How my values have changed ✨ Americans living in New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@robertw383]

As a Kiwi living overseas, when I come home to see friends and family I love a lot of the things that are uniquely Kiwi. Going barefoot to the shops, a haka before the game, hearing Te Reo on TV, been greeted " Kia Ora bro" The beautiful natural landscape that changes so quickly from Lush forests to black sandy beaches to Mountains and alpine rivers. Architecturally NZ is so different from the rest of the world as well.

[@wesleygordon1645]

As a New Zealander, l am not a bird! No other country's people call themselves by a native animal!

[@robertw383]

@@wesleygordon1645 And that's why we're unique. Kiwi Rugby League team , All Blacks named after our Jersey, Silver Ferns after a plant. Very uniquely Kiwi.

[@NighthawkNZ]

@@wesleygordon1645 get over it... being called a "Kiwi" goes back over 100 years around WWI.

[@rocko9451]

@@wesleygordon1645 This was me 30 years ago, when you're at home you call yourself a New Zealander. When you go overseas, foreigners will call you a kiwi so you get use to it. It wasn't and isn't an insult, you just adapt when you're overseas.

[@adkbangz2987]

Barefoot to the shops. I still do it in Australia haha

[@auntieluusfancystampers9161]

We are coming to New Zealand this October after waiting 2 years. We didn’t think it was going to happen. I am so thrilled! I cannot tell you! We are going to be there 41 days -- lots of Cousins all over the 2 islands. Thanks for all your great information!

[@user1oooify]

U will lov it are u coming from britain usa?? Its so empty and peaceful herw at the moment.

[@Kiwiamericans]

That is sooo awesome!!

[@boomertuxx]

Will be interesting to see how you find it compared to the UK. Aucklands a bit of a mess but once outside of there it's pretty good. It's been ages since I've been to the SI... and walking in the NZ Bush is amazing wherever you go.... even Auckland has some amazing walks. I go to my local haunt out east but Piha walks are also really good. I dunno if they still having problems with Kauri dieback out that way however.... they were for a while and the walking tracks were closed

[@auntieluusfancystampers9161]

We come to Auckland first-my Hamilton cousins come and pick us up after a few days and we are with them x 1 week- they will give us the North Island grand tour- we then go on to Taupo and leave them there- on to Napier - then Wellington and fly to Christchurch where we pick up a camper van for 13 days. 3 more days in Queenstown back to Auckland for 2 more days and then fly to Hawaii for. Couple of days. I worked into retirement 8 years part time to help pay for this trip of a lifetime. My Mom got to go when she was about 69- I am 71 and in pretty good health so feel very Blessed and fortunate to do this. I cannot believe it!

[@Kiwionwing]

Met a brit the other day. He did his DNA test and without knowing there were many first cousin's and many distant cousins

[@seachangelezzie]

I lived in Canada for 7 years in my late teens/early 20's (I'm Australian) and it has shaped the way I approach life. I learnt more from living abroad than I did at university. I am so much more aware of global issues and have so much respect for other cultures. It has also made me appreciate how lucky we are here on Australia and not take anything for granted here.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Love ❤️ this

[@elaineremains]

i'm canadian... lol ugh, tho i would miss the healthcare i HAD, it isnt good now, but it used to be

[@Janis.7-]

We are soooo lucky in Australia

[@lindascott6902]

Actually, many Kiwis know what it is like changing countries, as they have done it themselves. New Zealanders are very well-travelled, particularly in comparison to Americans.

[@Kiwionwing]

Absolutely

[@Kiwiamericans]

Totally!!

[@k9nick]

Years ago, it was said 80 percent of kiwis have a passport. 80 percent of Americans don't.

[@k9nick]

@@ColonelSpankysLostBattalion and that's why many Americans believe Australia is through the domestic terminal at Auckland airport. Believe me, I have experience with American passengers with just that discussion. Some believe you can walk to Australia at low tide. I've come here from Britain. Traveled widely in Europe as a truck and bus driver and tourist. Been through Australia. Americans can be very insular. I've driven lots of them.

[@k9nick]

@@ColonelSpankysLostBattalion it's not about traveling and distance. It's culture and world awareness, knowledge, history, language. If all you know is America, that's all you know. And if you've ever been to Germany, There's a damn site more going on in Germany over the centuries than Montana.

[@mariatheresamalate5765]

I’m Filipino, lived in NZ for just about 20 years, went to AUSTRALIA for a better position as RN then came to the USA in the year 2000 because my husband’s sponsorship for green card from his sister here finally got approved…22 years after the application! It took me. A Whole year to get my daughter to understand why we had to move here. We’re settled, comfortable, happy and content with our life! Yes, NZ is expensive but we didn’t feel it because of the health benefits we enjoyed there and yes the 4 weeks yearly vacation was a great plus! The event of 9/11 was still very raw at that time we got here. I’ll return to NZ to retire. I miss the taste of beef from grass fed cows, the fresh air, the rich culture, the honest friendly people and my ALL BLACKS RUGBY TEAM ! Thank you! I always watch your videos and will be sharing this to friends of mine who have NZ on their bucket list! I have so much to say about how great NZ is but this should be enough for now.,

[@Kiwiamericans]

Maria - thanks for sharing!

[@jsandman77]

Hi Tara, My wife and I were bored and stumbled onto your videos. Now we can't stop. You are amazing! Thank you so much for putting your time and effort into this. We moved from the US (I'm from Utah, my wife is from Michigan) in 2007 and lived in Wellington for 4 years and now live in Auckland. Our son was 2 years old at the time and we can relate to everything you have shared in your videos. OMG I wish you were doing this before we moved. It would have made our move much less scary and even more of an open minded adventure. We love living in NZ and got our citisenship a few years ago. Anyway, keep up the great work! We love how you share your personality and natural charm.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Awe thanks Jon.. that is so very kind!! Glad you are enjoying

[@GreenEggsNz]

Great to hear it’s working for you. Great to have such nice new kiwis.

