Voices of the Kea Community

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!