I have been living in New Zealand for a few years now and I am impressed by the scenery and the earnest working mentality of the people, which lends itself to doing some pretty fabulous work. I also feel the Kiwis are an amazing bunch when it comes to giving real help where it actually counts.
Having lived in places with real esteem before though (New York, Phoenix, Vancouver, Stockholm, London) I miss an element of poise and pride here - and lived reason. People play with their- and other people's lives the way the drive here, and I feel I'm not safe because of it.
Would Australia provide me with a more settled and responsible environment?
2007-07-21 18:21:33 · 11 answers · asked by Tahini Classic 7 in Travel ➔ Australia ➔ Other - Australia
I should add to clarify:
I am baffled by the discrepancy between the Kiwis' circumspect mentality and the way they drive.
You work with them and they are incredible.
You drive on their roads and you see things that are more threatening and dumb than anything I have seen in South America or the Middle East.
It scares me - what's happening, what's with the Jekyll and Hyde attitude?
I don't dare drive my car anymore.
2007-07-21 19:06:47 · update #1
I'm an Aussie studying in NZ, and I really like it here in NZ (Wellington). I just moved here this year. I personally don't think there's too much difference. Aussies are a bit more "outgoing" for lack of better term, which isn't a bad thing at all. I know heaps of Aussies here in NZ that are happy where they are. It's difficult to measure which is better, but if I had to choose, I would say Australia. Better living standard (it is really noticeable to me, having lived in both countries), but the more quieter life here in NZ is beautiful (although in Australia, of course there are many "quiet" and beautiful places too!). Products are cheaper in Australia. On a domestic level, New Zealanders are big on the sport thing and participation which is great and more evident than it is in Australia (although on an international level, Aussies are evidently more dedicated to their sports!). With the car thing, I haven't really seen too much, but there has been some scary situations.
It's really hard to choose...!!! :D
Cheers!
2007-07-22 16:55:48 · answer #1 · answered by Brumby 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am baffled by your comments!
I do admit there is some kind of recklessness to some drivers here in NZ and I agree that some people are stupid on the roads, but it would never stop me driving here!!
When I went to England and saw courtesy from drivers, I decided I would do that too, BUT I can kind of see why kiwis drive the way they do.......there are less cars on the road than in other places....but there is a higher rate of car ownership here than in other places due to lack of public transport. When you drive the road, its YOUR road...this kind of mentalitiy for some reason is just ingrained!!
Also the roads here are not overly straight or wide, even on the main highways, which may make other people a bit nervous compared to other places....however I would not consider the roads unsafe!
Also to point out, i think there is a LOT of national pride in New Zealand...its been tested a few times and Kiwis have more pride in NZ than places like the US, so I am not sure where you get off saying that!
2007-07-22 13:06:13 · answer #2 · answered by mareeclara 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You must be in Auckland which is a weird city. Possibly because one third of the population live here and there is a feeling with some, that they are "more worldly" than their kiwi counterparts.
Many Aucklanders have elected an entrepreneurial lifestyle which often has no basis in reality. Castles built on sand. Also NZ is a small country so it has to stand up and bluff its way through with the big boys.
I think that is why you don't feel safe here.
Australia is a little rougher around the edges, but yes I do think you would find more stability there.
2007-07-21 18:41:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Kiwis and Aussies are alike because in general they are very blase' and don't really have a strong sense of patriotism (though things are changing) or a strong sense of self preservation.
Road laws and vehicle restrictions are much tougher here in Australia but it doesn't seem to make us better drivers.
In all I think were pretty much the same. You will find that in the larger cities (in Australia and New Zealand) there is a slightly less reckless attitude towards life.
2007-07-21 20:50:45 · answer #4 · answered by Mickmalimus 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Been to NZ many times, great people both in NZ and Australia, warm and obliging citizens on both sides. I am sure theyre are a fair share of maniac drivers there, but we have em here in Australia too. I could think of worse places to spend ones life other than NZ Or OZ.
2007-07-22 23:28:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
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2017-02-09 18:47:01 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Umm what does, "People play with their- and other people's lives the way the drive here, and I feel I'm not safe because of it." mean. Do you mean they're bad drivers in NZ
2007-07-21 18:26:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Dignity? In foreign affairs NZ has far more dignity. They have adopted a principled stance and have stuck to it. Unlike Australia, which under its current leadership has adopted an embarrassing, grovelling sycophancy too the big bully on the planet.
2007-07-21 22:18:23 · answer #8 · answered by iansand 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
New Zealand is a great country. That's all I'm saying. i am sick of these stupid comments about New zealand. I am happier here than anywere
2007-07-21 22:18:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
it must be a hard,weird and a busy city i think australia is more dignity. and it hard to think like this.
2007-07-21 21:25:44 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