Each episode, I'll sit down with Americans from all walks of life who have made the move-sharing their journeys, challenges, surprises, and what they’ve learned along the way. Whether you're thinking about moving, already here, or just curious about life in NZ through fresh eyes, this podcast is for you!And that’s just the beginning! I’ll also be chatting with experts living in NZ to give you even more insight and other expats who have moved to Nz from other countries around the world!
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In this episode, Ben, who recently made the leap from Colorado to Christchurch, shares the unexpected joys and surprises of his journey, from navigating visa pitfalls to rediscovering a laid-back, community-focused lifestyle. Discover how intentional planning, curiosity, and a willingness to adapt open doors to a new world and how you can do it too. Ben's story peels back the curtain on what it really takes to relocate abroad: the challenges of visa rules, the downsizing from a 4,000-square-foot...
Diving into a life filled with vibrant cultures, fierce independence, and self-discovery, Susan’s story reveals how embracing your authentic self can transform your entire world. From London to Guyana to Florida and to the lush landscapes of Aotearoa New Zealand, her journey uncovers the power of internal growth over external circumstances, showing you that wherever you go, the real home is within. In this episode, Susan shares how her childhood challenges, encounters with racism, and relentless...
Dont skip this one. Immigration lawyer, Michelle Chen, answers questions about moving to New Zealand and the different visa pathways. https://mclegal.nz/
Summary: This episode features Julie sharing her journey of moving to New Zealand just before COVID-19, navigating the challenges of immigration, housing, and adapting to a new culture. She moved with her husband, 15 year old, dog and a few suitcases! She offers practical advice for prospective immigrants and insights into life in New Zealand. Follow Julie for assistance with a move you may be thinking about the move. Listen to find out what Julie misses most about America!
Will shares his family's experience relocating from Southern California to New Zealand on a student visa with two young children and three dogs, highlighting their remarkably fast move. He discusses the cultural adjustments, including unique Kiwi phrases and the impact on his children who quickly adapted, even developing accents. The conversation also covers practical aspects like the challenges of shopping, adapting to different amenities and daily routines, and the joys of New Zealand's community and outdoor activities.
In this conversation, Ashley and Sara discuss Sara's journey of moving to New Zealand, her experiences living in Auckland versus rural areas, and the challenges of parenting in a new country. They explore cultural differences, the importance of community support, and the complexities of family dynamics as immigrants. The conversation also touches on reflections about home, belonging, and the balance of life as an expat.
In this conversation, Olivia shares her recent move to New Zealand Aotearoa discussing the challenges and joys of relocating to a new country. She moved here just over a month ago to Auckland and has settling in! She reflects on the cultural adjustments, the job market, and the importance of building community. Olivia also shares her personal growth she has encountered during this transition. The conversation emphasizes the significance of embracing change and celebrating small victories along t...
In this conversation, Anika discusses her family's move from the lakes and mountains of New Hampshire to New Zealand, sharing insights into their experiences with the education system, cultural adjustments, and outdoor activities. The dialogue explores the differences in community life, food preferences, and the impact of work-life balance on family dynamics. Anika reflects on her aspirations for the future and the contrasts between her life in New Zealand and America, providing a comprehensive ...
In this episode, Ashley interviews Edison (Chi-An), a Taiwanese man who moved to New Zealand for his MBA. They discuss cultural differences, the challenges of adapting to a new environment, and the opportunities available for international students. Edison shares his experiences with education, work, food, and social interactions, highlighting the contrasts between life in Taiwan and New Zealand. The conversation emphasizes personal growth, the importance of community, and the joys of exploring ...
In this conversation, Ashley and Melissa discuss Melissa's journey of moving to New Zealand from the Delaware, touching on various aspects such as her experiences with TikTok, the immigration process, healthcare differences, and raising children in New Zealand. They explore the cultural and legal contrasts between the two countries. The conversation also delves into the impact of consumerism and minimalism on lifestyle choices in New Zealand, as well as the natural disaster preparedness that com...
In this episode, Christine shares her global journey and what ultimately led her family to settle in New Zealand after years of living around the world with Dallas as their home base. Originally planning just a two-year stay, Christine and her husband found themselves drawn to the Kiwi lifestyle, choosing to stay permanently and raise their children as global citizens. She opens up about the challenges of navigating a new culture, the differences between the U.S. and New Zealand education system...
