You’ll have lots of reasons for coming to Aotearoa. Opportunities, challenges and change come in all forms, and you will definitely find them here!
There are parts of your lifestyle you’ll want to maintain: sporting, cultural, or faith. And there will be things you’ll experience that are the very reason you left your country of origin: a lunchtime run along the waterfront, an after-work surf, or a bike ride home. Simple things that are the essence of the Kiwi lifestyle.
Whether you’ve come on this adventure on your own, with a partner, or family, here’s a starting point for some of the things you might like to explore. Citizens Advice Bureau or CAB is a really great source of info if you can’t get the answer from the Good Together team! (We’re good but we don’t know everything!)
Similarly, ask your new workmates for their local knowledge.
Socialising
Kiwis do like to socialise over yummy food and it’s the perfect way to get to know each other. You might find yourself on the morning tea roster at your new workplace, or be asked to Bring a Plate (Have a quick read of the article. Spoiler alert: it’s not an empty plate!)
Whether it’s a game of touch rugby at the park, or a social netball team, we like to connect in lots of ways. Be prepared to say ‘Yes!’ and whoever you are, you will find a community here.
Sports
We’re known around the world for our sporting prowess in all sorts of disciplines. It starts at the grassroots: kids’ soccer games, swimming clubs, learn to sail, rippa rugby.
You’ll see outdoor gym classes, runners, mums walking their baby buggies. The climate allows us to get out and about. People focus on fitness and it often involves social connection too.
If you like company while you pound the pavements, have you heard of Park Run NZ?
Faith
For a country that has historically been considered predominantly Christian, ALL faiths are represented in Aotearoa and you will be able to find the church, temple or other place of worship that will meet your spiritual customs and needs.
Most will have service times available online, or check out the listings in the free community newspapers.
Culture
If maintaining connection with your culture is important to you, most main centres have a Multicultural Society, if not a specific group that represents your background. This is a great starting point to ‘find your tribe’.
Some centres host an annual festival celebrating the multitude of cultures in our communities. In some places a special welcome or powhiri for migrants takes place towards the end of each year.
Outdoors
If the promise of the great outdoors has lured you to Aotearoa, the Department of Conservation will be a regular resource go-to. Walking trails, camping huts and more are available on their website and you can also check out Plan My Walk or the AllTrails app. There are clubs for tramping, skiing, mountain biking, and all kinds of events around the country if marathons or triathlons are your thing.
Being Sun and Surf Safe
One of the best things about living in Aotearoa is how easy it is to enjoy the outdoors. Beach days, summer BBQs, hiking trails and weekends by the water are all part of the lifestyle here. But New Zealand’s sun is much stronger than many newcomers expect, so sun safety is something locals take seriously. You’ll notice the UV index (burn time) in weather reports during the hotter months and these are a great guide if you’re planning your days off. A good sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and a bit of shade during the hottest part of the day will quickly become part of your routine.
If you’re heading to the beach, you’ll also notice the bright red and yellow flags set up by local surf lifesaving clubs. These volunteer-run clubs are a big part of Kiwi beach culture, helping keep swimmers safe in often unpredictable surf conditions. The safest place to swim is always between the flags, where lifeguards are actively monitoring the water and where conditions have been checked for rips and strong currents.
For families, local ‘Nippers’ programmes are a fun way for children to build confidence in the water and connect with the community. What a way to embrace your new life!
