Voices of the Kea Community

Eileen Bryant, Florida

How long have you lived offshore?
Thirty years! I left New Zealand in December of 1994, and since then have visited several times, mostly to connect with family and friends.

What do you love most about Florida?
The wildlife and the wide open spaces. Where we live is semi-rural, and there’s a canal and a wildlife preserve behind our house, so we see a variety of critters including: deer, wild pigs, otters, raccoons, possums, wild turkeys, coyotes, foxes, squirrels, snakes, a myriad of bird species, and the occasional black bear. In our neighbourhood everyone has half an acre, so the houses are not close together.

What other places did you move to, and why did you settle in Florida?
In the past thirty years I have lived in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Okinawa, Italy, and finally Florida, where I have lived for eighteen years.

While in Saudi Arabia I met the man who would become my husband, and then accompanied him as his career took him to other countries. When he retired we moved to Florida to be near his family.

What is your favourite hidden gem destination that you would recommend to anyone visiting Florida?
Florida has so much to offer it is impossible to choose just one! The beaches are beautiful and popular with surfers and fishermen. Where we live in Ormond Beach we are close to the Daytona Speedway, Cape Canaveral, the Kennedy Space Centre, and of course Orlando and Disney World.

The Florida Keys are a day-trip away, and Key West boasts the home of Ernest Hemingway. The Everglades are accessible via air boat, and are teeming with wildlife. All are tourist destinations, so clearly not hidden, but certainly worth visiting.

What is the best thing about being a Kiwi offshore?
Kiwis abroad are known for our work ethic, and our friendliness, our “can-do” attitude, and our knowledge of the world. Americans tend to be somewhat insular, whereas New Zealand is a little window on the world.

What do you miss most about New Zealand?
The simple things! The food – good meat pies, fish’n’chips, a variety of vegetables on the plate. I miss a good steak and kidney pie too, but Americans find the thought of eating kidneys distasteful.

The unspoiled landscape, and not being asked to “say tomato” over and over again because it’s “cute” with our accent! I also miss having my cats able to run freely in and out. There are simply too many predators here, and our one cat who loves to be outside has to wear a harness and walk with one of us. Cats should be free, but those who have short lives and meet grisly ends, sadly.

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about making the move overseas?
Do it! Go with an open mind and a respect for the cultural differences you will encounter. Keep your options open – you may decide to live offshore long term, or you may decide New Zealand is where your heart longs to be. Travel is the best education as long as you are prepared to learn about the countries you find yourself in.

How do you remind yourself of home on days when you miss New Zealand?
I cook something typically kiwi – like a roasted leg of lamb with all the trimmings, including mint sauce I buy from England; or a bacon and egg pie.

A lot of Americans travel, and I love to be asked what they should see and do while in New Zealand! I love to get out my books and photo albums, and prepare folks for their trip to my homeland.

Lilly Maetzig, London

How long have you lived offshore?
I have lived in London for 8 years – the time has absolutely flown by. I have actually been here long enough to get a British passport!

What do you love most about the UK?
I love the UK for loads of reasons – but I think mostly, moving away from home has taught me that the world is far bigger than I knew. Even though the culture here is pretty similar to NZ, I have no ties here. Moving abroad opened my eyes to the fact that I can kind of do whatever I want, and there are no expectations of me, apart from the ones that I put on myself. It’s a weird feeling that’s hard to describe, but leaving the safety net of home has been very freeing.

Why did you choose to move to the UK?
I always felt quite a pull to London – it’s a big place, and it kind of seemed like fruit for the picking for opportunities to work in cool places, meet cool people, travel to cool places in Europe. It was an easy move for me too, as I had my sister living here, and her spare bedroom was a very soft spot to land!

What is your favourite hidden gem destination that you would recommend to anyone visiting Europe?
It’s not really a hidden gem at all, but my favourite place to visit in Europe is Copenhagen. I love Danish culture, the people, the food(!!!), and the love of craft. I am very tempted to live there for a summer or two actually.

