‘Beautiful Welly day’ the best
Carmen Leong comes from Singapore, but has always been drawn to New Zealand’s great outdoors.
What inspired your move, and how long have you been here?
As a child, I was awed by this place named New Zealand where snakes do not exist. Growing up, I loved the great outdoors. When the opportunity arrived to study overseas, I decided New Zealand is where I would go.
What do you do here?
Currently, I am doing a PhD in environmental psychology.
What surprised you most when you first arrived?
All the shops closed by 5pm – bear in mind this was in 2003!
What are the greatest advantages to living here?
I love the laid-back lifestyle, as well as the cafe and artsy culture here. It is very convenient to run my errands around town. More importantly, we are so close to nature. The endemic birdlife is rich even in the city. Living in New Zealand makes you feel connected to nature. Nothing beats a beautiful Wellington day!
Disadvantages?
New Zealand is far away from the rest of the world, and home. The quality of the housing is appalling. As an educator, it is hard for me to see that so many kids are living in poverty in such a wealthy country.
How expensive do you find it compared to back home?
Eating out is very expensive when compared to Asia. Yum cha is great and reasonably priced here. You can spend a quality day outdoors without spending much, almost impossible in Asia.
How do you find the shopping?
I love the Sunday market for grocery shopping. For fashion, I wait for sales and head to Kiwi brands like World.
What are your favourite New Zealand foods?
Crayfish, Bluff oysters, tuatua, paua, scallops ... the seafood here is so fresh and yummy! The local produce at the farmers’ market is my absolute favourite. I also love beer tasting at the local breweries. When I miss home, I will head to Little Penang for their assam laksa.
What do you do in your spare time?
I volunteer as a guide in Zealandia and sail in races around Wellington harbour. I love going for walks and exploring the great outdoors, basically connecting with nature.
How do you get around?
I walk or take a bus. Sometimes, we drive.
Favourite after-dark activity?
Night tour at Zealandia! Sometimes we go for cocktails at Hawthorn Lounge. Our favourite movie hangouts include Embassy Theatre and Light House Cuba. For a treat, we would go to St James for a concert, or gigs at the local bars. I love the free concerts at the Wellington Botanic Gardens over summertime.
What are the top three things you recommend for visitors?
1. For outdoors, visit Zealandia, the Red Rocks reserve, or Matiu/Somes Island. 2. On a rainy day, visit Te Papa, Weta Cave, or go cafe hopping and watch a movie at the Embassy Theatre. 3. For a treat, go to Logan Brown or Shed 5 for a good Western meal. If you love Asian cuisine, try Little Penang and Satay Malaysia for authentic Malaysian cuisine or yum cha at Dragons.
Besides family and friends, what do you miss most about home?
Singaporean food and the warm tropical weather.
How easy is it for you to go home?
It can be pricey to go home. The logistics used to be difficult, but with the new Singapore Airlines direct flight, it will be much easier!
If you could change one thing about New Zealand, what would it be?
Maybe to have 365 days of summer, just because I come from the tropics. More importantly, I would like New Zealand to be free from pests like possum and stouts so endemic flora and fauna can thrive again. Wouldn’t it be cool to have kiwis roaming in your garden?