Lessons learned: American living in New Zealand for 5 years

[@Kiwiamericans]

The first 1,000 people to use this link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/kiwiamericans10211

[@schmeggynz]

it's good for kids to run around, climb trees, jump off stuff, if you get hurt it's a learning lesson!

[@Kiwiamericans]

I totally agree

[@iallso1]

I spent the first 7 years here in NZ working with kids, high school and junior school age, and found the discipline and communication so much better here that I had in the previous 6 years doing the same role in the UK.

[@wawaz692]

UK sucks that's why. But it's the teachers that make it not th system

[@Kiwiamericans]

Oh really!? I would love to hear more!

[@stephenfarry3151]

Kiwi friends who taught in the UK always and still do, complain that they don't teach, they do crowd control.

[@joethompson3859]

when I was a kid, I was watching an ad for a giant bubble blowing toy it cost $2.99 and I asked mum if she would buy it my mum laughed and said no its a waste of money, I used all the usual tactics such as my friends all have one and so on, anyway she went to the kitchen got some dishwashing liquid fashioned a wire into a loop with a handle and blew huge bubbles and better yet my friends bubble liquid ran out but I had a neverending supply she taught me a valuable lesson that day improvise.

[@johnny-eletechsolutionspl6334]

I'm a Kiwi living in Australia and I have to agree with you about thinking outside the box to solve problems. Working as a tradesman I find it frustrating that other tradesman's don't have that skill and I am constantly asked how to solve certain problems that occur. Just you bringing it up reminds me of growing up and helping my mum or dad fix things. I'd like to think that we kiwis share our skills and happy go life energy with new people as I do and find it quite nice. Thank you for your channel and your thoughts on how you see my beautiful country and people. It reminds me how I miss it so much. Keep up the good work😉

[@WHOHATESTOWORK]

Kiwis have been thinking outside the box for decades, Before the internet we had no other way but to invent or produce, mate you been hanging with aussies to long and their negativity on nz has rubbed off on you lmao, Surely youve heard of Nz #8 wire mentality?

[@johnny-eletechsolutionspl6334]

@@WHOHATESTOWORK bro you sound like some of the aussies here, arrogant I have not forgotten the #8 fencing wire mentality, hence teaching them a thing or two. Your negative attitude to people is not how we Kiwis act have a great day😄

[@Kiwiamericans]

That is so interesting! Thanks for sharing!

[@BoldRam]

@@WHOHATESTOWORK yea bro, what he said ​ @Johnny - Eletech Solutions P/L

[@libbysevicke-jones3160]

I fully get it, worked the past 8 years with Aussies. It’s a whole new mindset over there. So ignore the other comments, unless they have worked in Aus, they seriously have no idea. I was put down and ridiculed when l first started work in Aus, for been a Kiwi and being a woman. However, within 6 months l went from doing the lowest worst position to been promoted as their foreperson. Having been in management and involved in staff recruitment before moving over to Australia, I was horrified at the lack of work place standards over there. Australian workers get a tougher deal than Kiwi workers, so maybe that is part of the reason they don’t seem to give a damn. New Zealand is definitely a country of innovation and creativity, and l am glad to be back home.

[@rayrayrayrayray79]

Just because Americans work long hours doesn't mean they are being more productive. New Zealanders are some of the hardest working people I've met. They just know how to get a job done.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks for watching!

[@pinayladyoz8044]

@@ASS_ault please put the link about your information. In USA it's very common that people work 2 jobs or 3 jobs. Most Americans don't even have 4 weeks paid vacation leave every year, while in NZ it's mandatory to have 4 weeks vacation leave every year.

[@johnwilson5743]

I've been to the US a number of times, even spending 6 months there many years ago. On my last visit we were in a building and across the other side of a 8 lane highway, was a shopping mall. I needed to get something so I said to my American host, "Hold on mate, I'll be back in a minute" Then, the way was clear and I just walked across the first 4 lanes to the median strip. Waited til it was clear and crossed to the other side. It was only then I notice my host was yelling and screaming at me about NOT crossing the road. I got my items and came back the same way. I thought my mate was going to have a heart attack, he could hardly speak. He said, "You can't do that. What were you thinking?" I mean, it was at least half a mile to some lights where there were controlled crossings and I just said, "No worries mate. I had it under control". He gave me hell about "jay walking" and I could see his point but the traffic was light and there was no real risk. Still, he went on and on about risk and being fined or sued. Damn. Ha.

[@wayneblackwell239]

Ha Ha...classic, wouldn't have thought twice about doing the same myself.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Oh my goodness… I can totally see that happening! Just a totally different perspective! Thanks for watching

[@Kiwichick138]

Love it, yup I would have done the exactly same thing, probably with barefeet too

[@gregnz1]

NZ has J walking laws, i dont think police enforce it for their quota,

[@stephenfarry3151]

I was I the US travelling round and we hired a car. Waited 45 minutes for the hire car company to come and collect us, to take us to our hire vehicle. We jump in the car and guess what, the location we needed to get to, was right across the road. We just looked at ourselves and started laughing. It wasa 4 lane highway, but still.

[@hinawaitere-tutaki6656]

I’ve just started watching your Channel n I love it I’m a Māori and you make me appreciate everything we have here x so thank you very much x

[@28ft]

I wish more Americans came to New Zealand and experienced the work life balance for an extended period. We are so similar but Americans are so driven whereas Kiwis are motivated by living life. So many Kiwis go to the states and become successful because of that experience and rubbing shoulders with driven people. It would be nice if Americans came to NZ to chill out for awhile and share their knowledge and drive at the same time.

