Why we moved back to America from New Zealand

A little insight into the decision-making behind coming back the States! All decisions are unique to our experiences. This isn't a video to compare the two, I love each country for different reasons.
lizzie_cui

[@patrickblyth]

australian here, formerly lived in america and now back in australia the hating in these comments here from new zealanders upset that this lady has made a different choice is pretty typical of anyone who chooses to leave their home in my experience as a former expat like why hate on her? being that defensive about how great your country is but not willing to listen to someone’s differing opinion likely speaks to your insecurity about not truly believing your home is the “best” her point about housing is highly relevant, it is absurd what has become of housing opportunity in australia and new zealand and the fact we all just accept “that’s how it is” is telling - there is no earthly reason why people should be forced to spend over 1.5-2 million dollars for a regular family home, as it is in Sydney these days

[@charlestruter7171]

I am a Saffa living in New Zealand. I was astounded that I could not buy a 100 m² house for 3 times the price that my 310 m² house fetched in RSA. We came to escape the crime but we can see the tide turning, especially after Jacinda Ardern came to power when gang activity was allowed to proliferate. I hope Australia thinks long and hard about The Voice...

[@marshmallowpuff4899]

House prices in NZ are insane . I’m pleased you are living in a place where you can buy a reasonably priced house . Way better for your health .

[@CR500R]

I fully understand you don't like or want to talk politics, but that is one of the main reasons cost of living and home prices are so high in NZ.

[@rocinante4609]

Most ppl in comments focusing on crime but u also mentioned cost of living and housing which is so underrated. NZ is in the midst of a housing crisis and homelessness is is increasing rapidly too. It probably doesn't make international news but those who live in NZ know. NZ has always been an expensive plc to live. Frankly its not a plc for young families with little money. Well done on being pragmatic and getting out.

[@sharonrenata-xj8sx]

Homeless people is pretty much standard throughout the world these days, so we are not unique, sadly! The cost of living is very expensive, partly because of our isolation. Still wouldn't want to live anywhere else.❤

[@jenaya_laila2442]

I didn't grow up in NZ as I'm in the UK. However, I absolutely LOVE NZ and feel at home there! I have visited numerous times in the last 20 years, and I could see the gradual change too. Especially in the last 10 years. I miss it, and I really want to move there despite all the economic and social difficulties at the moment. I completely understand where you are coming from!

[@user-ru6ln9er4g]

I'm from NZ but would live in the UK in a heartbeat if I could. I should have investigated it when I was younger. If one has a British grandparent one can, but it's my great-great grandmother than arrived into Wellington on the Sailing Ship 'London' in the 1840s. So, I'm here in Canada instead.

[@TheAbbottAbode]

We're from the US and will be having a baby in NZ too! It's in our 5 year plan to move back to the US, we just feel like our time in New Zealand isn't over yet. Safety wise, it depends where in NZ for sure, but our car got smashed while parked outside of our home in NZ. We've never had anyone break into our car in the US.

[@lindascott6902]

Are you kidding? Lots of vehicle break-ins in the US, plus much more violent crime.

[@anyone150]

Crime, especially with property crimes, have gotten worse in America since the pandemic. Your car will most likely be stolen or broken into now than before you left for New Zealand.

[@geemo1995]

Are you serious LOL I just left US after living there 4 years. Violence is THE most normal thing there. Piss off your BS

[@amys-w1785]

Where I live in virginia we have three vehicles and have never locked the doors the keys sit in the console, when I grew up in nz back in the seventies we had three cars stolen from our yard over a period of time and you always locked the doors. @@lindascott6902

[@cillamoke]

Dude I went beck earlier in the year after 15 years in Melbourne, after 2 weeks home there was a shooting, a house burned for retaliation and a big Mongrel Mob funeral and the town was full of police. The house prices are obscene and the food is extremely expensive bordering on criminal. There are 2000 people to one Dr. There was a waiting list to get into any Primary Health care in a 4hr radius to where I lived. The system is very broken in NZ and the people are suffering for it. I lasted 7 weeks and practically kissed the ground when we touched down in Melbourne.

[@soul2soul399]

So great that your baby will have duel citizenship! I own several properties in LA. I love the people there. I’m glad your in-laws are able to be so helpful. Family is everything when you’re raising kids. Your poor mum must be so sad to see you leave NZ. Hopefully she is able to fly and visit. 💓

[@citizenkane0014]

dual

[@user-ru6ln9er4g]

Do you need anyone to look after any of your properties? I'm a Kiwi in Western Canada

[@ziasun1094]

Precious 🥰. Blessings all around you and your family 💞

[@kaizenexcellens]

Thank you Lizzie - your comments are invaluable.