What is the best thing about being a Kiwi offshore?
Something that I find quite sweet about being a Kiwi offshore is that often when people find out I’m from New Zealand, they will say, ‘Kiwi are the nicest people in the world!’ It makes me feel so happy that we all have this reputation of being kind, chilled out and open minded. It’s a cool thing to bring to the world.

What do you miss the most about New Zealand?
I miss my friends and family the most, of course. I find myself desperately wanting to just jump in the car, and drive over to someone’s house to hang out, and like, lay on the grass in their garden. I know I could get a car here, or go to the park, but there is something just more accessible and chill about life in New Zealand. People would absolutely think I’m nuts if I lay down in someone’s front garden here! I also really, really miss Kiwi treats, especially ginger kisses!

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about making the move overseas?
Please, please do it. Nothing in this world is permanent, you can always go home if you don’t like it, but throwing yourself into the deep end, learning about a different place, meeting different people, and having nothing to hold you back will change your life.

How do you remind yourself of home on days when you miss New Zealand?
Honestly, I usually just go for a walk and call someone from home. It makes me feel connected. Sometimes I will have a stash of NZ treats in the cupboard too, so maybe I’ll have some Marmite on toast to keep me going for a bit!

What is the biggest similarity and difference between New Zealand and UK & Europe that some people might not expect?
I think the thing that surprises people from this hemisphere is when they learn how similar the seasons are. I am often asked why I moved here, since it’s ‘so warm in New Zealand’ – they think that NZ is the same temperature as Australia, and are often genuinely surprised when I say that Christchurch gets just as cold as London.

The humour in the UK is pretty similar to home! People here are pretty sarcastic and dry, just like Kiwi are.

Josh Hansen, France

How long have you lived offshore?
Since June 2023.

What do you love most about France?
The history, mountains, and the diversity of experiences you can have all within one country.

Why did you choose to move to France?
I lived in France for a period when I was 12 in a very small town, then in Lyon in 2020 for university. These experiences made me want to immerse myself in the French way of life as an adult. Being in the middle of Europe has also been great for visiting friends and travelling.

What is your favourite hidden gem destination that you would recommend to anyone visiting France?
Le Quesnoy! The beautiful town in northern France liberated by New Zealand soldiers in the final week of World War One should be on every Kiwi’s bucket list. With the New Zealand Liberation Museum Te Arawhata now open, Le Quesnoy offers an experience of French community and history in a way where you’ll never feel closer to home.

What is the best thing about being a Kiwi offshore?
I think how being away from home reminds you so often of what it means to be a Kiwi, and all the great things Aotearoa has to offer.

What do you miss the most about New Zealand?
Running into friends on every block – and the beaches.

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about making the move overseas?
Be open to the unexpected. Moving overseas opens doors where you may least expect.

How do you remind yourself of home on days when you miss New Zealand?
By listening to Whaling by DD Smash.

Joel Higgins, Vancouver

How long have you lived offshore?
20 years and 8 months give or take!

What do you love most about Vancouver?
I live in Maple Ridge 45 minutes east of downtown Vancouver. I like the variety in people, food, flora and fauna that each area in the Lower Mainland presents.

After living in London for 16 years the slower pace of life was also appreciated as I got older (and the lack of crowds).

Why did you choose to move to Vancouver?
I met my wife Lisa in London and decided after 16 years there it was time to be closer to family when our second child was on the way.

We did flip the proverbial coin on heading to New Zealand, Australia or Canada, and Canada won.

What is your favourite hidden gem destination that you would recommend to anyone visiting Vancouver?
Vancouver is a pretty city with the best views taken in when night skiing on Mt Seymour. It’s pretty special working a day in the office, then an hour after being on a chairlift heading for a sunset view.

What do you miss the most about New Zealand?
Meat pies, friends I have given up, and fish and chips. Plus the sense of humour as New Zealanders sarcastic wit, colloquialisms and dry delivery is utterly lost on Canadians.