[@rogerb4436]

A couple decades ago New Zealand had a saying, (number 8 wire fix). Fencing wire was called number 8 wire and kiwis back then used a piece of Number 8 wire to fix whatever came up at home, on the farm, at work or on the side of the road. You ask any old Kiwi about number 8 wire and you will get stories for days.

[@Luubelaar]

Similar sort of thing in Australia, specifically rural areas. A friend of mine grew up on a cattle farm in northern NSW. His father was firmly of the belief that "if it can't be fixed with baling wire or old pantyhose, it's probably not worth fixing".

[@libbysevicke-jones3160]

And bailing twine too. My grand kids have inherited the no’8 wire mentality and l proud to see the we perceive our world hasn’t changed too much. I remember when I worked for Bunnings NZ, back then Bunnings stores in NZ were modelled off the Australian stores; as basic, two bricks short of a load mentality towards their customers. It took Bunnings a while to realise Kiwis are an entirely different people. Home DIYers here in NZ are like tradies and have to be treated with respect ✊. It’s all part of the ‘we can fix anything - make anything’ mentality.

[@fibiandcuphead5042]

Also a 2×4 piece of timber. A wooden fix. Boom!

[@jamestalagi7897]

Think about the American Cup challenge in Bermuda, everyone was surprised when the kiwis use the bike pedaling to power their boat to victory

[@BoldRam]

I so loved this. You hit every thing that makes us Kiwis. Thankyou so much for loving us and your new country so much ❤🙏

[@Kiwiamericans]

My pleasure!!

[@pianoman4967]

Good vid Tara! It helps to remind kiwis how lucky we are! The DYI thing often comes from the need to repair something, and because you're living so far from a hardware store you need to be creative with what's at hand. Hence the talk about repair, modification or invention "with #8." #8 is a synonym which refers to wire of a common gauge or any simple product that has been used for years for almost any purpose.

[@ryandalton7830]

Really kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJC2XqBoeKZ6qLc you've seen nothing my marra.... My man Rugby League turn coat turned Union Icon....

[@kytddjj]

.

[@pianoman4967]

@@kytddjj ....and the relevance is???

[@ohnean1]

@@pianoman4967 The relevance is his product must be shit... coz he's just turns up on random sites, everywhere !!

[@gutz-Coldrevenge]

#8 wire, Duct Tape, WD40. with those 3 items i'm pretty sure Kiwi's can fix ANYTHING ROFL

[@wayneblackwell239]

As a teenager/young adult in NZ we used to sit on upside down car bonnets (hoods) that were towed behind 4x4 vehicles either in farmers fields or along a beach at high speed, base jump of cliffs with a mates parachute, create huge mud slides down steep hills to land on a lake, tow inflated tractor inner tubes behind boats in lakes or estuaries... a load of fun. I think the only damage that was had was to our pride or ego if you messed something up.

[@AHD2105]

In the US if you get injured it could cost a lot.

[@Kauritree08]

I work to live - not live to work. I don't feel that work defines me. My daughter and grand child are my legacy and when they talk about me, it won't be about how much I worked. It will be about how much time I spent with them and what we did together. There is a "fix it" kind of attitude to us Kiwis. We're like MacGyver. It's not that we don't buy new items when the old one is broken. We want to "give it a go" and try to fix it. So often people live in a fast food throw away society. Everything is "give me give me give me... now, now, now". Like people don't understand what "value" is or how to "value" other people. That's just not the Kiwi way. We appreciate things and people and are grateful for the things we have in our lives and the people we share our lives with.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Totally agree - thanks for watching!

[@gutz-Coldrevenge]

kiwi myself, in regards to me trying to fix broken things i feel it boils down to, its broken whats the worst that could happen? i break it more???? meh i have to replace it anyway, and you never know, you might get it working again, then you can avoid replacing it for a bit longer. why waste an opportunity to learn about something new?

[@kateythurlow4241]

I love what you said about Kiwi ingenuity. It’s something I’ve tried to explain to friends, and how I love tools! Ha My Dad could and still can fix anything. As for parks and FUN, heck yes!! I remember a super steep slide, which thinking about it now, was a total H&S issue, due to its construction. 🤔 But still, it was around for a long time. I LOVED school camps - obstacle courses, flying foxes, river tubing, abseiling. I still love jumping from things & will try anything. It must be sad to have to worry about whether you’ll be sued. I’m so glad that your kids are getting to experience what I did growing up. I think NZ is a beautiful place to raise children. I imagine it may have been difficult for them to transition at first. However, your description of NZ makes me think you’re all enjoying your experience. I hope that you continue to do so & keep exploring down those gravel roads! Except at night when you’re alone, which as a teenager was not a good idea..to many horror movies! 😂 ha ha But climbing trees, building tree huts, sand boarding, swimming in rivers, exploring, endless outdoor fun… young, old, it’s definitely a Kiwi must. 🌿

[@caroljenkins8956]

Glad you're enjoying our country

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks for watching!

