Comments for Moving to New Zealand!

Comment on Money: the cost of living in New Zealand by steve

steve — Thu, 02 May 2013 04:18:47 +0000

Hi, Neil Thanks for reading! If you don't mind, I'd rather not name the company we're using to ship the cooker. As I've written about elsewhere, shipping companies aren't always my favourite people to deal with. Expect to pay around £500, though — that seems to be the going rate. And, according the nice chap at NZ Customs who I was talking to this afternoon, you'll also have to pay 15% GST on the UK purchase price and on the shipping charge, followed by an additional 5% duty on the price of the cooker. Amazingly, though, still a saving compared to trying to buy the thing here.

Comment on Money: the cost of living in New Zealand by Neil

Neil — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 06:57:12 +0000

Hi
We have had the same observations re costs of items here in NZ – would you mind telling me which company you are using to ship a cooker over from the UK? Cheers – Neil

Comment on Money: the cost of living in New Zealand by Kiwi

Kiwi — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 10:08:03 +0000

You’re quite right in saying things are inexplicably expensive. I too have tried to find why some things (often which are produced in NZ) are cheaper to buy outside of the country but I haven’t been able to find any good reasons.
This perhaps unreasonable cost of living (compared to the low wage) is often given as a key reason why people leave New Zealand (which makes sense) but perhaps something even more damaging is how such high prices are widening the so-called poverty gap. It seems in New Zealand either you’re doing well and the high cost of food is really no problem, or you’re struggling hard and the kids can’t afford to eat wholesome meals. There are fewer and fewer “average” families (compared to the 1980s) left in NZ.
Another problem is just what can the government do? Removing GST on fruit and veges sounds like the best idea, but then of course retailers will simply increase the prices by the same amount. There’s no easy solution to this cost vs wage problem and it’s one of the main reasons why my wife and I have moved away from New Zealand. It’s unfortunate because New Zealand really is a special kind of paradise to behold, and a real privilege to live in. It’s just a shame that paradise sure ain’t cheap!

Comment on Seeing things anew: a fresh look at our life in New Zealand by steve

steve — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 07:26:13 +0000

Thanks for the comment, Elrond. I think you and I are looking for very different things. I spent the eight years before I moved to New Zealand living in Florida, and, while, admittedly, I’ve yet to visit the Gold Coast, the sense I get is that it’s rather like Miami or other urbanised areas of Florida — the very thing we left the US to get away from.

I can understand why you might consider Auckland to be “lacking” in comparison to your new home. But, for me, part of the appeal of New Zealand is the fact that it is, in a way America never was for me, quite relaxed and comfortable. I’m sorry Auckland didn’t suit you — it works for me.

But while I’m not sure about “worn out,” I would definitely agree with cold (in the winter, indoors), and, most assuredly, with “overpriced” — indeed, I’m about to write about that very topic.

Comment on Seeing things anew: a fresh look at our life in New Zealand by steve

steve — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 07:21:43 +0000

Thank you! There’s nothing mysterious about being fascinated by New Zealand. You really should try visiting some time!

Comment on Seeing things anew: a fresh look at our life in New Zealand by Elrond

Elrond — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 11:18:23 +0000

I’m British and moved from Auckland to the Gold Coast of Australia five years ago and love the lifestyle here, every bit as good as Auckland’s but with better weather and warmer winters.Would I go back the Akl? I did go back very briefly to catch up with friends and found it depressed and worn out, cold and over priced.

Next time you’re over here may I suggest you stay away from the mega cities(lol) and try life on the green behind the gold, and I’m not talking surfers paradise here but the beautiful hinterland and the relaxed Queenslander lifestyle. But be prepared to feel a sense of something lacking when you return to Auckland.

Can you take the challenge?

Comment on Seeing things anew: a fresh look at our life in New Zealand by Gabriel Gronroos

Gabriel Gronroos — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 10:21:41 +0000

Thanks for sharing your insights of your experience in New Zealand. I have been enjoying your writings for a while but started to think you had forgot your blog altogether…

For some mysterious reason I have been fascinated by New Zealand for years, so reading about your experience is very enjoyable. Of course, especially in January deep in the snow here in Finland, New Zealand seems very enticing just by looking at the climate.

Anyway, for what it’s worth, I am looking forward to reading your next post.

Comment on Cold. But it’s a damp cold. Winter and cold houses in New Zealand by Captain Dg

Captain Dg — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 02:16:39 +0000

Reminds me of when I lived in Portland, OR. It sits in a river valley, is very damp. 50 degrees in Portland was like 30 degrees anywhere else. As a poor student paying for electricity but not for hot water, I tried to run the tub for steam heat. Didn’t work. Only set off the fire alarm.

Comment on Not quite utopia: real life in New Zealand by jo

jo — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 21:52:27 +0000

I am a kiwi born and bred, living in auckland and due to the recent immigration of wealthy asians into Nz the average house for a first time buyer is $700 000 so no doubt in a few years will be a million bucks. And yet the median wage here is $50 000k. My salary will just cover food and rent and power, but I have to supplement my savings for any extras like clothing and entertainment. This is a crazy existance so I am hoping to leave as soon as I can work out where I will go.

Comment on Well and truly Wellington by Heidi

Heidi — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:20:30 +0000

Thanks for sharing your Wellington experiences, Steve. As you can imagine, we’ve elevated weather chat to a fine art here. We’re not called the Windy Capitol for nothing!

Despite the weather (“four seasons in one day”), I’ve loved calling Wellington home for the past two years.

Some of my favorite quotes about the city:

- “On a fine day, it’s a hard city to beat”, the taxi drivers like to say. (I feel the same about Seattle.)
- “It takes a hearty rose to thrive here.”, my friend Leigh.
- “Brrrr, Auckland is so much warmer. How can you live here?” politician walking from Beehive to Old St. Paul’s cathedral.
- “If the weather was nicer, everyone would want to live here,” another taxi driver.

As you observed, LP likes to boast that Wellington has more cafes per capita than New York City. You might enjoy:
- Floridita’s – http://www.floriditas.co.nz/
- Deluxe
- Maranui Cafe – http://www.maranuicafe.co.nz/
- Cuckoo

Wellington also prides itself on its coffee culture (hard to get a bad flat white around here) and its newer, micro brew scene.

Next time, weather dependent, try to check out:
- Zealandia – billed as an eco-sancturary to some of the world’s rarest birds, reptiles, and insects – http://www.visitzealandia.com/site/zealandia_home/
- Wellington Zoo – what it lacks in size, it makes up for in how close you can get to the animals
- A scenic drive around the coast, taking in Seatoun, Day’s Bay, etc.
- Weta Workshop – design/manufacturing studio behind many block busters – http://www.wetanz.com