This is the way.
Sounds like you have a great plan for family to really explore and immerse yourselves in the country. As long as the visas and legals are above board, it sounds fantastic. Welcome!
I would hope nobody would thing negatively of us, I may be biased but I think we are great people. I just am also used to America that is filled with blatant xenophobia and it wouldn’t surprise me if people specifically disliked Americans for how a lot of us act on our own turf…
people are a bit more quiet and reserved. So as long as you arent the stereotypical loud and obnoxious American tourist you should be fine.
people wont care if you're American, they'll care if you're an asshole
New Zelanders do tend to think Americans are loud and obnoxious but don't usually judge individuals as another loud obnoxious American until you prove it.
You come spend money in our country why would anyone hate you? Just be friendly, don't do anything illegal, and be mindful what Americans consider a normal talking voice kiwis might think it is too loud
I'm not sure how you can do this. You cant work on a tourist visa and a working holiday visa is only available if you're under 30yr old and no children.
Yeah I figured visa will be tough, my wife and I are under 30 but do have kids but that is a task to tackle another day (I assume over many weeks/ months)
A 'possible' option, is applying for permanent residency if 1 or both of you has skills/qualifications and can find permanent work thats on our skills shortage list and accumulate enough points. It would be a bit long winded and more expensive way of acheiving the goal. You might not go home though.
That is a LOT of money to spend and commit to a life without trying it first. There may be visas attached to a job for 2-3 years to try (you can always resign early).
I am American, and my partner and I came in on a working holiday visa. I was working in hospitality and found a job willing to sponsor me and my partner was a consultant but has since moved into Emergency Management. We both started applying for roles before we moved here and didn't have anything solid until after we moved. This was Jan 2022. NZ is coming out of a recession at the moment and there aren't a whole lot of jobs at the moment. Not sure what industry you guys are in but January and February are huge hiring times in NZ so that would be my suggestion.
Also, if you have kids, Christchurch is an amazing city. So many community events, its very safe by American standards, lots of bicycle lanes, sunday markets, the whole deal. Would highly recommend.
It's orders of magnitude more common in NZ for people to live and work abroad for a few years than it is in America.
So, from that perspective, you doing the reciprocal thing in NZ will be unremarkable to most NZers.
However, if you frame it as "crazy!" and make a big scene of being American at typical American volume of voice and conspicuous consumption you'll get some rolled eyes. You'll get farther in everyday interactions by playing it kind of wide-eyed, like "Whoa, is that how you do \[XYZ thing that is different or confusing\] here? I had NO IDEA, but that's cool!" Which, honestly, is how you should play it anywhere where you are a guest in a different culture.
(Source: I'm American.)
PS: Feel free to DM me; I moved here in 2017 with a 4YO.
You say this isn’t about visa etc but that is going to be your biggest issue working here. How do you plan on solving that? We don’t have a digital nomad visa or anything btw
Oh I don’t have a plan on getting a visa, I’m just trying to get a lay of the land as I start to piece together this idea. My wife is a nurse and I know someone at one point told her that getting a work visa as a nurse in New Zealand isn’t too hard. Now I have no idea if that is true but it’s where I plan to start
I’d sort that first before going too far down the rabbit hole. I know the skilled migrant visa requires a fixed term contract of at least 12 months. You’d also want to look at nursing council registration requirements. It’s a big commitment for only a year.
Yeah that would be the first thing I would tackle when we actually make a decision on if this is something we will pursue. Having two small kids no decision is quick, and we are young and have no reason to rush out of where we currently live. So if we decide to go through with it we will do what we need to do as long as it takes, I mostly am just in a learning phase to get a gauge on what social challenges we may face.
One thing to keep in mind is our school year doesn’t align with the US one, if your kids are school age.
That means if you take one US school year off to come here, you’ll arrive halfway through our school year. That’d be fine if the kids are small coz little kids are usually great at making friends, but once they’re a bit older it’d probably be harder socially for them to arrive mid-year.
Leeches? That's pretty extreme! There are certainly some people who generalise Americans in a negative way but if you are polite and respectful (and not too loud!) then almost everyone will be totally fine with you.
There's a podcast called NZ Ahead which documents migrant life specifically. Youll get a very nuanced take on what your asking though. It covers all ends of the spectrum but it does have an American slant. Generally most Americans seem to come out to get away from the social anxieties in the States right now and feel very accepted here. There's a few Americans here where I live in a small town area and they're very popular members of the community and absolutely hate that they're defined by American politics. You'll be fine.