[@beauregardfielding5477]

You are becoming a habit with me and in these covid times (boo hoo) your light humour and open stance is very refreshing. Keep it up. I grew up in Whangarei and we lived in a street of government houses ….so a police house, a railways house, a couple of post office houses etc etc……Every house had a mum and a dad and every dad had a fully equipped tool shed, and dads were practical and made things for us…..a swing set, a hen house….wooden toys all made and painted buy dad’s hand. This was echoed everywhere….in every home. Houses had 1/5 acres sections and everyone has a vege garden……and we used to share things with one another. I remember watching US sitcoms on TV and it seemed sterile ……. People living in apartments and having a gardener….Keep up the great work. You are a gem. BB

[@ryandalton7830]

Really kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJC2XqBoeKZ6qLc you've seen nothing my marra.... My man Rugby League turn coat turned Union Icon....

[@stewbird]

As a kid my brother and I use to pull each other behind a quad bike sitting in a wool fadge. Was awesome.

[@kindainvisable]

I love how you say ‘they love the fun’

[@Kiwi403]

This lady is such a honey. Welcome to New Zealand.

[@lakelady57]

Thank you for your reviews and noting our life style. What i noticed from having lived in the Northern Hemisphere from growing up in NZ (Southern Hemisphere) was this work ethic, achievement ethos. Having thought about it and talking with others I think it almost goes back to caveman existence with the harsh winters and having to work hard in the summer to survive the winters. This has passed on through the years as a survival tool, whereas in the Southern Hemisphere our Winters are not as harsh and yes it gets cold but you can still grow vegetables (different for the season), fish and put another layer of clothes on but you can still exist in the day. Hence we don't see the necessity to be as aggressive about survival. It is changing now but also the need to have the best, I can play golf, go sailing, jet boating whatever and I don't need to be rich to do it. I may not have the fanciest tools or gear but I still did/do it. Just Kiwi thoughts on our differences in living.

[@julierose7841]

On the other hand, the Nordics seem to have a better work-life balance, and Canada seems better about it than the USA.

[@QuickeMart]

The gravel road thing is SO TRUE! I'm a Taranaki lad and the magical spots we have at the ends of our numerous gravel roads always blow me away.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Yes sooo true!

[@lurchy]

feeling pretty lucky being a kiwi to be honest, i work in the dairy industry here in new zealand and i dont just get the average kiwi 4 weeks off a year around xmas, i have to take my 6 - 8 weeks off that i can around hune july august, i know other countries like america it is pretty hard to just get any time off at all, i spent along time learning to slow down and just enjoy what we have in new zealand, i think alot of new zealanders take what we have for granted and it does show now more than it didnt in the 80s and 90s

[@gregnz1]

Xmas break is a bad time to go to the beach or book in anywhere, save yah $ for a Pacific Island

[@madpete6438]

What about visiting Anakiwa (outward bound school) - that is an awesome place that is an exemplar of the philosophies of NZ education

[@kindainvisable]

We grew up being hurt. I remember telling my son to not touch the stove. I watched him tough it. Despite me dying when he touched it, he learnt

[@raeward1605]

Lovely to hear your views again. I am so happy you got to my old hometown of Queenstown. Yes, you are right! I think we do have more freedom to take exciting, calculated, risks without to much fear, not only because we do not sue for injury, but because the hospital care will be there for everyone and even loss of wages will be paid while we recover. So our "safety net" is the government looking after us. I hope you too, have full access for yourself and family to these benefits so you can relax and have fun. Best wishes. 👍👏👏❤

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks so much!!

[@lizlee5130]

Not yet we aren't over the top safety controlled, but ACC is always pushing it. Enjoy while you can.

[@CapitalVideo]

Slowing down really works as spreading our film around the country bit by bit is working really good including a trip to Christchurch and Nelson last week as suggested to us as well as meeting all the cinema owners around the country that we have.

[@MrShaggzie]

Love the vids. Keep them coming. You said you’ve grown accustomed to eating meat pies now. In Kilbirnie ( by lyall bay ) they have this place called Trish’s pies. Largest pies that I’ve seen in nz and very very tasty. Might be a place to try out. If you haven’t yet.

[@bmmaru]

its true, you can fix almost anything with #8! if its one thing I learned in Ruatoria is always have some wire handy

[@WinterWind]

I believe that's actually academically supported, girls thrive in single sex schools and boys thrive in co-ed schools. I remember discussing that when I was in uni

[@ryandalton7830]

Really kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJC2XqBoeKZ6qLc you've seen nothing my marra.... My man Rugby League turn coat turned Union Icon....

[@michaelheliotis5279]

I think the disadvantages that boys experience in single-sex schools could be compensated for quite well if schools were more aware of and invested in the issue, and could probably do so a lot better than co-ed schools could make up for the disadvantages that girls experience. From what I've seen, boys schools work best when they have a nearby 'sister school' of girls with whom they have regular interactions and engagements, particularly on things which benefit from or would typically involve both sexes, such as kapa haka groups, drama productions, and other creative projects, but preferrably also a range of events and joint-projects. Anything that doesn't involve direct competition between the students can be an opportunity to bring the students together and should be taken up wherever feasible. This allows both sexes to be healthily motivated by and better socialsed around the other sex (especially necessary for the boys) while still affording them a 'safe space' where they can thrive on their own terms without the other sex's scrutiny and resulting dramas (especially necessary for the girls). But unfortunately not all boys schools have a sister school, and the ones that do often won't engage with that school on the necessary level for it to provide the relevant benefits, they often just team up for the school ball and then that's it.

