My Top 10 Adjustments to New Zealand Life
Ranked #815 in Travel & Places, #34,184 overall
It Was the Little Things About New Zealand Life That Got Us
Don't get me wrong, I need to say right up front that we love our New Zealand life and are proud to now be citizens of this great land.
However, there were a few things which took us by surprise at the beginning. Not the big things like learning to drive on the other side of the road. We knew about that in advance and were prepared for it. It was the little things. We shifted from California, USA to New Zealand about six years ago, and still laugh occasionally at the unexpected, as we shake our heads and say "only in New Zealand."
This top 10 list of adjustments to New Zealand life is my 3rd assignment for Rocket moms. I hope you enjoy it in the light hearted vein in which it was written. Either way, please leave me a comment or two.
Photo Credit: © Rhonda Albom 2012
photo location Tekapo, New Zealand
However, there were a few things which took us by surprise at the beginning. Not the big things like learning to drive on the other side of the road. We knew about that in advance and were prepared for it. It was the little things. We shifted from California, USA to New Zealand about six years ago, and still laugh occasionally at the unexpected, as we shake our heads and say "only in New Zealand."
This top 10 list of adjustments to New Zealand life is my 3rd assignment for Rocket moms. I hope you enjoy it in the light hearted vein in which it was written. Either way, please leave me a comment or two.
Photo Credit: © Rhonda Albom 2012
photo location Tekapo, New Zealand
1. Heat
Heat Is Lacking In New Zealand Life!
Before living in New Zealand, I was never cold indoors.
We shifted from 37 degrees north (San Francisco) to 37 degrees south latitude (Auckland). The outside temperatures were similar but suddenly I found myself cold indoors. Despite being an island in the Southern Pacific ocean, it gets cold. Most homes here are still built with single pane glass and without central heat - our brand new, modern home actually had no heat source at all.Coming from a world of constant indoor temperature (air conditioning and heating), I had no clue how to keep warm. People continually told me "put your woolies on." What were they talking about. Apparently, it just refers to any warm layers. It was three years before I discovered that I can wear 3 pair of socks all day to keep my feet warm. It took us nearly 5 years to understand Kiwi's warm only the main living area of their home in the winter. Most Kiwi homes are built so the living room faces North, and the sun warms this room all day. As the sun dips down at the end of the day we close the curtains, light a fire and close off the doors to the main living area. This warms our kitchen, dining room and living room only. The bedrooms stay cold, so we sleep with hot water bottles.
The bathrooms - well I try not to use them in the middle of the night. We are down on the South Island now, actually closer to the South Pole than the equator, and I am fairly sure I could see my breath in the bathroom last night. We stoke the fire before bed and by morning it is usually in the low 50s(F) in our bedroom.
Like most Kiwi homes, we heat with wood burners. And whilst our home is modern, I loved this poster as it reminds me of how I felt those first few years, spending my time at home huddled around the fire.
Poverty Stricken Family Huddling Around a Wood Stove in Their Home Photographic Print
Click Here for Information or to Buy at AllPosters.com
How Do You Keep Warm In Winter?
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2. Laundry
Had to Learn a New Way to Do Laundry While Living in New Zealand
New Zealand life is sometimes a bit behind
One of our first major purchases (after the house, space heaters and a wood burning stove) was our washing machine. The sales clerk showed us a tiny washing machine for a family for four. I asked for something larger and she replied, "Oh that's right you Americans like everything big." So I ended up with the largest washing machine they had, which was still about half the size of the one I left in the states. And the clothes dryer - well what a waste of money. For starters, it's really tiny - holds about 1/2 of the small washer. But not to worry as everyone hangs their laundry, either outside on nice days or in the living room on rainy days (remember, it is the warmest room in the house).
It wasn't until we were here long enough to need new clothes that I discovered why the dryers are so un-used. Kiwi made clothing is not pre-shrunk, so nearly all labels read "do not tumble dry."
So, as part of my New Zealand life I learned a new skill, hanging laundry outside.
It wasn't until we were here long enough to need new clothes that I discovered why the dryers are so un-used. Kiwi made clothing is not pre-shrunk, so nearly all labels read "do not tumble dry."