[@lukeh6509]

I haven't lived in my homeland - NZ, for many years, and now, one of the ways I reconnect with it is to watch you and your experience of it - I would never have expected an American to show me my homeland. You have a real love for it. It's an easy place to love in many ways. You make great comparisons, and I agree with almost everything you say - positive and negative about it. It seems you outgrew America, in a way. Not that America is immature, it's just life goes in different ways for different people - The USA would have lessons to teach as well to the right person.

[@brianh8484]

“everything you want in life is on the other side of fear”

[@Kiwiamericans]

Yes!!!

[@Luubelaar]

THIS!!! So much.

[@michaellincoln3739]

Love your channel. I also believe that it is not just moving to other countries that widens your self-knowledge, but also having "different" circles of friends. Mixing with people (even in your own country) with different value systems has the effect of sharpening your inner values and adopting new values from other groups.

[@afpwebworks]

"... do it now!..." I agree with that. My wife and I married in our mid 20s, and lived a wonderful life together, two boys who have grown up and had kids of their own. Wonderful. We had a list of things we were going to do when I retired and planned around that list. We were so looking forward to it, then she developed Dementia and died at 62. Now I'm retired, living alone (I dont mind living alone but i sure wish she was still here with me). While I could go and do a lot of those things on our list, I just dont want to. I dont want to travel to Asia by myself any more I did that as an export manager. I dont want to go camping by myself. I love camping but by myself? It's not the same on your own. So you're right. Once you decide there's something you want to do, get going and DO IT!!! Don't wait.

[@cathylatham8569]

So true, same thing happened to me. Always looking forward.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Awe I am sorry to hear about your wife! This is a great example of NOT waiting!!!

[@theimperfectscrapper5313]

Very sorry for your loss. I’m currently on the breast cancer train and I worry so much about leaving my hubby behind. We’ve been together since we were 16 years old. I wish you continued happiness in your life and hope you find someone to journey with.

[@janrandles8683]

I so agree with many of your points. I had to retire from nursing at 56 and was devastated for probably 2 years. I tried other things that were not quite as physical as trauma nursing but could not find my fit. We relocated from SoCal and living in a less expensive state has allowed me to travel. I am an avid hiker and have gone solo to Nepal. Met with a Canadian women's group in Bhutan and Peru for the Inca Trail. Spent over two weeks in New Zealand and did the Milford Track and other portions of the Great Tracks. Such a gorgeous country. I would love to move there and so enjoy listening to your perspectives. However, as a senior find it hard to get any country to accept a retiree but hopefully I will visit there again. It is so important to experience other cultures. If only more Americans would step out of their comfort zone and do so, I believe there would be less division than there is in this country currently. Enjoy your videos!!

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks for watching and sharing your experience

[@jaynemeulman8484]

sounds like you have really broadened your horizons...good luck to you from your cousin in Oz.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks Jayne

[@marygallagher3445]

I'm moving back to Christchurch in December for a year to see how I go. I've lived in Ireland for the last 30 years. I left New Zealand over 45 years ago. I'm looking at it as an adventure although it's a bit scary

[@rodrobson903]

Welcome back, its different and mostly good. Much more multi cultural than in the 90s

[@Kiwiamericans]

That is awesome! Let me know how I can help

[@jlf5072]

You'll be fine ... thins have changed since the late 1970's. No more Patricia Bartlett on the TV every night ramming her views down your throat.

[@niwawhauwhau2549]

You're find a lot of changes when you get back. Things will look different to what it was 30 years ago. Roads have changed,

[@icedem1]

My values have changed as a NZ Maori. Since we have had (in kiwi terms.) a large increase of both migrants and returning kiwi. There has been a culture shift. Therefore we have really had to learn even more ; love, patience, tolerance and acceptance then ever before to maintain our relatively peaceful coexistence together as one people. So aroha Mai, Nau Mae Haere Mai me te Whanau. Ka hoki koutou ki Te kainga whenua O Aotearoa.

[@GreenEggsNz]

But as Pakeha shrink as a proportion of the population and Maori + PI increase, non pakeha views will shift our shared perspectives even further.

[@harrycullen1643]

​@@GreenEggsNzIntermarriage having a huge effect too.

[@shadowscalestudios]

I want to thank you for these videos. Based on the recent rulings here my partner and I have decided that along with our roomate and dogs, we will be making the move to NZ. My partner traveled there and loves it. We think perhaps now might be the time to make this happen. We want to get married, build a life, and NZ seems like the place we're gonna do it. We are also very much interested in your courses and may look into them!

[@Kiwiamericans]

That is awesome! I am here to help

[@NZKiwi87]

I’ve been thinking of my American ‘sisters’, we will hopefully welcome you with open arms. Sending support from NZ (I’m based in Nelson)

[@Enthusiasmisgood]

Watching from Australia, your plans make complete sense to me. It must be very difficult to be a liberal American right now.

[@shadowscalestudios]

@@Enthusiasmisgood Thank you. It's definitely interesting, no matter what your mindset. We honestly can't wait to make the journey, it's going to be well worth it. Can't imagine at this rate here it will improve, only seems to be getting scarier at an alarming rate.

[@michelledavies2197]

@@Enthusiasmisgood so long as they aren't gun loving, religious nutters.

