Aotearoa

Here’s a text I came across yesterday on a website for immigrants to New Zealand. The analysis of aspects of this country that might trouble newcomers is spot-on; I guess my gripes are shared by many others!

Size: New Zealand is a small country. For those accustomed to larger, more metropolitan societies this can come as a shock. Of all New Zealand’s cities only Auckland -with a population of over a million- qualifies as a major city. For many migrants, our other centres have more the feel of country towns, while provincial towns often seem more like villages. If you love big city life, these features will not appeal. Our smallness is also reflected in other ways. The range of consumer goods is more limited and prices are sometimes higher. When compared with larger developed economies, New Zealand wage scales are also lower. This has to be kept in mind when comparing living costs, which must be measured in terms of your New Zealand not your current salary. Distance: Although new technologies are constantly making it easier for us to keep in touch, quick overseas trips are not an option. Our closest neighbour, Australia, is still three hours flying-time away and overseas travel remains costly and time consuming. History: New Zealand is a new society. Although Maori settlement goes back almost a thousand years, the cultural roots of other New Zealanders go back little more than 1, 5 centuries. So a rich sense of history and tradition is something you will not find here. Freedom from the past can liberate, but for some this lack of history can engender feelings of isolation and loss. As a new country we also have our own way of doing things. Our housing is lightly constructed and employs different materials and styles. Two-storey houses, double glazing and central heating are uncommon and construction is generally of wood or manufactured materials. Our roads are usually limited to two lanes and in the country often have a gravel or metalled surface. We are also a do-it-yourself culture. If you want things done about the house, you’ll need to take a hands-on approach. As a New Zealander you will be expected not to stand on your dignity and ‘muck in’ like a good Kiwi, whatever the occasion.

Having said that, despite its small scale, isolated location and lack of history, Aotearoa is a pretty good place to live (or as Kiwis would say: “Not too shabby”). If only flights to Europe wouldn’t cost an arm, a leg and a few other limbs!