[@justsomeusername6804]

I think boys actually thrive more at single sex schools. I went to a co-ed school and when I went to my brothers single sex school it was interesting. The boys seemed more confident and able to be themselves instead of having to try and impress the girls. it was a breath of fresh air. I dont know why kids are so eager to get a girlfriend or a boyfriend. At that age you have a lot of freedom and youth ahead of you, just relax, be young and worry about relationships later on in life.

[@sugarbear7321]

@@michaelheliotis5279 I absolutely agree with you. A boys school has to be run with the needs and limitations of teenage boys at the forefront. I worked at such a school for 10 years and the results were near the top nationally for every one of those years. We had great leadership and great respect for boys and men. It worked remarkably well.

[@serahnkahukura8433]

I (vaguely) remember the same research, but it really comes down to how you define the terms 'success' and 'thrive'. I think both do better academically and in extracurriculars (sports, music etc) in single sex schools but the big difference was in 'soft skills' like communication and social interactions. Girls in single-sex schools tended to be less passive, spoke up more, would volunteer to try things more easily, and were just generally more self-assured. Boys in co-ed schools had more communication skills and understanding of social nuance. However this may simply be due to the fact that a lot of boys schools historically haven't put enough emphasis on those type of abilities.

[@geoffdrewer1978]

If only the USA prioritised safety over fun when it came to guns. 🤔

[@geoffdrewer1978]

It was in regard to the USA being very safety conscious when it comes to play ground equipment, or metal detectors in schools but insisting on lax gun laws that make society less safe. 🤔

[@spartakill0922]

Hey this is my second video watching and I just wanted to randomly say, I know you’ve most likely gotten hate comment even from fellow New Zealanders (Which I hope not) But keep doing you. I really did Enjoy the 2 Videos I watched,you bring Light to New Zealand

[@Kiwiamericans]

That is very kind! Thanks for taking the time to write this comment and for watching.

[@robthompson5866]

Love your observations on life in NZ, Tara. The real test is how your children feel. From what I have seen it is often the adults who have difficulty bridging the cultural divide, but ask the kids and they’ll be in no hurry to return to their former existences.

[@destupua4782]

Couldn’t agree with you more - nice video 👌👍

[@maryanne9993]

so true, ingrained in me is "the get it done and have a go" thats very country thinking, I am very country lol, we like the natural flow. great video, thank you sharing you on my MeWe

[@amyrivers4093]

You have been here for 5 years you are officially a kiwi now. Xx

[@Kiwiamericans]

Awe thanks

[@amyrivers4093]

@@Kiwiamericans you are more than welcome.

[@Frank-rx8ch]

DIY encourages to do it, put things into practice and helps to encourage children to learn from parents.

[@Kiwichick138]

Thanks, that was really interesting. Re safety.... Did you know that it was a New Zealander that invented Bungy junping? Crazy, but serious fun :)

[@k9nick]

Sometimes I think, when I hear of desaster in the states, eg Katrina, typically we'd hear so many wingers over there saying there's no one to rebuild, or clean up. Kiwis get on with it and do it themselves. I've had people say we need to buy a bbq to have a BBQ. Family, by marriage taught me, plate of metal, b Drain cover even, of metal, couple of bricks, some kindling. Well look at that. A BBQ. When a 15 year old boy is sitting next to a teenage girl, often, he ain't thinking about trigonometry.

[@kildasaints4014]

Great video KA- I can even detect a bit of Kiwi in your accent these days!!!! Cheers

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks - ooooh do I have a kiwi accent???

[@Dave183]

Right on--- thanks! :)

[@love_love_me_do]

I'm just realizing now I always thought americans were lazy... they literally just have no time after work, I still cant fathom how much you reference working constantly over there and lack of breaks etc, the boxed meals and cheap fast food isnt because you cant be bothered cooking but because you dont have time to do a full meal, It makes me a little sad now that i understand

[@IVismarried1974]

as an american who is thinking about coming to new zealand its incredibly hard to even wrap my head around the fact that I don't have to work all the time. Is it really like that? do you guys actually get time off? do you guys not work from 8 am to 8 pm?

[@wokster72]

@@IVismarried1974 No dude - WTF !! 40 hr weeks, mandatory 4 weeks paid vacation, mandatory 10 days paid sick leave. 10 days of public holidays a year - thats 2 months a year PAID leave.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Yes exactly! Now you understand

[@IVismarried1974]

@@wokster72 40 hours? like ALWAYS 40? not they tell you 40 but then its 50+?

[@MinMeows_Booty]

@@IVismarried1974 no it depends on the job. If you want a part time job, then you can find a 20-30 hour week. Full time is 40-50 hours, but can be more if you work weekends as well. My brother only does Monday to Friday. He starts at 7am and finishes between 5-7pm. He gets 10 days paid sick leave, 3-4 weeks holiday pay, 5 days paid bereavement leave, and can get paternity leave if he was to have a kid. His last job also paid him travel time if they job was more than 30 mins out of town, plus he could use a work ute instead of using his own gas. If you apply for a job, they will tell you the hours that you’ll be working. You agree and sign a contract. Unless they want to pay you time and a half for working overtime, they can’t pile on extra hours. They also can’t make you work on a day you’re not rostered on. They can ask, but you can say no. Your time off is yours to do as you please. I used to tell my old boss that I’m getting drunk, so don’t even contact me if someone is a no-show.

[@patakanz]

I went to a single-sex boys' high school for 5 years, and for a LONG time I was a staunch supporter of single-sex schools for boys. But now, on reflection, and seeing my own son blossoming at a co-ed school, I can see what I missed. I think the single sex/co-ed thing is a case of 'the right school for the child'.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Totally agree!!!