[@cazkiwinz4300]

Well, to be fair, the NZ minimum holiday leave is 4 weeks after 12 months working and 10 days sick leave after 6 months, 26 paid parental leave after 6 months - all BY LAW now 🤗 so it’s not really something you have to hold out for

[@auntieluusfancystampers9161]

America should try to be somewhat better than it is now. It is almost an expectation, especially if you are in management that you are available 24/7. Not good. When I worked, I was fortunate to have great Bosses who always felt that family should come first. But we never had the time off that they do in other countries.

[@Muritaipet]

Actually if you are salaried, you get 32 days holiday leave, roughly 6.5 weeks. Counting the anniversary day, there are 12 days of public holiday as well.

[@cazkiwinz4300]

@@Muritaipet That’s true 🤗 I was just keeping it more simple/general... Some of us also get unlimited SL/PL from scratch too 🤗 And some longer-term workers obviously have even more favourable contracts

[@wesleygordon1645]

But look at the prices you pay for real estate? The cost of inflation!

[@cazkiwinz4300]

@@wesleygordon1645 Yeah, but also to be honest, I don’t really worry about that anymore ‘cos I’m lucky in that I bought in 2007... a month before the 2007 bubble burst and then sold 5 years ago when it was good, made the choice to pay back all mortgage instead of upsizing again, gave up living in the Big Smoke and moved to a smaller town ... but that enabled me to buy mortgage-free ... and even my cheaper down-sized house has now doubled in price again since then but it doesn’t matter, I plan to live here a while 🤗

[@jodietanouye2504]

Living overseas or if it's a first trip to a different country we call it an OE in NZ(overseas experience), helped me to overcome shyness and lose my fear of talking to people.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Awesome!!!

[@HaurakiVet]

I am fully in favour of your recommendation to live overseas. Many of us Kiwis have our OE as a basis for our lives, we come home to live but do so by choice, not because we don't know any better and it certainly provides a culturally aware lense though which to view the world at large.

[@Bob-zs3ro]

That's very true thanks.

[@daycare5881]

My Daughter, hubby and 3 kids spent Christmas in Missouri with friends. They could not get over them flying from New Zealand to holiday in America it seemed to far to go on a plane.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

I have private health insurance in Australia. I give them my card and they get an immediate EFT from the insurance company and I pay the balance. There are only delays if you don't use EFT. Even if you use the old-fashioned method, the insurance company pays the medical facility fairly quickly, or they did when I used that method. Thank you for the video!

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks for sharing

[@yaimavol]

I've had friends who worked on Congressional staffs in the US and there are plenty of ideas of how to make access better and the payment process streamlined. It has become political at this point. One party believes a full government takeover is the only solution, and they won't compromise on anything short of that. I believe Singapore actually has the best system in the world

[@jennifernienie]

I love what is shared in this video. I have grown up in two different countries and have seen myself often need to deal with two voices in my mind and I really enjoy it! Thank you again

[@Kiwiamericans]

That is awesome that I am not alone!!!

[@NZKiwi87]

Loved this video, thanks! It might have been difficult to come to the realisation for one or two of those, good on you for being flexible enough to be able to update your values to those that deeply reflect you. Great job 👍

[@craiggillett5985]

Subscribed. This is a really good video. Thanks for having a conversation. My cousins are moving from the UK to New Zealand for two years, they are coming here in November. I’m sharing this with them.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Craig - awesome - let them know I am here to help!

[@auntieluusfancystampers9161]

I lived in England for almost 3 years and I loved it! It was however very difficult for me to become accustomed to the lifestyle. I grew up in the city and we lived in a country flat. We learned to live more simply and appreciate conversation with friends and time with each other. I remember having 6 weeks of vacation when I was hired on my job. My job too did not over work us. I was an RN there and the shifts were manageable and not like things are now. Wonderful video with great advice!

[@boomertuxx]

I would love to live in rural UK or rural Europe.

[@auntieluusfancystampers9161]

It was very hard at first, living in a village, but we learned to play games together, visit with our neighbors. This was a long time ago-35-40 years but I remember the Brits said I was not like “most Americans”. At least their impression. They saw Americans as loud, brash, conceited and of course we are not all like that. Americans had so much at home compared to the Brits I knew. Not everyone had a car, or home phone. We had no cable-3 TV stations. Americans are spoiled in many ways.

[@boomertuxx]

I wonder what it's like now. In NZ I've noticed the place has changed ALOT in the 40 years I've been on this rock.... and most of it not for the better either. Living in a rural part of the UK sounds very attractive and it's a sad sign of things in NZ when someone moves to the UK for the same reason most Brits move to NZ. Housing is also much cheaper in the UK countryside than it is in rural NZ.

[@auntieluusfancystampers9161]

When I lived there-my husband was United States Air Force- I worked in a Geriatric/ Psychiatric Hospital after I applied and received my Nursing License. I was paid £1.33 / hr. The Pound note was worth double the American dollar so it was great to receive a British currency paycheck. No central heating - coal fireplaces and kerosine heaters. I was younger then- it would be very hard now. I am thinking life is probably changed quite a bit since those days.

[@user-oz7gc9bi7w]

@@boomertuxx I'm one of those kiwis. Hoping to make the move to the UK or western Europe at the end of the year. I've lived in 3 other countries and this will be the last time I come home, NZ really has lost the appeal. When I hear about people idealising NZ and wanting to move here, I just picture them getting a wakeup call once they've been here a while and that bubble bursting. They might be alright if they move here wealthy, but their kids may inherit a bit of a struggle. Our Co-government situation may be a bit.. Interesting..

