Push / Pull factors - England to N.Z?

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Dangerous

NZ is pretty much what the above poster said (except I don't completely agree with the last part about increasing peril for children. Auckland perhaps... or perhaps not even).

But be aware that there WILL be some sacrifices. If you like good food the selection available in NZ supermarkets is much more limited and there aren't many markets anymore as an alternative. Fashion and clothing is also far more limited, with some major brands not even heard of in NZ (in fact kiwi chicks are almost universally bad dressers, although English lasses can benefit from that). Television's even crappier than Britain's too. There's Sky pay TV but the sport is limited to mostly Rugby (and Cricket in the summer). Free to air broadcasting is REALLY poor, the standards of the once reputable state broadcaster TVNZ has slipped to something even lower than ITV, and there's only one private network which is about the same standard.
In fact any kind of high-brow culture has a lower presence and more limited availability in NZ. And sadly increasingly so IMO.
Also public transport in NZ is very poor so you'll have to drive everywhere.

And be aware that NZ is NOT wealthy nation anymore. Okay we're not poor either but our GDP per capita isn't much higher than Portugal's and lower than Greece's. So while you can have a comfortable life in NZ going much further abroad than Thailand can break your budget. And be aware that some careers aren't available in NZ so if you can try and get in touch with recruitment people before you arrive.
And have an exit plan in case you realise NZ ain't for you (it's not for everyone).

And be warned, much of NZ housing is poor according to European standards. While Timber's the choice material thanks to the seismic risks and its abundance, many houses aren't well insulated. And sadly central heating and double-glazed windows are almost unheard of. Many houses have been poorly maintained and thanks to corruption many newer houses in the greater Auckland have been built dodgy.

But if you're looking for laid back and if you like the outdoors and a temperate climate (a bit better than Britain's) I don't know of a place better than NZ.

EDIT: A question for PARADISE_WATERS;
Have you ever been to the UK?
Have you ever left Auckland?
I don't remember the UK being as polluted as Auckland when I lived there, or the kids being any worse behaved overall.

EDIT: To trasosmontes;
Cheers! [thumbs up] I also mad ethe following comment abut NZ culture:
http://nz.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090331075058AAM4lzb&r=w#RIx4PHv0GUm2eM9wYFZk
And yes many of us kiwis would take exception to what I said even though when you look at it objectively there's little to get offended over.

JitterBug

Some possible reasons English people move to NZ:
- NZ is less crowded
- more sunny weather
- seen as a new adventure for people who want a change in life
- more relaxed atmosphere in NZ
- is a country that also speaks English, and still part of the Commonwealth. Has that slight English familiarity
- less expensive
- has that "safe" environment. In most neighbourhoods you can tell your kids "come back at 6" and you know they will - however this is changing, has changed dramatically in the last 10 years.

daisyrose

simply are better country to live in ,,, thousands of english people live here and love it ,,,

trasosmontes

'Dangerous' has hit the nail firmly on the head. I've been in NZ for over 30 years (from UK) and I would confirm everything he's stated.
Trouble is with many NZers, they really hate criticism, even if it is honest and constructive. Sad but true, from my experience over the years I've lived here.

PARADISE_WATERS

Less crowded and clean air. England is covered in a constant cloud
of pollution.

A big number of the English who make the move are teachers. Schools
are awful in England. The kids misbehave and carry knives to school.
Whereas NZ has not got as unruley that - well not yet.

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