See ya, USA. We're STARTING OVER in NZ... 🇳🇿

[@travishowell7992]

We are Americans that moved to NZ back in 2009. Best decision we ever made. Got our citizenship in 2014.

[@ItsaDrama]

Congrats! There really is no better feeling! 😃🇳🇿

[@travishowell7992]

@@ItsaDrama Nice KZbin channel by the way. How do you join the Slack channel mentioned in the videos?

[@rossmackay9819]

That is the first time I have heard Wellington's Wind called a "Lovely Breeze". Wait for Winter!!!!!!!

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you so much for watching, and for saying hi! We appreciate you being with us! Have a great week😊

[@Lazydaisy646]

Its honestly not that bad these days

[@Sues-ub4iv]

Winter is generally fine in Wellington but Spring is the windiest.

[@runforrestrun1965]

Kudos to this man who made so many life changes, some rather brave and scary, and his family. We wish them all well here in NZ.😊

[@ItsaDrama]

Hear, hear! Thank you for your kindness and warm welcome! 🥰

[@TrustinGodaydays]

What a pair of brilliant positive Woman you two are I really do hope you work together on line here ,this has been a absolutely a pleasure to watch. I am a 6 generation New Zealander and we so need you people living here like you both and so appreciate listening to you both.

[@ItsaDrama]

What a fabulous comment, Leslie. Thank you so very much. It was an absolute pleasure talking to Katie, and it means the world to me that you felt the same! Thank you! 🥰Liz

[@arrowone]

I'm a born and bred kiwi and I'm delighted to have you girls living here - wish you were my neighbours! You are both gorgeous and so lovely.

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@susanhammond2724]

Hi Liz, I really love listening to these interviews with new Kiwis. I probably say that every time I watch one and comment.😊 It's nice to know that things are more expensive in other places. I think we often feel we have such a high cost of living here. I do think prices have risen more rapidly since covid times and large families must struggle a lot. Hearing how much it cost to send kids to University in the US surprised me. Had no idea it was that expensive. Would love to listen to another podcast about price comparisons, differences they have found and also to hear how Katie and Scott's children are finding life in NZ. We need plenty of positive people like them here. Hope life is going great for them.😊

[@ItsaDrama]

And every week I say the same to you, Susan.."Thank you!" 🥰 Great topic for a podcast. Price comparisons...yes...we could write a list of all current things (food, houses, electricity, petrol etc) and then chat with someone not in NZ and compare....great idea, thank you. You are right, for some reason it makes you feel that little bit better when you know that your living costs are similar or less to other places. Sending you much love and gratitude, Susan! Liz x

[@lisacrandall409]

Katie is fantastic, I love her positive outlook. Welcome to Aotearoa Katie, Scott, Gillian & Tilly. Wishing you all the best here!

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you so much, Lisa! Have a fantastic weekend 🥰

[@alexsim8554]

It's New Zealand

[@dane1056]

Bahahaha was just going to cheekily warn you that you'll get people whining about you saying Aotearoa and sure enough ☝️

[@lisacrandall409]

@@dane1056 yep there’s always one 😒🥱😂

[@KiwiKeggers]

As an American who moved his family to NZ two years ago - It's hard, it's expensive and it's freaking worth it. We can't imagine living back in the States. New Zealand has such a chill way of life (to a fault sometimes) that we're shocked by the hustle/bustle of even an average midwestern suburb.

[@ItsaDrama]

Perfect! 👌

[@opiedrums]

Can I ask what part you came from?.

[@KiwiKeggers]

@@opiedrums SoCal

[@opiedrums]

@@KiwiKeggers oh I'm out by Boston in NH. Probably similar cost to NZ

[@travishowell7992]

We moved from the US to NZ 15 years ago. After witnessing from afar how our home country has changed during that time, we are SO glad we made that decision.

[@terrencetimihou618]

Your right Liz it was a breath of fresh air, that she had a different experience of the cost of living in NZ was Cheaper, then where she came from in the US and the lifestyle change was a godsend. Brilliant interview thank you guys .

