New Zealand Friends? Are you out there?
I am dreaming and scheming about visiting New Zealand. The closest I’ve gotten is Australia. Maybe I’m obsessed with New Zealand because they banned assault weapons within one month of the Christchurch Mosque Massacre. Perhaps it’s that they banned nuclear weapons (the United States has 6,185). Maybe it’s the fact that they were the first country to give women the right to vote. Or perhaps it’s that they’ve been working on reparations for the Māori People for more than 35 years. Or maybe the coherent, concerted response to COVID-19? So do I have any New Zealand friends out there?
I realize it’s a very American thing to do to call us “friends” already. I was listening the New Zealand public radio last night. Two bands were talking to each other about the first time they met: one from New Zealand and one from the United States. The American was talking about how over the top Americans can be when they meet new people. I don’t mean to be too overeager.
I’m just curious to know more about your life. Okay, that already sounds too overeager. Which part of the country do you live in? What do you like about it? What other areas do you recommend?
According to FeedingTheSoil’s analytics, there are 34 of you reading from New Zealand. I would love to connect with at least a couple of you!
Your overeager, wannabe friend,
Sara
20 Comments
Natasha from New Zealand
Happy and proud NZer here! I lived in Auckland for 34 years of my life and moved to Hamilton (the next closest major city) last year with my son to move in with my partner and his children. What would you like to know?
Hamilton is definitely a smaller city and less multicultural than Auckland which is a total metropolitan melting pot. In saying that I love the way of life here, there is so much green space (look up Hamilton Gardens on Instagram – amazing!), it’s a slower pace and I find the cost of living cheaper. It’s also so central to much of what the North Island has to offer; an hour away from Auckland, and beaches, geothermal areas and even the mountains and snow in three hours or less!
Right now? You couldn’t pay me to live anywhere else in the world but NZ. Hit me up on Instagram (@dancesinjandals) if you want to know more – we’re doing a South Island road trip in October and I plan to post all along the way!
Sara Cotner
Thank you for chiming in, Natasha! If we make it to New Zealand, I would love to come visit you in Hamilton! And I love the word “jandals” in your Instagram name. I’m learning all the different words. I love the way you all say “No thank you.”
Bridey
New Zealand is an amazing place to live! It’s very isolated (especially at the moment!) but there’s heaps to see once you’re here.
I moved back to Chch (Christchurch) in June after spending the summer roadtripping round the country with my husband and our two kids. So if you’d like any recs for places to go let me know! (I caught up with Natasha when we passed through Hamilton too 😄) I posted some photos from our trip on Instagram @gibsons.a.go.go if you want to take a look
Sara Cotner
What a small world, Bridey!
I started following you on Instagram. I’m not on there much these days but I will definitely dig into your road trip photos and try to connect with you if we ever make it to New Zealand!
Stephanie
I am from Aotearoa (the Maori word for New Zealand) but I don’t live there at the moment. Wellington is a cool little city which was the last place I lived. Lots of cool little cafes but the weather can be gnarly and the earth moves with frequency there. There is a strong public education ethos and teacher shortage. The health system is frugal but provides a high standard of care. Right now my family is enjoying a normal life – sports on Saturday, movie theatres travelling without any fear of COVID. The only thing that has changed is the borders are closed. There’s an election coming up in a few months – on suffrage day to recognise Aotearoa was the first place to grant women the vote.
Sara Cotner
I’m so impressed by how they handled their COVID response!
Sara Cotner
Where are you living now, Stephanie?
Nanci Guartofierro
That’s right – first to grant women to vote! Kate Sheppard!
Nanci
I don’t live there but after my first trip there, many moons ago, I got home and decided I wanted to see more, so I got my paperwork going and moved there to live and work for a year on a work visa – worked at a Montessori school. One of the best years of my life. Lived in Wellington which I absolutely loved – has all my criteria for a perfect city – cultural offerings such as museums and theaters, restaurants and cafes – near the water and good hiking. I traveled all over the country and there is not a spot in the country that is not gorgeous with wonderful people to match. There is amazing hiking all over the country. Looking forward to getting back there someday!
Sara Cotner
Awesome, Nanci! Which school was it? I have a friend who works at Wa Ora.
Nanci
I worked at Capital Montessori School, but I have been to WaOra, which is outside of Welly….beautiful school. I had met the person that went on to be the Principal there — whooo — they created up to a middle school…I wish I could work there and have my daughter go to school there….
Sara Cotner
I have one friend who works there—it seems amazing!
Nanci
Just to add I have always been impressed with how much Montessori there is in NZ considering its size! The population has grown a lot since I lived there (2000-01)…I think it was about 3.5 million back then…but…always more sheep than people!
Sara Cotner
Wow! It’s up to ~5 million now!
Sarah
Hi! I’m a US citizen but lived in New Zealand (back Stateside now). I lived in Wellington (Welly!) and it is the cutest, coolest little city. Aotearoa is an amazing place, whether you’re into food, hiking, or culture. It has its issues like any other country, but socially and politically, it is heads and tails above the US in so many ways. If you’re planning a trip, I have a Google doc of recommendations that I’ve put together for friends who have asked for travel advice over the years. Lemme know and I’m happy to share it with you!
Sara Cotner
Yes, Sarah, I would love to see your list. Thank you!
Victoria
Another Kiwi Montessorian here, been following your blog for a few years as I also have two boys. (And I know people at Wa Ora LOL). Lots and lots of Americans are apparently lodging visa applications to come here right now, but everything is on hold. That’s according to the news anyway!
Sara Cotner
Wow! Montessori! Are you in the Wellington area, Victoria? (I’m not surprised to hear about the increase in visa applications. It’s really bad here right now.)
Nanci Guartofierro
This shows you a list of the Montessori schools in NZ….the whole site is helpful for a Montessorian…I still pop on it now and again since I worked/lived there 20 years ago!
Nanci Guartofierro
Duh! Would have been helpful if I included the link, huh?
https://www.montessori.org.nz/parents/schools/