.

Nancy

Raeven · Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 5:01 am Post subject:

Hi, Nancy,

I'm American and will be moving over soon -- September, assuming our house sells shortly! From what I have seen on this message board, we Yanks are a bit far and few between for migrating to NZ in comparison with the British folk. Statistics on immigration to NZ bear this out.. Americans comprise only about 4% of New Zealand's total migrants.

The Americans I've met here settle all over: Rich in Tauranga, SoCalGal is heading to Wellington (she's there right now checking it out!!), justin hasn't quite decided but is looking hard at Auckland. Me, I'm heading to either Nelson or Blenheim, depending on available work and other things. I think part of what dictates where you will live is how you're going over: Obviously, if you're migrating as a skilled migrant, you have to go where the work is available. In my own case, since my husband is a NZ citizen, we have a great deal more freedom to choose where we wish to settle. We have family in Blenheim and that makes the area very attractive. Still, I am drawn to Nelson and will live there if we are able to swing it financially. I have made a wonderful friend in Blenheim who's pulling us hard to live nearby, and she advises she knows at least 4 other Americans who work with her at her hospital (she's a nurse). I think you will run into Yanks most anywhere you choose to go -- like it or not!

Best of luck to you in your move!

All the best, Rae

Moorf · Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 7:19 am Post subject:

RAE - A POST WITH NO rae's dancing banana

!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Macs Gold · Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 9:06 am Post subject:

Raeven · Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 1:00 pm Post subject:

Moorf!!!!! <Hands on hips> Just WHAT are you implying?? Banana overuse?? Admit it -- you love the banana!!!! rae's dancing banana

LOLOL, here I was, trying to use it sparingly... I think I have failed!!!

I promise to do better.

Macs Gold, I think it's always the case that we notice those people who fit the stereotype (loud Yanks, whinging Poms, etc.) and tend to disregard those who don't fit neatly.. the sad thing is, we never give credit to those who are just "normal" people. I plan to be so laid back you'll have to put a mirror under my nose to see if I'm still breathing. And you probably won't find me in Queenstown.. if you do, it will be at the pub!!

Tipsily, Rae

richsadams · Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 9:59 pm Post subject: Where to Live

Hi All

I have to echo Rae's take on things. As official "Yanks" turning Kiwi, we've kept a low profile for a number of reasons. First we want to combat the loud, obnoxious (usually from Texas) stereotype and assimilate properly. Second, with America's stature (or lack thereof) in the world right now, we don't want to incur the wrath of any locals.

To be honest, until we open our mouths no one pays us any mind anyway. My background is French/Welsh and my wife's family is Norwegian so looks-wise we blend like you wouldn't believe. It's only when we ask a question or go to pay for a tank of gas (petrol) that heads tend to spin our way. And no one has been rude to us yet (except that kid I pulled out in front of! Embarassed

). Everyone has been great...mostly curious as to why on earth we would move here and what is America really like? I do my best to convince them that Jerry Springer's guests and Dubya don't really represent the common Yank! Laughing

British accents are everywhere, but Americans are pretty rare...we have yet to meet any! (Bumped into a Canadian the other day!) But the TV (telly) is rife with U.S. programs...most of them old and bad (Brady Bunch anyone? sigh

) as well as lots of Hollywood movies so it's not unusual to hear Americans speak. Only our neighbours notice it as we don't "hear" it. Shy

We really don't notice accents much now...and we've given up on trying to figure out if they're "local", Aussie, British or South African. With 19% of the population being immigrants an accent of some sort is perfectly normal. As long as they speak English...of some nature...we're happy campers! Mr. Green

It's all good! rae's dancing banana

Moorf · Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 11:43 pm Post subject:

Ok Ok I love Rae's Banana

rae's dancing banana

Ok ... what's this...

rae's dancing banana

YES.. it's a Banana Split!

Raeven · Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 1:11 am Post subject:

Rich, I'm so glad to hear you are assimilating.. like you and your wife, I will be very conscious of being an American "ambassador," and do my best to not reinforce the ugly American stereotype (from Texas, as noted). I am heartsick at the impression being made on the rest of the world by our government at the moment and have been extremely relieved and grateful that everyone I ran into in NZ had no difficulty distinguishing between American governmental policies (madness?) and American individual citizens who don't necessarily agree with those policies.

Wish our house would sell soon... I'm starting to feel like I'm in the witness protection program, waiting for my new chin to arrive... we found a buyer within half an hour of the house going up for sale who fell in love with it, but she has a house to sell before she can make a formal offer.. we've had tons of people through and several have seem quite taken with the house but no solid offers yet. Patience, patience.

Moorf!!! Banana split -- you crack me up!!!!!!! Clever thing!!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAHAAAAAAAAA!!!!

Whoops, in danger of lapsing into stereotypical loud and obnoxious Yank behavio(u)r... - Rae

bettylee · Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 11:19 am Post subject:

Hi there! Thanks for all of the info everyone has posted! Fascinating and overwhelming.

I was wondering if there is a US city that the climate in Auckland might compare to. My partner is interviewing with a company in Auckland and we currently live north of Boston. I understand that I shouldn't expect any snow (which I'll miss), but how hot and humid does it get?

Also, someone posted a comment about ants. Are there a lot in Auckland? Or other pests we should be ready for?

Thanks!

richsadams · Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 12:28 pm Post subject: Auckland Weather

Hi Betty

Having lived San Francisco I found Auckland very similar not only weather-wise but in many other ways. It's very diverse and is built on lots of hills and valleys. It's a lot like Seattle as well. Humidity isn't generally a problem since it's next to the ocean. Temps are very moderate, just expect more rain than you're used to. It reminds me a bit of Honolulu as well, only cooler. Here are a couple of good web sites for NZ climate...

http://www.backpack-newzealand.com/weather.html

http://metsoc.rsnz.govt.nz/climate.html

Not sure about the bugs, but we aren't bothered by any whenever we visit.

My wife was born just outside of Boston and REALLY likes it here so you shouldn't have any worries. Nice One