Lovin’ our work and life balance
Exorbitant rents, the big drinking culture and Kiwis’ tendency to avoid conflict aside, American Laura Hoefer reckons life in New Zealand is pretty hard to beat.
Hoefer, 26, and her partner Luke Venable, 30, hadn’t thought much about the Land of the Long White Cloud at the bottom of the world until he was recruited to help a major Kiwi company implement new software two years ago.
‘‘We had a week to decide if we wanted to move,’’ Hoefer says. ‘‘It was really random . . . but we decided the opportunity was too good to turn down.’’
Within two months, the couple were winging their way to Auckland, where they settled into a flat on Karangahape Rd, wanting to be in the city’s beating heart.
Hoefer fell immediately for New Zealand’s natural charms, saying her first impression of the country was ‘‘Wow, it’s so beautiful here . . . Coming from a city of roughly six million, we never took the time to get outside and enjoy nature. That’s definitely changed.’’
Hoefer’s been so inspired to lead a healthy, active lifestyle in line with her interests that she quit her job in the tech sector to become a yoga teacher and freelance graphic designer and photographer.
Hoefer and Venable now work half as much as they did in the United States (40 hours a week or less rather than 70-80 hours) and have twice as much annual leave.
‘‘Kiwis understand the importance of having a healthy balance between work and your life. We love that about living here. I don’t say lightly that it has changed our lives.’’
Hoefer has lived in France and Venable in South Africa, and both found settling into New Zealand far easier.
‘‘Kiwis are so kind and Auckland is full of other expats who helped us figure things out,’’ Hoefer says.
‘‘At work, I initially noticed a few cultural differences, like some of my colleagues never addressing things that bothered them, but those are minor.’’
They have, however, been shocked at the price of rental accommodation in the city, saying they pay hundreds of dollars more in rent each month than they used to.
‘‘It’s crazy how expensive rent is here and the quality of houses to rent price is criminal. In Atlanta, we were paying US$450 (NZ$660) a month for our threebedroom apartment in the city. So it’s been tough to swallow the $700 a week rent here.’’
They lasted nine months on K’ Rd before moving to stillcentral but less hectic Kingsland, and Hoefer says they’re now happier than when they were in the US. They spend their free time ‘‘enjoying Auckland’s lovely yoga studios, going to the beaches, and enjoying the city’s amazing food options. From La Cigale to Coco’s Cantina to Kaiaroha, we love eating here’’.
While they’ve ‘‘formed some amazing relationships’’ with colleagues and others in the health and wellbeing community, and made friends with other expats, Hoefer said they’ve struggled to get to know many New Zealanders well.
‘‘We haven’t found Kiwis to be the most open when it comes to new friendships . . . It does feel like there’s reservation . . .’’
They’ve also been surprised by how common it is for people to drink to excess in New Zealand – Hoefer has stopped going to concerts and clubs ‘‘because I think it’s problematic how drunk people get’’.
She’s keen to stress, however, that she has no serious complaints about New Zealand, saying she’d rate her life here a 10 out of 10.
Some perceived negatives, such as the higher cost of clothes, have actually proved positives, she says.
‘‘In the US it’s easier to buy clothes and things you don’t need, so it’s easier to do all the time. Here, we don’t shop as much.
‘‘It’s great – I’m glad we’ve stopped mindlessly consuming.
‘‘Coming to New Zealand has been really refreshing for us to say the least. I think Luke and I would both have serious reverse culture shock if we were to go back to the US.’’
The bonus is they’ve ‘‘managed to find a house with no leaks’’.
‘‘But jokes aside, we have an amazing standard of living here and are truly grateful for it.’’
If you know someone who’s new to New Zealand who wants to share their stories of adapting to life here, or have a travel question, email travel@stuff.co.nz with Kiwi Life or Expert in the subject line.