[@keithh3103]

Wow, this lady is a breath od fresh air. Thanks for having her on your channel. Im Maori living in Germany with my little kiwi german family. But this spot brought me a little closer to home. Thanks for this❤

[@AShoutIntoTheVoid]

What a great interview! I’ve been in Wellington 3 months from the US. So many great points about escaping the atmosphere of anxiety and not getting looked down on for creative pursuits here.

[@ItsaDrama]

Kia Ora and welcome to New Zealand! So glad you joined us and enjoyed the interview. Thank you! 😊

[@geogeek1758]

Thanks for sharing your story. I hope your daughter is starting to settle in better and some friends have found her.

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you for your warm welcome! 🤗

[@kiwidiesel]

Welcome to our little corner of the globe😊

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you for your wonderfully warm welcome to Katie and her family! 🤗

[@nikiTricoteuse]

Thank you Liz, for bringing us these stories. Especially at the moment, it's easy to focus on everyday worries and to forget that we actually are fortunate to call this place home. Katie and Scott, nau mai, haere mai. You're bringing valuable and much needed skills and l hope you'll all be very happy here. Nice to see so many people in the comments wanting to meet up with you and share stories. 😊

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you so vey much, Niki. What a wonderfully warm welcome. Nui te aroha 🥰 Liz x

[@PheeFab]

I love these conversations which honestly and factually let kiwis know, we have it so good!! We need to stop being so privileged. NZ costs are just as on parr as other countries. If we can afford to go on holiday overseas and buy expensive cars, and you see it everywhere, we can afford to live. Kiwis stop complaining, we are doing really well and we will be okay. Thank you for proving it!!

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you so much for joining us and for saying hi! 🥰

[@alexandramcpherson4189]

We were just saying yesterday it's so expensive in NZ it's actually a privilege to live here, and we're especially blessed to live in the part we live in (I actually am a kiwi, but British born, was raised here but lived overseas for a long time. welcome, it takes a good 2 years to settle in somewhere.

[@squirtcycling.newzealand]

TOTAL BULLSHIT! ITS FAR MORE EXPENSIVE TO LIVE IN THE USA. I LIVED IN BOULDER, COLORADO FOR 4 YEARS. ITS WAS FAR MORE EXPENSIVE TO LIVE THERE BUT A BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO LIVE.

[@donniekula3807]

I personally enjoyed your guy's conversation knowing that the cost of living here is cheaper, thank you, Liz and Katie, welcome, and all the best.

[@ItsaDrama]

Our pleasure! Thank YOU for being with us and for the wonderful welcome! 🥰

[@milabochkova7655]

This is by far one of my favourite interviews on your channel, thank you Katie and Liz! It's so inspiring to hear about all the positive things people get to experience when moving to NZ, despite the challenges that come with it 😊😊

[@ItsaDrama]

Wow! Thank you, Mila. We are so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the wonderful response! 🥰 Liz

[@renatamortazavi2450]

Great interview Liz. I m glad that they are happy in this beautiful country. Lots of love❤️

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you, Renata! Much love back to you my friend ❤️

[@denisemckinlay4783]

As you said swings and roundabouts, free rent versus school fees.I think Katie is talking about the Mcdonalds index if it still exists. It was based around the total costs that go into creating a Big Mac in each country. It was created because it is a standard product. It took into account rent, wages, food, energy etc. and is a good indicator of living costs.

[@nikiTricoteuse]

I've never heard of the McDonald's index but, it's a great way of doing it. Heading off after this, to google if it still exists. 😊

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you for joining us, Denise. I had never heard of the McDonald index so it is fascinating! have a great weekend 😃

[@jackiejones690]

Drop into this interview and found it absolutely fascinating being from NZ. I've watched a few of Liz's previous videos and always enjoyed them too. I'm from here and I think our food, electric,internet is horrendously expensive now and get angry so glad to hear someone tell me it's not as bad as I think. Love Wellington met Stephen Fry in Arty Books one arvo - he raved about the coffee. Now live up the line in Whanganui about half way between the 2 of you but still miss Welly. Will keep an eye out and good luck with yr job hunting and Liz keep up yr great work bringing positive exciting peeps to NZ ❤

[@ItsaDrama]

What a wonderfully kind comment, Jackie, thank you 🥰 We appreciate you very much. have a great week! Liz x

[@marklinehan5423]

My USA daughter in law should watch this.... Very insightful and exciting to see how genuinely pleased those from the USA and other countries are enjoying living in New Zealand.