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about making the move overseas?
Check your family tree and get that passport or ancestry visa you may be entitled to. Commit to two years as the first goes in such a blur. Finally, remember that New Zealand is not going anywhere and most of your friends and family will be the same when you return.

How do you remind yourself of home on days when you miss New Zealand?
Watching sport highlights on YouTube, watching All Blacks games at strange times and reading the NZ Herald. I also found a meat pie company run by a Kiwi in Edmonton and had some shipped to me during the Rugby World Cup. It’s the little things (oh, and I can get Whittakers chocolate here!).

Natalie Walsh, London

What Anzac service did you attend? Westminster Abbey.

What significance does this event hold for you as Kiwi?
It’s very close to my heart, my Great Grandfather was in the Māori battalion, he was Niuean, they put the Cook Islanders and Tokelauans with the Māori as well. My mother always taught us to honour his memory and those who sacrificed so much. My Great Grandfather also received a BEM from the King so that’s pretty cool.

Sadly, many of the Niuean soldiers died before they made it to the UK or front lines due to lack of immunity to common colds and the flu. A handful are buried at Hornchurch cemetery; my Mum and I made a pilgrimage last year to find the graves. It was one of those lovely London days, very wet and typically we were unprepared in our summer gear. Despite that, we found them and paid our respects, you couldn’t tell we were crying because we were already sodden!

Today it’s even more important to acknowledge the suffering of many, as ongoing wars cause bloodshed. We don’t seem to have learned the lessons of the past and there is still so much greed, unrest, and anger.

What was your favourite part of the event?
I loved the young citizens’ (kids) prayers and the national anthems; the last post gets me every time.

What would you like to share with other global Kiwi about this day?
I am glad I attended, it is nice to feel connected to our culture and history, living in the big wide world can be lonely at times.

What do you think is the most important aspect of Anzac Day, and why?
To honour the memory of those who have served and sacrificed, and to remember who we are.

James Walsh, London

What Anzac service did you attend?
I was lucky enough to attend three events in London on Anzac Day. I attended the Parade and Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Cenotaph on Parliament Street at 11am, followed by a Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey at midday, followed by an Anzac Day Reception at Australia House at 4:30pm.

What significance does this event hold for you as Kiwi?
It’s hugely significant for me as a Kiwi. Both my grandfathers were involved in the war. My Dad’s Father served in Italy at the battle of Cassino & Egypt as part of the 21st Battalion in the NZ Army. He was mentioned in despatches for bravery, which was recognition for his battalion capturing a group of German soldiers. My mum’s father trained in the Air Force, got his wings but luckily the war ended before he was sent away. It was an honour to commemorate both my grandad’s and all of the brave soldiers that fought for our freedom.

What was your favourite part of the event?
The whole day was special. Westminster Abbey is incredible! It was built in 1060 and William Shakespeare is buried there! Having said that I have to say seeing the Ngati Ranana group performing the haka at a packed out Aussie House with the help of several soldiers was the highlight for me. I always get goosebumps when seeing Ngati Ranana perform but this time was next level.

What would you like to share with other global Kiwi about this day?
I think wherever you are in the world it’s important to commemorate Anzac Day, whether that’s by attending an event like I did, or by simply having a toast to our fallen soldiers. If you’re ever in London on Anzac Day I would highly recommend popping down to the Cenotaph for the Parade. It was an incredibly moving ceremony and if you’re a Royalist you may even see a Prince (Prince Edward attended the ceremony last week!)

What do you think is the most important aspect of Anzac Day, and why?
I think it’s important to remember and honour the sacrifice, courage, and service of those who fought for New Zealand and Australia. It’s not only the soldiers who lost their lives but also those who returned home with physical and psychological scars. Anzac Day provides an opportunity for reflection on the impact of war and the importance of peace, as well as a chance to express gratitude for the freedoms and liberties that were secured through the sacrifices of others.

