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Read about how others have experienced re-entry. Things that
slow people down and get them going, motivations and reasons for returning, their
hopes, aspirations and frustrations. Are
the memories of paradise in the South Seas more myth than magic?
To read the tales of return (April - June 2002) click on the links
below. To add to the mix send us your thoughts. Click below for further responses: January 2004 - August 2005 (14
messages)
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Digital/Film Editor, Venice, California USA What are my thoughts as I consider a return to Aotearoa? First thought is, "what, are you nuts?!". I read the papers, I devour New Zealand newsletters, newspapers and
television. Kids ramming kids with broomsticks. Gangs holding turf battles
from Taupo to Palmerston North, eh. Political leaders forging art works, eh.
The Health care system failing the population, eh. The education system
failing the population, eh. Housing rocked by poor workmanship and to cap it Yes, the air is somewhat clean, if you're standing on Mount Cook. The environment is touted as 100% Pure, in spite of years of topdressing and all the stuff orchardists in Hastings spray on their cherries. And to cap it all [off] I had THE best Lamb ever in Santa Barbara and it came from Colorado! But what about the quality of human life? Eh! Ecstasy, booze, child abuse, suicide, gangs, shootings! Shootings? Where do they get the guns? Heli-poaching of deer, heli-poaching of native trees! What the hell is going on down there? So what's the good news? Air New Zealand is owned by the People. The America's Cup will stay in spite of Russell et al. The All Blacks have been goaded by the Aussies to become a shoe in to win the World Cup. The Pols have learnt nothing from Piggy, they [are] as arrogant as ever and blinkered to boot. Of course NZEDGE is truly a world class web site but I can get that anywhere and yes Arts&Letters daily does come from Christchurch but again, I can get that anywhere. So what can't I get anywhere that exists in Aotearoa? Peter Jackson. Kiwis. What's left of Frank's front yard? Sauvignon Blanc, hang on I can order that by mail. Mmmm! Venice is looking pretty damned good right now. Someone please close the gate when you let the sheep back in. Richard Clark, richard@kiwicafe.com |
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Key Account Manager, Auckland, NZ, age 54 However, I do miss and love the positive nature of the US and am still working on ideas here that will be beneficial to NZ businesses trying to get a foothold in the States. If I can assist your group in any way back here in NZ it would be an absolute pleasure. One of the biggest differences is the nature or content of the evening TV news - there's a bloody war going on everywhere else in the world and good old TV One has their main lead item about the fact that DOC staff saved one seagull from an oil spillage off a beached log carrier. If you watch Sky News, CBS and then TVNZ you'd swear we were on another planet down here. Just in the process of completing a book on the whole experience of
moving to the US and then ending up back here. |
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Lawyer, New York, USA It was too difficult to find work. Not only was I looking at a 300% pay decrease, I was considered overqualified for the NZ market. To top that, the NZ Law Society gave me such a hard time in my attempts to requalify that I started to consider other options, and I love being a lawyer. What I don't understand is the continuous whining about the brain drain. When we do finally come back and are willing to accept less interesting work and a pay cut, our foreign experience is not appreciated. NZ, as a whole, should stop its complaining and be pleased that it loses all of its qualified people. It can't sustain us anyway. Architect, Wellington, NZ, age 29 |
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Paediatrician, Canada The first images will remain with me for a long time- straining my neck to catch early-morning glimpses of islands of lush green in the wide blue ocean after a long night on the plane; the fresh air perfumed by the Pacific that greets ones nostrils as soon as one steps outside Auckland International Airport terminal; the fabulous smell of soil and cow dung that permeates the roadside morning air in the Waikato after a wet night; the majesty of the central plateau; the exciting, on-the-edge feeling that Wellington still engenders in me…. This land is where my heart is for sure, but is a return realistic? I can formulate a job more to my liking in Australia, research funding is more available in Canada, and the salary in either place is at least double what I could earn in NZ. Top that with the almost-sure fact that I would work harder in New Zealand than in either other place owing to under-staffing and huge health needs (for that is my "business"). But when it comes down to it, when I come to retire in 30-odd years, will any of these things feature in my reflections on my career? Somehow I doubt it. I