[@leannewith3]

‘Do it now’ is so wise. We took a big trip with our 3 kids through Europe in 2019. We thought of it and just decided to do it now. So glad we did because otherwise we would have completely missed that wonderful family learning experience. It really isn’t just an American trait to work hard. I find it to be true in Australia as well, but we are more balanced. And it is more a choice, due to our employment laws, and not forced by employers.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Leanne… thanks for watching

[@warrenpoultney8215]

I'm Aotearoa-Nz born and raised. But I lived in China from, Aug 2005- Jan 2019. To be honest coming back was more difficult to get use to than moving to work in China. Moving to a culture so removed from your own, difference was expected. But expecting difference when coming back, wasn't expected to be the great divide it was/is. When everything I knew when I left is a photo snapped and frozen in time. I should have taken my sisters advice and returned home for holidays, but instead I travelled to see more of Asia. Not a mistake I'd make again.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Oh really that’s interesting 🤔

[@christitinker]

I appreciate all the videos you make and helping me and my family make this big move. Unfortunately, my husband and daughter are both full time students (mechanical engineering and nursing) they are both set to graduate fall 2024. At that point we’ll start the process. IF YOU HAVE ANY TIPS OR ADVICE I WOULD APPRECIATE IT SO MUCH

[@yhms7942]

Thank you for your effort. You are a fantastic expert, and I feel that you give us information from your heart

[@Kiwiamericans]

Awe thanks 😊

[@KapitiNewZealand]

I love this, I’m found that after the whole covid lockdowns it gave me a really big eye opener as to what really is important in life. I quit my high stress(well paying job) and have now found another which I am loving and making things work. It does make it hard when I want to go off and be a hippy in my camper (can work from anywhere) but the rest of fam don’t see that as a neat thing to do. I just wanna cruise for a year and live life as like you said, world could blow up and why waste time. I’m all down for working hard as long has you get to also enjoy plenty of life!

[@Kiwiamericans]

Well said... totally agree! Kudos to you for taking the leap.. I know it is hard to do but you did it!

[@mazzaone168]

Fantastic video!!! Really loved it it really inspired me.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Glad you liked it!

[@geraldransfield5863]

Hi American lady. My thoughts you, well I have just watched a few of your stories of N Z and I just can't get enough. You are true in everything you say and think, in other words lady you are awesome. Keep up the great stories, happy or sad your awesome.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Awe thanks for the encouragement

[@tommyau2006]

you are such a great ambassador for NZ Tara

[@aniee249]

I love the fact of how your perspectives have changed I think in a very positive and encouraging way. I think that a lot of Americans fear because of Americans history and that’s because of psychological traumatic, as well as physical damage that the settlers placed on indegiouness as well as others that they didn’t value as human beings. When you hurt in a very inhumane manner, it hurts you as well as the person you hurt and that has lasting effects for generations to come.

[@pianoman4967]

Hi Tara. This is one of your best videos. On point and really has me thinking. A lot of what you spoke about comes down to lifestyle, and your advice to 'do it now' is pertinent, however to that I'd add 'goal setting' so that if for financial or family reasons you can't do what you wish to right now, then set goals and plan for when you can. PS: your use of relevant memes works, not like how they are so often overused by many KZbinrs.👍🏻 Love your work. BTW this comments section is getting hammered with spam!! Go chase them away!

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks for watching and I will chase them down

[@ricardodefaria3726]

I am a Kiwi living in Texas, I have been away for nearly 10yrs. We are making the move back to NZ so its really nice to see these videos

[@Kiwiamericans]

Awe best of luck to u! Where in NZ are u moving back too?

[@doctorshell7118]

Even living in different states can change you. Living in a country outside the US is very life altering and I recommend it to every American.

[@amandalee2924]

Great video, love your outlook and advice. I really admire people like you who have the drive to succeed, good value to keep.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheKL105]

Another interesting video which always makes me think about NZ ..I live in Aus now by the way long story..! But I remember back when I left school got my first full time job in Wellington working for a paint manufacturing company (which apparently a movie studio has taken over the building now )..we had social activities during work hrs ! can you believe it ! which was organised by what they used have called social clubs organised by people within the company. .one instance there was a pool table in the work canteen a table tennis table where damaged or old paint were stored we could use during smoko or lunch breaks..so i remember a competition was organised amongst the workers office and non office workers for those 3 activities one was indoor bowls by the way ! during work hrs ! I I remember the person who worked in the lab (they analyse the paint before before and after production) would go and let each worker know it was their turn to compete against another worker as the names were written down on a sheet ! and that was during work can you believe it ..there was some prize or some sort of recognition for whoever won can't remember what it was obviously I didn't win anything 😂 .. but it was great to participate in something that is not just work work another example of work life balance I guess and another memory with the company

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks for sharing!

[@viperstinger77]

That sounds like Taubmans Paint ur talking about i worked there in the 70s

[@TheKL105]

@@viperstinger77 yes it was 👍

[@JdeeGeekyGao]

I love your stance on work ethic. My mum in the 80's had this whole stance but she was a woman in a computer department. So she worked her butt off, this was one thing she installed into me. But I am now a work-from-home type. My own health is a priority being low immune also with my dad in and out of hospital for various things, taking the time off unpaid is just not really worth it atm. So giving it a couple of years of doing small commission-based things to make ends meet just in case I need to suddenly stop and be a caretaker for my dad.

[@michelledavies2197]

Not sure why she seems to think New Zealanders don't have a work ethic, we kiwis work extremely hard and long hours. We just more advanced here regarding annual and sick leave.