It also allows us to commemorate the Anzac spirit – Endurance, courage, and sacrifice are integral to the national identity of Kiwi’s and Aussies. We may hate losing to each other in sport but at the end of the day we fought alongside each other at Gallipoli and we share a special bond.

Abbey Sadleir, London

What Anzac service did you attend?
The Dawn Service at the Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner

What significance does this event hold for you as Kiwi?
Being so far away from home and surrounded by other New Zealanders was special. To be able to have a service to bring the expat community in London together to remember the role we played in the war was moving.

What was your favourite part of the event?
The moment of silence when the trumpet plays The Last Post.

What would you like to share with other global Kiwis about this day?
It was inspiring to see our nation recognized in such a monumental corner of London. The Wellington Arch has a long history attached to it and the building is beautiful, so being there together was beautiful.

What is the most important aspect of Anzac Day, and why?
It’s great to have an event that happens globally at dawn no matter where you are. Knowing that other Kiwis are remembering relatives and loved ones they lost and all coming together to share the moment.

Anthony Aucutt, Shanghai

What Anzac service did you attend?
The ANZAC Day Commemoration in Shanghai.

What significance does this event hold for you as Kiwi?
To remember our brave and courageous troops who have fought in all conflicts to protect our freedoms and values that we enjoy today.

What was your favourite part of the event?
To listen to stories of incredible bravery of our troops landing on the narrow beaches of the Gallipoli peninsula 109 years ago.

What would you like to share with other global Kiwi about this day?
Be proud of our men and women in uniform who are strong in their will to uphold and protect our freedoms and values of our nationhood.

What do you think is the most important aspect of Anzac Day, and why?
To always remember the sacrifices that our troops have made in defending our nation’s sovereignty and freedoms.

Hannah Churchill, Shanghai

What Anzac service did you attend?
I attended the Shanghai service at the Australian consulate residence.

What significance does this event hold for you as Kiwi?
It’s about acknowledging the history of our country and honouring the sacrifices people have made to build it.

What was your favourite part of the event?
Being able to bring our children to the event so they also get to be part of the ceremony and learn about this part of our history, especially living overseas.

What would you like to share with other global Kiwi about this day?
I think it’s great to have this day to meet and to commemorate such an important part of countries history and I encourage people wherever they are in the world to seek out and attend this service each year.

What do you think is the most important aspect of Anzac Day, and why?
I think it’s great that this service was shared with the Australian community too. I think sharing this occasion together further signifies the long standing unique bond between Australia and New Zealand.

**Third from left, Hon Capt Bevan Killick**

Bevan Killick, Canterbury New Zealand

What Anzac service did you attend?
I attended the Canterbury Club’s Annual Anzac Dinner the Thursday before Anzac Day, the Cathedral Square Dawn Service (followed by a cooked breakfast at the Canterbury Club)
and paid a visit to the Burnham Officers’ Mess in the afternoon of Anzac Day.

What significance does this event hold for you as Kiwi?
A number of my relatives remain buried in Europe from the Second World War. This is a
time to remember them and all who served and continue to serve. This is a time to pause
and be grateful for our New Zealand Defence Force, our veteran community and the
freedoms we enjoy due to their sacrifices.

What was your favourite part of the event?
This year I was struck by the inclusiveness of the events. The exceptional turn out for the
Dawn Service in Cathedral Square of Cadet Forces and other youth groups, the visiting
Gurkha units from 1 Royal Gurkha Rifles, the Consular Corps and our locally headquartered
world class NZ Army Band. The Anzac Dinner I attended even had a reading by Indian
Army Colonel (Retired) Deepak Gupta from a recently released book about the Indian Army
contribution at Gallipoli. Grace was offered at the dinner by Ukrainian Catholic Bishop
Mykola Bychok CSsR. We remembered not just the historic events but the troubled areas of
the world and all those who serve. Those aspects stress the importance of military service
and the freedoms we enjoy as a result of that service and sacrifice.