[@ytzpilot]

I agree best thing about raising my kids in New Zealand is the extreme activity, they learn risk assessment at an early age and accomplish amazing things. Learning risk assessment later in life is bad because if you don’t understand risks by the time you learn to drive you become the dangerous one on the road to others

[@iallso1]

The acceptance that life comes with some risk, and that you need to do your own risk assessment and manage the risk for yourself means that until recently we were free to admire the scenery as we drove without having Armco barriers on every road. Unfortunately the last few years has seen NZTA not only reducing speed limits but installing kilometre after kilometre of widow-makers, stopping vehicles from overtaking and frustrating everyone stuck behind that one vehicle that insists on doing 50kmph in an 80 zone.

[@sheldonhkrw]

I went to a Maori boarding school they drilled us like army our dorms and school were spotless, dorms cleaned and checked, school swept every morning after breakfast before church and school by us run by the seniors.

[@Kiwiamericans]

That is awesome - thanks for sharing! Thanks for watching!

[@gaglemagle7710]

i lived in Aotearoa all life my which is 38 years i haven't left yet

[@smithwayne2866]

Single sex schools tend to allow boys and girls to be more themselves, so you see the real person more. Girls exercise leadership naturally and boys show emotion. Also because they tend to be religious, there is more emphasis on being respectful of your self (as a person, your opinions etc) and therefore the same of others in the general community. Have you experienced what we call the Lynx effect, after PE all the boys stray the changing room with their deodorants and walk through it and then go to class, smelling ....... it is something that is very unique in boys schools. If you want try something a little different look at canyoning, moving from point A to B only using a river or stream; cold, wet and surprisingly enjoyable. One thing I would be interested in a future video is your view of the difference between USA school camps and the ones (and the range of activities) your children experienced in New Zealand.

[@isabellaegan5051]

I went very out of my way to go to a co-ed high school. It was further away, private, and every single one of my friends from my intermediate went to the local all-girls school. I didn’t know ANYONE at my high school. But I made the best friends of my life there. I just knew co-Ed would work better for me as an individual and I was right.

[@tip21967]

OMG you have said stuff that we take for granted, as a kid we use to play cowboys an indians we made our own bow an guns, as an 9 year old i would wrap a rag around my arrow dip the rag into Dads lawn mower petrol light it up thinking it was ok.....picture this all my friends boys an girls that live in the same street shooting those arrows lets just say we all got the hand we were all grounded for 2 days so much fun

[@nicoletripp3331]

I feel like everything is so regulated living in New York. With childcare here if a playground equipment has more then 2 steps then you have to have a 6 inch deep 6 foot circle around for a fall protection. Another example is you can’t have any standing water anywhere at anytime. So if it’s raining and a toy fills up with a couple inches of water then the state will consider that a drowning hazard. And here’s the best one of all…I had just built my home and became licensed for childcare. All of my windows either had to have gates put on them or I decided to pay almost $1000 to have a protective film put on the glass to prevent a child from being able to fall out of the window. This is on my first floor. If someone fell out of the window they wouldn’t even stub their toe. The definition of “safety” has become more of a control factor then a legitimate concern. The kiwi children will end up taking more risks and doing more things and accomplishing more as adults.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Oh my goodness really!!?? Thanks for sharing… so sad

[@caseymoore5338]

You should do a video on owning business in New Zealand e.g. taxes, advertising, employees, expenses you can claim, etc.

[@Kiwiamericans]

This is a great idea!

[@Bellenickna]

When I owned a business I remember everything u purchase in the first year of setting up, u then get all ur tax back from purchase and no depreciation on vehicles. And $20 a day for lunch expenses written off.

[@olivermailata8178]

Great video on your 5 topic observation of your stay in NZ..Yes , NZers do think outside the box when coming up with great ideas.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks for watching!

[@julierose7841]

“In the US, safety is always going to trump fun” In light of that, I’m shocked that so many people are so averse to anti-covid measures there.

[@gregnz1]

its selfishness., me me me,

[@illusionalquestions]

In regards to the safety and the fear of being sued, I wonder if that has anything to do with the difference in healthcare costs in NZ compared to the USA? If I jump off a bridge and break my leg, I think I would be less likely to sue someone if it didn’t cost me $30,000 in medical bills. 🤔

[@gregnz1]

ACC Accident Compensation corporation is a no fault universal insurance paid for by Vehicle license fee's, Employer and Employee contributions, etc. Employers & Businesses have quite strict Health and Safety legal obligations.

[@foundationguard5315]

@@gregnz1 was going to respond to this comment but your reply sums it up better.

[@foundationguard5315]

Here in NZ, your medical bill is covered by the ACC ( refer to the first reply ) The government takes tax off your work money, only a little, and then breaks that in half and gives one of the half's to the ACC. ACC puts that Tax in an account and holds that money until you get injured in an accident in any way that requires Medical Attention in a hospital. Hospitals get payed by the Tax-payer and ACC to fix you up and keep running, however, St. John Ambulance Service is a volunteer service which isn't really Government Funded, so they mainly rely on Fund-raising through donations to keep up and running.