[@DavidKennett]

Another great interview with more lovely folk. Keep 'em coming

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you, David! We appreciate you being with us! 😃

[@sckiwidevil7822]

Welcome to you all.

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you!

[@sckiwidevil7822]

@@ItsaDrama You're more than welcome. Enjoy.

[@lauriebailey5689]

Welcome to NZ! We made the move from Texas in 2011 and can't imagine going back. NZ isn't perfect but as you say it all balances out and life feels much simpler here 😊

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you Laurie, we are so happy that you love it here too! 😊

[@PhilipTaramai]

This was brilliant, thanks to both of you.

[@ItsaDrama]

Glad you enjoyed it, Philip! Thank you ☺️

[@arangy1]

Please share with Katie, that there is a shop in Johnsonville, that sells American food. Google US2U Johnsonville. All she has to do is to walk down to bus stop from Thorndon to the Wellington central station. At there, she can catch bus no 1 or take the Johnsonville line train.

[@ItsaDrama]

Great info, thank you! And thnak you for your warm welcome 🤗

[@scAllblacks]

Recently found your channel, love your energy! We are planning to move back from Asia and Europe after 30 years, so I started doing some research and want to prepare myself better. Enjoyed this interview, again love positive attitude from you both, thank you very much!

[@ItsaDrama]

You are very welcome! Thank you for joining us and for taking the time to say hi. What a wonderful adventure you are about to embark on how exciting! Good luck and remember to keep us posted, (also, sign up for the free 5 day video guide to remind you of what is waiting for you www.itsadrama.com/ilovenz hope to see you there! 😊🇳🇿

[@robandjanbolton2704]

Good morning from the Kiwi's in Oz. Loved this interview with Katie and how refreshing it is to hear the truth about costings in the US. In Oz the prices are horrendous at the moment as are France, UK, Italy. We have not long returned from a trip to Europe. Caught covid in Italy at the beginning of our trip and was not impressed. We struggled thru, (of course that is the Kiwi way) missed so much on our itinerary but made the best of it. We found the food quality not up to scratch in many of the places and the price of food, entertainment, and lack of friendliness, generally, was very noticeable. Kiwi prices are below other countries in most cases. I think Katie was right when she said Kiwis were used to having low prices and really felt it when goods increased. As far as Oz and NZ fare as a comparison. NZ wins easily. What folks forget is in Oz, just about every critter, spider, insect, animals can kill you, in NZ you can lie down in nature anywhere and be safe. Here even the ants bite you !!! Take care lovely people.

[@ItsaDrama]

Rob and Jan! You must be physic...I was only saying to Bri the other day that we haven't heard from you in a while and now here you are 🥰 So sorry to hear about the Italy trip not going as expected. Sending you both much love over to Oz and thank you for sharing such honest observations. You are wonderful. 🇦🇺🇳🇿❤️ Liz and Bri x

[@Davo-i1s]

Why do you feel the need to bring Australia into a comparison between living in the US and NZ ? I am an Australian who has lived and travelled around this country for over 60 years and havent been killed by any of these so called dangerous critters yet. If life is so much better in NZ why are more than 600,000 kiwis living here the border is there to keep undesirables out not to stop you from returning home.

[@robandjanbolton2704]

Per capita, there are more Australians living in NZ than Kiwis living in Oz. We are Kiwis living in Oz and feel more than qualified to speak of the comparisons to those countries we have lived in or travelled to. You musn't feel I was having a dig at Australians and it's great that you have not experienced any bad encounters with your native animals, however, anyone visiting here must always be aware of the dangers. The news media often relate stories of those who were not so lucky. We have signs by our river warning of crocodiles where folk launch their boats.