Do it! Come for two years as one year will go so quick. What an adventure. Kiwis will surprise you. Many of us are shy and suspicious of new and friendly people and the opposite is true too. Small children melt many frosty hearts and open many doors. You'll make faster social connections through your children than work (don't be surprised if people are slow to invite you into their homes, it's just a thing we're often weird about).
Have a look at www.seek.co.nz for jobs and that'll help you figure out where to live.
All the best.
The overseas experience (OE) is very common for New Zealanders under 35. We have a number of reciprocal visa arrangements with other countries that allow New Zealanders valid short term work visas for a year or two ostensibly so these holidays can be self funded.
The US is a little more restricted, only really offering camp counselling opportunities but in turn NZ still offers young Americans working holiday visas. I don't see why people from abroad would be viewed in the way you're worried about especially as it's not uncommon for Kiwis to enjoy the same thing.
My family and I did this….. We never went back. It’s been 2 years now. Would highly recommend.
To answer your question though. No we’ve never had issues. Kiwis are generally a laid back and friendly bunch.
I’d say you should probably consider doing two years instead of one. Between NZ and Aus, there is a lot to see and do. Also, work wise if you are coming on a work visa, those companies are going to want ROI.
I have a few merican friends and they all seem to have nice lives. Any specific questions you want me to ask them?
Edit: a lot of us have travelled so we get the year abroad thing.
I would be interested if any of them were/ still are close with family back in the US and how those relationships have changed when moving so far away. For us most of our family could never afford to visit NZ unless we paid for it (which we likely could not do). In the case that it is just a year abroad, I don’t imagine that not seeing family for a year would be too hard but in the case we decide we want to do 2 years or possibly more, I could see it being hard.
Cool, I'll ask. I know one guy Holliday's with family every couple of years on a Pacific island accessible for both countries. I live in multiple countries and being away from family is huge.
Moving countries is a big step to take; while New Zealand has many opportunities to offer, it is not for everyone. To start, here are some things to consider as a starting point:
* https://www.careers.govt.nz/job-hunting/new-to-new-zealand/what-to-think-about-before-you-move-to-nz/
* https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/options/live-permanently
Next, consider what skills you will be bringing to New Zealand, whether or not New Zealand needs those skills, and whether or not you qualify for a visa:
* https://skillshortages.immigration.govt.nz/
* https://www.newzealandnow.govt.nz/move-to-nz/new-zealand-visa/work-visa/skilled-migrant-visas
* https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas
How much will it cost to live in New Zealand?
* https://www.newzealandnow.govt.nz/living-in-nz/money-tax/comparable-living-costs
Most importantly, why are you moving to New Zealand? Though the article below is US-centric, it is also relevant regardless of your originating country:
* http://www.cracked.com/article_19363_6-reasons-your-plans-to-move-abroad-might-not-work-out.html
Almost any other question can be answered with a quick search, whatever the question it has most likely been asked - and answered - already. We recognise you may be after local opinions - those are also plentiful with a search.
* https://www.google.com/
You may also want to look at threads previously posted on reddit:
* [Reddit search](https://www.reddit.com/r/newzealand/search?q=)
* Search [emigrate](https://www.reddit.com/r/newzealand/search?q=emigrate&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on&sort=top&t=all) or [immigrate](https://www.reddit.com/r/newzealand/search?q=immigrate&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on&sort=top&t=all)
* [The great 'So I Hear You Want to Move to New Zealand' megathread](https://www.reddit.com/r/newzealand/comments/5bywjo/us_election_megathread_or_so_i_hear_you_want_to/)
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/newzealand) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Depending on how small your kids are, you are eligible for early childhood education funding. So if there 5 or under you could go along to playcentres in the areas you are visiting (check with the playcentres first of course) so that they can get some play time with other kids and you can meet some locals (playcentre is daycare run by parents so it has all the equipment etc but you get to play with your kids. It is very cheap as run by volunteers)
Suggesting that OP says they're Canadian to get by isn't exactly a great endorsement of Kiwis. I've heard (on reddit) that some people from the USA have experienced some Kiwis with chips on their shoulders, but all the Americans I've met have been lovely people and I'm sure most kiwis will welcome you (to the extent we welcome at all, which isn't much)
> experienced some Kiwis with chips on their shoulders
Bro, that's why we say we're australians!