So, as part of my New Zealand life I learned a new skill, hanging laundry outside.
Washing Hanging on the Line Photographic Print
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3. Butter
Why Would Butter Be a Heading in New Zealand Life?
Read on . . .
I know I was just commenting how everything is small. Well there is an exception to that rule. Butter. It only comes in a 1/2 kg block (1.1 pounds). So, while I look around my kitchen, I notice the top of the paper towel holder sticking out because my kiwi paper towels are shorter, my pots and pan don't really fit on my burners or in my sink, the refrigerator is too tiny to comment on and the butter is four times larger than my American butter dish. And if that's not enough, my tiny fridge has a special butter conditioner. It is a warmer spot made to hold the giant New Zealand butter and allow it to be just a touch warmer than the rest of the refrigerator.
Fresh Butter Checkers Art Print
Clickner, Susan
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4. Off With the Fairies
New Zealand Life is filled with Wonderful Kiwi Idioms
Living in New Zealand is almost like learning a new language
One thing I really like here is the idioms generally put a positive spin on everything. Especially the expressions used to describe children. However, when first here, I had no idea what people were talking about. Now, many idioms have been adapted so deeply into my speaking that I sometimes forget if they are Kiwi or American.
Here are some of my favourites and my best understanding of their meaning (any native Kiwi's reading this, please correct me if I am still missing the plot):
- Off with the Fairies* - daydreaming
- It's like a box of fluffy ducks - You are good. (If someone says "how are you" and
you reply its a box of fluffies)
- Happy as Larry* - very happy (I have no clue who Larry might be)
- I can't get my head around it - I don't quite understand
- Good as Gold - everything is in order (my banker says this all the time)
- Good on ya mate - good for you
- She'll be right - everything will turn out ok
* These might be of British origin, but they were new to me
Here are some of my favourites and my best understanding of their meaning (any native Kiwi's reading this, please correct me if I am still missing the plot):
- Off with the Fairies* - daydreaming
- It's like a box of fluffy ducks - You are good. (If someone says "how are you" and
you reply its a box of fluffies)
- Happy as Larry* - very happy (I have no clue who Larry might be)
- I can't get my head around it - I don't quite understand
- Good as Gold - everything is in order (my banker says this all the time)
- Good on ya mate - good for you
- She'll be right - everything will turn out ok
* These might be of British origin, but they were new to me
Fairies with Sunflower Art Print
Click Here for Information or to Buy at AllPosters.com
5. What is THAT Doing on my Hamburger?
New Zealand Life = New Zealand Food
I still can't get my head around this one - the kiwi burger. Hamburger on a bun with lettuce, tomato, mayo, beet root and a fried egg.
Sadly, no pickle.
Sadly, no pickle.
6. Claw And Door
(Is it Really English?)
Living in New Zealand, I Often Hear Something Different Than What Is Said
New Zealand has an accent all its own
If you're from California you might be wondering what these two words have in common, which would warrant them a placement on my top 10 list. If you speak Kiwi English, you already know - they rhyme. Apparently they also rhyme in Australia, England and some parts of the United States.
Similarly, spelling is different as well. In my daughter's English book we found an instruction: Circle all words spelt incorrectly. Hmm, past tense with a 'T' rather than -ed. Sounded really funny at first - spelt, learnt, burnt. Then there is the added 'u' as in: colour, favourite, neighbour. And some words are just different like tyre.
And, my favourite: Many town and street names are in Maori. The Maori alphabet has only 13 letters. The vowels sounds are the same as they are in Spanish. One of the North Island ski fields is: Whakapapa. Keeping in mind that WH sounds like "F" it was a long time before I could say this name without a giggle.
Similarly, spelling is different as well. In my daughter's English book we found an instruction: Circle all words spelt incorrectly. Hmm, past tense with a 'T' rather than -ed. Sounded really funny at first - spelt, learnt, burnt. Then there is the added 'u' as in: colour, favourite, neighbour. And some words are just different like tyre.
And, my favourite: Many town and street names are in Maori. The Maori alphabet has only 13 letters. The vowels sounds are the same as they are in Spanish. One of the North Island ski fields is: Whakapapa. Keeping in mind that WH sounds like "F" it was a long time before I could say this name without a giggle.
