I have really been considering moving from the US to New Zealand and was hoping that there was someone from New Zealand here that could answer some questions. Thanks!

Quote from: Katie J on September 03, 2015, 01:00:09 PM
I have really been considering moving from the US to New Zealand and was hoping that there was someone from New Zealand here that could answer some questions. Thanks!

I'm also considering migrating to New Zealand! Afraid I probably don't know enough about the county to answer any of your questions, though.

New Zealand's a bit like Australia only a lot smaller. I know a number of people who've moved from New Zealand to Australia for better career opportunities, and one who's gone the other way for lifestyle.

New Zealand is (currently) a lot more liberal than Australia, a lovely place with fantastic people.

I'm not sure what employment opportunities are, but we have NZ members who can post.

Just don't ask for fish and chips (regional joke )

Just be aware you need to pass the Rugby exam prior to being allowed to enter NZ.

Better start studying then.

I have no idea where I would live if I emigrated outside of the USA. I would probably want to live in the UK or other parts of Europe.

I know that there would be some immigration stuff to square away and all that, but I am looking more for how to stay on HRT and find a dr and how the health insurance works down there. Along with New Zealand I am also looking into London, Spain, Germany, or Stockholm, so info on those countries would be much appreciated as well!(:

Well there are descriptions on the internet...

imo:
London : international, some people might be a bit stiff, depending on where you are nice places in the countryside

Spain: people are more laid back, maybe necessary to speak a bit spanish, people get more active in the evenings, how people are also depending on surroundings (Barcelona...)

Germany: depending on where you are

Stockholm: nice, imo friendly people, nice surroundings

NZ: beautiful surroundings, places where its not densely populated, english as language, maybe more laid back and less regulated, maybe necessary to look after a few things yourself.

I'd suggest you look up vids of different places, and a few descriptions... listen to your feelings... and then make a visist.
Or/and chat a bit with people from places you are interested in.

hugs

Quote from: Cindy on September 04, 2015, 04:49:57 AM
New Zealand is (currently) a lot more liberal than Australia, a lovely place with fantastic people.

I'm not sure what employment opportunities are, but we have NZ members who can post.

Just don't ask for fish and chips (regional joke )

We certainly are more liberal when it comes to TG folk, - we had a transexual MP in parliament a few years ago and there is currently at least one serving transexual police officer with the NZ Police.  While we still have mouth breathers, knuckle draggers, concrete operational thinkers and religious bigots the same as anywhere else in the world, their numbers tend to be much smaller and most Kiwis are accepting of folk who are different.
I'm now retired so I'm out of date with the employment situation and things are a little more difficult now due to the world wide recession, but certainly the impression I get is that there is work available for those who want it.  Much would depend on experience and education as well as the employment sector you'd want to get into of course.

New Zealand has a government funded public health system which means that you won't be made bankrupt just by getting sick.  We do have some private hospitals and private medical insurance schemes, but those are outside of the public system.  If you bring your medical records and doctors' letters with you there shouldn't be a problem with finding a GP to prescribe HRT for you.  I received my greatest level of support from ordinary GPs whenever I had to move about the county during the 24 years since I transitioned.

I live in a small rural town in a dairy farming district so I get to see and appreciate the NZ countryside everyday.  The largest city Auckland is a sprawling mess with high cost of living, expensive house prices, appalling traffic problems and failing infrastructure so I'd advise you to stay away from there.  How do I know? - I used to live there
Christchurch used to be a lovely old fashioned city before being destroyed by an earthquake and things are still in a mess there so I'd advise you to not go there either.  I did live in Christchurch for a while and I loved the city, but it broke my heart when I saw it post-earthquake when I went back to attend a family funeral.

Ah yes 'Fish and chips' - a little trans Tasman joke there Cindy (ha ha).  And don't worry too much about Rugby, - I failed Rugby and I didn't get thrown out of the country.  Intelligent women here tend to follow Netball anyway so just remember to shout, - 'Go Silver Ferns' and you will do alright.

If you have anything you would like to know Katie just ask and I'll do my best to answer your questions. PM me if you like or just ask in this thread.

Quote from: Katie J on September 04, 2015, 10:40:02 AM
I know that there would be some immigration stuff to square away and all that, but I am looking more for how to stay on HRT and find a dr and how the health insurance works down there. Along with New Zealand I am also looking into London, Spain, Germany, or Stockholm, so info on those countries would be much appreciated as well!(:

I currently live in Stockholm. All in all its a nice city. Expensive, especially housing. Job opportunities differ greatly depending on your skills and education. There aren't a lot of unqualified jobs.The main reason I want to move from Stockholm is the climate. The winters are long and dark. If you don't mind that, it's a pretty great city. Very gay- and trans friendly compared to most other cities. Unfortunately the all-but-openly-fascist Sweden Democrats have gained foothold swiftly the last few years. It's manifested more as xeno-, and islamophobia than homo- or transphobia, though.