[@Davo-i1s]

@@robandjanbolton2704 You can quote whatever statistics you want but the fact is 510,000 more kiwis have moved to Australia than Australians have moved to NZ. NZs population is 5,1M and there are currently 586,000 living in Australia thats the equivalent of 11.5% of their population. Australias population is 2.6M and 76,000 live in NZ thats the equivalent of .3% of our population. You know as well as I do that "everything in Australia is trying to kill you" is grossly overstated by Utube reactors and usually used as clickbait. Yes there are dangerous creatures here as there are in lots of other countries, as a visitior are you likely to be injured by them - not unless you are extremely unlucky or just plain stupid. The discussion was around a lady comparing life in NZ compared to where she lives in the states I dont see how that discussion was even relevent to Australia ? The prices are high in Australia like a lot of places at the moment but so are the wages thats whey kiwis move here. At the end of the day having more disposable income means having more in your pocket to spend on your lifestyle like travelling to Europe..

[@robandjanbolton2704]

Oh please !!! Mr stats man. I SAID PER CAPITA

[@robert3987]

That’s amazing . . . 60% more for rental in Denver than Thorndon!! I've always read US house prices are about half what you'd pay in NZ.

[@ItsaDrama]

Me too! Isn't it wonderful when you get first hand information, Robert, so glad that you enjoyed listening to Katie 😊

[@ideaWorld403]

I've spent time in Denver and Thorndon, and can hands down say Denver is far nicer. Each to their own I guess but the numbers reflect the reality- Denver is more expensive because it's so lovely and people want to be there.

[@kjmax1068]

Good to hear positive comments about our lovely country. Talking about do it yourself gardens etc, I can live on very little with my garden providing masses of chokos atm. Just have to buy fish or meat and I have my meal each night. Hope all goes well with your life in NZ

[@ItsaDrama]

Sounds great! Thank you for being with us and for saying hi!

[@markthirkell7056]

So - it would seem that cost of living in the US is higher than UK & NZ, contrary to popular mythology.

[@flatoutt1]

i have got a big feeling you are going to be a big credit and asset to new zealand .best of luck and blessings. and let me say liz ,you're pretty good at interviewing ,you get a great rapport with your guests or this one .it's that can do attitude coming through again.if you keep going like this we'll claim you as an aussie . sounds like these yanks will hit the ground running

[@ItsaDrama]

Hehehe!! You are too kind, my friend. It's easy to get a rapport with someone as delightful as Katie 🥰 Thank you for your kindness, we appreciate you very much! Liz

[@BruceMartin-g9b]

Just love these interviews

[@ItsaDrama]

We are so glad! Thank you for joining us and saying hi! 😊

[@JacintaA-lt8oq]

My husband arrived here in 1987 with only $20.00 in his pocket. He worked as a cleaner first then weeks later he found a job as fitter and turner. 2 1/2 later (1989) he saved enough money for house deposit and brought us (our daughter and me) here. We feel blessed to be here.

[@rw5674]

Thx for Sharing How to contact Katie and Scott?

[@geoffbrittain2763]

I REALLY ENJOYED YOUR VIDEO WILL BE SENDING IT TO FRIENDS

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you, Geoff! That is very kind of you 😊

[@markthiele770]

What a wonderful interview

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you, Mark 😊

[@chevydoitzKiwiVerrer]

Lovely Vlog. Enjoyed this series so much❤

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you so much! We appreciate you being with us 😊

[@Dragonsrealmnzl]

Have you thought about applying for a child protection social work position? Oranga Tamariki are accredited, and then you should be able to get your children into schooling without those huge costs - if you are a registered Social worker in NZ then you would meet the criteria for a job there

[@alexandramcpherson4189]

Education and higher education is open to absolutely everyone.... and is encouraged. My degree with interest ended up costing a little over $40,000 but it's paid for itself a hundred times over.