[@gregnz1]

@@foundationguard5315 Not quite right, ACC is a seperate levy and fee which goes to a corporation that invests it, ACC funds are worth about 20+Billion, medical costs and 80% income are then charged to this,. All other Taxation, GST, goods and service tax (15%), levys etc, goes into a single consolidated Fund, which the Government then allocated to where ever its promised, & paying of debt. This is done on 31st May ever year called Budget day, tax spending is itemized in public records. This is why we can have no government for two months and it doesnt shut down. Not every system is perfect, it means our overall income is spent on otherstuff. Our lottery winnings are tax free, because its taxed at payment for the ticket,

[@gregnz1]

@@foundationguard5315 I earn 25k a year, my wage deducted tax is $3200, its automatically calculated on 31st March, its rounded up or down so the Government doesnt send me a tax bill for 1c. If we get a refund it automatically goes into our bank, I dont stress about it.

[@damageincorporated8558]

Kiwis make things out of what's around because we have no patience, waiting around for the right part is boring, it's that simple

[@areyoukidding9267]

Dad worked long hours as an electrician and never had much time time to fix things round home. I remember my 7 yr-old brother fixing an electrical plug, ha, ha.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Ha ha awesome!

[@Kiwichick138]

Loved you reflections. It's funny, as a Kiwi, I sometimes think that 'safety and health' has gone mad here. And we have the 'fun police' here too 😀.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks for watching!

[@skylagaaia6615]

The biggest benefit of coed schools is the young people learn the natural social skills and graces, that comes with adolescents. Also I think in NZ we’re safety conscious, and try to reduce the hazards as much as possible, but we also know that we’re not a culture of ‘suing people’ just because a child hasn’t learnt how best to grab a bar, and therefore slips…but the child now has the benefit of knowing what not to do next time.. I love watching your reviews of NZ, but as I am a prisoner of over 2 years now, in the biggest prison in the world..Melbourne, Victoria.. your reviews make me miss home even more..so I keep watching..hahahaha. Cheers..

[@juliewilliams3579]

And kids learn from their mistakes and hurt knees

[@Wolv94]

Can you give me some insight on what education and services look for children with autism/adhd i have 3 and we are having a hard time finding info online. Btw we live in Madison, Wi!!!!!

[@jonathanmckeage8222]

Add some must does like insect repellent apparently Eve Taylor didn't like it here because the bugs kept attacking her

[@iallso1]

I think that you would find that with the more relaxed attitude towards fashion and appearance in NZ your daughters would have felt equally comfortable irrespective of the type of school they attended. I'm pretty sure that where kids have to were uniforms they all hate whatever they are forced to wear, I know I did, and that is something that they share with their peers.

[@TheMarathonomahos]

Yeah, but the boys wear socks that go up to their knees. I'm still in disbelief at that

[@iallso1]

@@TheMarathonomahos I was shocked when I arrived in NZ, high school boys in shorts and long socks and girls in kilts to their ankles. When I was at school it was the opposite, long trousers for the boys and short skirts with over the knee socks for the girls.

[@juliaforsyth8332]

Not when my daughters were at School. You were judged by what you wore and bullied for it.I personally liked my uniform but it definitly was a better one!

[@iallso1]

@@juliaforsyth8332 if everyone is dressed in uniform there is one less thing to target, but in the early 80s when I was at school people fell into different groups based on how they wore their ties, standard, short and wide, or long and thin.

[@diden3527]

Hi Tara - was trolling through some Fbook stuff, and just read ( today ) about a young schoolgirl that was having a dispute with another girl. The dispute ended, and she jumped into a car that sped off ( as a passenger ) - and a school security guard opened fire on the car, shooting the young girl in the back of the head. She was pronounced brain dead, and her parents requested that her organs be removed for someone in need. The security guard has been placed on paid administrative leave. This generally means, that this will give the school time to explore opportunities to avoid litigation. Security Guards in schools - with firearms.....this is the America that you took your kids away from - they should be forever grateful. And I love your columns.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Wow really? Send me the article if you can.. that is really sad.

[@diden3527]

@@Kiwiamericans Hi Tara - I don't know how to copy stuff from FBk to here, but the girls name is `Mona Rodriguez' and I just typed in `security guard shoots schoolgirl' and it re-appeared. Cheers

[@lakhvirkaur9601]

I like all u r videos

[@AHD2105]

Oh lol, Im a intrested in your American cook book. The US women's weekly big book i lost in the ChCh earthquakes. American cooking is very good.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Sure on website kiwiamericans.com/shop

[@AHD2105]

@@Kiwiamericans Cool to I'll buy. Thank you!

[@ataimd]

I really notice that last one when I watch american movies....like a swat team will repel down a small wall like its the hugest deal in the world and I'm like....yea, pretty sure i did that when i was like 12...not that big of a deal. Or people are waiting on top of their houses in a flood....im like...seriously, safety is like 20 meters away just swim it, you don't need to wait for a helicopter or whatever. Totally triggers me some days lol

[@Catubrannos]

Boys talk about a lot of things at school, they just don't talk about those things around adults other than their parents and even then only if the parents have inculcated a sense of family discussion early on.

[@stangoodvibes]

When to say "Chur Bro'. Which Wild Beans have the best pies. The names and personal rating of every current and past All Black. What 'Red Bands' are. Why JAFAs are so despised by every other Kiwi. You can point out Wanganui on a map....

[@velvetrazor7553]

I've said it before somewhere; WELCOME to NZ and it's awesome you're 'becoming a KIWI' - but will you, please, STOP telling the world about us, Tara??!! PLEASE!?

