In June 2008 my wife and I, with our two children, packed up and moved to the other side of the world (New Zealand). This beautiful country, with great people who love where they live, are excited to see new migrants and will do anything to help them get settled and feel at home. Our experience has been amazing since the first day we arrived after 19 hours of flight time from Florida, USA. First, the auto dealer picked us up from the airport and drove us to the hotel with our 12 bags which I might add did not fit in the vehicle we had just purchased. The bank arranged to meet us within two hours of my call so we were able to immediately set up bank accounts, insurance, etc. Our real estate agent was an immense help in many ways and even spent almost three days showing us where to buy all our electric appliances. When we arrived at the hotel, where we stayed for the first four days until we closed on our new home, there was a huge care basket waiting for us in our room as a welcome to NZ from my new employer.
The day I started at my new company, a breakfast was held for me and my new team as a welcome, and I was given a huge bouquet of flowers along with a card to take home to my wife. From then forward, I have continued to feel acknowledged and appreciated for my contribution to my company. I could go on and on but what we've found is yes, KIWI's are far ahead in regard to genuine customer service and authenticity. It has also been great to experience that New Zealand does not have the social status that you so often find in other countries. By that, I mean that it is not important to New Zealanders how much money you make, what school you attended, the house you live in or car that you drive. Kiwi's are also a very happy bunch which has been great as making genuine friends takes no effort. We've found that everyone wants to have a conversation - from the person who delivers your mail, to the teller at the bank or the cashier at the grocery store. It's amazing that when you walk around, everyone acknowledges you with either a hello, nod, smile or all three - KIWI's don't know the word “stranger.”
New Zealand, the land of the long white cloud, was the last landmass on earth to be discovered, making it the youngest country. Since the first people arrived a thousand years, ago many cultures have made New Zealand home. My family and I feel very fortunate to be living in a most beautiful country, among the most friendly and laid-back culture on earth.
Brian Bernard
Former Employee of Baywood Technologies