[@2l8mate59]

NZ is a great place to live if you know how to live within your means. Opportunities are there. House prices are hugely expensive, but there are still affordable houses if you're prepared to move to a cheaper location. The South Island has plenty of cheap houses compared to Wellington, Tauranga and Auckland. Invercargil is cheap as chips but, its right at the bottom of the country. However, the climate is still comparable to London.

[@ItsaDrama]

Thanks for sharing! 😊

[@lizzthatvegan1207]

My biggest barrier for moving is my student loan debt. I don't want to move and pay it off, I'm trying to pay it off before moving. It's very frustrating.

[@ItsaDrama]

Keep going, Lizz. It will all be worth it in the end. Thank you for being with us 😊

[@lizzthatvegan1207]

@@ItsaDrama thanks. I appreciate your encouragement ❤️

[@chefdinre7717]

My auntie Pam is a social worker...I'll see if she can help u out with something

[@moirapettifr7127]

We here in the US too have noticed food prices going up incredibly now. I wonder what is going on!

[@phillipavincent]

that meevo must be really new, never knew about it, great for cities

[@carrier411]

no place like home. I've travelled a handful of places - and lived in Australia for nearly 7 years - and NZ food -even your average cafe is superior, the supermarket veges are superior, our cost of living might be high but our standard of living is decent. I would rather live in NZ and have our way of life and cost of living than live in the US with zero available health care and don't get me started on the gun culture. fear seems to rule people's daily life and I wouldn't want to deal with the threat of violence for 1 factor alone let alone the lack of healthcare.

[@mattieclan8957]

What was the rental car app again? How do you spell that?

[@ItsaDrama]

mevo.co.nz/

[@mattieclan8957]

@@ItsaDrama Thanks👍

[@laskinov]

Fuel may be very expensive in NZ, but their rego is very cheap, around $70 odd dollars annually depending on what car you own, as an expat kiwi living in Brizzy fuel is, on average, $2.30 for 98 octane but regos depending on motor sizes cost $600.00 plus..

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you for sharing, my friend! Love to you and yours in Aus 🇦🇺🥰

[@jpkiwi8744]

NZ Rego is going up to around 120 /150 a year.. And IN Brissy go to Costco.. 98 is around 170/180

[@League_life]

Car rego in Melbourne is $850+

[@tanyaduplooy9024]

Hi Liz, do you have contact with any Saffas that have recently moved from SA to the beautiful NZ? I am not a spring chicken 🐔 anymore but my hubby is dead keen to make the leap with faith. Have a beautiful day 🌻

[@ItsaDrama]

We do Tanya! I am due to record a podcast with a lovely lady from SA who recently moved to NZX with her family. Be sure to look out for it in the coming months! Much love chic! 🇿🇦 😃

[@Varsung]

Liz is right. People should stop moaning. When I was in Rotorua in 2022, I got to know some locals I now call friends. I heard several complain about the minimum wage and I told em I would be happy to even get that much cos NZ minimum wage is equal to what a GP with 2 years experience gets in Malaysia. Then they asked me what Malaysia’s minimum wage was… 400 NZD, after converting. ‘What? A week?’ they asked. I quietly told em: ‘A month.’ The looks of shock and horror they all had was a real Kodak moment.

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you so much for watching! We appreciate you taking the time to comment and to saying hi. Have a great week, my friend 😊 Liz

[@gailbrown4124]

NZ is a special place for all people who come in peace to live free and without fear

[@josephinea9853]

Hi ladies, welcome. What do you both think about the Heath system here in New Zealand, is it different from the USA.?

[@chefdinre7717]

Wow I'm a culinary institute of America graduate I graduated 2003 I would love to connect with u....!!! I live in Winter Park Colorado!!!!!

[@ranran30]

Ho do I join your private group? Looking into the move from the US. Thanks!

[@ItsaDrama]

@@ranran30 please sign up for our FREE 5 day “life in NZ” video guide. On day 5 you will be given details on how to join the community! Thank you and we look forward to getting to know you better! 🇳🇿❤️ www.ilovenz.com

[@pixelgraphica]

How's her 13 year old acclimatizing to NZ after the traumatic separation from the US ??