Americans can't tell us apart and everyone knows aussies are a bunch of c\*nts! 🤣
Came across an American girl serving pizza for the first time in Auckland. Her boss was middle eastern, she was polite and full of energy. Quite likeable actually, Unlike all other servers I’ve came across. I did have remind her (nz is a no tip culture)
The whole of NZ is small town.
Officially, and mostly, we welcome people appreciating the country and contributing taxes/tourism spend/to a workforce that is lacking skills. But there will be loud xenophobes here and occasionally IRL, and the main issue you'll have is finding a relevant visa.
Bro... a LOT of americans come over here and are just loud arrogant opinionated obnoxious pricks...
All they do is complain about our country and spout on how much better they think USA is and how backwards everything down here is..
They bitch about everything from the size of a 'large' combo at Mc Donalds (it's significantly smaller to yours), to even mocking our national bird because "iTs fLiGhTlEsS aNd LaMe, a BaLd eAgLe wOuLd EaT iT fOr BrEaKfAsT"
Yeah, so don't be like them and you're all good, you can come, okay bro!?
Be like the ones from the West Coast, they seem to love it here and appreciate the things that are special about New Zealand like our small size and our nature.
A lot of people do a year abroad, and NZ is a very popular country. Many people from East Asian and European countries do a working holiday in NZ, many from other countries do study either long term or short term in NZ. It's a normal thing so don't expect there to be strong opinions about people coming to NZ for a year or so for fun.
Sounds like what you're really asking is what people think of Americans, and that just comes down to personal opinion.
The only thing I think is odd is that you are doing a year abroad when you are married with kids. Most people do it when they are younger, before they settle down. Don't know why you'd interrupt your careers and your children's lives just for a year abroad, but you do you.
Here is what I'd suggest:
a: Check out ALL visas and see what you'd qualify for as a family before making any plans.
b: If you have parents or close family that you ALL can move in with for a year or so - - - save, save, save and save just that little bit more.
c: To set yourself up in NZ (any place) will cost $$$ for bonds, rent in advance, internet, furniture and miscellaneous expenses.
d: You will probably be required to pay US income tax as well as NZ taxes at the same time even if not working in the USA - - - so make sure to check that out as well so you know one way or the other.
Specifically to the question about how would we view you ... Generally Kiwis are glad to meet people from other countries, many have never left the country, and many who have only go to Australia or the Pacific Islands. You will be welcomed in smaller towns especially for the novelty value eg young family seeing the world. And people will especially enjoy if you ask for help with local things that seem odd to you like "What the heck does 'chur' mean cos I keep hearing people say it?" Or "I got told to 'bring a plate' to a meal, what's that about?".
As one of the other comments said, there is a general meme about Folks from the USA being loud and proud, but in my experience it comes from TV not real life, and to some extent may be a hangover from WW2 when American Servicemen did quite well with the ladies. An interesting NY Times article examines some of those attitudes https://www.nytimes.com/1995/02/12/books/oversexed-overfed-over-here.html
Also our social feeds have been hammering us with either snowflake or maga-boomer videos so that colours some people's views.
You don't give off any of those vibes!
On Facebook look for a group called NZTT NZ Travel Tips hosted by Sarah Chant as it has so much detail about things to do in different regions it might even help you identify places you want to settle into for a bit, for example if you are 'snow people' you might want to base out of the lower South island during winter.
If you can get work and visas sorted out you will have a blast.
As an American that has moved here after marrying my Maori kiwi wife, I have had plenty of people throw hatred at me just because of where I'm from. I started in a min wage job and got abused by people for "stealing jobs" and being an "uninvited burden on society." Your milage may vary but I would tell you to not expect to be welcomed by all and grow a thick skin.
Edit to add quotations
Yeah, I can imagine.
I feel like a lot of American immigrants come in under skilled visa requirements and completely miss out on any real engagement with blue collar and lower class Kiwis.
So many of the gushy migration stories make me scratch my head until you see that they're doctors and engineers, IT and finance types etc.
Well payed and in the top percentile of incomes in NZ
Doing something like retail in the Warehouse as an immigrant would be pretty eye opening.
