Celebrating Five Fabulous Years in NZ


Five years have flown past since we arrived here in the dead of the night - after a gruelling 24-hour flight from Johannesburg. 

So – in retrospect - what have been the high and low points of moving from South Africa to New Zealand? 

First off, let me say that for us it has been the best move ever. We love where we live; we love the relaxed lifestyle and uncrowded beaches. We love being free to roam any- and everywhere, without a second thought about safety. It’s no-worries-mate living at its best.


We now know our way around the country, and understand more or less how everything works (ACC, WOFs, schools, the public health system and taxes). We don’t try to analyse the weather anymore, and just trust that, while it is changeable, there are plenty of stellar days to balance out the grey ones.

Lots of ‘people-stuff’ to do


The old-fashioned sense of community here in West Auckland is also something we appreciate. Quiz nights, working bees, and social clubs galore.

Public speaking, taiko drumming, belly dancing, surfing, boot camp, ukulele playing and choir - I've given them all a bash (sometimes literally).




While my family’s reaction to my pursuits has been mixed (i.e. lots of eye-rolling), I’ve had fun learning new skills (latter said rather defensively).