[@ItsaDrama]

Very well, thank you! 😊

[@waynecoulter9306]

Thanks Ladies, Diversity is Great for OUR Country. Empathy, Open Mindedness and Inclusion make us the Country that we are :-)

[@chefdinre7717]

And I'm a graduate from Auckland Technology for culinary arts in 2000

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you so much for watching and for being with us, chef! We appreciate you taking the time to share. Have a lovely week! 😊

[@robwatson-u1c]

hi yes it was truly lovely hearing from her, and hear her attitude towards good old NZ and truly hope the enjoy there stay

[@ItsaDrama]

We hope so too! Thank you for joining us 😃

[@pekka1900]

I'm sorry but I found it funny and endearing that Liz doesn't understand how explosions and RPGs work. :D

[@ItsaDrama]

Oh, don't...it had Brian in stitches when he started editing...he kept rewinding it to make sure he'd heard right... 🫣 Seriously Liz?? A missile in his shoulder??? Apologies viewers...All I can say is I will try harder to know more stuff about more stuff in the future...🤪 Thankfully, my lovely guest, Katie, was gracious, patient and understanding! 😂🥰 Liz

[@colonelfustercluck486]

that means that she is definitely not a terrorist.... that is a good sign.

[@potzo4265]

She's right about NZ University education. When they become permanent resident or citizen, her kids will benefit huge subsidies from the government for University studies. Not to mention, the one year free fees and the rest will be paid with zero intterest student loans. She doesn't have to worry financially with their children's education.

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you for being with us and for saying hi! We appreciate you very much 😃

[@travishowell7992]

Before moving to NZ from the US, my wife had looked at training to become a nurse by going to a US university. We dropped the idea due to the insane costs and no desire to be in debt for it. Moved to NZ (had residency) and she started right away at Massey University. Her entire 3-year degree cost right around $15k NZD at the time (2009).

[@lorenanewman7507]

You don’t have to have car insurance in New Zealand if you don’t want to it’s up to you.

[@sonja5191]

Stupid not to have car insurance though. It's out of your pocket if you are at fault in an accident.

[@kiwidiesel]

​@@sonja5191especially if you hit an ev, battery pack replacement alone would cripple you financially for ever😂

[@xerosereify]

If you don't care about your own car you can get third party though, which is much cheaper

[@thecraftykiwi8756]

If you can’t afford car insurance in NZ, at least get 3rd party . It covers the Other party, if you have an accident. You have to wear the cost of your own car repairs though. We drove an old Holden, as we couldn’t afford a newer car when we had a young family. We always made sure we were covered, with our luck if we hit anything with that old tank, it would probably have been a rolls Royce!.

[@chefdinre7717]

I will be in whangarei on the 26th

[@chefdinre7717]

Why culinary?!?! I have been doing this for 30 years I would love to talk to Scott about culinary....I lived in karori

[@phillipavincent]

If you can work from home then the west coast of the southisland is the place to be. Much lower housing prices. and much less people

[@danielboon1028]

Wow welcome to the whanu

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you for your warm welcome, Daniel! Have a great weekend 😃

[@Ginlah]

Headaches can be exacerbated by city electrosmog. Your partner may feel better in the countryside.

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you! ☺️

[@chefdinre7717]

Was that Aurora I lived in Mississippi ave

[@lazzj4995]

That 200k usd ballpark is a standard degree not a specialist field. NZ Uni cost is also creeping up, also short of dorms rooms. NZ hostels/dorm for first year Uni are now - 20-24knzd so costs creeping up.

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you so much for watching, and for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate you being with us! Have a great week😊

[@billhanna8838]

Did you have to be boosted to get in ?

[@colonelfustercluck486]

You will have to check, but I think that the covid rules have been dropped about a year ago. You can now catch it in NZ if you wish.