[@larachynejoven1331]

Thank you for your words. Hopefully will be able to move to NZ soon 🙏🏻💕

[@gordonpiets4602]

Hi, I was born in England and Now live in NZ, the eighth country in which I have lived. Like you, this is my second time here. I thoroughly endorse your view that living away from where you were raised makes you a much wiser and tolerant person, and everyone, ideally, should do so. Kiwis and Aussies have always had their “gap” year during which they go to the US, Europe, Africa or Asia, and on return they will have benefited enormously by seeing how others live and what is important overseas. I just which more Americans would do the same. Thank you for suggesting it.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Totally agree Gordon - thanks for watching!

[@MewSalt]

I'm really trying to get to NZ and this is very encouraging. I'm looking forward to learning more from you and to see how I can make this happen

[@Kiwiamericans]

Awesome! I am here to help!

[@AilsaPehi]

Well done you!!! Great set of values to have and share with the kids. I wish I could call some days rest but am compelled to launch into reasons why. It comes out as "I can't be bothered" and that is the whole conversation. Americans have excellent work ethics I agree.

[@murbella7]

The last point is probably the most important. As a non-American, interacting with first-time traveller Americans is an eye opener. Interacting with those who have travelled a little is completely different. Those people have loosened their glute muscles and are much more friendly, less confrontational, less demanding and less ''entitled'. Those folk are nice people.

[@Tama2toes]

Happy Matariki.... another holiday 💚 it. But wish I had the opportunity to travel overseas to experience different cultures

[@tgchism]

Totally agree wit you on the time and money item! While raising our kids we opted to spend the money doing things with and for them instead of sacrificing to save. My honest thought was that I did not know what the future held for them and if nothing else their childhood would be something they could point to and say it was good! We also had a great time with them and it enriched our lives! I look at raising them to be the men that they are to be our greatest accomplishment. Not our careers! Work is what what we do to do the things we want! We don't live to work! We are much happier for it. I also wish Americans would travel more or at least research somewhere before they make some of the wild claims they do about other countries compared to the U.S.

[@debbyteisen842]

Dear lovely lady, I enjoy your topics and seeing different aspects of NZ. Your voice is great and you are very good at telling how things are, but I can't watch your DVDs because your hand movements do my head in! God bless you anyway! Bless you anyway!

[@Kiwiamericans]

I know - I recently realised how much a move my hands. Thanks for your encouragement.

[@robharris5467]

I think that we are fortunate in NZ because our main summer shutdown coincides with the normal shutdowns of Christmas and New Year. Add these to the normal 15 days entitlement and you get a month no problem. Plus the weather is likely better!

[@Tamar-sz8ox]

Loved this commentary , just subscribed ❤️

[@Kiwiamericans]

Welcome Tamar!!

[@ThefetchNZ]

I love that all the things I have taken for granted for 50 years are all the things that make us special. Keep on keeping lovely person. ❤️❤️❤️

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks for watching

[@rollyrolly7729]

Also there's 2 weeks of public holidays as well. So more like 6 weeks off work

[@jace2u556]

I'm 48 and currently live in Madison WI and would love to travel and most likely live in New Zealand. I've spent months "pining" over whether it was even possible. Unfortunately after looking into the current immigration policies there's no way I could do more than visit. This breaks my heart. I fit the description you mentioned in this video. I have a job I don't like so I have heath insurance and a pension, yet this is the last place I want to be. I don't currently have a real "career" nor do I have the time to jump into one that might be more desirable to the New Zealand government. My current "career" is in inventory management of auto parts. I scored 60 points on the New Zealand website for work visas. Don't get me wrong I understand what you are saying about life being too short and that you probably just want to see people happy and want them to broaden their horizons but some of us back here in the states are financially and bureaucratically trapped. Please don't give kiwis the idea that all Americans that are open minded are independently wealthy and in total control of their destiny. Their are many of us that would love to travel but simply have to eat and pay rent.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Excellent point and I completely understand! I guess I would say that there are many places that u could move that would be affordable and a great experience! I would recommend southeast Asia

[@jeanies1906]

I love yr vids ❤️ being a kiwi I had same feelings when I travelled to UK. At the time I found it easy to do my OE and I was able to travel around Europe which has changed because of Brexit lol tho I managed to work in Italy and learn the language. Ultimately I knew it was temporary as I knew I wd always return to NZ after 6 years away. My brother spent time in Australia and decided to stay there so he is an Aussie now ha ha

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks for watching

[@daveamies5031]

"Last but not least" was probably the most important point of the whole video. Great video, though I wonder if you really would move back to the US? after your kids spend their formative years in NZ they will want to stay, it happens with many expats in Australia too, my wife's friend from Scotland wanted to go back but her kids (now all in their 20's) said go if you want but were staying in Australia because life is better here.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Yes that is true! I am hoping they will spread across the world and I will have many fun places to visit

[@daveamies5031]

@@Kiwiamericans Finger crossed then, that will give you lots of content material and us lots more interesting videos, so heres hoping.

[@mattfairy]

I think the "doing things out of fear" was the most poignant. As a Kiwi it's nice to be reminded how good we have it here and how I can apply that appreciation to my own life

[@Vurtico]

Love this video! Your first point - so glad to hear you've embraced more me time and family time and see how important it is to rest and take some time away... super important! Your second point immediately made me think of how awesome it was you when you announced you quit your job to focus on creating your own thing outside of the traditional 9-5 grind (as weird as this sounds coming from a stranger.. I truly felt so proud of you for this decision!). The rest of your points were all great to hear as well. Soo happy for you and your journey thus far. Good on you.

[@Kiwiamericans]

That is very kind and thanks so much for your encouragement!