will be asking myself what I have contributed, what I have learnt. I hope I will always be a "citizen of the world" in terms of learning, but something drives me to attempt to make a contribution in NZ rather than elsewhere. I know kiwis in Canada who have been here for 15-20 years but still identify their nationality as an integral part of who they are. Life is full of compromises, and each person weighs things up differently, but for me, separation from the country that is such an innate part of who I am, leaves me feeling like something key is missing. So in ten years when I am exhausted and moaning on about working conditions in NZ, remind me of my sentimental attachment to the land of my birth! Congratulations again for a great web site and for stimulating intelligent pride in Aotearoa. I look forward to reading the results of this new initiative, and hope that it stimulates more research and understanding of the reasons motivating/inhibiting the return of kiwis to NZ, so that the country might find new and innovative ways of tapping the resource that is ex-pat kiwis. Let's hope that Anika Moa's words never come true: "I brought a stamp for a dime |
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Engineer, Oakland CA, USA, age 43 That's the easy answer. We've said since they were born we'd move back when the eldest hit high school. But I think that it also gives us an excuse for a change that's much harder at 45 than it was at 25, it means we're not tied to a house, a suburb/city, jobs, schools etc At the same time we're a bit scared - it is a big change. Can I get a job? (anyone looking for a chip designer? or an embedded linux kernel hacker?) Have things become too much like the US? (more ******* starbucks, m&ms and skittles when I want chocolate fish and hokey-pokey). Will our kids fit in? (probably, they're resilient). Will we? (I'm now cursed with both NZ and 'merkin accents I'll probably never lose - and there's nowhere in the world I don't have an accent). Will we get screwed by long term exchange rates? (everyone we know moving to NZ has suffered, and we did when we left - the week Muldoon called his last election). Is NZ the safe place I remember growing up in? (I read the NZ papers on-line semi-regularly, my Father-in-law moved his whole family to NZ in the late 60s on the strength of a NZ Herald front page headline "Man knocked off bicycle", I read different stuff these days). Of course I have way more questions than answers - and I have 2 years to
worry before we move - on the whole we're looking forward to the change
..... |
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Non-profit director, Boston, USA, age 26 I miss the blue sky of home, the dairy on the corner, the simplicity of life and watching rugby in weak winter sun.
At the same time I am drawn to the expansiveness of Americans, their passion and vision, and their complete faith that they will succeed. At times somewhat arrogant but always engaging. Despite these mixed emotions I am drawn to return by something deeper - a deep love of my country and the desire to contribute to its history in some form or another. Still I question if New Zealand society will allow those of us with changed perspectives to act as catalysts to growth. Will I ever make as much money?
Probably not. Will New Zealand ever dominate world affairs as the U.S. does?
Definitely not. But I must return to continue the journey of making a
difference in the place where my heart has always remained. |
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Journalist, Sydney, Australia, age 23 Project Manager, Edinburgh, Scotland, age 28 I'm looking forward to being
surrounded by family, and familiarity again! |
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Company Director, Auckland, NZ, age 30 My quality of life has shot up, enjoying coffee in the sun, great wines and food, reconnecting with my family etc. Alas, my NZ friends have totally disappointed me. Despite cries of 'come back home' for the last 2 or so years, I have found them to be less than welcoming now I'm back. They do not seem interested in doing things, unlike my London based NZ pals who were constantly out taking on life. They seem uninterested in hearing any of my travelling tales and I don't dare bring them up. Indeed the phone never rings. Despite my efforts to get them out of their newfound suburban bliss, it is just too hard for them to have a coffee or drink in town for a catch-up. "We are not in to doing things like that anymore...people have changed since you've been away...". It's grim. My social life has decelerated from autobahn to 'school zone' speeds. My suggestion is this: NZer's, welcome back your friends
who have returned home. Go out of your way to meet them and hear about their
experiences. They are having a tough time adjusting and culture shock hits
them hard. Take the baby out with you if you must! Invite them into your
life - otherwise they may get resentful towards you and your 'settled' ways. |
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Entrepreneur, Christchurch, NZ, Response on returning - from Australian friends, "why would you want to go back to boring old New Zealand?", from New Zealand friends a mixed response from being cautious as to our motives to "why on earth would you come back to this disaster of a place?" Generally we have been welcomed and made to feel at home. Things we see that New Zealand must get over for it to become a true world participant and a truly great place to live for young and old - New Zealanders' preoccupation with having to beat Australia at anything, a big/small brother syndrome; New Zealanders that cannot see anything good about anywhere outside of NZ; preoccupation with political correctness and attempting to "correct" the past rather than accepting the past and striving for an exciting and sound future; seeing business and the making of profit as an "evil"; MMP, an unnecessary indulgence of over representation in such a small society which is impeding progress and causing decision making by committees (and we all know what they do); Maori over indulgence (one of the most intelligent and pragmatic of native races is systematically being allowed and encouraged to bleed the country of capital through "Waitangi" claims); thinking we owe the world some kind of debt for its problems rather than focusing on our own back yard. Hopes and aspirations for New Zealand - a country that is respected in the world as a model for excellence rather than its current mediocrity; a country that encourages through education, politics and leadership, rewards for hard effort and initiative, for the individual to flourish and be able to make his/her own way rather than rely on Government handouts; a country that has the safety nets for those who truly fall but doesn't encourage those safety nets as a first option; a country whose education system is first class (fewer institutions, but all with a higher level of qualification); a country with an excellent health system (expensive resources confined into fewer institutions but providing state of the art facilities); a country whose products, people and services are regarded as being unique, of a high quality and protective of unsustainable resources. The Positives - we have found the memory and beauty of New Zealand to have more than lived up to our expectations. We have purchased a boat to explore the Southern waterways of the Marlborough Sounds; enjoyed the magnificent wines of the Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc varieties; the excellent venison and fish dishes and the emergence of some great restaurants; our friends; emergence of NZ fashion, NZ music, NZ innovativeness, NZEDGE, finding some NZ product to take to the world. The Negatives - we have found the
NZ secondary school education system to be well behind Australia's, the
apathy of many New Zealanders in always looking for someone else to blame
rather than accepting accountability, too much availability of/reliance on
marijuana, not only amongst young people but also older people which I am
sure has contributed to apathy over the years, the current political climate
and its hand out mentality. |
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Training Industry, Auckland, NZ,
age 44 The University Degree that some of our travellers achieve prior to leaving highlights their intellect but do they have the maturity, the will to succeed, and the experience to make a difference? The 'brain drain' infers we are loosing our intellect as a nation. I believe we are gaining our intellect, for our people return with the knowledge of experience. They return, as they discover New Zealand.
As our young travel overseas, we should not dwell on why but rejoice in their spirit of adventure. They are going to better themselves and in the long run our nation. They will grow as individuals; we will grow as a nation and become the vibrant Edge. London like Brussels like New York looks glamorous and financially
rewarding until you start living within these cities and not passing through
as a tourist. Their politics become yours; their cost of living becomes
your burden. The attraction we felt from a far, our expectation, has become
our reality, creating the opportunity for us, as the traveller, to discover
New Zealand. |
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Whilst we are an attractive place we are also at times complacent and modest through our attitude of 'she'll be right'. We take so much for granted that at times we lack the drive and determination to be successful. In an article by Dr Mapp entitled Our Nation, Our People, Our Challenge; he said, "One nation embracing many peoples who are all proud to be New Zealanders". I am a New Zealander, a Kiwi, but can only tick the box as a 'New Zealander' when outside of my country. Within my country I can only tick the boxes of European or Pakeha. I feel no affinity to Europe and to say I am Pakeha implies I am a visitor, as I am non-Maori and therefore not tangata whenua. In a paper entitled Pakeha, It's Origin and Meaning by Jodie Ranford she examined the meaning of 'Pakeha' in today's society. Through her research and discussion she has been able to come to her own understanding and perspective on the term 'Pakeha'. The term itself is derived from 'Pakepakeha', a mythical human-like being with fair skin and hair. Originally the Pakeha were the early European settlers, however, today 'Pakeha' is used to describe any peoples of non-Maori or non-Polynesian heritage. Pakeha is not an ethnicity but rather a way to differentiate between the historical origins of our settlers, the Polynesians and the Europeans, the Maori and the other. In conclusion of her findings King, M. (1985) who wrote Being Pakeha said, "We have to remember that we are all citizens of Aotearoa, we have no other home, no other turangawaewae". As a nation we must face and celebrate our differences by respecting and embracing our diversity. We are one nation and we are New Zealanders whose uniqueness lies in our diversity. New Zealander, for me, means many not one and KIWI says who I am. Our nation's strength will be gained through the unity of having a passion, a sense of belonging and goals shared by New Zealanders. We want as much pride at home as there is on the terraces of Twickenham when the All Blacks are playing England. Why is our passion ignited on leaving our shores? I believe because our travellers discover New Zealand so perhaps I should ask, "Why do our travellers lose this passion on returning?" New Zealand is a powerful brand, an impressive "Love Mark" that our travellers recognise when they leave our shores, as they are the ones who discover New Zealand. Your questions, especially the following three, will give added meaning to Brand New Zealand and will help us recognise what makes us the nation we are.
We can say to our people, "Stay here, don't leave, we are the place to be, this is our place, etc.", but by doing so, we are challenging the greatest teacher of all - Experience. To ensure our people return as New Zealanders wanting to contribute we must develop our intangible environment. An environment that clearly shows we are a nation of strength and unity, of objectivity (ready to greet our travellers with open arms), of maturity, of belonging and through our drive and determination to win, a nation of achievers, a nation where people are respected through their individuality, a nation with a shared goal and a pride that pumps the heart of our nation. To travel is our destiny as this is the voyage we embark on to discover New Zealand. Travel is an essential ingredient of being a New Zealander. We are many people but with our nationality we are all New Zealanders living and belonging to Aotearoa New Zealand. In closing I would recommend to
all who want to further or simply want to re-discover New Zealand Chris
Laidlaw's book Rights of Passage. |
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Executive Assistant, Auckland, NZ, age 43 This was influenced by:
What gets me down about being back here? The total obsession with rugby, and particularly how NZ lost the opportunity to co-host the world cup - so what? Get over it. And lamb is so expensive - why is that? There look to be no less sheep here now than when I left 13 years ago. What gets me going? The energy, youth, and enthusiasm of the country, and I have to say the weather has been fantastic. Are the cicadas, blue sky and barbies enough? No, we have given ourselves 12 months here for "proof of concept". We both have to be doing things here that we enjoy - careers or in our own business, we have to have established a network, made friends, and feel like we belong here. Mythful memories? No, not so far, but we've only been here 3 months. Although, we did come back two years ago for 6 months, to spend time here, to gauge whether the time was right, and whether my US partner would be happy moving here permanently. That experience has helped enormously with the decision to return, and the transition this time. I think our expectations are more realistic than they might have been otherwise. Two degrees of separation? Too early for us to tell yet. Welcomed back? No, particularly on the work front (see next answer). I'm
not close to my family so unsure whether they believe it is long term or
not. All my friends are in the UK so I don't have a network here to
"re-enter". That was one contributing factor to our decision to
come to NZ - it would be a clean and level playing field for us both
workwise and socially, so we would each have to work at establishing our own
identities and lives here, individually and as a couple. |
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Finding work: I have just accepted a job at one of the Big 5 (now 4). I would never have considered working in that environment or culture in the UK. However, I think the NZ operation and culture will be different, and I sure hope so. I am energised by the entrepreneurial drive and focus here, and will be working in that area. This employer seemed to value my overseas experience and learning and was the first who really did. There are few truly international or even multi-national organisations here and it is the one thing I must have in a work environment. I have found generally that although I gained fantastic experience at great companies in London, that has generally counted for nothing here. My boyfriend is finding it even harder - he is facing very strong anti-US sentiment, and is told he has no experience relevant to NZ, although he has spent 15 years in the eco-tourism, marine and diving businesses in operational, sales and marketing, and management roles. His degree is environmental studies and economics. We are now considering buying a business here for him as many of the most likely avenues for employment seem closed to him. I am embarrassed that my country is still so insular and he is suffering for it, but we will persevere and fortunately have other options financially. Neither of us have a student loan. Sounds: the peace and quiet of a native bush walk. I've never listened to birds before, but am finding that I stop while walking to see if I can spot the tui I can hear. Sights: it has to be the ocean - clear, blue, constantly changing, and breathtakingly beautiful. For my boyfriend, it is seeing the tree ferns growing wild as we drive along SH1. Tastes: You can get Minties, Pineapple Lumps and Vegemite in London and most other places now. All the fruit and vegetables here look and taste wonderful compared to London. It's a cliche, but NZ fish and chips are still the best in the world. Our mussels are 4 times the size of anything you can find in London, and oh so fresh. Moments: being able to get in the car and drive for 20 minutes and be out of town: on a beach, in the bush, having lunch in a vineyard…. One suggestion: why not check with us all in a year's time, to see what we would answer differently? Or if we are still here! Jenny Johnson, jenny.johnson@snap.net.nz
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Teacher, South Ockendon,
Essex, England Teacher, Singapore Every one that has been to NZ is brimming with enthusiasm for the ocuntry when they return and will often contact me straight away and say what a fantastic country it is. Their highlights tend to be the friendliness of the people and beauty. They always say "why are you living overseas?" I know it's not forever and in the mean time our kids are experiencing so much multiculturalism and getting opportunities to see something very different. We come home regularly and hope
one day soon to settle back into paradise. |
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International
Marketer/Entrepreneur, Auckland, NZ It bewilders me, as we live in the best country in the world - truly, but NZ believes that it is too far away to achieve greatness and why bother, when in actual fact, NZ achieves greatness everyday, we just don't tell the world about it. NZ perceives it is small, and unfortunately, 90% of perceptions become reality! Printer/ Finisher, Waikanae
Beach, NZ |
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Gas Operations, Hampshire, England My wife, and 2 young children (all English) and I are returning in October 2002 to Tauranga. Looking forward to great food and outdoor life for us, and especially the children. Major concern is employment. Still, we must try for all of our sakes. Consultant, UK, age 33
Project Administrator, UK, age 27 My fondest memory at home was lying on the beach at Rapaki Bay with four of my friends on a beautiful 28 degree day, with no clouds in the sky and only two other people on the beach. Rapaki Bay is a little Maori settlement and while we were relaxing on the beach we heard this beautiful singing coming from the small church there - a Maori choir practice - it sent shivers down my spine. What a perfect welcome home.
Sometimes the money you can make here doesn't compare to the lifestyle you
can have - I'm going home at Christmas for good. I'll have a flat with 3 or
4 people! instead of sharing with 10 others as I do now. I'll have a back
yard, a car, a garage, a bike, a 15 minute drive to the beach, a 1 hour
drive to the ski fields, a 4 hour drive to the Marlborough Sounds - one of
the most beautiful places on earth. Bliss. |
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Creative, Auckland, NZ, age 35 Four years based in London, thirty countries, seventy cities, one pregnant wife later, it was back to Auckland 'for now'. Eight months, forty agency meetings, half a dozen freelance jobs, one beautiful baby boy later, 'for now' may come to an end soon. So glad he was born here. The country his great, great grandparents were born in. Great to be with family at such a family time. We spent two months shopping - feathers for our nest. Glad we didn't buy the white picket fence we had planned to. Who'd have thought there'd be no jobs? Who'd have known the old network had evaporated? How can 'coming home' be so much harder than 'going there'? It does feel like home though. Deep inside. If we go and come home again, we'll do it differently. Have the job lined up already. Or to start my own agency... and be prepared for a slow, slow start. Statistician, Wellington, NZ, age 26 Click here to have your say and below for further responses: April
2003 - October 2003 (13
messages) |
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