[@michelletewhata7768]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ItsaDrama]

Hope your week is going well, Michelle 🥰

[@petnzme]

Lovely breeze? In Wellington? 😂😂😂

[@ItsaDrama]

🤣🤣

[@fashionlab7]

How polluted are the rivers and beaches in NZ?

[@travishowell7992]

Generally speaking, as long as there is no farming up-stream of you location on the river and on public land you can drink water right out of moving water bodies. Been doing it regularly for 15 years since moving here and never had any issues from it. I have worked in a few conservation jobs over the years and in every one of those, no one carried water bottles when in the backcountry unless in high alpine areas where there was no running water. Just drank out of the streams with a cup.

[@colonelfustercluck486]

the councils and govt (and population in general) are pretty fussy about that. Unfortunately in a few select places, typically lowland, downstream from a lot of farming, there may be some water pollution, just before it reaches the sea. Normally, there isn't. Particularly up in the hills and mountains. The ocean and beaches are close to as clean as you can get. But maybe not in the large city harbours.... I wouldn't be doing swimming training near any large pipes..... Each city has differing realities regarding pollution at the ports and harbours. Some are pristine. A couple are pretty dodgy.

[@michaeltawaka762]

Hey I've seen some really nice remote places in the US at good prices surely it's a choice thing

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you for taking the time to share, Michael! We appreciate it😊

[@RossNixon]

Welcome to NZ. All western based nations are getting worse, but the USA is going downhill faster than most.

[@petersmith2040]

The UK has been going downhill much faster than the USA after Brexit and since the start of the war in Eastern Europe as energy prices have soared and many Brits have been struggling to heat their homes during winter.

[@chefdinre7717]

How ever there are 4 terms in a year

[@lorenanewman7507]

Yes food is very expensive in NZ considering We are a big producer and exporter Of meat,dairy products to 140 countries fruit fish,etc etc .only one good thing We are a G M O free country.illegal to grow any G M O crops.can’t import any Raw fruit veggies etc etc. no acid rain.Nuk free out 200 nautical miles no Nuk ships allowed with in .still a lot of road side stalls around the country selling home grown fruit veg eggs etc .Payment drop Cash in honesty box .also places to pick your own.Eat well stay healthy

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you for taking the time to share, Loren! We appreciate it😊

[@timtowers7997]

It's so expensive in NZ. Paid for healthcare in the USA lately???

[@neilshaw]

Glad to hear you guys are enjoying your adventure. I see the occasional newspaper report about immigrants like yourselves who commit to this country and then find they meet the conditions set by Immigration NZ to get their residents visa and must leave the country. Get the very best advice on that stuff.

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you, Neil 😊

[@Andy_M986]

Pre Covid,it was kind of expensive, since then,it's gone up so much,it is very noticeable, and the rise in Homeless numbers shows that I'm afraid.

[@ItsaDrama]

Sending you much love, Andy. Hope you have a wonderful weekend my friend 😊

[@Andy_M986]

@ItsaDrama Sending love right back to you, have a fantastic weekend.

[@colonelfustercluck486]

if you have no income, or want to be homeless.... that can happen. Have a job organised before you come, along with accommodation. You will be OK if you do this. If you arrive from overseas with no job, no accommodation arranged, just like in any other country, it could get tough, unless you come with plenty of $$ to keep yourself while you sort your life out.

[@craigrik2699]

Don’t forget, when in Rome!!! Embrace the culture in Aotearoa and don’t try and transplant what you had in your old country! Remember, you left it because of …

[@ItsaDrama]

Thank you for watching, Craig! 😊

[@thehomesteadtenancy7780]

I am a New Zealander and I live in New Zealand - and New Zealand would be the last place I would move to if I had the opportunity to move..

[@timkruse9912]

is it me, or are there a lot of americans moving to nz and asutralia lol

[@colonelfustercluck486]

you'd notice if you had shifted to NZ or Australia.... you would have to drive on the other side of the road is a real clue.