What would you like to share with other global Kiwi about this day?
It is important to pause on and around Anzac Day and reflect on the sacrifices made and the
freedoms we enjoy currently. Our world is a fragile place and we need to be grateful for the
relative peace we currently enjoy and support our Armed Forces, Veterans and their whānau
/families. There are many who have served recently who bear the scars both seen and
unseen of their service. They need our support.

On a practical note, for those attending an Anzac Service, for goodness sake, eat something
before you go and have an Anzac biscuit in your jacket pocket. There were fainters young
and old this year. Please look after yourself and others.

What do you think is the most important aspect of Anzac Day, and why?
It is beautifully summed up in the Ode of Remembrance “Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a
rātou”, “We will remember them”. When you sit next to a Ukrainian Bishop at dinner who is a
dead ringer for Volodymyr Zelensky, who knows what the future holds? It certainly causes
you to pause and reflect on the past, sacrifices made, current service, the state of our New
Zealand Defence Force, veterans, global geopolitics and what the future holds. Lest we
forget.

Caitlin Ysselstein, California

How long have you lived offshore?
I moved to Canada initially in 2013 and relocated to California at the end of 2015, so just over 10 years now.

What do you love most about California?
Moving to a smaller city on the border of Mexico and California with the population being 85% Hispanic was eye opening – a whole different culture I had never experienced living in New Zealand (or Canada). Most people speak Spanish and my kids attended a Spanish speaking preschool up until age two, and once they begin school they will be put into a dual immersion program learning both English and Spanish. Mexican food is also the best and my favourite cuisine now!

Why did you choose to move to California?
I didn’t actually have a choice in the matter, when I was living in Canada I met my now husband on a work trip in Beijing, China. He owns a heifer ranch in Southern California where we moved to once we worked through the immigration process.

What is the best thing about being a Kiwi offshore?
My accent usually allows me to get away with some things that if I wasn’t foreign I wouldn’t be able to. Being from New Zealand we are incredibly direct, me more so than most. I also work in sales in the dairy farming industry over here so being able to throw a few swear words around with the farmers and tell the crazy story of how I ended up here is a great ice breaker.

What do you miss the most about New Zealand?
Most definitely the food. I travel a lot on the road and not having the ability to just pull over to a roadside café and get something healthy and yummy gets very hard sometimes. New Zealand has a great café culture that I definitely took for granted when living there. And my family obviously. I have three siblings and only one of them still lives in New Zealand. The other two live in Melbourne now. We connect weekly/daily on Whatsapp via our family group chat and video calls.

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about making the move overseas?
Just take the leap. When I first moved to Canada it was on a one year holiday visa and I was 24-years-old. I’ve been gone for over 10 years. It’s been my greatest adventure. I told myself before leaving for Canada, if all else fails you can just move home Caitlin!

How do you remind yourself of home on days when you miss New Zealand?
Through a Kiwi playlist on Spotify. That always grounds me and gets me thinking of all the great memories and times in New Zealand.

Kellie Twigge, Singapore

How long have you lived offshore?
I have been based in Singapore for the past seven and a half years after an eight-year period in the United Kingdom.

What do you love most about Singapore?
I love the warmth here – of the weather and the people! It is a diverse multicultural society which comes through in the food, language and culture. My hair dislikes the humidity but I adore the sunshine.

Why did you choose to move to London and then Singapore?
The company I was working for in London moved me here. I had never even visited before I arrived but was impressed how green it was.

What is your favourite hidden gem destination that you would recommend to anyone visiting Singapore?
Bollywood Veggies, Changi Sailing Club and Pulau Ubin.

What is the best thing about being a Kiwi offshore?
Appreciating the beauty of our country when you go back, the great food, the humour and the innovative mindset. Our can-do attitude is appreciated all over the world.

What do you miss the most about New Zealand?
The access to nature and the ocean. And of course, my family and friends there. And pies…

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about making the move overseas?
Make sure you see New Zealand first, we did a few big road trips before we left. I also highly recommend joining a community like Kea New Zealand or the NZ Chamber of Commerce. It not only helps with getting networked and giving you access to advice which is really helpful when you are feeling homesick.