[@pinchegato3370]

It's getting worse in NZ my lady. Ram raids on a dailyyyy

[@alanb9337]

The Australian human resources companies (usually mining associated) are recruiting in NZ again for mechanics and electrical trades. The signs are present that another Kiwi migration to Australia is in the process of happening, though it is likely to be tougher than previous Kiwi to Aussie migrations due to the shortages of housing in Australia.

[@selfhelp9175]

Yea I’m looking at leaving New Zealand permanently or especially Christchurch because of the job market, low wages, and low job opportunities. Most job contracts only pay 30 hrs on min wage $21.20c. Gas prices are $2.54c per litre and rents cost $150-220 depending what city you live. Constantly dealing shady employers and having to flat with 3-8 people for the rest of my life has made me consider New Zealand permanently. Me and my wife live with our in-laws. The average income 50k and house prices range from 500k -1 million.

[@Jfkdabombk]

Thanks for the story!

[@JediKnightmare]

My partner is from NOLA. I’m in Auckland. We’re trying to confirm who will re-locate … but with the current cost of living etc. I’m tempted to move abroad … thanks for the video

[@gigigabrielle21]

How is Hamilton, NZ in regards to crime?

[@Beadle553]

LSU alumni, but moving to Louisiana to avoid crime is like moving to Alaska to stay warm! 800k for a hous ended my Kiwi aspirations

[@sharonrenata-xj8sx]

I'm sorry your nz experience was not good. I think I can guess what part of the country you were living. I live in the lower north Island and feel 100per cent safe. It is very expensive, your right there. It's not perfect, but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

[@Sam465]

It is what suits you both, so good on ya.

[@johnhough7738]

Just 0:27 into this one, and already that child is a 'scene stealer' and has captured the heart of this old cynic. Well done~! As for your choice of future, you seem well versed, aware, and won't rush into things. Good for you and the family; I have love galore and deepest respect for America (and for the United Kingdom I'm in right now) but my heart will always be in NZ. At 0230 this morning I peeped out at the UK night sky and saw just two stars, no clouds and this is a small country town. Try that on a clear night in NZ and the sky is ablaze with lights ... and for a note in passing, my English wife is entirely with me on going home. A truism is that "you can never go back"; but you can go and hope to re-build what you so casually tossed away.

[@EuropezonUruguayo1]

I 100 percent agree. I have lived in New Zealand for 90 percent of my life and honestly cannot wait to leave forever. Everything is so damn expensive, the education system is horrible and the public schools are just awful, theres been a housing crisis for over 20 years with no sign of improvement and theres barely anything fun to do outside home.

[@kareh6976]

Soo happy You all moved back to good ole USA, thank you.

[@bharatdahya776]

Some kiwis who are not rich, but earning an average NZ income, are still living a comfortable life in NZ, because they do not live in an expensive part of NZ. Some smaller towns and rural areas are ideal places to live, and earning a huge income is not as necessary there. A vehicle isn’t used as often in the small town where I live. Work is within walking distance. Most amenities are available very close to home. Not having to use a vehicle frequently saves a lot of money. Buying clothes from cheaper stores, or op shops also saves money. Living a minimalist life also helps, and makes life happier and better.

[@juliettechai8470]

Children only need a safe and warm home, Fresh air and close to the nature would be a bonus.

[@crs_stl]

I live in the states, when has it ever been safe over here?

[@Chris-eq3en]

Exactly because it's not this woman is talking rubbish she lives in Louisiana her poor child. Human trafficking is real. NZ is much safer.

[@thecongenital3035]

I dont blame you mama. You do whats right for you and the family ❤

[@gillybertviernes2599]

I feel you. It's so unlucky that you lived in Auckland, where the cost of living is so high, the crime rate is high, and the most populated city in NZ. If you lived outside of Auckland, your perspective would have been different. We live outside of Auckland, in the lower North Island. We love it here. The world is experiencing cost of living crisis, crimes, etc. not just NZ. NZ is still better than most places in the world. NZ is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. For now we are not going anywhere.

[@edjohn4590]

Hopefully the houses in America are built to a better Standard then the crap here in nz… an then you still pay rediculous amounts for them!

[@lorenanewman7507]

Everything is very expensive here in NZ petrol $3.50 a litre housing not much under $1 million food some Of highest in world crime out of control

[@jadentrower9743]

As a kiwi I can agree with you that the government housing and the crime has gotten worse within the last 3 years so I respect the decision to leave.

[@JN-jz1hj]

Each to his own,everyone has different needs and wants

[@MrFerron]

what part of new Zealand did you stay at?

