Living In New Zealand

Living In New Zealand - Escape From America Magazine

Escape From America Magazine
Living In New Zealand
by Kelly Beeman

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One of the greatest impediments to a person living overseas is the language barrier, especially if you are not proficient in a foreign language. Assimilation in another society is totally dependent upon your ability to speak the language.

Thus New Zealand comes to the fore in countries you might want to consider if you want to “Escape from America.” Not only is the country beautiful in a physical sense but many of the problems being encountered in the U.S. today are simply not present in New Zealand.

My wife and I have lived in New Zealand and we carry two passports. What follows is a quick discussion of some of the issues you will need to address before moving to New Zealand.

Please contact The BEEM@N Group at bmangroup@kiwi-usa.com for immigration details as New Zealand is very strict about immigration.

The BEEM@N Group is an internet-only consultancy that assists people who want to become Permanent Residents of New Zealand.
The owners, Mr. Kelly Beeman and Mrs. Jerri Beeman, fell in love with New Zealand in the mid 80s when they were married there. In 1990 they
moved from Boise, ID to work for two years for the New Zealand government in Wellington. While there, they decided that they liked the country and took out Permanent Residency themselves. Three years later
they applied for, and received, New Zealand citizenship.
The BEEM@N Group stands ready to assist you in your Permanent Residency needs. Our URL is www.kiwi-usa.com and our email is bmangroup@kiwi-usa.com

Welcome to New Zealand!

For an interview of Kelly Beeman see the accompanying article in this issue - Click Here -

Medical Care

Unlike the U.S., medical care is a matter of right in New Zealand. You get it when you pay your taxes. The important thing to remember is that, unlike the U.S., your entree to the medical system (except in acute cases) is through your general practitioner or GP. When you first arrive in New Zealand contact a group medical practice and get assigned a GP. This person will be your access to the medical system in New Zealand.

Electrical

Here is the most painful part of moving to New Zealand. Power in NZ is 220 volt 50 cycle, unlike the 110 volt 60 cycle system in the U.S. Unless your appliances are dual voltage you will need to leave your appliances at home. If you are acquiring appliances make sure they will accept both power systems. Many are made for both systems and all that you will need is an adapter.

Heat and Humidity

Because the climate in most of New Zealand is so temperate, central heat is rare, even in the more expensive homes. The heating is electrical or gas and is zone-based. Thus when you go from room to room you turn on the zone heaters. Also, this means great humidity in the winter, especially if you have gas heat. We highly recommend a dehumidifier in the winter to draw moisture out of the air.

Running Shoes and Levis

The prices for these items are very high in New Zealand. We recommend that you purchase your running shoes and Levis in the U.S. and take them with you.

General

You will find New Zealanders very warm people. The food is plentiful and excellent. Your transition in living in New Zealand should be minimal if you plan ahead.

Please contact us if you are interested in New Zealand. The BEEM@N Group is here to help you!

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