[@Privateerspace]

bye the time i was 23 i had been to America, France, Canada, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Syria, Turkey England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales , oh and Japan, its almost considered a rights of passage to adult hood to travel as a young kiwi, it certainly broadens your mind and makes you appreciate what you have at home , of all the cultures i visited the American one actually felt the most alien to me there values were so different from my own i felt the least safe there.

[@Kiwiamericans]

I am finding this to be true as well. Thanks for sharing

[@layxianassif1985]

The OE is also encourage or included in the school system. My eldest daughter`s first trip overseas was a school field trip to Spain. She enjoyed travelling so much she went with a friend the next year to the Philippines and later on to the pacific islands, and now planning to go to Greece. And she's only 22. Her travels sure had a profound impact on her values as a human being.

[@nzlemming]

You ask "Why the fear?". I think it comes from the fact that the USA has always been at war since its founding (there have been 13 years, widely spread, when the USA has NOT been involved in an international conflict) and war is so built into that economy that it would collapse if war stopped. Military spending is the second-largest allocation in the federal budget after social security. And corporations would like to keep it that way, and the best way to keep people from rising up against the system is to keep them scared and willing to allow "national security" to rule their lives.So they pay people to write scary stories to keep the money flowing, and they pay off politicians to do the same. It's by design. Unless Americans throw off the system that permits this, they will always live in fear.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Interesting.. thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@MariahRAchel1]

I’m in the US and only use my insurance if it’s a cheaper out of pocket price. I’ve found that a lot of the time the insurance company actually charges me more than the doctor would have if I just paid them directly. It’s a mess.

[@Kiwionwing]

Dated a girl from Paxton Illinois I cooked spaghetti she said "I am not use to foreign stuff (food)"

[@Jessk526]

That’s funny.

[@Kiwiamericans]

What really?

[@Kiwionwing]

@@Kiwiamericans seriously was in her milk bar / diner (she said "wes do have foreigners here") the owner was from Albania. His refugee state was Belgium All clueless. Met her on flight from Tokyo to Seatak army daughter Extremely Lovely young woman though American global knowledge is huge lacking. This was 1992

[@The-Awakening]

the world needs more of this :)

[@Peakaboo304]

My family are American and we’re considering moving to NZ. Do you happen to know if the country is in need of licensed electricians?

[@Kiwiamericans]

Stacey - how exciting! I am here to help. I would start with the NZ immigration site and see what visa you qualify for and if your skills are shortlisted!

[@SA-dx5sx]

Simple answer, yes. Any tradie will get work.

[@jlf5072]

FYI ... video starts about 6 minutes into it.

[@teatowel11]

First value change 6:36

[@gregnz1]

my work manager gets her dental work done in Thailand on stopovers back to South Africa, i just got latest quote for an extraction in clean, i brought a plaque remover on mighty ape for$ 30

[@simple-reality]

Time and money - totally agree. Lol I’m watching this whilst on holiday in Rarotonga.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks for watching!

[@rsmallfield]

I went to a private school in NZ with a workaholic culture - good stats were profitable. This taught unhealthy habits. Friends who worked for law firms in the UK said it was much more relaxed than in Auckland, where they can be very high-pressure.

[@ockiesimmonds9279]

Great video - Expensive here, absolutely! For Kiwis that have never gone overseas well it’s scary? The key is your return and seeing how lucky we are - the minute you step off the plane and spot the blue skies, green fields, glistening rivers, streams . . . and blazing stars. Thanks for your great advice even for fellow kiwis who have never left home to come back to this little piece of paradise.

[@boomertuxx]

America has that too. more importantly so do other countries.

[@rollyrolly7729]

Absolutely I have a feeling that the ones that complain here have never been overseas and I don't include Australia as overseas. It took an OE for me to realise how great NZ is. It's not as expensive as it's made out to be either. When doing price comparisons you need to look at all expenses. You can't just look at petrol and out of season tomatoes. There's alot we don't pay for that you have to pay for in other so called cheaper economies. It looks expensive to tourists and it is because that's how we pay for the free things we get here, that most tourists don't get to enjoy here unless they get sick or hurt or lost on a hike and get flown out by helicopter for free. When you add up all expenses from both countries it isn't expensive

[@boomertuxx]

Australia was interesting for me. I found the beaches were stressful and quite authoritarian.... however most other things were more chilled than in NZ. I found the ppl nicer over there and that's before I get into how I was treated my NZ customs. This was back in 2011 as well.... before things REALLY turned to shit in NZ. I haven't been overseas in a while and apart from Australia I was very young when I was.... hard to tell if a country is better when your 8 years old when you have an adult yardstick now and not a kid one. I found America really stressed even so back then.... but that was NEW YORK.... hardly known for its chilled attitude. All I know is that NZ has gone down the shitter and is not the carefree place it used to be.... especially regarding free speech.... I remember ppl could rsnt on FB and vent a bit and nobody cared.... it was like "oh he will sleep it off".... and they did... forgot what we were all angry at haha. Nowadays you can't even mention certain Xmas decorations without all hell breaking loose.

[@rollyrolly7729]

@@boomertuxx tell me how has nz gone down the shitter. What makes you think you know when you left here when you were 8 and haven't been back

[@michelledavies2197]

@@rollyrolly7729 it is expensive New Zealand is in the top 10 most expensive countries to buy a house.

[@katemcbride8715]

I found when I traveled out of NZ that the hardest things are those that are just marginally different. Where it looks the same so you go with what you expect only to trip up.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Kate exactly. When I first moved to NZ I thought it was the same just a bit different. After 7 years… wow was I wrong. That is why I have set up a training hub for people moving here…

[@alanspicer500]

It's important that people have their qwirks. Also by keeping traits from home country can be educational for us. Don't stress

[@Jamac007]

Exactly, it's a breath of fresh air when you hear a different accent that isn't Kiwi.

