Have you moved to New Zealand? How do you like it?

Updated: 8:55AM Wednesday October 14, 2009

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New Zealand has been described as a "paradise" by British expats who moved here for a warmer climate and cheaper cost of living.

A NatWest International bank survey of more than 2000 British immigrants living in 12 countries found that Britons in New Zealand rated the country highly in all areas.

In the quality-of-life index, New Zealand came ahead of Canada, which topped the poll last year.

Have you moved to New Zealand? How do you like it? Here is the latest selection of Your Views:

Alexandru Ancuta (Wellington City)
Wednesday October 14, 2009 I do not like living in New Zealand. I have not liked most things about living here.

KiwiTyke (Ohope)
Monday June 29, 2009 I don't think sorry covers it. I am usually quite happy to admit I am from the UK but moved to NZ 2.5 years ago - however reading the bleating of my fellow previous countrymen I whole heartedly apologise to all kiwis and happy immigrants that this blog seems to have attracted the negative comments so prevalent.

Yes I don't understand the lack of insulation - so I rent an insulated place. Yes it is dangerous when slow drivers become Scott Dixon every time there is a straight bit of road or an overtaking lane - live with it or buy a faster car and dispach them swiftly, at least your not getting stabbed for daring to be a few centimetres out of position.

In the UK I lived in the midlands (yawn). Here I live by the beach with a harbour the other side. Work 15 minutes away and earn as much as in the UK - it can be done - I used to earn 40% more here but took a cut to spend time with the family. I get 25 days holiday and more public holidays - so what. Look around you - surely you can see the opportunities. Much cheaper cost of living, fresh food, beaches, water, islands, perfect climate (Ohope) - if you don't like Auckland, use your imagination,there are so many other places to live

Canukiwi (Canada)
Friday June 26, 2009 Uk Lawyer,

Some of your points have some merit.

However, your statement '(c) there is no sense of competition and an overwhelming sense of entitlement if you have been to the "right" school - entry to the best schools and universities in the UK are (generally) based on merit, not simply whether your parents had the money to buy you a place at the "right" school'.beggars belief. If you were to reference this comment to the UK, you may find the comment more accurate.

What are you saying. Depending on what school you go to, there is a sense of entitlement. That statement, if that is what you are insinuating verges on the ridiculous, for a place like NZ. Universities couldn't give two hoots what high school the student is from? It's too small a country to pretend to have those visions of granduer. Ultimately, what counts- not for the odd exception, is NCAA grades/Cambridge levels & faculty specialisation. That decides what school is applied to & the grades, alone, determine the entry.

Point D. Absolutely valid comment, many ordinary NZ'ers feel exactly the same way, in a time when the island & Asian population becomes increasingly more relevant- socially & economicall

Bonux (Auckland)
Friday June 26, 2009 New Zealand is a wonderful country to leave in when you have already made a good living and can afford to stay and retire. For people in their 30's unfortunately it is tough. The price of housing (even with the depression) is still incredibly high given the very poor standards of construction. You do not buy a house that you will let to your children after you pass away in New Zealand.

You buy a bach and then you spend as much money as it cost you initially to repair and maintain it. Not mentionning bribing the greedy City Council for all the paperwork. So it does not encourage young people to invest for a start. Then, the organization chart in most companies is horizontal. There is very few ways to get promoted. In fact, you are more likely to go sideways than upwards.

This adds up to the problem of wages that become quickly stagnants. Because of the lack of competition, a relatively low level of loyalty from employees (due to low unemployment rate) and a high turnover, the management often results in adopting a slack attitude with little concern to reward their ambitious staff. Ambitious employees face an unpredictable future, that is why so many leave to Australia or Europe.

Muzzer (Devonport)
Thursday June 25, 2009 And there I was, hoping for a constructive and educated reponse from someone and all we got was "Hew-kiwiusa"

'Surely if you sold your place in england for 300,000 pounds thats 900,000 Dollars ?'

First of all, I don't think there are many people in the UK who have a 300,000 pounds home, that is approx twice what I would pay for a decent home in Edinburgh (supposedly and expensive city) and even if you did sell a home for that price, the exchange rate is not 3-1. This is a myth. it is currently 1 pound = 2.56NZD.

Also, I have never, repeat NEVER paid 5 Pounds for a bottle of beer in the UK. I never would. Although I bet there are probably some really expensive places around where you could be charged such a sum, I think you would find most Brits (and in my case Scots) would freak out if a beer was charged more than say 3 pounds (approx 7.70 NZD)
Yes you are correct about Auckland, it never snows and thank god! because the homes would crack. if it snows in London, everone is still nice and warm.

Scotland has no beaches? Well I will agree that we dont have great weather but we have miles of golden sand in some of Europe's most uninhabited places. Its grogeous!