How do you remind yourself of home on days when you miss New Zealand?
I talk to my family or check out some Instagram posts of my favourite Kiwis and/or eat some pineapple lumps.

Steven Milburn, Germany

How long have you lived offshore?
I originally moved to Germany in 2005. I then spent 2014 to 2019 in New Zealand before coming back to Germany working for a New Zealand export business across Europe.

What do you love most about Germany?
Germany is a fantastic place to be. The cultures, warmth of the people and the way things “just work so well”. Also the landscape there are so many impressive places to visit and explore.

Why did you choose to move to Germany?
Germany has always been present in my life, through my father’s work or family friends. Then when the opportunity came along to visit Germany, I had to say yes. Now it’s my home.

What is your favourite hidden gem destination that you would recommend to anyone visiting Germany?
There are so many places that are stunning in Germany. From the Alps and lakes in the south, castles and palaces, the oldest town in Germany, Trier or the old town of Koenigstein im Taunus. Though a true highlight that not many know about is the Elbsandsteingeberge on the border to the Czech Republic, just south-east of the city of Dresden. Many have probably seen it when they start up their Windows computer, not many know it’s actually here in Germany!

What is the best thing about being a Kiwi offshore?
You get to experience so many different cultures. Everyone you meet either knows someone who has been to New Zealand or has been there or wants to visit because they have heard so many great things about our little piece of paradise. This makes meeting people and starting conversations so easy.

What do you miss the most about New Zealand?
Family and old friends, then what I miss the most are our beaches, the natural untouched coasts and islands. Going to a beach and having a huge space to yourself is a luxury it’s hard to find in Europe.

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about making the move overseas?
Do it! And submerge yourself in the culture and community of your new home. Learn the language and ways of life. And keep that “go get em” Kiwi attitude in the mix!

How do you remind yourself of home on days when you miss New Zealand?
I am fortunate enough to work for a Kiwi company, so home is always present. On a personal side, New Zealand is present every day at home, whether it’s a Zespri kiwifruit or a bottle of Ned.

What is the biggest similarity and difference between New Zealand and Germany that some people might not expect?
I think the biggest similarity is also the biggest difference. Both Kiwi and Germans are aware of protecting a clean environment. We both share a common passion when it comes to things like rubbish collection in public spaces, a clean foreshore and natural spaces, community and council organised actions such as water quality awareness, or invasive weed removal.

I am not sure how many people know just how advanced the Germans are in this space. Germany has been separating rubbish and has a bottle-refund system for years. In Germany, the focus is more on smaller changes or actions in your home life to make a positive impact.

Vivian Ho, Switzerland

How long have you been living offshore?
13 years.

What do you love most about Switzerland?
The public transport network, with trains, trams and buses all connected. Some lines are clearly not making money but they keep it available because the value is the overall reach of the network. Public transport can be expensive, but it’s still often cheaper than owning a car.

Why did you decide to live in Switzerland?

I came here because of a job. Okay, I also like skiing… 🙂

What is your favourite hidden gem destination that you would recommend to anyone visiting Basel, Switzerland?
Basel is famous for Art and Culture (think Art Basel!), the Rhine, and the Carnival. However, the city also borders the Black Forest in Germany (think the famous cake!) and Alsace in France (think aromatic white wines). Three countries in one. You get the cake and eat it too!

What is the best thing about being a Kiwi offshore?
Our identity is a great conversation starter. Our country has such a good reputation, and maybe because it is so far away, Swiss are always curious about us.

What do you miss the most about New Zealand?
One thing came to mind is our golf courses. It’s not just the locations, but also how accessible, open, and unpretentious we are (both the courses and the people).

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about making the move overseas?
Do it. Home is always there for you to come back to. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Moving overseas, especially to non-English speaking countries, exposes you to different perspectives. The world becomes your home.