[@denniszenanywhere]

I've been thinking of moving down there but I have yet to watch or read stories about advancing one's career. If it's about slowing down, how do you save up to buy a house there, since it's so expensive to live there? So if I'm a workaholic, does it mean NZ is not for me? I have heard how expensive it is to live there so how does one afford living there if there are fewer opportunities for work or an enterprising life. Or it's really just a place to retire and slow down?

[@Kiwiamericans]

It is definitely not just a place to retire. I find that my husband and I get paid a lot more here so it is feasible to save for a house for us. Plus we have invested in real estate. NZers will not love a workaholic to be honest but if you run your own business - that won't matter. It is great here!

[@denniszenanywhere]

@@Kiwiamericans That's good to know. It's good to know you've invested in real estate. Perhaps you can vlog about it if you eventually sell one of your investments. I think workaholic is too much of a serious term. I just mean not being idle, as that would bore me to death. Regular 9 to 5 hours of work would be good. Productivity is important for me because I've lived in countries with a retirement vibe and no one wants to work and multiply it to the rest of the population, the economy slows down. Perhaps you can talk about the economy there and how it relates to a NZ resident? Thanks for responding. I'm in south Florida btw.

[@gissyb1]

Yep kiwis just jump off everything.. that's why Bungy jumping was created here.. etc etc

[@mollyeustace884]

u should go to renwick

[@cadifan]

The vast majority of schools in New Zealand are co-ed. According to the Ministry of Education, of the country's 2528 schools, 2410 are co-ed. As of July 2017, there were 64 single-sex girls schools and 54 single-sex boys schools in the country. I'm sure single sex schools are run by religious organizations which would be why there's so few of them. Of course there are co-ed religious schools as well, but thankfully they are out numbered greatly by state schools where the education is better.

[@plazma1215]

I am not sure how you conclude that being a single sex school equates to it being a religious school. I think you will find most single sex schools are in fact State Schools. Generally, all schools that have the word ‘Grammar’ or ‘High’ In their names e.g. Auckland Grammar, and Hamilton Boy’s High School are State Schools. And it would surprise me if they were not in the majority of single sex schools.

[@cadifan]

@@plazma1215 Oh, well I only went to co-ed state schools, I thought single sex schools were all private religious schools, I stand corrected.

[@fionaorton7076]

I think the research suggests that girls do better in a single sex school, but boys do better in a co-ed environment. It's an interesting phenomenon... Totally understand your perspective.

[@Kiwichick138]

Yes I've read that too

[@kiwidriversarenzroadcodeno5029]

Cars turning into a supermarket car park GIVE WAY to pedestrians walking on footpath.

[@zoeashby7683]

The hawkes bay has a lot of same sex schools. I'm from Auckland so I found it strange moving down here how many there was in this area

[@s1t2a3c4e5y6123]

Interesting re safety here and states.. We do have a variety of activities but less fatalities than overseas.. As a society health and safety has gone a bit far we feel.. Eg kids climbing trees in schools.. We think that it stops children from learning natural consequences and learning your own abilities and boundaries.. Same sex schools you will typically find in most towns and is always a consideration in discussion with our kids.. Ā lot of us have benefited from this and recommend but provide other avenues of supporting healthy engagement with other genders

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks for watching!

[@JohnHollands]

Funny the juxtaposition of saying how Americans are driven with the skil share talk about learning, improving, listening in the car, on the bus, while waiting for the kids - not a minute wasted, no time to lose, sounds a little bit ‘driven’ doesn’t it?

[@Kiwiamericans]

John - yes you can take the American out of America but you cannot take the American traits out that easily :)

[@peterjames83]

Kiwis, like us Aussies, are (generally) not as litigious as the Americans and so the attitude of 'if you hurt yourself, it is your fault and you won't do that again will you?'

[@alunamiss6492]

Hey hun the best people to talk to about beautiful places is the Maori people they will show u places none of the world would ever see and they will tell u to not bring cameras or phones

[@Klako770]

ARE YOU NZ ZEALANDER NOW AFTER 5 YEARS DO YOU HAVE THE CITIZENSHIP

[@Kiwiamericans]

No because I have moved back to the US in between so after this year we can apply for citizenship. It has to be 5 consecutive years

[@Klako770]

@@Kiwiamericans thanks

[@gaglemagle7710]

go to kawerau

[@nortonmolly]

Can you actually describe what “safety” is? Self responsibility and self awareness is more important.

[@truenoae8668]

Can aussie just fly to New Zealand and live there with no visa

[@Kiwiamericans]

If you are a AUS citizen or permanent resident you can live and work in NZ as well.

[@truenoae8668]

@@Kiwiamericans Nice thanks..

[@sugarbear7321]

Stop moving in and out! Very distracting...

[@Kiwichick138]

Awww, that's her natural self. She's perfect as she is :)

[@iallso1]

Same sex education, think about all the problems you eliminate? What about the issues you create later on when young adults haven't learnt how to behave appropriately in the company of the other gender.

[@maggiebutcher8168]

Same sex education doesn't mean your blocked off completely from the other gender, you still interact with them outside of school, before starting school at kindy ect...

[@iallso1]

@@maggiebutcher8168 hopefully the interactions at kindy are different to those had by teenagers? I had to laugh at the naivety of a year 7 teacher when she told me that she was glad that she didn't need to have that conversation with her class, because they wouldn't be doing it at that age.