Piperberg, Cheryl
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7. Baked Beans
More on Eating in New Zealand
At least these two words did seem to go together, but on toast? Feeding our children's new friends was quite the challenge. Some popular Kiwi lunches include:
- Baked beans on buttered toast with fried egg on top
- Tinned (canned) spaghetti on toast
- Peanut butter and butter
- Salt and pepper on toast (I don't actually think anyone but one 9 year old we met eats this, but that was her request)
- Maramite on toast (a Kiwi yeast spread similar to the Australian Vegimite)
Then to add to the food confusion is food language differences:
American: French Fries = Kiwi: Chips
American: Potato Chips = Kiwi: Chippies
American: Cookie = Kiwi: Biscuit
American: Biscuit = Similar, but not exactly the same as a Kiwi scone
American: Jello = Kiwi Jelly
American: Jelly = Kiwi Jam
And then there is Tea -
Morning Tea - snack between breakfast and lunch
Afternoon Tea - snack between lunch and dinner
Tea - dinner
If you just want a cup of tea - that's a "cuppa"
- Baked beans on buttered toast with fried egg on top
- Tinned (canned) spaghetti on toast
- Peanut butter and butter
- Salt and pepper on toast (I don't actually think anyone but one 9 year old we met eats this, but that was her request)
- Maramite on toast (a Kiwi yeast spread similar to the Australian Vegimite)
Then to add to the food confusion is food language differences:
American: French Fries = Kiwi: Chips
American: Potato Chips = Kiwi: Chippies
American: Cookie = Kiwi: Biscuit
American: Biscuit = Similar, but not exactly the same as a Kiwi scone
American: Jello = Kiwi Jelly
American: Jelly = Kiwi Jam
And then there is Tea -
Morning Tea - snack between breakfast and lunch
Afternoon Tea - snack between lunch and dinner
Tea - dinner
If you just want a cup of tea - that's a "cuppa"
Plate of Baked Beans on Toast Framed Art Print
Click Here for Information or to Buy at AllPosters.com
8. No Gown?
New Zealand Life Sometimes Involves the Medical System
Don't miss my mammogram story:
New Zealand has socialized medicine, which has its advantages and disadvantages but the big adjustment to the medical system was its oddities.First a few positive things:
- To date we have always had excellent medical care.
- You almost never wait more than 5 minutes for a doctor appointment.
- Should you go to hospital (you will wait) there is no charge.
- Children's Hospital Emergency room felt like hospital DisneyLand - all bright and cheerful with tons of distractions for the child.
- X-ray techs will tell you what they think.
A few Negatives:
- long hospital waits.
- long waits for non-life threatening or non-acute specialist referrals (I had to wait 3 months to see an orthopedic specialist for a back injury.)
- few hospitals - I had to travel 3.5 hours for an MRI for the same back injury.
The most amusing example of socialized medicine I have come across was my mammogram, so please don't take offense to the personal nature of this story. Like most American ex-pats living here we have private insurance, which I used for my first mammogram. I was ushered to a changing room, given a gown, had the x-ray, then allowed to wait 10 minutes whilst the radiologist looked it over and told me the results. The next year I was old enough to qualify for the free mammogram. So I went to the same location, was brought straight into the exam room, told to take off my shirt, stood topless for the entire procedure, then 2 weeks later they sent the results.
9. Jandals and Barefeet
Barefoot Children is Definately an Aspect of New Zealand Life
Being barefoot was the first thing my girls loved about living in New Zealand
I don't think you could find a Kiwi household that doesn't have at least one pair of jandals. Looking similar to the American flip flop, the jandal is a bit softer and more flexible and can be worn anywhere. Of course, so can bare feet, especially for children. This was one of my childrens' favourite things about New Zealand when we first arrived. They didn't have to wear shoes anywhere. There are bare feet at beaches, doctors offices, zoos (yuck), restaurants and grocery stores. Importantly, all kids have a pair of jandals, just in case they don't want to be barefoot. Even some schools allow children the option of bare feet to go with their required uniform, natural hair color and no jewelery policy. 
