Migrant Tales : Reader Speak (Part 2)
April 10 2014
Every time a relative, friend or an acquaintance is planning to move from your native country to New Zealand, one is plagued by hundreds of queries and a constant need for attention. Indian Weekender has a few solutions to those woes.
For people migrating to New Zealand, just send them the checklist of what not to do. Let them know not to get any ethnic food and spices and 'masalas', they are all easily available here. Definitely tell them to shed their shyness and be willing to ask, as people here are more than happy to help. The cultural amalgamation in NZ might give a few people, a culture shock, but let them know its 'Sweet As Bro...'
The place, the people, the food, the language...nothing is alien as long as you are willing to appreciate what New Zealand has to offer.
While there are a lot many positives that we would want to share, a few warnings are a must, and we decided it is better they come from the horses mouth. We have a mix of students, professionals, young families who have recently moved to New Zealand sharing how their expectations were met or thwarted by NZ's reality. So we let the readers have a say, read on to reminiscence your own experiences.
Here are some more stories from the readers:
Moving to New Zealand was an exciting step. I came with many ambitions and ideas for my success. I was further excited about how I am going to be independent now. At first things were complex and I was unable to understand life in New Zealand. I got my bearings right and moved from Indian Standard time to doing things ‘on time’. I definitely learnt how to do things on time here. Finally, I turned to be a new person, which I had never imagined. Adding some strong relationships. Becoming strong. Mom and Dad I miss you.
-Kuldeep Ganisetti
I expected a red carpet welcome and all I got was a miserable start. A pathetic sales job where I had to knock a 100 doors a day to get one sale. I was pushed into the sales stereotype, which I totally resented. However, I took it as part of the ups and downs of moving abroad. They taught me a lot about myself, life, and how to be self-reliant. It has been a rough year, I am still struggling and the prospects for a skilled graduate with so much experience still look thin. I have not been able to find a stable position. All in all, I have learnt to enjoy life and take things as they come. Mostly thanks to wonderful people and friends I made here.
-Prateek Sadre
I am a fighter, I came to New Zealand with the idea to see myself in a better stead. I have continuously pushed myself here in Auckland to always do better and manage with as little as I get. Life has not been easy here, the job scenario is very obnoxious, with only certain avenues open for all. But I will break through the wall, with my self-belief. On the other side, life in New Zealand, allows you a lot of spare time, it has helped me keep my interest in music, football, travel and the occasional gigs. I have had access to artist and musicians who I could only dream of ever playing in my hometown of Bhopal. These experiences and freedoms, have kept me motivated. To a better life!
-Suyogya Trivedi
My overall experience so far is good. People do have civic sense here as I expected. People are so kind and helpful also. The infrastructure is not that advance which I was expecting before landing to the airport. Infrastructure of the airport was little disappointing but the beauty of this country will make you forget everything. I am looking forward to have good experience with this country in future.
-Vikram Singh Thakur
Super duper, so many opportunities if you want to grow, a stunted growth, in slow motion, but growth never the less. Not enough money to make though. The people are awesome to talk to, and such good-natured. Not kidding I have made so many friends and at times with complete strangers. Beer bonding and bonding over rugby is an absolute pleasure. People are so fit and fitness conscious it is not even funny, when I first moved, a 50 year old could out run me. But now I am on top of my game. Being healthy and fit, taking care of my diet and nutrition is so easy here, in 100% Pure NZ and it gives me so much more energy to do things.
-Harmeet Singh Bali
Every time a relative, friend or an acquaintance is planning to move from your native country to New Zealand, one is plagued by hundreds of queries and a constant need for attention. Indian Weekender has a few solutions to those woes.
For people migrating to New Zealand, just send them the...
Every time a relative, friend or an acquaintance is planning to move from your native country to New Zealand, one is plagued by hundreds of queries and a constant need for attention. Indian Weekender has a few solutions to those woes.
For people migrating to New Zealand, just send them the checklist of what not to do. Let them know not to get any ethnic food and spices and 'masalas', they are all easily available here. Definitely tell them to shed their shyness and be willing to ask, as people here are more than happy to help. The cultural amalgamation in NZ might give a few people, a culture shock, but let them know its 'Sweet As Bro...'
The place, the people, the food, the language...nothing is alien as long as you are willing to appreciate what New Zealand has to offer.
While there are a lot many positives that we would want to share, a few warnings are a must, and we decided it is better they come from the horses mouth. We have a mix of students, professionals, young families who have recently moved to New Zealand sharing how their expectations were met or thwarted by NZ's reality. So we let the readers have a say, read on to reminiscence your own experiences.
Here are some more stories from the readers:
Moving to New Zealand was an exciting step. I came with many ambitions and ideas for my success. I was further excited about how I am going to be independent now. At first things were complex and I was unable to understand life in New Zealand. I got my bearings right and moved from Indian Standard time to doing things ‘on time’. I definitely learnt how to do things on time here. Finally, I turned to be a new person, which I had never imagined. Adding some strong relationships. Becoming strong. Mom and Dad I miss you.
-Kuldeep Ganisetti
I expected a red carpet welcome and all I got was a miserable start. A pathetic sales job where I had to knock a 100 doors a day to get one sale. I was pushed into the sales stereotype, which I totally resented. However, I took it as part of the ups and downs of moving abroad. They taught me a lot about myself, life, and how to be self-reliant. It has been a rough year, I am still struggling and the prospects for a skilled graduate with so much experience still look thin. I have not been able to find a stable position. All in all, I have learnt to enjoy life and take things as they come. Mostly thanks to wonderful people and friends I made here.
-Prateek Sadre
I am a fighter, I came to New Zealand with the idea to see myself in a better stead. I have continuously pushed myself here in Auckland to always do better and manage with as little as I get. Life has not been easy here, the job scenario is very obnoxious, with only certain avenues open for all. But I will break through the wall, with my self-belief. On the other side, life in New Zealand, allows you a lot of spare time, it has helped me keep my interest in music, football, travel and the occasional gigs. I have had access to artist and musicians who I could only dream of ever playing in my hometown of Bhopal. These experiences and freedoms, have kept me motivated. To a better life!
-Suyogya Trivedi
My overall experience so far is good. People do have civic sense here as I expected. People are so kind and helpful also. The infrastructure is not that advance which I was expecting before landing to the airport. Infrastructure of the airport was little disappointing but the beauty of this country will make you forget everything. I am looking forward to have good experience with this country in future.
-Vikram Singh Thakur
Super duper, so many opportunities if you want to grow, a stunted growth, in slow motion, but growth never the less. Not enough money to make though. The people are awesome to talk to, and such good-natured. Not kidding I have made so many friends and at times with complete strangers. Beer bonding and bonding over rugby is an absolute pleasure. People are so fit and fitness conscious it is not even funny, when I first moved, a 50 year old could out run me. But now I am on top of my game. Being healthy and fit, taking care of my diet and nutrition is so easy here, in 100% Pure NZ and it gives me so much more energy to do things.
-Harmeet Singh Bali
Leave a Comment