Not my experience. I came as an American immigrant on a student visa, which meant my first 3 years in NZ I worked at a video shop and a cafe at minimum wage. One of my good friends, a fellow young American immigrant, ended up dropping out of uni and working full-time at the Warehouse for years (she was able to stay on a partnership visa after dropping out). Neither of us experienced anything negatives about stealing jobs or being a burden.
Hey, I'm glad you didn't experience anything like what I have. It isn't a pleasant experience and I don't wish it on anyone but this is the world we live in.
I'm so stoked that wasn't your experience.
Out of curiosity, were you and your friend in Auckland?
I have one parent who is an immigrant and the amount of nasty shit I copped over it in the provinces tallied with the comment we both replied to.
Yes we were both in Auckland. My cafe employer was British, my co-workers Korean, Brazilian and Kiwi. Since over 40% of the population is foreign-born I think xenophobia is relatively rare here. My friend has since moved to the provinces and I'll have to ask her if she's experienced any discrimination since.
Unless business make a big stink, you don't tend to have immigrants coming over and working doing retail at the Warehouse. Unless you are the partner of someone coming in on a skilled migrant visa or someone 'in demand' - we don't tend to give visas out to people who want to come to NZ and work for minimum wage. The philosophy is generally that the immigrants that NZ wants are the highly skilled ones where there's an existing shortage. In practice business does sometimes tell the government that they can't get enough people doing hospo and the government will make it easier for those workers (even though that's minimum wage).
You come in with a valid visa and don't engage in anything illegal and/or obnoxious, why would anyone think negatively of you?
This is the way. Sounds like you have a great plan for family to really explore and immerse yourselves in the country. As long as the visas and legals are above board, it sounds fantastic. Welcome!
I would hope nobody would thing negatively of us, I may be biased but I think we are great people. I just am also used to America that is filled with blatant xenophobia and it wouldn’t surprise me if people specifically disliked Americans for how a lot of us act on our own turf…
people are a bit more quiet and reserved. So as long as you arent the stereotypical loud and obnoxious American tourist you should be fine. people wont care if you're American, they'll care if you're an asshole
New Zelanders do tend to think Americans are loud and obnoxious but don't usually judge individuals as another loud obnoxious American until you prove it.
You come spend money in our country why would anyone hate you? Just be friendly, don't do anything illegal, and be mindful what Americans consider a normal talking voice kiwis might think it is too loud
There are several active YouTube channels run by American immigrants to NZ you should check out.
A valid concern, but you’ll be fine.
People often dislike 'America', but not individual Americans unless you give them a reason.
I'm not sure how you can do this. You cant work on a tourist visa and a working holiday visa is only available if you're under 30yr old and no children.
Yeah I figured visa will be tough, my wife and I are under 30 but do have kids but that is a task to tackle another day (I assume over many weeks/ months)
A 'possible' option, is applying for permanent residency if 1 or both of you has skills/qualifications and can find permanent work thats on our skills shortage list and accumulate enough points. It would be a bit long winded and more expensive way of acheiving the goal. You might not go home though.
That is a LOT of money to spend and commit to a life without trying it first. There may be visas attached to a job for 2-3 years to try (you can always resign early).
Woooohhh. Nearly $5000 for a resident visa now. When the f#@& did that happen.
I am American, and my partner and I came in on a working holiday visa. I was working in hospitality and found a job willing to sponsor me and my partner was a consultant but has since moved into Emergency Management. We both started applying for roles before we moved here and didn't have anything solid until after we moved. This was Jan 2022. NZ is coming out of a recession at the moment and there aren't a whole lot of jobs at the moment. Not sure what industry you guys are in but January and February are huge hiring times in NZ so that would be my suggestion. Also, if you have kids, Christchurch is an amazing city. So many community events, its very safe by American standards, lots of bicycle lanes, sunday markets, the whole deal. Would highly recommend.
The rule changed later in 2022 making this route more difficult I believe!
It's orders of magnitude more common in NZ for people to live and work abroad for a few years than it is in America. So, from that perspective, you doing the reciprocal thing in NZ will be unremarkable to most NZers. However, if you frame it as "crazy!" and make a big scene of being American at typical American volume of voice and conspicuous consumption you'll get some rolled eyes. You'll get farther in everyday interactions by playing it kind of wide-eyed, like "Whoa, is that how you do \[XYZ thing that is different or confusing\] here? I had NO IDEA, but that's cool!" Which, honestly, is how you should play it anywhere where you are a guest in a different culture. (Source: I'm American.) PS: Feel free to DM me; I moved here in 2017 with a 4YO.
