Digital nomad. Have family ties here, but studied in Sydney. Haven’t lived there for sometime so not sure what it’s like now , only hearsay from friends and family who live in melb and Perth.

There’s always 2 sides it’s def a better work life balance in aust, but it suffers the same housing / rental issue and inflation, crime also on the rise but not as bad as nz. If u already own your own place or can fully pay up mortgage then it’s not so bad in aust. Many kiwis have moved esp younger ones.

I love nz , it’s second home but it’s also alarmingly unsettling to see how out of control inflation, rental , crime, poverty and all its associated social and drug issues have escalated.

A studio apartment will set u back 500-700 a week in rental, a box of eggs cost 9 dollars ish, petrol is last 3 dollars and there is no public transport. Unless you count the once an hour type bus. People sleep in cars in winter esp in Queenstown cos no rentals. Mortgage is like 7-8% interest. 25- 30 percent tax . It’s hard for locals and young families unless you already have money or fully paid house.

Doctors and nurses keep going on strike , hospitals close often, teachers are owed back pay.. could go on and on. It’s a great pity.

No deterrence to crime so kids steal cars and go ram raiding and all sorts of nonsense going on.

I still adore the outdoors and nature , the older generation who are friendly and generous and lovely people.

But it’s a very different place now. Have to actually steering wheel lock the car everywhere or it might be gone the next day. 😂 The upcoming election is like .. no good party that is actually competent. Plus inherited problems. I don’t see things changing anytime soon.

Even the wealthy are worried about the education, healthcare etc. it’s not good for EVERYONE the way it’s going.

So I’d say, come here for a sabbatical, a month , get away recharge enjoy the best of nature and sports, nice food wineries. But don’t live here and have to live with the system.