subject: New Zealand Life [print this page] New Zealand Life New Zealand Life
Thinking of emigrating to New Zealand. Well the main questions that I get from people that want to know about how easy it is to get work, do they have to come to New Zealand to gain a job, what is the North like, what is the South like and so on. It really is quite difficult to explain how the cultures differ across all parts of the country as it is so unique. In terms of job hunting, it would be quite rare to gain employment without first being seen by your potential employer.
This is regardless of the calibre of your qualification, besides you may find you do not like New Zealand(rare but it happens) We were very lucky and went for broke, we love the place, although consider how London differs from glasgow, one could say the same about Auckland andDunedin for example, so do your research, as to help reduce your risk of suprise.
I have heard of some people that have arrived inDunedin and Invercargill and are suprised at the cold tempratures, or thatGreymouth has significant rainfall, people just dont realise that at the end of the day, Greymouth is a rain forest. Hey, theres gold, somewhere, but it's a rainforest. (the place is bloody pretty by the way too)
One thing I can tell you is that you should be prepared for the following: -
Longer working hours
Reduced salary than what you are used to (in most situations)
Transport issues
Reduced holiday entitlement, redundancy pay etc
Kiwis are grafters. and all for good reason.New Zealandhas a small population, and a very young history, meaning the place has got to where it is today through hardwork and determination. Of course all of this is offset by a much better climate than the UK, a much more pleasantlifestyleand reduced crime etc. Dont get me wrong new zealand has its fair share of troubles, it really does, but my experience is that this is tepid compared to the UK or the states for example. Can you leave your car unlocked? Can you leave your front door unlocked? Can you walk around late at night without watching your back? Sure the nearer you get to citys you have to be mindful of such things, but generally speaking it really isn't a problem.