Swedes are generally pretty fluent in English, to a point where I understand that it's difficult as an English speaker to learn Swedish, because everyone is so eager to show off their English skills.

If you have any specific questions I'll be happy to answer them to the best of my ability.

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-<-"

Quote from: Isabelle on September 05, 2015, 11:10:13 AM
I'm from NZ. Am happy to answer questions. Fyi, I intend on leaving soon.

Would you tell where to and why ?

Yup, see my huge edit

The big thing to consider about nz is, if you're young, you're not going to earn much money. The money you do earn is worth piss all. And New Zealand is a loooong way away from any proper countries. So you get here, it's hard to get back out. You money is worth nothing and it's expensive to escape.

Europe on the other hand, you jump on a bus and go wherever you want! Easy as pie! Seriously seriously, for young people, NZ is just an expensive holiday. Nothing else.
For old wealthy people it's a beautiful place to relax and enjoy a quiet life in lovely surroundings  

Isabelle, - may I quote your synopsis of the state of New Zealand in 2015? - because it's startlingly accurate with just the right dash of cynicism to make it plain you're definitely not wearing rosy tint glasses.

I'm old, retired and I live in a small rural town so I'm well out of date with things (as my daughter constantly reminds me), but in the past I was a site rep for the Engineers' Union and a member of the Labour Party back in the days when that actually meant something so yes I am very aware of how much things have gone down the toilet in New Zealand since the 1980's.

I still happen to think that NZ is an Ok place to live so long as you stay out of the cities, - especially Auckland, - but really with the world being post peak oil, post peak minerals, post peak debt, with global warming, rising sea levels etc etc it doesn't actually matter so much where you actually live in the West.  Finding a country to call home is like finding yourself a nice comfy deck chair on the Titanic after all the lifeboats have left.  In a word we're all screwed so pick your deckchair and make yourself comfortable because it's only going to get worse.

I won't dispute any of the negative sides to living in New Zealand, but in my experience everywhere has significant problems. Luckily some also have great positives.

I used to love Sydney but now I often think of leaving, only there's nowhere else to go. To paraphrase Churchill, Australia is the worst place to live, except for everywhere else. Perhaps its just me.

I think the trick is to understand what's important to you and how you fit with the good and bad parts of where you live. Think about the long term. Don't expect perfection or even close, as its not going to happen.

I'd also recommend spending some time where you want to live if all possible.

Quote from: Lady Smith on September 05, 2015, 08:51:33 PM
Isabelle, - may I quote your synopsis of the state of New Zealand in 2015? - because it's startlingly accurate with just the right dash of cynicism to make it plain you're definitely not wearing rosy tint glasses.

I'm old, retired and I live in a small rural town so I'm well out of date with things (as my daughter constantly reminds me), but in the past I was a site rep for the Engineers' Union and a member of the Labour Party back in the days when that actually meant something so yes I am very aware of how much things have gone down the toilet in New Zealand since the 1980's.

I still happen to think that NZ is an Ok place to live so long as you stay out of the cities, - especially Auckland, - but really with the world being post peak oil, post peak minerals, post peak debt, with global warming, rising sea levels etc etc it doesn't actually matter so much where you actually live in the West.  Finding a country to call home is like finding yourself a nice comfy deck chair on the Titanic after all the lifeboats have left.  In a word we're all screwed so pick your deckchair and make yourself comfortable because it's only going to get worse.

Oh, I'm not pessimistic about the future! Not at all I think there's places all over the world that will become more and more wonderful every year. Biotech, genetics, fission and fussion, the world wil improve in many ways . I just think New Zealand had its day, and it's never getting better. Not unless we get a fusion reactor. And those don't exist , and if/when they finally do, it'll be a almost a century before NZ gets one and... And it'll be built at hugs protest to
rousing chorus's of "not in my back yard".

Quote from: Lady Smith on September 05, 2015, 08:51:33 PM
Isabelle, - may I quote your synopsis of the state of New Zealand in 2015? - because it's startlingly accurate with just the right dash of cynicism to make it plain you're definitely not wearing rosy tint glasses.

