KIA ORA FROM AUCKLAND!

At any given time in New Zealand, you’re no further than 128km from a beach. On the downside though, Kim Nash says that missing family and friends has by far been the hardest part of their move.

At the end of 2020, during the Covid pandemic, my husband, Brendon, and I packed up our lives and moved with our four children to Auckland, New Zealand. Our then 9-year-old triplets (Ronan, Kait and Owen) and our 6-year-old son, Finn, took their first long international flight with us, and we started our life in New Zealand in the managed isolation facility. I’m a pathologist and was offered a job that I could not refuse. We saw it as a new adventure and opportunity to explore new cultures and parts of our beautiful world.

Assured that the Kiwis also speak English, our children ventured off to school and came home looking rather confused. Cossies became “togs”, slip slops are “jandals”, a jersey is a “jumper” and a bakkie is a “ute”. As the new children in school, they took a while to settle in, so we enrolled them in the local sports clubs. They quickly became a part of the team and made friends with children from many different schools in the area, and we found this instrumental in their settling in. Luckily, after taking some time off to help our children, Brendon has now found an amazing job opportunity, continuing his long corporate career.

THE GOOD

Despite two relatively short, sharp lockdowns, we have the privilege of living in a Covid-free society. Sports stadiums are full, concerts and theatres go ahead as normal, restaurants and bars are buzzing and, of course, no home schooling!

The scenery in New Zealand is breathtaking. A picturesque coastline with a view of Rangitoto is a mere 900m from our front door. We look forward to exploring the south island, which is generally considered the most beautiful part of the country with dense rainforests, spectacular beaches and snowcapped mountains.

The Kiwis are very active. Wherever you go and whatever the weather, people are always out and about walking dogs, running, cycling, hiking, sailing and swimming. There is so much for us to choose from.

There are strict road safety rules that allow our children to walk to and from school in a “walking bus”. Cars are mindful of pedestrian crossings, and they can cross major intersections safely. They enjoy walking with their friends and neighbours, happily chatting to one another along the way.

THE HARD

House prices are through the roof and went up even more during the pandemic. Houses are also a lot smaller than we are used to, and a big garden is a rarity. Food is expensive (especially fresh fruit and vegetables), and eating out can set you back more than in South Africa.

As an example, a cup of coffee costs around $5 (R51). You have to stop converting for your sanity! Coming from Johannesburg, we have had to adjust to a lot more rainfall, particularly in winter. The air is very moist, and you struggle to get things dry in the winter months. The weather is never an excuse for activities to be cancelled, and standing on the side of a football pitch in the rain is common practice.

With four children, we feel like we are always washing and cleaning. We have had to adapt to our house not being quite as tidy and clean as back home and we have invested in some automated assistance. Brendon’s favourite new toy is the robotic vacuum cleaner. Missing family and friends is by far the hardest part! The people. Your people. Someone to lean on, a shoulder to cry on, a babysitter, familiarity and a close bond. We have made new friends here (and are lucky to have some old ones here too), but nothing replaces a long history with someone. Family is everything, and being far away from your loved ones is heart wrenching.

The downside of a Covid-free society is that it has only been accomplished by strict border control. The New Zealand border is closed to anyone other than residents, citizens and critical workers and is subject to mandatory 14 days in quarantine. My father passed away, and I was unable to return home and see him, which was incredibly difficult. We also have no certainty as to when we could travel back and visit or have our family visit us here, which makes us feel very isolated.

SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT NEW ZEALAND

1 There are more sheep than people!

2 You are never further than 128km away from a beach.

3 There are no snakes. ●