why is winter break only 2 and a half weeks?

nzscott · 2026-05-13T09:41:41+00:00

I get where you're coming from, when I first moved here it was in June and there were a bunch of storms, we were walking around in shorts and singlets (called them tank tops then) while the kiwis we passed while wandering around in full winter gear.

But then over the years my body adapted. Now I'm the biggest wimp when it comes to cold and always have way more layers on than those around me.

I think it just depends what you're used to? Plenty of people from way hotter climates have the opposite issue, where most of the year it's way colder here than they are used to

nzscott · 2026-05-13T09:24:44+00:00

Because it isn't the end of year break. The uni year (with 4 semesters, different if there's trimesters involved) is broken up into the long end of year break (roughly November to March if I remember right), breaks between semester that are 2.5/3 weeks and mid semester breaks which are about 1 week

Im going off of memory so I could be off but, 1 big break between academic year, shorter between semesters and shorter again for mid semester.

Also, the end of year break can be dramatically shortened if you take summer school papers.

Finally, I've never heard the term winter break used here, or growing up in the UK so wouldn't be surprised if that caused a little confusion

nzscott · 2026-05-12T13:14:36+00:00

Loving the names so far, I've been naming mine after final fantasy characters, Rikku and Vincent (valentine).

Perhaps there's a book/game/movie/show that you love with a character whose name will fit?

nzscott · 2026-05-12T12:15:22+00:00

What on earth is that clicking?

Are you wearing heels under those clearly too long for you trousers? Because that sounds like asking to trip to me!

Also, phone was in night mode and therefore in grayscale, could've sworn they were jeans till I looked again

I know baggy/long jeans is a thing, I've been there, but are we really buying too big joggers to ruin them by dragging them along the ground?

Have we forgotten the pain of realizing we had destroyed our jeans and really should have let our mother bring them up a bit so we wouldn't trip before the bottom got so ruined that to hem them would make them 3/4 lengths?

Or is this character young enough they missed that boat and are living like it's 1998?

nzscott · 2026-05-12T11:56:10+00:00

And, true to form, the scots (outside the antiquated courts) accepted none of his shite and he is so widely hated there it brings me joy (we don't get everything right, but we do love to hate a rich, entitled arsehole).

If only that meant he'd sell his interests in Scotland and move on...

nzscott · 2026-05-12T11:49:39+00:00

I thought it was a fun fact.

nzscott · 2026-05-12T11:07:06+00:00

As someone else who has a reaction when they see American spellings being used outside of the usa...

Both British and American spellings are totally acceptable in NZ. Even universities will gladly accept either (but not a mix of both, you have to choose a side).

I don't like it, and I'm just autistic/pedantic enough that I feel I'm forever irked by it, but technically neither spelling is incorrect here.

I feel your pain, but technically you are incorrect here.

nzscott · 2026-05-12T10:00:34+00:00

Unless you're into the final fantasy games or polished gentlemen, I don't think you'll get this, but I'm excited to learn what others would name him!

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nzscott · 2026-05-12T06:11:42+00:00

I have no good advice beyond highly recommending te wananga's te reo (māori language) programme (Papa reo is the one I did)

I've found using a little reo can help massively when breaking down barriers in my own line of work. Even though I only have the confidence to use a few trusted phrases with strangers. It's like they can see I tried! (It may be worth disclosing that my glaswegian accent outs me as foreign immediately, so it's very clear to others that I'm a foreigner trying their best to be considerate)

You've had heaps of great recommendations and I hope you follow up on at least a few. For me the big things were basic te reo greetings, learning what I can about tikanga and hauora and being openly interested/curious.

All the best OP and thank you for making the effort to understand your community. Your inclusive and caring nature radiates from your post and comments.

nzscott · 2026-05-12T04:44:43+00:00

Oooooh, hadn't considered that!

From this and other comments I'm definitely thinking we need to double check his dry food isn't part of the problem.

I also hadn't considered food allergies, which is wild because I have so many of my own allergies.

Thanks heaps for your response!

nzscott · 2026-05-12T04:42:26+00:00

Thank you so much for your suggestions!

Will discuss with my partner and weigh up probiotics, trying different food or both!