[@philiphennings5167]

It's based on pressure Americans are always under. When pressured, people always go to the "what if this happens?" mindset

[@auntieluusfancystampers9161]

That is so true! We kill ourselves working here in the states and I am now retired and loving it. My family in NZ has been begging us for years to visit as they have visited us here in Arizona 🌵USA. I was scared because it is so far and costly. I became quite Ill in 2018 decided life was too short and we planned our trip for 2020. We all know what happened! But we are finally going in October for 41 days! I am so thrilled - stopping in Hawaii going and coming. So excited. I will not regret this decision!

[@Kiwiamericans]

So true

[@kayfindlay23]

I am loving you your videos

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks Kay!

[@JazzyJosie]

100% agree! I'm Canadian. I would 100% move to NZ today if i had no obsticales in my way. Single with kids and Too old: i'm 40, recently seperated (escaped an abusive marriage) i have 4 children, 2, 4, 7, 9. I unfortunately don't have a completed degree in anything, but lots of courses. I wonder if i should maybe find a way to put everything together. haha. i have a goal/dream of building sustainable homes for middle and low income families. Homes that cost zero or pay you to live in them. I just need to find the path and take the steps to get there. I'd start in NZ in Riverton and then other places. Anyway, i hope you have an AMAZING DAY! ~Jj

[@halaali1721]

Great information thank you for sharing your wisdom. I am planning to move to New Zealand. This was positive confirmation that it is a good to change countries to discover who you are

[@Kiwiamericans]

Awesome… I am here to help

[@francoiselafferty-hancock5112]

I was wondering, do Americans have company picnics, events etc outside work hours that employees are expected to attend? I saw it on the Simpsons and Office Space movie. I mean we have a Christmas thing at the place I work, but it would start around 2pm on a Friday and I guess people could stay after five if they really wanted to. Maybe Americans like hanging out with their workmates a lot or maybe I just want to leave work at work and hang out with my actual friends.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Yes there are work parties.. at Christmas, summer picnics etc. With as much as you work in America 🇺🇸…. Your workmates become your close friends

[@julierose7841]

There's still a level of poverty in New Zealand where you're making decisions based on fear; it just doesn't reach as far up into the middle class as it does in the US. The thing about the health insurance is interesting to me, because I have private insurance here in New Zealand and when I go to my specialist for a chronic but currently mild condition, I always get a message from Southern Cross saying "We paid your healthcare provider $700". And my doctor always tells me it's a good thing I bought insurance because he has other patients who have conditions like mine but don't have insurance and they're waiting a long time for tests in the public system because they can't afford to get tests with him. So it makes me wonder how cutting out health insurance works in the US. Re work ethic, the American work culture has also led to some Americans doing a total 180 and loudly proclaiming that they're "anti-work". I don't agree with it - I'm usually the one pointing out that everything they consume is the result of someone's labour - but it is interesting.

[@GreenEggsNz]

Thanks for this. I have many good friends in the US, either locals or expats. Personally I don’t get how people in the US cities ever relax, and those in the small towns ever appreciate anything outside their tiny area. Very good lessons you’ve passed on. and yes NZ IS expensive. But here in NZ we have real freedom, and in the US it’s faux freedom constrained by so many unknowns, and guns.

[@deviksshrestha9972]

Food for thought 🤔 hi 👋 from Nepal 🇳🇵

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks for watching

[@kevincrossan2618]

Love that you are picking up some of the great things about NZ, its not all great here though and talking about that is also a good thing. Work life balance is so important given that we only have x amount of years to enjoy life. You talked about the life decisions based on fear, that reminded me of a conversation I had with an British guy a few years back on holiday in Blenheim, he said you Kiwis are lucky you can go anywhere in the world and nobody hates you because you haven't invaded anyone, you don't have a history of anything bad. I had never thought about that before he said it but it is mostly true, the UK has done some dodgy deals over the years, the US has too. Being a small insignificant country has its advantages in not pissing people off on a world wide scale. Not talking about right or wrong just that it happened, we don't have to deal with that.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Sooo interesting… thanks for sharing

[@MachiavellianWomble]

It sounds like you've taken some of Maori and Kiwi attitudes on board you managed to work out what from your previous life what is worth keeping and adapting for you now. Even though I live across The Ditch I have many New Zealander friends of both cultures and I have learned some of what they consider important, like FAMILY, FAMILY, SELF then work. Yes, I know I put family twice but a Maori friend said that they always come 1st, 2nd then yourself and lastly work as that is not the be-all and end-all of things.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Todd - yes I agree that these are Maori and kiwi attitudes!

[@KailuaChick]

Do you feel like Americans are well received? Is there a culture of “this is our country, go back to where you came from!”? Obviously I’m sure it depends on the type of American and their attitude/demeanor 🙃

[@tommyau2006]

perceptive and wise

[@harrycurrie9664]

From experience New Zealanders tend to buy what they really need and not just because they only like the look of something.

[@nicholasmaude6906]

From what I understand, Tara, is that the insurance-companies in the US are opportunistic bloodsuckers, is that true?

[@Kiwiamericans]

Yes they can be pretty awful.

[@julieugo4407]

YeS......

[@laskinov]

Exactly Tara , I'm keeping up with the Ukrainian war....who knows what Putins going to do ....very good points you touch on.

[@HeAhaBro]

Imo Putin isn't the worry but NATO.

