Interesting comment. I'm curious of your perspective, as my brother hasn't really elaborated on such things during the 4 years he's been there. He has commented on the merits as well as the not so good things of the socialized health care system they have. Also, many of the management/labor relations are the same there as they are here, at least at Air New Zealand anyway. Seems as if that's not just a U.S. problem. It's also funny how where he works they were facing a "redundancy" and threatening to lay off guys, and now are short staffed.

I know that in some ways, it can be labor friendly in terms of the amount of holiday/vacation time allotted to ALL workers, as well as a relatively high minimum wage. But if I'm not mistaken, that accounts for some of the high prices charged for some goods and services?

But what are some of the problems with the government, laws, and policies as you experienced it?

Feel free to use the PM function if you are more comfortable.

 

The problems are numerous and complex and won’t be solved overnight. And I don’t claim to be an expert, but I do have some thoughts about the issues facing NZ that I'll share with you. First of all I think that there needs to be change a of government to help set the country in a new direction. Also, NZ needs to hold a referendum and get rid of the current electoral voting system, which is called Mixed Member Proportional (MMP). Read more about it here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_Government
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mixed_member_proportional
MMP is a fairly complex system that was introduced in 1996 and was modeled after the German system. It has proven to be problematic in that a ruling party may be forced to form a coalition(s) with minor parties to form a government and in effect have to compromise and curry political favors from the minor party and/or water down policies and delay getting things achieved while its merits are argued in parliament. Anyway, I think the MP's see it all as just a big tea party; not a very effective method of government if you ask me. The Labor current labor government (which has been in power since 1999) is led by Prime Minister, Helen Clark. It is heavily socialist and as such caters for the working class; of which are growing in numbers due to her immigration and generous social welfare benefits and policies for the lower classes. Labor has enacted a number of laws that, in my opinion, over the long term are not in the countries best interests. Essentially, what is happening is the skilled middle and upper classes are being taxed, fairly heavily. A good many of them have this idealized view of how things “should be.” However, they justifiably take a dim view when they see the government mismanaging their tax dollars and handing it out willy-nilly to the undermotivated, unskilled and uneducated low/no income bracket; especially when the welfare candidates have just arrived from overseas. In similar fashion to what is occurring in the US, the NZ government is evidently catering to the unskilled immigrant. It's ironic that for those that are educated, skilled and ready to contribute, getting residency can become more of a challenge. IMO the NZ government has got their immigration policy all backwards. I’ll give you an example. A couple of months ago there was a hijacking on a domestic Air NZ flight by some quite literally crazy women, that originally immigrated from Somalia to NZ in 1994. The story even made it to APC. Read about it here:
http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/sh...ight=hijacking Apparently, for the entire time while this particular women was living in NZ she had not managed to become a productive member of NZ society, ever; but likely would have cost NZ tax payers a ton of money. And will probably continue to do so while she undergoes psych treatment and/or prison. This is truly a sad situation for her and for the NZ taxpayer. You might wonder then how did she manage to get into the country? Quite simply because she was a refugee. You see the NZ government loves refugees! Go figure. I don’t see how the country can afford go on holding out as being charity central for some many that apply to enter and having an open door policy to certain ethnic groups regardless of education level/skills (or lack thereof) background, etc when the truth be known the country doesn’t generate enough revenue to support them long term. It's fine for them to live there, its the lack of motivation to get off the benefits and improve and educate themselves is what I see as the concern. Sure, there must be some who do this, but they would likely be the exception rather than the norm.

Another problems is the large increase in serious crime. NZ is not the picture perfect society it once was considered to be; but, by world standards it's still pretty good. However, the government is still somewhat lax about doing anything about really lowering the crime rate. It seems that they would rather go after law abiding citizens doing a few km’s over the speed limit (because it means lots of extra revenue) than really curbing serious crime. One of the newest developments in that regard is the methamphetamine problem; or ‘P’ as it’s called in NZ. Marijuana, is present in the NZ, (just like it has been in the US) but it doesn’t seem have had the same sudden and deleterious effects on society and an asscociated increase in crime as is the case with meth. P is cheap and easy to make, from common household chemicals, and is highly addictive; and so crime is on the rise as a direct result. Unfortunately, it seems to becoming well established there, with even some that are affluent. Here’s an article from today’s NZ herald about the daughter of a well known TV celeb that got charged with possession of P: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/index.cfm?c_id=30

However, the main problems with P’s usage is in the rural communities where employment is typically lower than in the larger cities, and also because there’s not much to do for entertainment. So the young teenagers and 20 somethings sit around on government bene's and get high on P. I do not mean to sound culturally biased, but the fact is that the NZ prisons are filled with mainly Maori and Pacific Islanders. Considering, these to groups comprise less than 20% of the population it does seem to indicate that a disproportionate percent of the crime and social problems stem from within those certain ethnic groups. Yet the government seems to do little to solve it, except introduce problematic laws that they think will curb the problems. For example, a law was recently introduced that makes it a crime to reprimand a child with physical discipline, such as smacking. This came about as a lot of children in Maori and Island communities were getting severely bashed and (some killed) by the parents. Ok, you might happen to agree with that. But the problem is to the nth degree to which this law is being interpreted, is what makes it absurd. There was a case about a year ago where an otherwise respectable law abiding citizen (ironically he happened to be a government MP) almost got charged by the police for lightly restraining his child (something that any responsible parent would do) at a public shopping mall- to prevent his child from hitting another child. Well, a member of the public complained about his apparent "mistreatment” of his child and so the police were called and so they had to investigate; complete non-sense. This is a good example of where one well intended law has unintended negative consequences for all.

