Expat New Zealand prospects
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: ex EGNM, now NZRO
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Pilots are legitimately out of touch about what it's like out there in the "real world". I know I was and let me tell you, working 40 hours a week compares NOTHING to my cruisy airline job (RIP), or previous charter jobs. Work life balance driving trucks? You have another thing coming.
OP, be wary of taking advice from cashed up boomers living in gated communities thinking we are still living in a high trust community like NZ had in the 50s-90s.
You think things are getting scary in the US only? Sure, come on in. The water is lovely.
OP, be wary of taking advice from cashed up boomers living in gated communities thinking we are still living in a high trust community like NZ had in the 50s-90s.
You think things are getting scary in the US only? Sure, come on in. The water is lovely.
Yes, I have money, it's tied up in my main residence. Like many Kiwis, I don't have a bach or a portfolio of rentals. If I sold my house, that I worked to get (as did my wife), yes I would be well off, but I'd also be homeless and wouldn't be able to buy anything have decent - and I don't live in a ******* gated community - I could NOT think of anything worse.
And by the way, I started working at 12, and 46 years later I am still working, came from a very impoverished background on the outskirts of Glasgow.
DingdongClunk wants out of the US; NZ is a rural backwater compared to there. You're extremely unlikely to be shot here (unless you're in the bush during deer stalking season); yes, we are developing our own batch of lunatics with the Tamaki's, Billy TK and Sue Grey and the whole 'we want freedom' brigade, our own little Trump fan club. Hopefully they will disappear, though judging by the eejits walking through Auckland, maybe my optimism is misplaced,
You're right. Truck driving in NZ would not be a career move for most, but the other lifestyle aspects (outdoors, beaches, wildlife, etc) are hard to beat.
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Neither of which are anything close to Socialist; the last tax INCREASE was GST from 12.5% to 15% under National - something they said they wouldn't do.
The current government have adopted a strategy of corporate welfare to ensure businesses survive, similar to every other OECD country, most of which are centre right - and I would argue there really isn't a lot of difference between National and Labour. We actually need a government of consensus.
The current government have adopted a strategy of corporate welfare to ensure businesses survive, similar to every other OECD country, most of which are centre right - and I would argue there really isn't a lot of difference between National and Labour. We actually need a government of consensus.
contrary to some of the comments, we don't live in a totalitarian state
You will see that in my earlier post I attempted to address some of the rather negative views about NZ that had been espoused. I still hold the view that the place has a lot going for it (and that the grass is greenest where you water it the most), but that doesn't mean what is happening is ok, nor that it can be brushed under the carpet. Someone looking in with a view to living here, particularly given their reasons for leaving, needs to know something of the political and social culture.
Last edited by First_Principal; 1st Nov 2021 at 19:14. Reason: Grammar
I think you need to change that to say that NZ has the most divisive controlling government YOU have ever seen, because some of us lived through the Muldoon govt. Google the documentary "Frontline - Five Days in July" and you'll see just how close NZ was to total financial collapse.
We don't want them back! That's how this current lockdown started

Join Date: Nov 2021
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Hi DingDongClunk, my 2 cents worth, for what it is worth. I have lived in both countries (Australia and NZ - but born in Australia) - you will make more money in Australia but it also depends on what you are after in life. If $$$ are the primary driver then Australia is for you. If you want to live in a place where people are friendlier (I am talking South Island folks) but you make less money, then NZ is a good option. I spent 20 years in the front of a jet in Australia, stuck in traffic to get to the airport and back everytime I went to work. It was my 'normal'. I escaped the rat race and now live in the deep south of NZ - no traffic, peaceful, no longer living in hotels or suffering the unpleasentess of shiftwork - my new normal. I have no plans to move back to Australia. Interestingly, I work with a number of Australian expats here who accept that they could make more money back home but trade that off for the lifestyle here. One thing I have noticed is the level of hatred and vitriol towards New Zealanders from Australians in Australia (the ANZAC commeraderie is just a myth nowadays). I haven't seen the same attitude towards Australians here though - quite the reverse - another reason I like it here. So where you go depends on what you want in your life. I recall an old proverb - Lucky are those that are satified with enough. I will now sit back and read the vitiolic posts from pilots back home. Telomere.
My siblings paid 80K in taxation advice and ended up living in NZ to best serve their business interests in Australia & NZ. They own half of Queenstown Hill and live an amazing lifestyle of helicopters for skiing, hiking or highland picnics; chefs and winemakers who host their dinner parties with friends in their impressive properties. Irony for me being, they've had a few touch and go medical emergencies and while its great you are better off for tax, you may as well be in Asia for medical care.
Probably not relevant for a pilot though I'd suggest you delve deeper into what may really matter living in NZ. As for the locals, lovely folks, though it s a bit like going to Phuket, where foreigners have the glitter and the locals provide nice services.
Probably not relevant for a pilot though I'd suggest you delve deeper into what may really matter living in NZ. As for the locals, lovely folks, though it s a bit like going to Phuket, where foreigners have the glitter and the locals provide nice services.
Sorry OP, there's some seriously bad reckons here but pilots can often be a cosseted and unrealistic bunch as I'm sure you well know.
It's true an airline job is almost certainly a no-go. At Air New Zealand on the turboprop fleet pretty much everyone will be back early in the new year and then they'll have to start calling on those furloughed and redundant from the jet fleet.
That said it's not outside of the realm of possibilities that a simulator instructor gig could be possible. Aside from the seat changes afflicting the jet fleet there will be a lot of turboprop training as things return to normal and it has in the past been an area where people opportunities have arisen. Given the new world realities maybe still an outside chance, but something to consider looking at.
I grew up working class, worked overseas for 8 years and have a good spot on a seniority list as a Turboprop captain. I have a good contract and thanks to working overseas was able to buy a house in Auckland. Are there challenges? Yeah, sure. But the overly vocal right-wing trolls and anti-vaxxers while loud are a tiny minority and on balance it's a great country to be. Which doesn't mean it's all milk and honey as some will read it.
It's true an airline job is almost certainly a no-go. At Air New Zealand on the turboprop fleet pretty much everyone will be back early in the new year and then they'll have to start calling on those furloughed and redundant from the jet fleet.
That said it's not outside of the realm of possibilities that a simulator instructor gig could be possible. Aside from the seat changes afflicting the jet fleet there will be a lot of turboprop training as things return to normal and it has in the past been an area where people opportunities have arisen. Given the new world realities maybe still an outside chance, but something to consider looking at.
I grew up working class, worked overseas for 8 years and have a good spot on a seniority list as a Turboprop captain. I have a good contract and thanks to working overseas was able to buy a house in Auckland. Are there challenges? Yeah, sure. But the overly vocal right-wing trolls and anti-vaxxers while loud are a tiny minority and on balance it's a great country to be. Which doesn't mean it's all milk and honey as some will read it.
How exactly does that help the OP? He will now sit below 30 year old captains with almost 35 years ahead of them.
Also, what happened to that good contract? Is that something that OP can look forward to or has it changed for the new hires?