[@emilyhalls]

I'm from NZ and its such a great place

[@ItzCruizStation]

Stop the cap can't wait to finnish school and move out of the shithole 💀💀💀

[@benjaminnice]

Hi, your partner would need to completely re-educate to be an accountant in NZ. You mentioned the housing cost NZ, if you look at the actual living cost e.g. food etc it is way higher than the US. Who am I a . a single person lives in NZ on a good income (post grad degree).

[@bendavis6530]

You’re not wrong on any of your points… it’s not friendly family neighbourhoods anymore - maybe the fact that nobody can afford to live or do anything is creating it!

[@78esca]

Good video. You so beariful

[@michiel_rensen]

I don't know where you grew up but we were always surrounded by crime and gangs in NZ. It is not safe here. I've been held at gun point for money multiple times.

[@punajrivrsn1603]

Should've moved to ponsonby or st heliers and or their surroundings... yes they get a few problems but that's a bit safer than east(not all)/west(not all)/south akl. Lol

[@anyone150]

Crime is just as bad in America as it is in New Zealand especially in Louisiana. Housing is more affordable in Louisiana but there are other places like California and Florida where it is more expensive. Good luck!

[@makere01]

I watch your story right from when you were leaving to go to New Zealand pregnant. Thank you for sharing your story with baby, time flys can’t believe she’s seven months. That’s interesting perspective you had. NZ always had high poverty and domestic trouble you must of lived a very sheltered life. I find that Americans have a look after your own mentality. But New Zealanders are all about the collective from my experience. And the guns and the ways people think of guns is CRAZY.

[@gigigabrielle21]

Where do you live that you can buy a nice house for $200k? There’s no way someone is buying a very nice house is a good area in most states now a days.

[@slamtilt01]

The house prices in NZ dropped once the borders reopened.

[@geoffreystephens4357]

I would love to go to Australia and New Zealand! The only drawback is the cost of living and an airline ticket is probably sky high, too! (Excusing the pun!) America is not the safe and blessed country that it once was! It has changed considerably in my 64 years! Crime is rampant and inflation is whiddling away at people’s income!!

[@Khananewasright]

Yes i argee housing even tough i am poor i will leve better houseing also amricans are very nice people just not big city very good amrica is one of best countrys good choice

[@trevaperes5343]

I'm an expat Kiwi, and live in Melbourne, and have been here for over 15 years and I will never live there again. I do not like the environment there nor the prices of things there from people who have moved back to Aussie over the years.

[@nathandavern7030]

Recently road rage has been very scary here in New Zealand people have Such bad tampers lately and they make such a big scene about such small things it always makes me scared that a shoot out will happen becuase that's how aggressive it's been recently and it's happening all the time like once a week I don't know what's been going on but new Zealand just isn't the same as it used to be and I'm talking about the people I've only been feeling not that safe here since around 2 years ago also got beaten up for the first time a few weeks ago got punched in the head 3 times in the head by a bully from my high school almost got knocked out he punched me as hard as a rough 16 year old maori boy can he had no reason to do it so he got a assault charge put on his record and he had a history of voliecne to start with I just don't feel safe in New Zealand anymore I'm honestly sick of the repetitive rage and violence of nz but my friend lives in a rich area and I go to his place it's so nice and everyone was so nice so I guess it really depends on your area but if you're not living in a super nice area nz is pretty bad from what I've seen through ouy my lifetime living in nz and it's so hard to get into a nice area I've had such a great time growing up in nz it's just in recent time it hasn't been as safe feeling.

[@barrynichols2846]

"Government housing". Did she mean state housing or half way house. Quite a bit of a difference.

[@robvanderkroft6515]

Sounds like Auckland.... road rage is bad because the amount of poor drivers is huge

[@burtonaka-drizz8028]

have to know your areas where to live and talk to people here first, areas with motels and state housing because even New Zealand has areas and places you do not want to live same as anywhere really

[@robvanderkroft6515]

There's 2 parts to new Zealand. Auckland and the rest of nz . The rest of nz is still nice and pretty safe and then there's Auckland our biggest and worst city .

[@annamarcel7654]

Christchurch murder capital of nz

[@cyndigooch1162]

@robvanderkroft6515 I grew up in New Plymouth during the 60s and 70s and can assure you that it wasn't a safe place in regard to gangs and violence etc! I do realise that it wasn't like that everywhere; however, gangs have been a "normal" part of life in NZ for decades. Of course, there are reasons why people join them though, including childhood trauma. 🙁

[@robvanderkroft6515]

@cyndigooch1162 60s and 70s were shit everywhere really. But even then Auckland has been the centre of the shit show for decades

[@biggiedii4889]

Christchurch is a bit of a hole and rebuilding took much longer than it should've after the earthquake.