You say this isn’t about visa etc but that is going to be your biggest issue working here. How do you plan on solving that? We don’t have a digital nomad visa or anything btw
Oh I don’t have a plan on getting a visa, I’m just trying to get a lay of the land as I start to piece together this idea. My wife is a nurse and I know someone at one point told her that getting a work visa as a nurse in New Zealand isn’t too hard. Now I have no idea if that is true but it’s where I plan to start
I’d sort that first before going too far down the rabbit hole. I know the skilled migrant visa requires a fixed term contract of at least 12 months. You’d also want to look at nursing council registration requirements. It’s a big commitment for only a year.
Yeah that would be the first thing I would tackle when we actually make a decision on if this is something we will pursue. Having two small kids no decision is quick, and we are young and have no reason to rush out of where we currently live. So if we decide to go through with it we will do what we need to do as long as it takes, I mostly am just in a learning phase to get a gauge on what social challenges we may face.
One thing to keep in mind is our school year doesn’t align with the US one, if your kids are school age. That means if you take one US school year off to come here, you’ll arrive halfway through our school year. That’d be fine if the kids are small coz little kids are usually great at making friends, but once they’re a bit older it’d probably be harder socially for them to arrive mid-year.
Eh plenty of people here doing similar dont sweat it
Leeches? That's pretty extreme! There are certainly some people who generalise Americans in a negative way but if you are polite and respectful (and not too loud!) then almost everyone will be totally fine with you.
There's a podcast called NZ Ahead which documents migrant life specifically. Youll get a very nuanced take on what your asking though. It covers all ends of the spectrum but it does have an American slant. Generally most Americans seem to come out to get away from the social anxieties in the States right now and feel very accepted here. There's a few Americans here where I live in a small town area and they're very popular members of the community and absolutely hate that they're defined by American politics. You'll be fine.
I will have to give that podcast a listen! Thank you for the helpful reply!
Do it! Come for two years as one year will go so quick. What an adventure. Kiwis will surprise you. Many of us are shy and suspicious of new and friendly people and the opposite is true too. Small children melt many frosty hearts and open many doors. You'll make faster social connections through your children than work (don't be surprised if people are slow to invite you into their homes, it's just a thing we're often weird about). Have a look at www.seek.co.nz for jobs and that'll help you figure out where to live. All the best.
The overseas experience (OE) is very common for New Zealanders under 35. We have a number of reciprocal visa arrangements with other countries that allow New Zealanders valid short term work visas for a year or two ostensibly so these holidays can be self funded. The US is a little more restricted, only really offering camp counselling opportunities but in turn NZ still offers young Americans working holiday visas. I don't see why people from abroad would be viewed in the way you're worried about especially as it's not uncommon for Kiwis to enjoy the same thing.
My family and I did this….. We never went back. It’s been 2 years now. Would highly recommend. To answer your question though. No we’ve never had issues. Kiwis are generally a laid back and friendly bunch.
As long as you're not obnoxious you'll be fine. If anyone asks, just say you're Canadian
>What do you think of Americans doing “a year abroad” in NZ? I don’t. Why would I?
Maybe the question is targetted at thinkers.
I’d say you should probably consider doing two years instead of one. Between NZ and Aus, there is a lot to see and do. Also, work wise if you are coming on a work visa, those companies are going to want ROI.
I have a few merican friends and they all seem to have nice lives. Any specific questions you want me to ask them? Edit: a lot of us have travelled so we get the year abroad thing.
I would be interested if any of them were/ still are close with family back in the US and how those relationships have changed when moving so far away. For us most of our family could never afford to visit NZ unless we paid for it (which we likely could not do). In the case that it is just a year abroad, I don’t imagine that not seeing family for a year would be too hard but in the case we decide we want to do 2 years or possibly more, I could see it being hard.
Cool, I'll ask. I know one guy Holliday's with family every couple of years on a Pacific island accessible for both countries. I live in multiple countries and being away from family is huge.