Flip Flop Heaven Art Print
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Barefoot Children - Where is it OK?
(Your turn to chime in!)
My kids love being barefoot. It took a while for me to be comfortable with them barefoot in places which sell food. I have even seen adults in the grocery barefoot. What's your view?
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10. Fart Tax
Only in New Zealand - Where Else Do They Call it the Fart Tax?
It wasn't really an adjustment issue, just one of the top news stories back when we arrived here. Enough to make you shake your head and wonder where you live and what is the government thinking. The proposed tax was to help reduce greenhouse effects caused by flatulence of NZ farmers' millions of sheep and cattle.No kidding, this was on the news for weeks and always called the fart tax. After many farmer protests, eventually New Zealand dropped the issue.
Here are some keychains I have for sale on Zazzle:
I Love Showing Off Our New Zealand Life and What Better Way Then Through Photos
I use Zazzle as a means of sharing my New Zealand artwork on shirts and other products
When You Come for a Visit, Don't Forget A Guide To New Zealand
Lot's to choose from, but this was our favorite
There are lots of travel books on New Zealand. And there is so much to see and do. We were a family of four with small kids when we first came, so our priorities might be a bit different than yours. We used three different ones when we first visited. We found this one to be our favorite. And as a bonus, it was the least expensive.
New Zealand (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
Amazon Price: $8.90 (as of 05/27/2012)
List Price: $25.00
You can buy it now by clicking above and going straight to Amazon. This book qualifies in their free shipping offer.
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nancy and molly
Apr 15, 2012 @ 12:40 pm | delete
- We are head there next year. Can't wait if we like it well enough we would like to move there . The usa is not the place it use to be. And as a couple we are looking for a plce to call home . Thanks for the head up on all fronts truely loved it!
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ferginarg
Mar 18, 2012 @ 5:41 am | delete
- I'm still chuckling, this is quite true and funny for a kiwi to read, I'm a kiwi living in Argentina and quite often find myself explaining similar things about NZ. One thing that would be good to add to this is ACC, it's something I always have difficulty explaining especially in Spanish, I would think that North Americans would find it amusing as well since it abolishes the ability to sue someone for injury. Thanks for a great lens.
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Churchmouse
Mar 7, 2012 @ 8:08 pm | delete
- Box of fluffies? Commonplace. Have you met 'dag'? As in "rattle your dags" or "he's a dag?" Means funny and refers to the bits of poo stuck to the sheep's bottom . Very evocative. Thanks for your gentle and loving look at us kiwis!
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Wildbumpkin
Feb 21, 2012 @ 5:26 pm | delete
- As a kiwi myself, I found this an irresistible read. I have to admit that I have never heard of the expression..."box of fluffies" before. Most new kiwi's find the expression "bring a plate" (meaning a plate of food to share) more confusing at first. Our little kiwi-ism's just make us more unique I guess. Great lens I enjoyed it!
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Dalton Monroe
Feb 14, 2012 @ 8:45 pm | delete
- I was born and grew up in Auckland and left for the US in 1975. The things you find endearing I considered irritating as a teenager, I have lived in both Northern and Southern CA, Chicago, Western NY, South LA and Virginia Beach, VA. The health system in NZ sucks and has done for 70 years.
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gregoryolney
Feb 11, 2012 @ 6:41 am | delete
- How do Americans pronounce "claw" and "door" - they certainly rhyme in English !
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Leilani-m
Jan 27, 2012 @ 9:00 pm | delete
- Nz would be great place to live :) It has been a lifelong dream to relocate to NZ, but I'm still stuck in my "old country" :)
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cdevries
Jan 26, 2012 @ 6:54 pm | delete
- I had to laugh! I have family in NZ and have visited and this is ALL TRUE. So funny. When we (American visitors) walked into a Kiwi restaurant, the staff would take one look at us and follow us to our table, rolling the space heater our way.
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Godsgraciousgift
Jan 3, 2012 @ 4:35 pm | delete
- interesting lens
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sarahrk
Dec 15, 2011 @ 1:23 pm | delete
- Good lens,. how interesting the way people look at things like this.
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