I am just new to the site so hello! I am an Australian who jumped the ditch and lives in rural New Zealand.
Not sure where you live currently, but I was pleased with the currency exchange rate when I moved over, although this of course fluctuates. I was nursing at the time in a specialty area and had a job sorted before coming over. There were no work permits or visa requirements for Australians at the time and I believe it to be a two way thing.
I dont live in the big city areas which are quite small but Auckland housing, traffic etc is nightmarish in costs and getting about at present.
I have retired in a town where housing is very AFFORDABLE. The down side is the usual problems of regional areas, nepotism in regards to jobs, the lack of job openings and I suspect business oportunities have small town disadvantages as well.
My pay scale was alarming in the down size when I moved over, so although prices seemed low, one rapidly readjusted ones outlook. I love living here however, the climate is mild, I came for the lifestyle...a more simple and uncomplicated life. Surprisingly, my town has very GOOD schools..with wide reputations.
New Zealand is a VERY small country with a VERY VERY small population. It is a LONG way from anywhere and this adds significantly to product costs and transportation. I see very little fruit from Australia because transport costs are outrageous...so foodstuffs come from Peru and Asia for example.
Small towns can have close minded attitudes...something that I found mildly distressing...prejudice against Aussies. Ridiculous as so many NZ families have Australian relations etc. The South Island is stuffed with mine, my paternal grandfather went to Australia for sun, dry and warmth.
The country is like a tobelerone chocolate which baffles Australians use to zooming between point A and B on nice flat open roads. The roads are much smaller, much much windier, weather DOES impact roads regularly and incredibly damagingly.
As an Australian, I had never experienced and EARTHQUAKE. Believe me, the novelty wears off after the first one....Australia has flora and fauna that is lethal, New Zealand doesnt, but it is the land that tries to do you in...earthquakes, galeforce winds and lets not forget the active volcanoes ......I can see one from where I live.
I will die here. I am very happy and content in this beautiful and quiet backwater of the world.:heart:
