Why New Zealand?

Megan's Reasons Why

If you are either a co-worker or my father, the official business purpose for this move is "to gain exposure to the Asia Pacific business market in an English-speaking environment."

For anyone else, the reasons are more along these lines....

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to live in another country. Some of you will understand this desire immediately, while others of you never will, but anyone who knows me should not be surprised by it.

For a long time, this desire was more general - "anywhere but here" was my mantra. Then, one night on our honeymoon last fall, Rob and I were talking about where our lives should go next. We both assumed we'd move to Canada, which we had been talking about doing for years, but then something unexpected happened. In a burst of wine-inspired fancy, I pointed out that we could really go anywhere we wanted, and then one of us (we do not remember who, as neither of us has ever been there) said "even New Zealand." And an idea was born...

We joked about moving to New Zealand at first, and I can't pinpoint when our jokes turned to intent. We realized that although Canada sounds lovely (and we will probably end up there one day), it was too safe for this point in our lives. New Zealand, being on the other side of the world, seemed like more of an adventure in the great wide somewhere. And so, after a lengthy introduction, I present to you Megan's Top Five Reasons Why....

1. New Zealand's three main exports are wool, dairy products and wine. I just so happen to be a knitter who loves cheese and wine, and so when I discovered this, I felt like it was Meant to Be.
2. There are no snakes in New Zealand.
3. New Zealand has relatively open immigration policies, especially for people who are educated. I work for an international firm, and so finding a job was not an issue for me. Rob, however, will have to change companies, and so it is crucial that he can get a work visa. This was a big reason we decided against Europe - EU spousal visas do not include a work permit.  New Zealand spousal visas do, which will make Rob's job hunt much easier.
4. They speak primarily English in New Zealand. I took 4-5 years of Latin, which means I speak only English. Not having to learn a new language is a big bonus.
5. Anyone who has been to New Zealand has nothing but the best things to say about New Zealand and its Kiwis, and light up at the opportunity to talk about it. Between what they tell me and what google tells me, New Zealand sounds magical.

Although really, let's be honest - I was convinced after discovering reason #1.  A land filled with wool, cheese and wine?!  I'm just surprised I don't live there already.

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Rob's Reasons Why

1.       Why not?

To start with the biggest cliché in the book, life’s short, and it’s amazing how quickly the years roll by once you’re grinding it out in your day-to-day regime. I love my life and love my wife, but we both know the moments in life that really stand out are those where you’re a little out of your comfort zone, pushing yourself to do something new.

The greatest joys in my life have always come from (a) friends and family and (b) travel and new experiences. There’s obviously some tension between (a) and (b) regarding the New Zealand decision. We have an amazing group of friends, and I love every minute I spend with my family. But after 7+ years in Chicago, it feels like time to move on and take a big leap into something new. Of course a huge dose of credit must go to my lovely wife, as I’d never be able to do this without my best friend at my side.

2.       It’s a friendly place!

Everyone who knows me knows I’m a friendly, easygoing guy, and I prefer to surround myself with people of a similar temperament. I recently spent the weekend with my grandparents and enjoyed hearing stories of their (many, many) travels. What really struck me was how many random encounters they had with locals who inevitably invited my grandparents to stay with them, eat with them, and drink with them.

I’m as convinced as ever that much of the good that has come their way was a result of how they treated others and the kind, good nature, and FUN attitude they maintain at all times. They passed these same values down to my dad, who has similarly succeeded in no small part because he’s such a damn nice guy. I’d like to think that my brother and I are carrying this torch in our generation. Maybe it’s just part of being Canadian! But you know who somehow trumps even the Canadians’ legendary friendliness? Kiwis!

According to a recent HuffingtonPost article, “If you want to be sure of a warm welcome, head to New Zealand. [World Economic Forum] ranked the country the second friendliest towards foreigners in the world and a recent survey of expats even voted it the most welcoming country for expatriates.” Anecdotal stories back this up in spades. While I’m no great philosopher of life, I have to believe that one of the keys to a happy life is treating others well and being so-treated in return, and New Zealanders seem to live their lives according to this rule.

3.       This picture:

4.       Active lifestyle.

As I’m writing this, I’m just beginning to unwind from a nearly two hour drive home from work. Today was a particularly bad commute, but my average drive home ranges from 1-1.5 hours, with my drive to work in the morning taking 1 hour. In between commuting, I sit in a cubicle at a desk staring at a computer screen. When I get home, I sit on the couch and watch TV. While I understand this lifestyle is a result of choices I’ve made and there’s plenty I could do to live a more active lifestyle, our lifestyle in Chicago makes it very easy to fall into this kind of rut. Chicago has a beautiful lake front and there’s plenty to do, but there’s simply not the same access to the “great outdoors” as can be found in New Zealand.

New Zealand has some of the most magnificent outdoor adventure opportunities on the planet. While I’m looking forward to the big special trips (black water rafting, multi-day hikes), it’s the immediate access to day hikes, mountain bike rides, skiing, swimming, and many other outdoor pursuits that is so appealing. A big part of the move will be giving up on my more consumer-centric hobbies (stereo / home theater system, collecting movies and records), which in turn should encourage me to get out and enjoy nature.

5.       Wine and cheese please!

New Zealand has hundreds of boutique wineries from the coasts to the mountains. Who can argue with that? Wine is a big part of life in New Zealand, but Kiwis up the ante further by being major dairy-heads. Dairy comprises approximately 26 percent of all merchandise exports, their #1. Artisanal cheese makers are everywhere, and there’s nothing that goes better with a nice glass of wine than a nice piece of cheese. 

Cheers!

6.       You can hike through Mordor.

Yep, that’s going to happen. And of course a visit to Hobbiton (including a pint or three at The Green Dragon).

You know you’re jealous.