How do you remind yourself of home on days when you miss New Zealand?
Nothing beats a video call with friends and family. During the last Rugby World Cup I was watching the final on TV while having a Zoom call with Kiwi friends. I felt right back in New Zealand!

What is the biggest similarity and difference between New Zealand and Basel that some people might not expect?
Both places put a high emphasis on humanity. We respect each other as people, we appreciate newcomers who assimilate and we value them bringing something new. Multiculturalism in New Zealand is mainly Anglo-Saxon/Asia-Pacific whereas Basel is more European/African/Middle Eastern. Kiwi are definitely a small group here.

Denym Bird, Amsterdam

How long have you lived offshore?

I’ve been living offshore for about three years now. My partner and I originally wanted to leave in 2020, but COVID delayed us a year. Once we hit the road, we chased the sun around Europe for a few months and then settled down in Amsterdam.

What do you love most about Amsterdam?

It’s the world’s smallest global city. Up there with London, New York and Hong Kong, but the size of a village (you can bike from one end to the other in 15 minutes). Pair this with a ‘grown up’ focus on work-life balance that is on par with what we’re used to in New Zealand – it makes Amsterdam a truly marvelous place to live, work and play (so long as you can handle the seasons)!

What is your favourite hidden gem destination that you would recommend to anyone visiting Amsterdam?

Get out of the city centre and into the outer ring, where most of the locals live, work and play. Explore the cosy canals of Jordaan and try the world’s best apple cake at Winkel 43.

What is the best thing about being a Kiwi offshore?

Our reputation of being hardworking, versatile, and no-nonsense to deal with gives us a huge advantage when looking for work. I’ve found it makes us hot property. We’re raised to tuck in, push ahead and not kick up a fuss, and I’ve found that takes you a long way here in Europe.

What do you miss the most about New Zealand?

My family, the unbeatable summers, Marmite, mince and cheese pies, and Whittaker’s Chocolate. Thankfully Mum can send across Marmite and the chocolate, but the pies and summers don’t travel so well sadly!

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about making the move overseas?

Don’t overthink it too much, but just be prepared for it. The move is going to be the most exciting and stressful thing you ever do (unless you already have kids). Save a bunch of cash to give you a good multi-month buffer. Crash at a friend’s place (if you can) when you make the move, it’ll ease the landing and all the stress that comes with it. Leverage your family and friends to get your introductions for work. Enjoy the journey, and don’t let yourself get too upset if things don’t start looking rosy in the first few months. It took us 6-12 months to really get our groove and go from packing it all in, to absolutely loving it.

How do you remind yourself of home on days when you miss New Zealand?

Waking up to my Stuff & NZ Herald news bulletins helps, but Mum is on a mission to make sure I don’t get too attached to the Netherlands and sends me plenty of reminders of home in her care packages.

What is the biggest similarity and difference between New Zealand and Amsterdam that some people might not expect?

Two of the biggest differences I’ve come across is that when the sun is out (which is rare), people will just take a chair out into the busy street and bask in the sun. Also, nobody seems to know what curtains are, so when you are out walking the dog you get a great view into everybody’s homes.

The biggest similarity is that coffee culture is the same, with amazing cafes and roasters all over. However, make sure you pick the right kind of coffee shop or you might get a different kind of buzz!

Lastly, the traffic is the same — but not in cars, on your bike!

Mark Barboza, Toronto

How long have you lived offshore?
I’ve lived in Toronto for 5 years.

What do you love most about Toronto?
I’m energised by everything that a globally impactful big city has to offer – mostly the never-ending list of music and arts events that I love going to, coupled with the career opportunities.

Why did you choose to move to Toronto?
Toronto consistently ranked in the top 15 for global liveability and is a global hub for financial services, emerging technology and entertainment. I wanted to be directly amongst it all, particularly as Canada is also a G7 country.

What is your favourite hidden gem destination that you would recommend to anyone visiting Toronto?
Kensington Market – the live music and buskers in the summer, street eats, vintage shops and interesting bars make it quirky, grungy and vibrant.