Abby and Ashley met at their MBA program at UC. They sit down and talk about transitions from New England (New Hampshire and Vermont) and they both owned small food based businesses. Abby has been in NZ for less than a year and still figuring out community.
Two bold American women, Nicki and Ashley sit down to discuss life in a culture that is more passive and humble. In this conversation, Nikki shares her journey from San Jose, California to New Zealand, detailing her experiences during the 2008 recession, exploring New Zealand, and the cultural differences she encountered. She discusses her relationships, parenting, and the healthcare system in New Zealand. The conversation highlights the importance of community, personal growth, and the unique a...
In this episode, I interview Sarah, who shares her journeyof moving to New Zealand, her experiences with the culture, education system, and the challenges of navigating life in a new country. They discuss the importance of embracing the Māori language, the differences between Wellingtonand Christchurch, and the significance of outdoor adventures. Sarah also shares insights on the education system, visa pathways, disaster preparedness, and her experiences in sports and gender equity. The conversa...
In this conversation, Christine shares her journey of movingfrom Arizona to New Zealand with her family. She discusses the immigration process, settling into a new culture, and the differences in healthcare mental health systems. Christine reflects on her experiences in Hawke's Bay andChristchurch. She also offers insights into navigating the local systems and shares her thoughts on the benefits of living in New Zealand. Sound Bites "We decided to jump in and give it a go." "We wanted more optio...
From Sephora to Aotearoa: Tilia’s Journey ofImpact and Innovation. In this episode, Tilia shares her inspiring journey from leading product innovation at Sephora to founding her own sustainable beauty brand and ultimately relocating to New Zealand. Through the lens of her Global Impact Visa with the Edmund Hillary Fellowship, Tilia opens up about navigating New Zealand’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, adjusting to cultural differences, and settling in with her family. From reflections on work cultur...
In this conversation, Lauren shares her journey of moving to Christchurch, New Zealand, where she built a house and started a new business. She discusses relocating, the process of building a home, and the differences in schooling and childcare between the U.S. and New Zealand. Lauren also talks about her passion for cooking and her plans to offer cooking classes, highlighting the importance of community and family support in her life.
In this conversation, Andrew discusses his experience of moving from New Zealand to America and back again. Ash and Andrew explore cultural differences, the challenges of immigration, and the impact of healthcare systems on their lives. The couple reflects on their family dynamics, work-life balance, and the changes they have observed in both countries. They also share insights on education, community, and the cost of living, providing a comprehensive view of their journey and the lessons learne...
I met Ian at the F45 gym last year. He has been in and out of NZ for 8 years. I refer to him kindly as a little brother. In this conversation, we discuss the intricacies of moving to New Zealand as an American expats. We delve into topics such as tax obligations, cultural differences, work-life balance, and the overall experience of living in New Zealand. Ian shares his journey from the U.S. to New Zealand, highlighting the adjustments he made and the lifestyle changes he encountered. The conver...
Podcast Episode Description: In this episode, I sit down with Julie from Massachusetts , who moved to New Zealand just six months ago while her Kiwi husband remains in the U.S. to wrap up their life there. We talk about the realities of starting over— from navigating loneliness and building new networks to the challenges of finding work in a new country. Julie shares her first impressions of Kiwi food , her journey toward settling in, and what it’s really like to make such a big move solo. It’s ...
In this episode, Ashley and Allison discuss their experiences as American expats living in New Zealand, touching on food, the challenges of navigating life during COVID-19, the complexities of the NZ mortgages and interest rates, NZ military vs USA military, and the importance of community and personal growth. They share insights on adjustments, working in NZ, financial challenges, and the emotional journey of living abroad. Ashley opens up about struggles of starting over.
Ashley and Allyson bond over their shared experience of being married to Kiwis, navigating the challenges of moving to New Zealand—including using shipping containers for their relocations—and adjusting to the high cost of living. Allyson is also the founder of the Americans in Christchurch group, creating a community for fellow expats in the city.
In this conversation, I chat with David from Washington DC – originally from Hawaii. He had a job offer before making the move in 2022. We delve into topics such as outdoor activities, the housing market, and the differences in living conditions between the two countries, providing insights into the expat experience in New Zealand. We discusses the integration of Māori culture in schools in a diverse environment. The conversation also touches on the practical aspects of moving, such as the cost ...