[@markpyke1230]

You moved to the wrong place in new zealand, South island is more peaceful

[@kiwidiesel]

Maybe but south island is also inbred and speak with an accent if you are in Gore😂😂

[@LachlannnAAA]

200k for a regular degree in USA? that doesn’t sound right

[@chefdinre7717]

This is a private school....I'm sure she has to wear a uniform and every thing else

[@chefdinre7717]

WHAT!!!!!.... WELLINGTON OS CRAZY SPENDY

[@chefdinre7717]

The wellington teams Are awesome It's so Uk

[@chefdinre7717]

I owned this in North Dakota I am a seed to plate chef Graduated from the CIA I would love to talk to Scott about mis en place; mirepoix, consumes, beacheamel, volutes, hollandaise....I'm an advocate for August Escoffier Please reach out....I will be home on the 26th in whangarei.....but I've lived in America since 1996 I'm a kiwi How ever very americanized

[@nikiTricoteuse]

​@@chefdinre7717You've posted this as a reply to another comment and it may not get seen. I suggest you repost its its own comment. If you select edit you can copy it. 😊

[@colonelfustercluck486]

public or private schools in NZ have uniforms normally.

[@chefdinre7717]

My CIA degree was close to that

[@makere01]

It’s cool people love it here BUT when it comes to social services, I really do feel like these people need to be trained in New Zealand to understand NZ problems. American is not gonna comprehend and have her own bases when it comes to Māori affairs/traumas.

[@katesimpson4352]

Kia Ora Makere01, thank you so much for saying this! I think you make a really important point that people need to be thinking about and talking about. I know that the New Zealand Social Work Board is working to address this. Hopefully the training and requirements will continue to grow. As is, I was asked to take two trainings specific to Māori And Pacifica prior to getting registered. I also had to go through a cultural competency assessment. After that, I am still only provisionally licensed. I will require additional trainings and supervision in New Zealand for 1-2 years before I can be fully registered or work independently. I am happy that it is this way! But for me personally, I still want more training to be sure I that I am serving Māori well. I plan to take Te Reo classes at Te Wānanga-o-Aotearoa and some other training in rongoā. I also plan to listen with humility to any Māori person who offers to guid me. I don’t want to ever stop learning. I am grateful for your comment and I’m honestly open to any thoughts or suggestions on how I can grow and learn! That being said, there needs to be assurances that whatever training/assessment/supervision is compulsory is enough to guarantee all social workers in Aotearoa are culturally competent for Māori. That’s why I think your comment is so important. So kia ora, thank you! (And sorry for writing a book!)

[@margaretobrien4851]

There are many cultures in NZ. There are Indian And Chinese communities which are numeric ally quite large as well as the European NZers. These people also need social workers for various reasons. People are people and many times the help you need cannot come from your own knowledge or community.

[@makere01]

@@margaretobrien4851 I have to disagree. From what I’ve seen in my Whanau they have had bad experience from non-Māori social workers. For example, in the hospital, not knowing how we grieve and handle that whole process. Is just one of many reasons. But what makes New Zealand so unique and beautiful is that our core values are Māori values. I’m just talking about my experience.

[@makere01]

@@katesimpson4352 my whanau have had bad experiences with social workers in the hospital. Non-Māori treating us like we’re criminals because we grieve differently. And my bias is that same foreigners are baffled to why we do things a certain way. But I’m glad you’re open-minded. Waimarie.

[@katesimpson4352]

@@makere01 I wish I were surprised to hear this. You didn't deserve that and I am sorry it happened. My promise to you is that I will never do that. Honestly, I don't even treat criminals "like criminals." But that's probably little comfort. I'm just a drop in the bucket. I feel like there should be cultural tests for all social workers and culturally supportive response to grief and loss seems like a no-brainer test question. And thank you, again, for talking about this. I can't think of anything more important for me to know going into this work.

[@DownUnderWarboss]

Tough time to come to New Zealand 🇳🇿 after the destruction the Labour party caused. Will take us Kiwi's a few years to clean up.

[@colonelfustercluck486]

what a bloody wrecking ball that was..... it will improve given a little realism and positivity

[@haydenreid7496]

Terrible move