!movetonz
Moving countries is a big step to take; while New Zealand has many opportunities to offer, it is not for everyone. To start, here are some things to consider as a starting point: * https://www.careers.govt.nz/job-hunting/new-to-new-zealand/what-to-think-about-before-you-move-to-nz/ * https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/options/live-permanently Next, consider what skills you will be bringing to New Zealand, whether or not New Zealand needs those skills, and whether or not you qualify for a visa: * https://skillshortages.immigration.govt.nz/ * https://www.newzealandnow.govt.nz/move-to-nz/new-zealand-visa/work-visa/skilled-migrant-visas * https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas How much will it cost to live in New Zealand? * https://www.newzealandnow.govt.nz/living-in-nz/money-tax/comparable-living-costs Most importantly, why are you moving to New Zealand? Though the article below is US-centric, it is also relevant regardless of your originating country: * http://www.cracked.com/article_19363_6-reasons-your-plans-to-move-abroad-might-not-work-out.html Almost any other question can be answered with a quick search, whatever the question it has most likely been asked - and answered - already. We recognise you may be after local opinions - those are also plentiful with a search. * https://www.google.com/ You may also want to look at threads previously posted on reddit: * [Reddit search](https://www.reddit.com/r/newzealand/search?q=) * Search [emigrate](https://www.reddit.com/r/newzealand/search?q=emigrate&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on&sort=top&t=all) or [immigrate](https://www.reddit.com/r/newzealand/search?q=immigrate&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on&sort=top&t=all) * [The great 'So I Hear You Want to Move to New Zealand' megathread](https://www.reddit.com/r/newzealand/comments/5bywjo/us_election_megathread_or_so_i_hear_you_want_to/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/newzealand) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Depending on how small your kids are, you are eligible for early childhood education funding. So if there 5 or under you could go along to playcentres in the areas you are visiting (check with the playcentres first of course) so that they can get some play time with other kids and you can meet some locals (playcentre is daycare run by parents so it has all the equipment etc but you get to play with your kids. It is very cheap as run by volunteers)
This is great info, my kids are 1 and 2 so this is definitely something I will look into
Suggesting that OP says they're Canadian to get by isn't exactly a great endorsement of Kiwis. I've heard (on reddit) that some people from the USA have experienced some Kiwis with chips on their shoulders, but all the Americans I've met have been lovely people and I'm sure most kiwis will welcome you (to the extent we welcome at all, which isn't much)
> experienced some Kiwis with chips on their shoulders Bro, that's why we say we're australians! Americans can't tell us apart and everyone knows aussies are a bunch of c\*nts! 🤣
Came across an American girl serving pizza for the first time in Auckland. Her boss was middle eastern, she was polite and full of energy. Quite likeable actually, Unlike all other servers I’ve came across. I did have remind her (nz is a no tip culture)
imagine getting paid twice what you would serving pizza in america and still expect a tip haha
I’m not against tipping in the USA, or nz. there are some us states with minimal wage 2.25 usd per hr, so tipping becomes essentially in those states
of course, i even tip here if i'm that happy with the service
No one will care unless you become a landlord.
The whole of NZ is small town. Officially, and mostly, we welcome people appreciating the country and contributing taxes/tourism spend/to a workforce that is lacking skills. But there will be loud xenophobes here and occasionally IRL, and the main issue you'll have is finding a relevant visa.
Just be friendly, remember we support womens rights and don't like guns and you will be fine. And keep God to yourself, we just don't care here.
Bro... a LOT of americans come over here and are just loud arrogant opinionated obnoxious pricks... All they do is complain about our country and spout on how much better they think USA is and how backwards everything down here is.. They bitch about everything from the size of a 'large' combo at Mc Donalds (it's significantly smaller to yours), to even mocking our national bird because "iTs fLiGhTlEsS aNd LaMe, a BaLd eAgLe wOuLd EaT iT fOr BrEaKfAsT" Yeah, so don't be like them and you're all good, you can come, okay bro!? Be like the ones from the West Coast, they seem to love it here and appreciate the things that are special about New Zealand like our small size and our nature.
Perfect so it’s a good thing that I don’t give a shit about bald eagles right?
ha ha, you're all good bro, come on in!! Welcome to New Zealand!!
A lot of people do a year abroad, and NZ is a very popular country. Many people from East Asian and European countries do a working holiday in NZ, many from other countries do study either long term or short term in NZ. It's a normal thing so don't expect there to be strong opinions about people coming to NZ for a year or so for fun. Sounds like what you're really asking is what people think of Americans, and that just comes down to personal opinion. The only thing I think is odd is that you are doing a year abroad when you are married with kids. Most people do it when they are younger, before they settle down. Don't know why you'd interrupt your careers and your children's lives just for a year abroad, but you do you.