[@lakhvirkaur9601]

I like u r all videos

[@Tanmay.s689]

As an Indian I completely agree with the workaholic and Fear based decisions part with you.

[@patrick247two]

A passport is a wonderful thing.

[@mattelder9035]

be who you are

[@HunkyMan777]

Health care should be FREE as part of your taxes. There is no place for taxes and then extra for health insurance

[@chifrancisfitness3176]

Hello, do you help only the USA? You only talk about USA

[@gordonpkm7560]

N Z. is a simple country that understands it's the people that matter.. Hetangata, hetangata, it's the people the people... The most important on the Planet .

[@gissyb1]

every kiwi i kn ow have been to at least 4 countries..... ive been to 27 countries so far & lived in 4 countries.... NZ is by far the best place to be.... kiwis love to travel and do new things.

[@ingridlowrie1029]

Thank you for your videos. We lived in Southern California for five years and most of what you say resonates with us. Kiwis are intrepid people and I was extremely surprised at how little, Americans travel distances within their own state, let alone across country and seldom out of the country. Thanksgiving four day break is the largest holiday and it is like a stampede. We learned quickly to never travel around that time. West coasters used to head over to the East coast to see family. One day to get there, two days with family, one day to get back and then back to work on the Monday. That is not a holiday in Kiwi books. Was very surprised that a heathen country like NZ took a holiday on Good Friday and Easter Monday yet puritan America did not celebrate it. Same with Boxing Day and Day After New Year's Day. So few Public Holidays over there.

[@aheat3036]

Work ethic, success & money are admired in the U.S. as opposed to Down Under where those things are looked upon with jealousy & suspicion, also known as the notorious tall poppy syndrome!

[@Kiwiamericans]

Ingrid- I agree with you on the fact that NZ is quite apathetic toward religion and they have Good Friday and Easter off!

[@michelledavies2197]

@@Kiwiamericans quite a few of us would like to see religious holidays dissappear and replaced with something else. Nearly half of New Zealanders have no religion and thank goodness.

[@michelledavies2197]

Love living in a heathen country.

[@baulzach]

"are you moving or travelling to new zealand?" me who has lived in nz for my entire life: well well well then lets find out

[@Kiwiamericans]

I have lived in NZ for 7 years

[@jerrymyahzcat]

Grew up and lived in NZ for 42 years. Had health insurance - used it. Now live in Australia - have health insurance - use it. Always. For absolutely everything it covers. You’re paying for it - why pay twice? The most critical benefit of it is no waiting lists for things to get done. Public system could take 3, 6, 12+ months. With Health Insurance you can go Private and have your condition seen to immediately. No waiting. As we age more things will need to be looked at. Tara - you look better on the videos without the makeup.

[@southernfriedkiwi6340]

Every country has its' pros and cons, for sure. As you said, Americans are much more work driven. The downside of that is potentially being a slave to your job for the money/health coverage and also having your "identity" being what you do for a job. The upside is that Americans are much more entrepreneurial and inventive. Living abroad is important in many ways. It shows you what you are missing in your home country and it can show you what is better in your home country. I lived in four countries by the age of 23. It was eye opening, wonderful, scary and frustrating(sometimes in the same day) but it helped form the adult that I am today. Costs in NZ and housing in particular, have kept my wife and I from returning to NZ(and OZ) to live. I just refuse to go into those levels of debt for such basic housing. We instead live in GA, where the people are very pleasant and warm(very Kiwi like). Housing is very affordable compared to NZ and OZ. Our better built house is 1/4 the price of a comparable home in NZ and our 30 year mortgage is an actual fixed rate 30 year mortgage. I was able to semi retire at 46 and fully retire at 50, mainly because our debt levels(house) were so manageable. I also appreciate that America is a Republic, and as such, if the values of those around me change for the worse or state leadership goes against my values, I can just move to another state.

[@Bro_]

Info starts at 7mins in.

[@almostyummymummy]

Why negotiate for three weeks? We get four automatically. 20 days. Four times five day work weeks. Never mind. Listened to it again. But still, it is such a weird thing that mindset of work is all. Work until you can't work more. But keep working anyway. Because if I don't work, I'll be letting down the team.

[@gregnz1]

I get 25 days annual leave after 15 years service, my work shuts down for Xmas, i take a lot of me days.

[@Jessk526]

I’ve heard some Americans say they might have to dip into their vacation time, especially PTO for sick leave if they take too many days off in a certain time period. And most jobs benefits like vacation doesn’t start until 3 months into the job.

[@carlgharis7948]

@@Jessk526 that's IF you get any at all. It's sad we haven't any mandated paid sick leave laws. Too many people in the U.S. have a mindset it's okay to exploit labor.. Honestly that's as fucked up as a child molester looking for an excuse to justify having sex with children. Um.. we as a society need not except it. As we should all agree if you need to have sex you do so with an adult. That's not something we as a society negotiate. I say we need the same mindset as applied to labor regulations.. we as a society need NOT except that it's normal to exploit labor.. I have been having sex with a 33 year old woman. She's an adult. Obviously that's to be expected. Now we need to apply the same track mindset to labor regulations. As it should be automatically expected and required by law to have a certain amount of paid sick days. A certain amount of paid maturity days. Like a developed civilized country is sapose too. We shouldn't have to negotiate that. As I don't understand as to why we as a society think it's appropriate by any stretch of the imagination as for it not to be such the case. It should be along the same lines of of course you have sex with an adult.. that's a no brainer. Should also be such for labor regulations and protection

[@jlf5072]

Being so far from the centre of action, NZers have always been outward looking ... we see the world view.