Ok, back to the tax concern about the level to which middle and high income earners are taxed. IMO income tax brackets need to be moved upwards inline with the cost of living and on a more progressive scale as they’re set too low and currently move up in large steps: http://www.ird.govt.nz/how-to/taxrat...etaxrates.html
$70000/yr salary might sound like decent amount of money -and about what a Q300 CA can expect to make- btw those Air Nelson (Air NZ link) pilots recently went out on strike over pay issues. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/...ectid=10500268 But, when you consider that the cost of living is the equivalent of living in SAN or LAX (as is the case of living in AKL) and then having it taxed at 40 cents/$, all of a sudden that salary doesn’t seem go vary far at all. And yes, you’re correct, the higher cost of living there is in part related to contributing factors such as a moderately high minimum wage which is currently set at $11.25NZ-read more about it here: http://www.ers.dol.govt.nz/pay/minimum.html and the level of tax employers must pay to the government to pay for services such as free healthcare.

Another concern that has not been addressed by the government for decades is the eroding infrastructure. Back in the mid 1970’s the National government of the day, headed by the late Rob Muldoon, embarked on a radical series of major “think big” projects to development NZ’s core infrastructure. Read more about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Think_Big
These consisted of major infrastructure projects such as energy: hydro, geothermal, coal, power plants, electrical grid; and transport: rail, motorways, petroleum refining capability, etc. The government borrowed billions from overseas to pay for it all, it cost a lot but was necessary. These infrastructures were built to a level at the time that had inherent surplus capacity designed to last for many years. However, in the decades since then not much in the way of new major infrastructure has been built to replace these ageing components. Many of the systems are now reaching, or are now at, capacity and will soon need to be replaced. The country does not appear to have the money to pay for these new infrastructures. So, the effects from this that NZ could see in the future are occasional power brown outs/black outs; much the same as in California. I really think the government needs to get their priorities straight and start addressing these things. But the problem is that I don't think that they see it as being their problem. They they sold off most of these assets to private enterprises years ago. The private enterprises are reluctant to invest the money least they don’t get their desired ROI for their shareholders. This is the case with Telecom NZ, that for lack of better a word, has a muntered telecommunications network. A large percent of the rural countryside outside of the main cities is still on dial up internet access. Why? Because Telecom doesn’t want to invest too much more into high speed fiber optics in those areas, as they don’t see it as being worth the investment yet. So when are these for of issues going to be fixed? I don’t know.

You mentioned that you are aware of the socialized healthcare system. Yes, NZ does have a slightly better system than the US. However, the system is still overburdened. And to be honest, unless if you’re needing immediate ER care (accident, etc) you’re better off having private health insurance and getting private health care. There have been cases where people who have actually died after many years on a waiting list for what was considered, at the time, non-critical surgery only for it to reach a critical stage; but by then it was too late. One the reasons the system is so overloaded is because the heaviest users of the system have health issues that require ongoing care, such as diabetes and heart disease type issues. These are health issues that are prevalent in the larger body types that you originally referred to. They also tend to be from the lower income bracket that tend not take as good care of themselves as they should. Not only that, but also because they tend to have a genetic predisposition to certain conditions; typically Maori and Pacific Islanders (some of which still live in the islands but come to NZ for free health services). So what can you do, you can’t deny them healthcare. Though, I do think that some lifestyle and dietary education would go a long way to fixing that problem.

The NZ government also needs to stop, or at the very least severely cutback on providing social welfare benefits and aid (in the form of free brand new houses and new appliances) to those that shouldn't be on them in the first place. This goes for new immigrants that lack skills/education/qualifications necessary to become productive members of society. There is quite simply no incentive for them to ever reach their full potential. As a result, there’s now a considerably large amount of fundamentally unmotivated people in living on government benefits. They are essentially milking the NZ system for all that they can get because the government allows it, and indirectly encourages it through its sympathetic social policies. Understandably, the government handouts are seen as free lunches by those receiving them. News flash…basic Economics 101: there are no real free lunches. Someone has to pay for them. And guess who it is? The middle class and up. Especially when they see themselves actually working hard trying to earn a living, but not seeing much in the way results for their efforts when others are not working as hard but still keep getting the governments free social welfare handouts.

These are some of the reasons why so many have left NZ for greener economic pastures overseas. It is unfortunate, as NZ has so much going for it, but it could do so much better if weren't for a system that is genertaing some intentionally unproducitve hangers on that are sucking the country financially dry. I certainly hope that the economic and social issues that I mentioned do actually improve in future years. However, as the present Labor government is still in power, it might take a while.

