Moved to NZ and can't see advantages

[Spaglol]

Hi

This isn't a NZ bash.

We recently moved to a city in NZ (family of - 2 kids primary aged). Moved on nov 2023. I know it's very early days.

I can see how beautiful it is and people are lovely and we've had really positive experiences with people.

But... I just don't think it's worth it for me / us. The house we are in is freezing and we are paying so much. The food is so expensive. And I feel so far away. There are so few jobs in my area.

I totally get this is all my view and the information was out there for me to read before but I didn't comprehend the reality of not having an Aldi and being able to get to Europe etc.

Our house in UK hasn't sold yet. I am starting to think we cut our losses and go back?

As I said, I'm not having a go at NZ, it is me.

I'm worried if we move so quickly again, I'll mess my kids up. That's my major concern.

Thanks for reading.

correction: healthcare
no history, culture, when auckl museum had a chance to host Harry Potter exibition this year, they pulled out off it because of one specific group of people not being happy with Rowlings opinions…how ridiculous!! I really hope you are back in the UK by now!

Yes, politically NZ is a hell hole - see the Covid nightmare that happened there; the gaslighting from Jacinda Ardern - and what happened to Kellie-Jay Keen when she was there last year. These days NZ is a country I wouldn't go to for a holiday, let alone live there! It's not a good place for women and children; they are not protected by NZ law. I hope you're doing ok OP.

'These days NZ is a country I wouldn't go to for a holiday, let alone live there!'

That'll larn 'em. . .

Don’t talk such utter rubbish. What an ignoramous you sound.

@Spaglol

How's it going? I hope it has worked out for you.

Wtaf? We have more protection here then in the UK, it’s very backwards to have to be married to have relationship property rights.

That's a double edged sword - it creates the risk of relationship fraud (forming a relationship with, say, a widow who has some assets and owns her own house, then starting to turn abusive, and saying "If you try to get rid of me, I'll walk away with half your assets).

I don't mean that NZ is a hellhole; I think it's a nice country generally. Just discussing that particular point.

Not sure if anyone was around for this MNer and her struggles with the move - I often wonder how she came to terms with life in Auckland as she was very bereft. I hope she found friendship, comfort and peace of mind.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/relationships/3877702-Just-need-to-share-no-solution#98693727

In my opinion you should high tail it out of the country
although the people are lovely and the food amazing you will be saying good bye to your kids when they get older as they will need to move overseas for a good job
the houses are freezing because as you say they have no insulation just tin roofs and wooden walls
cut your losses and go go go
you won’t regret it

Hi,
Straight to the point, you have not given your self time to settle. If you looking for the UK in NZ you have moved for the wrong reasons. Embrace change and the different culture. Your children will feed off your negativity, help them see the beauty of NZ, help them become New Zealanders. If the house is cold, move house.Get out and enjoy the summers and the beautiful countryside beaches and clean air. Learn the Māori culture and history of New Zealand. Learn to love the AB’s and rugby. It’s all about the children’s future. Stop trying to compare Uk to NZ they are different worlds apart. Embrace, embrace, embrace change.Do in Rome as the romans do. Good luck.

It's OK to not love the rugby. And the ABs. Agree with the rest of it though.

OP hasn't posted on the thread in almost a year. Hopefully she is either settled in NZ now or has moved back. Hopefully enjoying life either way.

Almost 1 year since someone told us NZ wasn’t a country for real life, only holidays. NZ tourist board should really use that in their marketing.

I lived in Auckland for 10 years. Biggest waste of my life. I wish I had done a holiday there first to see what it's really like but my kiwi hubby refused and we were stuck there. NZ is cold wet and backwards as are the people.

I would want to go home!! Presume it’s a typo and you moved November 2025 not 2023??

Originally posted January 24!
how are things going @Spaglol?

How damm insulting you are, never mind your wild generalizations.

I hope you have left.

You have to be a Kiwi. The slightest criticism of NZ and you take it personally. I travelled extensively in NZ in my time there and was highly sociable and met loads of people through work and my hobbies. I only made 2 Kiwi friends there (both have since emigrated) despite attempts to befriend more. Was always ignored. It's not just me all the foreigners I knew felt the same way. Must say though I really liked the Maori I met in my travels they have a great sense of humour and are really family focused.

I basically found life in NZ the same as you. We only realised after we got a dog he wasn't allowed on any bush walks we liked to do in the waitakeres not in parks either and only allowed on certain beaches late evening.which isn't easy if you have a job and a young family. In the end we gave our dog to a farmer. Life was too hard for us so we are in the UK again.

@Spaglol its been a year since your original post and I’m intrigued to know how things are going. We’re looking at making the move in the next year or so and I’m interested to hear other peoples experiences.