I'm from NZ. Am happy to answer questions. Fyi, I intend on leaving
Your experience of nz will depend on how much you earn
Workers in NZ have very few rights, there are basically no unions to protect you and collective bargaining doesn't exist. This means the wages are comparatively lower across every industry.
But, the cost of living is just as high if not higher than a bigger country.
In some cases. Basic utilities are expensive and will continue to increase in price. Electricity for example will skyrocket over the next 10 years as, old plants have been run into the ground without building anything to replace them...
decreasing supply and increasing demand.
NZ has some of the most expensive internet and cellphones plans in the world, the quality is average.
Poor people rely on food banks for donated food, begging is more and more common in the main centres. Families live in their cars as the state cuts funding to their houses.
Owning a house is now out of reach for most young people in any of the "cities".
There are really only two cities (using the word as a foreigner would apply it), they are both small. Auckland, and Wellington respectively. The South Island is prettier than the North Island geologically speaking (personal
Opinion only)
European New Zealanders (especially older ones) are quite often casual racists.
The health system, while "free" is woefully underfunded, and inadequate. Hospitals show signs of serious decay, and no maintaince is planned.
There are very few people trained in any kind of care for trans people. Those that claim to be, are often full of ->-bleeped-<- and are basically making it up as they go along. Some of the most hilarious ->-bleeped-<- I've ever heard has come from the head of dept in the capital's Central hospital...
He actually said to me "I guess you'll be glad when you've had surgery, because it will mean you won't have to just date other transgenders"..... Seriously.... What does that even mean?? He's he only game in town as well, so it's his way or the high way...
You'll get subsidised Hormones and blood monitoring, but beyond that you're on your own so far as health care for trans anything.
Both major Political Parties have expressed open hostility toward trans health in the media. Calling it "a nutty idea" and "not an issue cause people like that don't live around here"
For basic surgeries like hip replacements etc. you can buy private health care if you want to avoid a 6 year wait. If you can afford it, get private insurance.
Bowel Cancer is the biggest killer yet, there is no funding to test for it. My mum almost died of it, both her aunts did.... Lol! classic New Zealand.
New Zealand used to have a reasonably high standard of living, this was during the 70's when we had an incredibly regulated market. The then prime minister proceeded to come within an eyelash of bankrupting the country. The Labour Party (our version of the left wing) then had to basically tear down all the state owned assets in a desperate attempt to save the islands.... We went
Form being one the most regulated markets in the developed world, to being one the least, almost overnight.
These days though the islands are essentially just one big "company town" that exists to export milk solids. This is what keeps the lights on in NZ. Fonterra. And woe betide anyone that bites the hand that feeds... For this reason, you could argue that NZ, like Singapore resembles more of a technocracy, than the kleptocracy/plutocracy you're used to in the States.
There are quite pretty mountains and there's a cottage film industry. Film work can be fun but, again there are no rights, no unions, no protection for you. expect to work 70-90 hour weeks, then be fired with no notice. The film industry here will be gone within 20 years. The entire film production industry the world over is pulling up sticks and going to China now.. Nz will be no different.
My advice is, if you are old, and want to retire, and have enough money, NZ is a beautiful choice.
If you are young, then totally visit and go skiing! but, I wound NEVER recommend a young person try to build a life here. The young are not welcome here. Baby boomers/generationX took everything from their parents, then took everything from their own children. My generation and the one after (genY and the millenials) are the most indebted generation to ever live.... And they still want more from us.
I'd go to Germany. Or somewhere in Scandinavia. This island is just going to get worse. It is my sincere hope that one day Australia becomes a republic and annexes the islands. The great experiment of New Zealand and the "Classless Society" has failed.
Depending on of you're comeing from the USA to NZ, and depending on part of the USA you're from, you'll probably notice that New Zeland is basically totally atheist. Sure there are old churches, and there's a few evangelicals but for the most part, they ignored. They have no say in anything of any consequence. Christianity doesn't feature in life at all here really, unless you go digging for it. This is why our country is regarded as being pretty tolerant toward Queers.... It's only certain areas though. Go to any small town and a bogan will still punch your head for being a "->-bleeped-<-"