What is the best thing about being a Kiwi offshore?
Canadians are constantly intrigued by New Zealand’s global reputation and natural beauty. It is easy to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger using just that!

What do you miss the most about New Zealand?
Family and close friends for sure, and then some of my favourite tastes of home like Burger Fuel, an eggs benedict, and New Zealand dairy.

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about making the move overseas?
Do your research on living costs, places to live, salaries and the paperwork you need to get your new life started. Don’t be afraid to make connections in advance as I’ve found that Kiwis are always open to a conversation and sharing tips

What is the biggest similarity and difference between New Zealand and Toronto that some people might not expect?
Similarities: Canadians generally have a symbiotic relationship with the United States much like New Zealand does with Australia.

Difference: I don’t really need a car to get around. I’ve barely needed a car in my five years here and haven’t missed car ownership in the slightest!

Sara Towers, England

How long have you lived offshore?
Nearly two years, I left New Zealand in April 2022. This is my second time living in the UK, after having spent three years here in my 20s. I’ve been splitting my time living in various parts of the UK and to date five countries in Europe, and have also visited 15 European countries!

What do you love most about the UK?
The people, the history, the architecture, the new places to experience, and its close proximity to Europe. I also love the variety of things to do like visit museums, art galleries, concerts, theatre, and the public transport overall is fantastic! I spent the first nine months living in Dumbarton near Glasgow and since then have been living ‘nomadically’!

Why did you choose to move to the UK?
It was time for a change and as I can live in the UK indefinitely it was the logical choice. It was also about all the opportunities available, both professionally and personally that the UK has to offer.

What is your favourite hidden gem destination that you would recommend to anyone visiting the UK?
I recently discovered a small town called Sherborne, very quaint, quintessentially English with two castles, an Abbey, and typical period architecture. It also had some lovely cafés, restaurants, and typical ye old English pubs!

What is the best thing about being a Kiwi offshore?
Everyone loves us and wants to know more about New Zealand! They are interested in what it’s like living in New Zealand, our culture, the landscapes, the weather, and they just love our accent! Employers are motivated by our work ethic, but also our ability to problem solve, think ‘number 8 wire’, and adding our cultural context to their workplace.

What do you miss the most about New Zealand?
I miss my family and friends the most, living by the beach and just being able to go for a walk along it before and after work, or a swim when the weather is right! I also miss a good Kiwi pie and cold New Zealand beer!

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about making the move overseas?
You are never too old and life is short, so just do it! However, check out the visa options available that ‘fit’ you and your circumstances. There are many countries that now have ‘digital nomad’ visas that offer new opportunities for working and traveling. Also become familiar with the Schengen countries in Europe, you need to manage your time there carefully! Check out public transportation options available and make use of the apps for booking your travel.

How do you remind yourself of home on days when you miss New Zealand?
I turn to my New Zealand music playlists and look at my New Zealand photos. I also video call family and friends, it’s always lovely hearing a Kiwi accent!

Rodney Garrard, Switzerland

How long have you lived offshore?
15 years!

Why did you choose to move to Switzerland?
They say when you come to a fork in the road, take it…long story short, I met a lovely lady and the rest is history.

What do you love most about Switzerland?
Skiing and mountain biking! Ease of access to those activities in the “backyard”. And, (sorry New Zealand), it’s close to everything else in Europe.

What is your favourite hidden gem destination that you would recommend to anyone visiting Switzerland?
Zinal for me is the most beautiful village in the world (slight bias).

What is the best thing about being a Kiwi offshore?
Most people know very little about New Zealand, people can never really figure out where I am from based on my accent. It’s usually misconstrued as “posh Australian” or “very chill South African”.

What do you miss the most about New Zealand?
Pies! Gillespies Beach. There is nothing like Māori culture here and watching Swiss rugby just isn’t quite the same.

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about making the move overseas?
You don’t know until you go! it does not have to be for 15+ years… I am a geologist, and I can reassure you that wherever you are from, it will still be there when you get back!

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