Survey reveals Kiwis more welcoming than Aussies

Published:  31 Aug at 6 PM
Want to get involved? Become a Featured Expat and take our interview.
Become a Local Expert and contribute articles.
Get in touch today!
Annual surveys such as the latest version from InterNations are useful in helping would-be expats decide on a destination, but can come up with surprising facts.

Most foreigners looking for an overseas place to call home tend towards bracketing Australia and New Zealand together, but the InterNations survey reveals there are distinct differences between the two cultures. Ranked according to quality of life, working overseas, family life, ease of settling in and personal finance, New Zealand was considered the fifth best expat destination in the world.

To be fair to Australia, Aussies have a good reputation for friendliness towards incomers but, according to 83 per cent of those surveyed, Kiwis are even more welcoming. The region in general is famous for its quality of life, citied by most respondents as the main reason for their decision. However, a thorn in the Antipodean rose for both countries was the comparatively high cost of living, disliked by 52 per cent of expats in Australia and 43 per cent in New Zealand.

Quotes from recently arrived expats stress New Zealand is easier as regards settling in and feeling at home, with one couple saying neighbouring Kiwis went out of their way to assist by loaning items and offering advice. Others rated local people as genuinely friendly, smiling and starting a conversation with new arrivals.

Another undeniable attraction in New Zealand is the breathtaking beauty of the land itself, made world-famous by the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. From soaring mountain ranges through lush farmlands to volcanic hot springs and geysers, nature-lovers and former city dwellers can enjoy the great outdoors at any time of year. New Zealand’s weather is cooler than its northern neighbour, with fewer major weather events such as floods and tropical storms, but is warmer and drier on average than the UK.
Like this news?

Comments » No published comments just yet for this article...

Feel free to have your say on this item. Go on... be the first!

Tell us Your Thoughts On This Piece:

Your Name *
Email * (not published, needs verification one time only)
Website
Type:
  • Facebook
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • RSS feed
  • Facebook

Latest Headlines

News Links

News Archive