[@robvanderkroft6515]

@SarahsDollWorld compared to Auckland it's not that bad

[@rmj89]

Came back here for free health care

[@LizzieCui]

The free health care my parents worked hard to pay taxes in?

[@claes015]

I have been living in NZ for a year now, the country has some amazing scenery. But the horrible cities, damp houses, cost of living, all the crime and gangs, the horrible roads, the polluted rivers and lakes in which you can't swim (and that is like 75% of all the lakes and rivers) is really really really bad. There is nothing pristine about NZ there is so much pollution. On top of that the pay is half of that of what I can earn in the Netherlands. I am deeply deeply deeply disappointed after 12 months in NZ I am going back to the Netherlands.

[@josebro352]

Is crime really that bad in New Zealand? I never would have thought that. It's always seemed like such a beautiful and peaceful country. I know it's a bit outdated but I still think of NZ as Middle-Earth from Lord of the Rings.

[@wiremu9876]

I can't let you blame my country because of ALL your problems. It's obvious no one cared about your whining of ALL the bad sh.t you encountered while you were living in Aotearoa because you have such a narrow view of life so you runaway like a 6 yr old and cry. I have very close friends from the Netherlands that spent 10 yrs in my country and one in particular had just landed in Auckland. Saw two passengers with backpacks began walking from the terminal and began hitchhiking. His whole attitude changed. He said I've never hitched a ride before in my life (He was only 22yr s old ATT) and believed that he had such a relatively sheltered growing up coz the Netherlands is one of the safest countries in the world but he never saw any one thumb a ride. Upon his departure we shared a moment crying and genuine love for eachother. So I'm not questioning your accusations but seriously? NOT once did you EVER mention anything of the people. Understandable. Sad you didn't have a preferable experience and good luck and hope you learn you only get what you deserve.

[@angelakenning9285]

Good for you I'm kiwi and drunkenness and mental health and alot of illness in younger people here in nz

[@gissyb1]

No its not as bad as netherlands

[@poooliiineee8968]

@@josebro352ram raids in broad daylight, carnapping and shoplifting are like a norm now.

[@aprilandsuzi550]

I love NZ i would never leave i was born here and will die here

[@Honeygooyumy69]

🤤🔥💋

[@lonsdalebelt9689]

heres the thing your talking a tiny pacific island in the middle of nowhere how on earth can you expect it to compete with other countries !!!!!! we have a global workforce now nurses teachers drs trades will go for the highest dollar ,they have pick of so many countries, dont make for a great economy neither does goods being shipped to a dot in the middle of pacific . expectations need to be lowered .

[@LizzieCui]

Totally understand that. I think because I was a kid when I grew up there I didn’t think about things like the economy and such. Lived and learned though. Thanks for your input

[@annamarcel7654]

Really it wasn't because having a baby here didn't cost you thousands of dollars??

[@LizzieCui]

I had good insurance over here so it wouldn’t have cost me thousands.

[@aheat3036]

You are comparing apples and oranges here!… The USA is the world’s most powerful nation and the biggest economy!… Major American cities have bigger GDPs than all of New Zealand put together!… Opportunities and choices available in the U.S. are unparalleled!

[@greggiles7309]

so is going bankrupt from a medical bill, tRumpF moaned about why no Scandinavians migrate to America,

[@aheat3036]

@@greggiles7309 The USA is a highly productive free market democracy that doesn’t babysit its people like a socialistic monarchy like little Kiwiland!… I am sure you never went to college and people like you have no qualms about sitting on your fat & lazy butt for the rest of your life, making minimum wage & collecting from the government!… As for going bankrupt, that’s a bunch of nonsense that America’s sensationalist mainstream media likes to spread! Medicaid & Medicare are very good quality tax payer funded health insurance for people who don’t have insurance thru their employers and they cover virtually everything including health, dental, vision, etc. and then we have huge charities (yes, the leader and the protector of the free world is also the world’s most charitable nation) that help people who need paying for treatments & surgeries and didn’t register in the system (do your research & always sign up) or not fully covered by private/public insurances or other special circumstances. No one should go bankrupt if they know what they’re doing and prepare in advance. This is the richest country in the world because of our system & work ethic and there is money available for everyone! As for Scandinavians (I am sure you are no where near any of those countries), the U.S. has highest concentration of Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Icelandic & Finnish people outside of Northern Europe.. Minnesota, California, Washington, Wisconsin & Florida have the most!… Anyways, you are illiterate, ignorant & a waste of my time!… Now go waste someone else’s time!