 

My brother has talked about this type of issue. Many of those people are "on the dole". No job, no intention of EVER getting a job. The government will take care of them. It sounds MORE and MORE like much of western Europe in both immigration and welfare policy. And the way the U.S. is getting very close to.

I've heard of the "p" problem as well. Also, I guess that violent crime is on rise also, in the form of home invasion. And by, you guessed it, OTHER than anglo individuals. And since there is for the most part not firearms, many of them use clubs, bats, and machetes to beat or kill their victims to get what they want. My sister in law's cousin is a cop that works in Otara, by choice. He says that although the problems there are not the prettiest, the work is easier for him. Whereas working in the upper class suburbs he has to deal with rich white people, and their spoiled children. In Otara, when he responds to a call, the ethnic population usually takes a very submissive stance. A "yep, I did it, cuff me and take me to lock up" type of mentality.

 

Another interesting problem as far as the infrastructure, especially related to electrical power. Being a very environmentally conscious country, they refuse to even consider nuclear power. In fact, nuclear powered vessels are prohibited from getting close than 50 miles from shore. I guess some of the cleanest burning coal is mined in New Zealand, but they will gladly export it to China, and IMPORT dirty burning coal to use in power plants.

My brother and wife have gone to their own private insurance for the reasons you listed. It's amazing how people in this country are screaming for socialized health care, but if they took a look around, they would realize that there are few countries where it ACTUALLY works.

 

My father-in-law is a typical middle class South Islander. He has no time for folks who take the free hand outs and then offer nothing back to society. He has also been a victim of the medical system. His hip replacement that he waited nearly 2 years for had to be redone because of recalled parts...he then waited another 2 years to have it replaced. Yes it got done, but he had to put up with the pain because it was deemed non-critical. On the flip side, all 3 of my children were born there with no complaints!! This includes my son who had serious cardiac issues when he was delivered. What wonderful care he had! Ironic...We went to NZ to have him because of the screwed up miliatry coverage I had at the time.

Just curious...what rights do Kiwis have to defend their homes and families if some doped-up intruder invades? It sounds like an issue that may start to become more common.

 

From what I gather, it may be along the lines of what California may have. But definitely not what Texas, or Colorado has. CO has a "make my day law". Although a very good attorney for the injured perpetrator, or the family of a DEAD perpetrator can make it all a moot point.

 

I some a contact number for a person who can lodge imigration paper work for living down under. PM me if you would like more info. its not as hard as to think. but you must past the points test.

 

Yep, that summary is pretty much right on dojet'.

 

Wow! I am amazed how accurate the information about life in NZ has been on this thread.

Moved here a year ago and wish I had this gouge before doing so. It might not have changed my decision to join the RNZAF, but it sure would have reduced my culture shock!

Some other points for yanks looking to make the jump:

• Despite ridiculous taxes, you won’t get a tax return check. Minimal exemptions for businesses, but not the average citizen. In fact, most people don’t file.
• Petty crime rate is alarming. Police force is a joke. Beware of the speed traps though.
• I have been briefed not to expect medical treatment for non-critical injuries sustained on FRI and SAT nights. ER is overrun, and the docs won’t make it to you.
• Minimal respect for the military from the government and average citizen. “We have an Air Force?” or “We got rid of the Air Force in 2001” are the two most common responses I hear during the, “What brings you to NZ?” conversation.
• Beautiful country when the weather isn’t sh*t. Subtropical ain’t tropical. Summer isn’t bad, winter is depressing (North Island perspective).
• No central heating or AC. No screens on the windows. Expect rooms without stand alone heaters to be frigid on winter mornings, and a hot mosquito ridden house during summer nights (I simply don’t get this).
• Good surf when the westerlies aren’t howling. Lots of sweet point breaks. Popular breaks get crowded, but tons of isolated spots out there.
• A lot of Pakeha’s (pale face kiwis) can’t pronounce the visual reporting points (Maori names), so yanks might as well hang it up. Give it a shot, but expect to hear “say again”, then use radial and DME.
• Outside of wet suits and avocados, everything else is more expensive than in the states. Boxer briefs cost $17 U. S. a pair (yes I said for one) at the warehouse (wal mart equivalent).
• Communication industry is dominated by monopolies. Cell phone and internet prices are ridiculous. A handful of companies are keeping NZ in the dark.
• The CAA (company against aviation) makes the FAA look cooperative, well managed, and efficient. You have to see it to believe it. I miss the FAA.
• User pay airspace system. Non-federal towers. You are there for the controllers, not vice versa. A military call sign gets you nadda.

The flying here is truly awesome. From all of the stories I’ve heard and read it seems a lot like Alaskan bush flying. Went on a low level nav training det to the south island a couple of weeks ago. Central Otago was unbelievable! For the most part, CAVU to the moon, with snow capped mountains. Hard to explain how sweet 250 FT AGL flying in the Southern Alps can be.

And oh yeah, I won’t comment on the level of female huskiness in this country but I will say the fire and forget kiwi accent in U. S. bars phenomenon isn’t reciprocal. Another lesson in my “NZ ain’t Oz” education.