[@maggiebutcher8168]

In terms of sex education, it's curriculum to be taught it in Yr 9, regardless of the school, but there's more to social interaction than that, and again, entering same sex schools doesn't eliminate the opposite sex out of there lives, you still ha e social interaction with them

[@iallso1]

@@maggiebutcher8168 year 9 seems a bit late in the day, and yes they all see other outside of school, but from my perspective it's healthy for teens to be in mixed company.

[@Versatile70]

Don't you think there is life outside of school? My high school was single sex (not religious of which there are many). We saw boys plenty! Lunchtime, after school, sports and other social activities. There are pros and cons of both but Neither should be an issue. Uniforms are great as no competition for clothing.

[@gregnz1]

Same sex schools tend to be more run by religious links, with the odd one out. Uniforms can be expensive with kick backs to the schools

[@areyoukidding9267]

Plenty of same sex STATE schools to chooses from in the South Island: Otago Girls/Boys, Queens/Kings in Dunedin; Nelson Girls/College; Ch-Ch Girls/Boys, Shirley Boys, Avonside Girls ... and others round the country.

[@anthonyburke5656]

I’d move to NZ tomorrow IF I could stand the accent, otherwise, people terrific, culture good, countryside spectacular, recreational opportunity great, beer good, politicians not as bad as elsewhere, Police best in the world, education very good.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Soo the accent does you in??

[@anthonyburke5656]

@@Kiwiamericans yes, the accent of all things and I’m descended from one of the first white families in NZ, I forgot to mention, their fish & Chips is the best in the world.

[@Talula101]

@@anthonyburke5656a tad racist pal. And first white family? You mean a settler/immigrant then? And there are a lot of American accents that are awful. Boston one for instance.

[@anthonyburke5656]

@@Talula101 oh please, racist, next you’ll tell me what race I’m supposed to be anti or whatever

[@jawadazarikia828]

I guess seprte schools would be more convenient fr both boys n girls . .. n 'll the atmosphere 'll be much bttr n 'll help both boys n girls to feel bttr n to prfrm bttr at thire education🏓🥍🧭🚌

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks for watching!

[@gregnz1]

6 is no Bears here or Snakes, Eels in rivers will eat you, google river monsters, learn to swim,

[@NOORES]

👍👍👍💛🧡❤

[@Kiwiamericans]

Thanks for watching!

[@greggiles7309]

Lotteries winnings are tax free here, if you get one in a present,

[@Kiwiamericans]

Oh really? I don't think I realized that...hmmmm

[@greggiles7309]

@@Kiwiamericans incidentally, you havnt mentioned your work professional development money bonus allowence?

[@brendanhopwood3652]

Americans so are worked focused or enslaved? ,I happened to catch an episode of 90 day fiancé don't ask why! but the Americans would go to work on the day that their fiancés would arrive from the other side of the world , some hadn't seen each other for a year. A kiwi would take a week off & get them acclimatised to their new lives!!!

[@Kiwiamericans]

Oh man sooo true! Thanks for watching!

[@TheAccidentalViking]

I lived in New Zealand for 15 years. Wow, meh.

[@Kiwiamericans]

Interesting - I think I understand. Thanks for watching!

[@TheAccidentalViking]

@@Kiwiamericans It was different for me. I moved there alone at a very young age. I now live in Norway, which has been a new adventure of it's own.

[@gaglemagle7710]

another Lesson there is not really eny bulling

[@juliaforsyth8332]

You have got to be joking! Bullying is alive and doing well!

[@Talula101]

Yes there is.

[@gaglemagle7710]

Aotearoa is the only contry with female leaders and prime minster

[@ohnean1]

ya gotta get out more... Germanys had a female leader for years !

[@Moamanly]

@@ohnean1 Last time I counted, more than 50 countries had had female heads-of-state. From memory Sri Lanka (then called Ceylon) was first in 1960 although a couple of Soviet States had female chair-people a bit earlier.

[@Sam0anKnight07]

Samoa has a female PM now :)

[@ohnean1]

@@Moamanly Āe, like i said, 'ol mates gotta get out more... maybe even read a newspaper, they still have those don't they ?

[@Kiwichick138]

Nope, not true

[@bevanbuckwheatshea5520]

No thanks

[@kerryelks4314]

We actually mostly drink coffee, people will ask if you have tea if they want it. Basically this woman isn't living in real NZ she's living in 'tourist info' NZ. Everything is basically wrong

[@mums4244]

Yup this is comparing to what she is used to in the states. I’m from another country too and been here 15 years and agree with all these as my personal observations too.

[@lenorematenga4676]

Not all people drink coffee, I hate coffee and drink tea. I know heaps of people that do too.

[@tuiwilliams8931]

What is real NZ to u? I like her vids cos she’s doing comparisons between countries from her point of view. I’m a born n bred NZer n despite differences with other cultures n people, I still love to listen about how people view NZ. We are all different n it might just be me but ur comment sounded negative. Oh n I’ve never been a coffee drinker n the same goes for most people I know sooo I guess I must be living in the real NZ🤔????

[@libbysevicke-jones3160]

I have spent quite a lot of time in the States, and have American friends here in NZ and in America. I can relate to her perspective as l have a bit of an understanding of American culture and how they (my friends) think. Our cultures are very very different. Americans find our culture intriguing, refreshing, and liberating.

[@harrycullen1643]

I luv tea and coffee. Teas faster to make but i add Baileys to my cawfee and its real nice. 60/40 tea/coffee.