I'm old, retired and I live in a small rural town so I'm well out of date with things (as my daughter constantly reminds me), but in the past I was a site rep for the Engineers' Union and a member of the Labour Party back in the days when that actually meant something so yes I am very aware of how much things have gone down the toilet in New Zealand since the 1980's.

I still happen to think that NZ is an Ok place to live so long as you stay out of the cities, - especially Auckland, - but really with the world being post peak oil, post peak minerals, post peak debt, with global warming, rising sea levels etc etc it doesn't actually matter so much where you actually live in the West.  Finding a country to call home is like finding yourself a nice comfy deck chair on the Titanic after all the lifeboats have left.  In a word we're all screwed so pick your deckchair and make yourself comfortable because it's only going to get worse.

I would see it different because it were the results of the old ways of doing things.
With b ricks countries demanding more and more participation and a feeling of negotiating instead of starting agressions there is less and less acceptance for non integrative solutions. "There is enough for everyones needs but not for everyones greed" Gandhi.
By the way there are even development funds for regions worldwide. Well... maybe there are some for infrastructure for many places... as said it would be necessary...

By the way there are lots of interesting i nventions not having reached the public yet.
With oil having less of a material weight now it may be possible they are put to use to help people.

Quote from: Isabelle on September 05, 2015, 11:04:23 PM
f ission and f ussion, the world wil improve in many ways .

Well there has to be a change in thinking, which has started for quite some time.
Its not using huge techs to build artificial sources but to look at what nature does and mimick it.
There are quite a few inventions in this way... building small, clean and decentral d evices...

as said, with monopolies losing their weight it may be possible they are used...

Hi,Much of what Isabelle has to say rings true especially in terms of trans healthcare.You really have to be proactive and educate yourself and learn to advocate for yourself.If you are a well paid professional then life in NZ can be very pleasant.If you are young and have nothing it probably will be a struggle.NZ firms have a reputation for being parochial in their outlook.For my partner and I life is ok but we dont live in Auckland,own our house and have reasonably paid jobs.There are no SRS surgeons here(I went to Thailand) nor FFS if you need it.We are a relatively small population a long way from anything which does have some good things about it but if I could live anywhere I'd probably choose the French Alps.

Quote from: Katie J on September 03, 2015, 01:00:09 PM
I have really been considering moving from the US to New Zealand and was hoping that there was someone from New Zealand here that could answer some questions. Thanks!

Hi! I'm from New Zealand too, but I probably have a different/more positive opinion about living here than some of my fellow country folk who have posted, please don't take offence anybody
I think this is a pretty great little country to live in if you're transgender I've been treated really well, with almost zero crap from anyone.

I have travelled extensively, and from what I've seen there are serious issues of inequality pretty much everywhere you go, but I think NZ is still a pretty cohesive society by comparison to most. I have relatively modest qualifications but I've never had much of an issue finding a reasonable job; I mean, let's face it, you'll need some skill if you're going to get a reasonable job no matter where in the world you live. Contrary to what others have said, we do have reasonably good employment protections, MUCH better than the USA at least, but maybe not quite as rigorous as what Australia has, but still pretty good.

And the stuff about power prices and infrastructure etc., I don't really agree with that, we have some fantastic geothermal fields and we have been quietly bringing quite a few geothermal power plants online over the last 20 years, to the point where we have closed our last coal fired station this year, and we're starting to close some of the few gas fired stations we have, due to them not being competitive with geothermal. As for general infrastructure, we're a small population that is mostly spread out over a large area, so there are limitations on what's practical, but I think it's generally appropriate for our needs

I live in the big evil Auckland too! I find it totally fine, I've lived all around NZ and there are always pros and cons everywhere. I wouldn't want to try and buy a house in Auckland, but there is a lot to like otherwise, lots of cool ethnic restaurants, fun events and interesting things to do, really good medical support for whatever ails you :p I have epilepsy and I'm obviously transgender There's a ton of specialists here that can be kinda hard to access in some of the provinces.. I really like it all up, it's pretty with lots of bays, beaches and islands, it's also a volcanic field with about 50 small extinct volcanoes which are usually parks, and provide a bit of interest on the skyline, I'm also a geology nut

One thing I really like about NZ compared to other places is our cruisey "yeah, nah" outlook..lol. Basically most people in NZ do not have particularly strong opinions on anything aside from sport; it's also very secular too. I felt quite exhausted during my travels around the USA with SO many people with SO many extreme opinions about all kinds of crazy crap! Especially the freakily high occurrence of crazy intense religious people... that's something you don't really ever see here, fine with me too!!!

All up, I think it's a great choice if you can get residency and all that Come hang out and we can go to the beach!!

Claire