[@wiekdeo.mp3]

Now China🇨🇳 the first

[@mearip6116]

NZ isnt bad..we aint that bad compared to bigger countries🤷‍♀️cost of living is expensive...NZ dollars aint high compared to US..

[@sourpuss1612]

Friends who have lived in the US and NZ tell me that they have more of their money left over at the end of the month in NZ than they had in the US. They also felt much safer in NZ than in the US. They were in an Eastern state and also moved around a lot, so their experience can be considered to be fairly well informed.

[@ericamiss_e6481]

Actually NO

[@biggiedii4889]

Bigger countries like Australia? Where 20% of New Zealanders live?

[@sactyb]

I guess the New World Order is hitting every part of the western world!!😂😂..sorry, not sorry!!!😂😂

[@purplelamington279]

🙄🙄🙄

[@raylarjbulaco3181]

I notice many kiwis complained a lot about NZ isn't safe anymore. U know we should be grateful that we live here in NZ, in country where I came from murder, rape and killing is everyday. People who complains a lot about NZ sometimes aren't well versed. They don't know what's happening in the world. Here, privileges are everywhere, the government gives money to people but in a third world country health care isn't free and we never received any cents from the government because of corruption. The government here really works, unlike other countries u don't have the freedom to criticize the government. U don't have the freedom to speak ur own voice. NZ is far from perfect but it's still considered as best country to live in.

[@LizzieCui]

Don’t get me wrong, I love New Zealand and I agree that our government does a great job in providing for our people. I only explained why I moved back to the US, a decision I made largely because my husbands family is here.

[@raylarjbulaco3181]

@@LizzieCui i didn't mean to offend you. I understand ur point why u moved. My comment is for everyone who thinks and complains so much about NZ, dang man if they would've known the situations in other countries prolly they would be grateful that they're here in NZ.

[@charlesh3751]

Labour has ruined NZL

[@ericamiss_e6481]

Uhm sorry but Healthcare ain't free in New Zealand and there's rape killings and sex on the streets everywhere in Auckland city open your eyes lady 😂😂

[@donquixote956]

Thats because you never been to US lol. You immigrated to NZ from a third world country. In US a nurse makes average $150k per year. In NZ you get $40k hahaha. Everything is cheap in US. Compare that to NZ or Australia. We can own guns and shoot robbers in the head. Robbers are mostly scared here due to people owning guns. You call 911 cops come on 5 minutes. Its a big topic.

[@amandacollins2854]

Oh well at least you got some inexpensive health care on other peoplds tax dollar . See you again when you have your next child.😂

[@LizzieCui]

Like my parents and family’s tax dollar? Who we’re happy to have me home and witness the birth of their grandchild? Oh I guess they don’t count right? And no I won’t be coming home for my next child. That’s not why I came home.

[@brucehowe194]

So you moved back to New Zealand 🇳🇿 to get free health care for you and your baby and use New Zealand 🇳🇿 tax payers money 💰 then moved back to America 🇺🇸 after 9 months and i suppose you will move back to New Zealand 🇳🇿 once you become pregnant again to use New Zealanders free health care 😉

[@LizzieCui]

Or I moved home to be close to my parents who wanted me home to see their grandchild who have worked hard and paid many tax dollars.

[@gillybertviernes2599]

Exactly. She's like going back to NZ just to use the free healthcare from taxpayers money. Then move back to the US after giving birth. Then she's like telling the world how bad NZ is. Sounds like ungrateful.

[@LizzieCui]

@@gillybertviernes2599 not that it’s any of your business but I never intended to use the healthcare system. I moved home when I was significantly along so I paid for all my scans and visits in America and when I came to New Zealand I planned on having a home birth. I wanted to be close to my mum during a hard time. Very unfortunate that you only see the negatives and have no compassion

[@kiwia8271]

Sounds to me you could't afford to have it there and came home to drop it for free.

[@robvanderkroft6515]

Definitely sounds like it came back for the free health care

[@kiwia8271]

@@robvanderkroft6515 For sure.

[@wppw123]

kid noises are so annoying that i couldn't even watch

[@eyonfrankston1344]

best decision ever you made - new zealand really is falling apart under ardern and her dictatorship, im leaving on january 24 for far north queensland for that and many other reasons (including a disasterous relationship dissolution and the resulting mess)

[@JubJub817]

You moved to Louisiana the worse state in America good luck with that the crime and murder rate is atrocious and it's a poor state. New Zealand is much safer I find your issue exaggerated to the max.

[@LizzieCui]

Thanks for your feedback. Have you visited to Louisiana yourself?