From France to Motueka What inspired your move, and how long have you been here?
Marylene Coutret moved to New Zealand from France, for romance, but ended up falling in love with the country.
I was 22, had quit university and wanted to travel. In 2008, I ended up falling in love with a man and this was the initial reason I stayed here, but then I also fell for the country – that’s why I’m still here even if the man is not.
What do you do here?
I work in a bakery.
What surprised you most when you arrived?
Everything related to being in the southern hemisphere: the sun running its course towards the north, the upside-down moon, the unknown constellations in the night sky, the inverted seasons ... it takes a few days for the ‘‘northern mind’’ to get used to all of this.
What are the greatest advantages to living here?
The lifestyle. Compared to a very crowded and somewhat stressed out Europe, I find New Zealand a lot more relaxed.
Disadvantages?
The flip side to New Zealand’s remoteness is that it is much harder to get to see a big concert or a major art exhibition down here than it is in Europe.
How expensive do you find it compared to back home?
Unfortunately, the cost of living in New Zealand is much higher than in France. But other things make up for it. For example, I would never be able to rent a small cabin on my own in a quiet place very close to town in France.
What do you do in your spare time?
In summer, my spare time is filled with outdoor activities, like tramping and paddle boarding. When it’s raining or in winter, I love cuddling up on the sofa with a cuppa and a good book.
What are your favourite New Zealand foods?
Being a vegetarian, this is a bit of a tricky question for me because typically Kiwi foods such as seafood, mince pies, lamb, whitebait or sausage sizzles are not part of my diet. I absolutely love manuka honey, although I really can’t cope with Marmite ...
How do you get around?
For most things around town, whether it is going to work, visiting friends or grocery shopping, I use my bicycle. I use my car only for longer trips, to go to the beach or up in the mountains.
How do you find the shopping?
There is one thing I absolutely love in New Zealand which is hard to find in France: the fruit and vege stalls on the side of the road. It’s such a great concept, always cheap, sometimes organic, and a great way to buy local and support the community.
Favourite after dark activity?
When I get the chance, I love stargazing, sitting with friends around a bonfire, or simply reading a book by candlelight.
What are the top three things you recommend for visitors?
1. Go tramping! New Zealand offers amazing trails with a rich hut network in breathtaking sceneries. 2. Experience Maori culture. Watching a kapa haka performance gives me chills every time. 3. Get to know the native wildlife. Everything seemed so different and exotic when I got here. The bird songs, the whales and dolphins, even the glow worms were (and still are) a source of endless wonder.
Go tramping! New Zealand offers amazing trails with a rich hut network in breathtaking sceneries.
Besides family and friends, what do you miss most about home?
One of the first things that come to mind is Christmas in winter. Going to the beach and having a barbecue wearing togs and a Santa hat doesn’t quite do it for me ...
How easy is it for you to go home?
Quite tough, it is a long and expensive flight. I try to go back every two years for a few months to make it worthwhile.
If you could change one thing about New Zealand, what would it be?
All the environmental issues. New Zealand advertises itself to overseas tourists as a clean and green country, but when you look deeper, you realise it’s not quite the truth. We live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, we need to take better actions to take care of it.
If you know an expat who has made New Zealand their home, email travel@stuff.co.nz with Kiwi Life in the subject line.