Forums in New Zealand?

[RedLeaves]

Hi, I am always on Mumsnet but wonder if there was something even remotely similar in NZ. (I thought I would then get more used to NZ culture and learn more about my new environment rather than still thinking about the UK.)

Any ideas gratefully received.

There's nothing like Mumsnet in New Zealand or if there is I haven't found it. There are Huggies and Treasures parenting sites with chat forums and one called Mums on Top, probably others that I don't know of...but nothing as diverse or funny as MN. The sites I mentioned seem to just stick to basic parenting questions whereas all the other stuff is what makes MN so interesting imo.

I've not come across anything NZ-based either. There seem to be quite a few MNetters on here from NZ, living in NZ or on their way out to NZ, eg:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/living_overseas/1007662-Relocating-to-New-Zealand

I guess there's nothing to stop NZ MNetters adding 'local' threads in the overseas or local sections though(not sure which is most appropriate).

I have found this expat forum really informative on the actual emigration/move practicalities but nothing really like MN.

I have trawled around a lot looking for parent views on various schools, health care, shopping, clubs for DCs etc. All stuff you would get on MN but drawn a blank for NZ.

there might be something for Australia which NZers would also use

The everybody board is just like mumsnet. Its started out as a health related board with mother-to-be monthly groups, TTC groups etc. They've added an Off Topic which is very busy. The community is generally nice and most large centres have groups from the board that catch up for coffees.

www2.everybody.co.nz/forum

Trademe has an online community but it can be quite nasty at times. EB is much better for chat.
www.trademe.co.nz/Community/Default.aspx

There is also The Nappy Network

www.thenappynetwork.org.nz

Another active site which is popular with mums doing attachment parenting though there are all sorts who post there.

sorry didn't link the EB page. I've been on this site for 5 years and I have made some great friends from there.

www2.everybody.co.nz/forum

I second everybody. I really like it.

Because the population here is so small, there really is little chance of finding a large grouping of like minded people online -hence why many of us use forums like Mumsnet.

But Everybody is pretty good for general disucssions.

And you might find other topic-specific forums which aren't bad, like geekzone.co.nz for technology, interest.co.nz has quite an active commenting forum if you're interested in NZ housing, interest rates etc.

The Trade Me forum is just nasty, in my opinion, but can be a fascinating insight into how others live!

How long have you been in NZ OP? You sound like you're struggling a little ... Can we help?

Pavlovalover - ooh thanks that's kind of you. Yes I am struggling a little at the moment. Getting better though.

I just notice, that when I go online to muck about a bit I either go on Mumsnet or the Guardian website or something and it seems a shame to still be quite UK focussed.

I shall try the Everybody forum, sounds interesting.

Luckily I am meeting lots of RL lovely people and things are looking up, I just think it is hard this total upheaval, it's easy to underestimate the adaption required.

Thanks all.

I don't think you should feel too bad about naturally gravitating towards UK websites. NZ is tiny and isolated - part of its appeal, but also a downside for many of us... If you confined your reading and socialising to NZ forums, you'd quickly be bored! I read the Guardian before I read the NZ Herald for instance, and I'm a NZer.

I think as long as you're attempting to make connections in real life and things are looking up, you could just few this as one way in which you're gradually making the adjustment - and still retaining a connection with the big wide world! It sounds like you're doing well.

Where are you in NZ? Are there any things in particular you're finding hard or confusing?

Pavlovalover that is good to hear about the fact that you, an NZer read the Guardian too! I hadn't thought that that might be the case.

I feel we are doing well here generally, it is just that I still, after 2 years, feel a big pull towards the UK and I wondered if my online habit may not be helping. I like your way of looking at it.

I am too paranoid to say where I am living because I have written some personal threads too on MN - I shall try to catch up with you on another thread! I am currently trying to find out how to namechange occasionally ......

I understand about not wanting to say where you are - it's a small place! I just asked because there are some real differences in different parts of the country in terms of facilities available and how easy it is to meet people.

But if you've survived two years then you probably know your way round all of that. It sounds like you're doing well. I would say you'll probably feel that pull towards the UK all your life - you can't just ignore your past and a culture that you grew up in.

Exactly pavlova. However, luckily DH and I have had lots of talking about it and we are agreed to enjoy it for the present and let the future sort itself out.

Thank you for your interest/concern, I appreciate it. :)

Oh don't worry about reading UK websites! I've been here 9 years and while I spend quite a bit of time on NZ Herald/Trade Me/Stuff etc websites I also read The Guardian, the Independent, the Times (before they made you pay for it), the Mail ( just for the celeb gossip, honest), NewsNow, BBC and various other Uk websites online (and a few US ones too). Actually I find to get really detailed international news you have to look at non-NZ websites.

useful info everyone. DH and I have just had our residence applications approved and will be sending passports off for visas soon. Scary times ... eek!

like whatshesaid, I've been here 8 years and still use mumsnet, read the UK papers in the same way I watch BBC news and CNN. I still love the UK gossip mags (although I don't buy them now, just leaf through them in the shops) I think it's familiarity I still seem to know more UK celebs than NZ. Having said that I read the Herald on line, watch the news and listen to talk back - don't feel bad about what is familiar to you.

I used to spend a bit of time on emigratenz.org

i met some good pals there. it's generally friendly with the odd, odd bod.

i read a lot of uk sites too. and spend far too much time on facebook! but it is good to feel connected to friends.