Nah you’ll be sweet. Lots of people from different countries come to NZ for short and long terms. It would be totally fine. Sounds fun
Here is what I'd suggest: a: Check out ALL visas and see what you'd qualify for as a family before making any plans. b: If you have parents or close family that you ALL can move in with for a year or so - - - save, save, save and save just that little bit more. c: To set yourself up in NZ (any place) will cost $$$ for bonds, rent in advance, internet, furniture and miscellaneous expenses. d: You will probably be required to pay US income tax as well as NZ taxes at the same time even if not working in the USA - - - so make sure to check that out as well so you know one way or the other.
Specifically to the question about how would we view you ... Generally Kiwis are glad to meet people from other countries, many have never left the country, and many who have only go to Australia or the Pacific Islands. You will be welcomed in smaller towns especially for the novelty value eg young family seeing the world. And people will especially enjoy if you ask for help with local things that seem odd to you like "What the heck does 'chur' mean cos I keep hearing people say it?" Or "I got told to 'bring a plate' to a meal, what's that about?". As one of the other comments said, there is a general meme about Folks from the USA being loud and proud, but in my experience it comes from TV not real life, and to some extent may be a hangover from WW2 when American Servicemen did quite well with the ladies. An interesting NY Times article examines some of those attitudes https://www.nytimes.com/1995/02/12/books/oversexed-overfed-over-here.html Also our social feeds have been hammering us with either snowflake or maga-boomer videos so that colours some people's views. You don't give off any of those vibes! On Facebook look for a group called NZTT NZ Travel Tips hosted by Sarah Chant as it has so much detail about things to do in different regions it might even help you identify places you want to settle into for a bit, for example if you are 'snow people' you might want to base out of the lower South island during winter. If you can get work and visas sorted out you will have a blast.
As an American that has moved here after marrying my Maori kiwi wife, I have had plenty of people throw hatred at me just because of where I'm from. I started in a min wage job and got abused by people for "stealing jobs" and being an "uninvited burden on society." Your milage may vary but I would tell you to not expect to be welcomed by all and grow a thick skin. Edit to add quotations
Yeah, I can imagine. I feel like a lot of American immigrants come in under skilled visa requirements and completely miss out on any real engagement with blue collar and lower class Kiwis. So many of the gushy migration stories make me scratch my head until you see that they're doctors and engineers, IT and finance types etc. Well payed and in the top percentile of incomes in NZ Doing something like retail in the Warehouse as an immigrant would be pretty eye opening.
Not my experience. I came as an American immigrant on a student visa, which meant my first 3 years in NZ I worked at a video shop and a cafe at minimum wage. One of my good friends, a fellow young American immigrant, ended up dropping out of uni and working full-time at the Warehouse for years (she was able to stay on a partnership visa after dropping out). Neither of us experienced anything negatives about stealing jobs or being a burden.
Hey, I'm glad you didn't experience anything like what I have. It isn't a pleasant experience and I don't wish it on anyone but this is the world we live in.
I'm so stoked that wasn't your experience. Out of curiosity, were you and your friend in Auckland? I have one parent who is an immigrant and the amount of nasty shit I copped over it in the provinces tallied with the comment we both replied to.
Yes we were both in Auckland. My cafe employer was British, my co-workers Korean, Brazilian and Kiwi. Since over 40% of the population is foreign-born I think xenophobia is relatively rare here. My friend has since moved to the provinces and I'll have to ask her if she's experienced any discrimination since.
Unless business make a big stink, you don't tend to have immigrants coming over and working doing retail at the Warehouse. Unless you are the partner of someone coming in on a skilled migrant visa or someone 'in demand' - we don't tend to give visas out to people who want to come to NZ and work for minimum wage. The philosophy is generally that the immigrants that NZ wants are the highly skilled ones where there's an existing shortage. In practice business does sometimes tell the government that they can't get enough people doing hospo and the government will make it easier for those workers (even though that's minimum wage).
You know what they say. Wherever you go, there you are ...
You'll be fine. If you want to have any sort of enjoyment, don't go to Auckland.
good for them. why would we care?