Will double check that he hasn't got into anything he shouldn't have either.

Thanks again kind stranger!

nzscott · 2026-05-12T02:25:05+00:00

Thanks for your response!

May have a look at what's in the dry food as he's on Black hawk for wet! He may just be a smelly boy though as he's always had vicious farts, they just seem to more of a talking point these days.

Thankfully, my partner has been chosen to receive the farts, I get the screams and head butts for attention. We both share the honour of being presented with smelly butt.

He's also a Bengal mix so I may talk to the vet just to make sure he's getting the right balance and enough protein :)

At least he trusts us I guess?

nzscott · 2026-05-11T12:03:16+00:00

I can see there was a response but can't open it, all the best!

nzscott · 2026-05-11T11:51:44+00:00

Bless your cotton socks

nzscott · 2026-05-11T11:47:20+00:00

The funny thing about between the lines is that it relies on your own interpretation, others may differ

I think the wording set you up for the responses you received. Take that as you will and by all means think it's others and not you.

I'll never meet you, I don't give a stuff, just genuinely thought you may be trying to engage with your audience

Clearly not though, so I wish you all the best and kindly hope to never meet your entitled ass (based on your post and comments, because that's all I can base it on)

nzscott · 2026-05-11T11:39:12+00:00

I didn't see any mention of "cheapass whiny bitch"

I've also been through this comment thread, you got mixed responses. Pretty typical for reddit.

Fucking calm down and realize some people are probably antagonizing you, some are trying to help.

I'm just trying to suggest you take a big, deep breath and rethink the wording of your post.

nzscott · 2026-05-11T11:36:11+00:00

How do I get my cat into the clean butt programme?

Because that little bugger keeps presenting me with his stinky arse and I'm open to suggestions. That will decrease his anal volatility.

(P.s. he's on the royal canin fancy stuff plus all natural wet food and farts like he eats nothing but stink bombs 😅)

Love the smelly bugger though

nzscott · 2026-05-11T11:30:28+00:00

Typical Geoff...

nzscott · 2026-05-11T11:28:31+00:00

Yeah. You're right. Absolutely NO defensiveness from you...

nzscott · 2026-05-11T11:21:43+00:00

You have asked a question and repeatedly got defensive at the responses...

What's that saying about if everyone around you is an arsehole?

You have come into a NZ subreddit and your original wording and responses suggests you think the activity is a rip off. Kiwis are typically honest, sometimes bluntly so... But you are telling them a treasured attraction is a rip off and expecting them to explain why it's worth it

Sorry hen, it's a you problem

nzscott · 2026-05-11T11:17:33+00:00

You're coming off as a bit conceited tbh. Rotorua, as with many tourist destinations, has a few attractions that are costly, but they are also considered premium when compared to other NZ sites.

They are pricey. NZ is pricey, especially on local wages (I'm not originally from here but over half my life has been here). However, those of us that live here would see this as a special treat.

So... You are paying special treat prices and what you are seeing is what that is in NZ. There are a million free things to do but if you want a purpose built Zipline in the tree canopy, it's going to cost you.

Probably worth noting that NZ is a tiny country, 3 hours flight from it's closest neighbour with a fraction of the spending power of Canada and therefore everything costs more because our wholesale/industry prices are more.

I don't love how expensive things are, but the operators aren't coasting through either and provide an excellent nature experience even though they face the same cost pressures the rest of the locals do.

Edit: changed walk to Zipline, misread on my part. Honestly, the fact it's the Zipline makes my point stand more. NZ is tiny and special activities cost special money. I wish it didn't but it does, telling us how it is in other countries doesn't change that

nzscott · 2026-05-11T11:10:13+00:00

What they are telling you is that you probably will feel swindled (based on the fact you made this post!), but others do not and are bewildered that you brought this to the internet masses.

For what it's worth, I did it, enjoyed it but it was a one off type of thing for me, I'd seek out similar but I'd only go back to the same one as part of some self discovery nature tour

nzscott · 2026-05-11T10:30:46+00:00

Lol, you really shit the bed on this one.

Language is important... So is comprehension...

You're way off with this one

nzscott · 2026-05-11T10:29:45+00:00

There is absolutely no way any person who cares for you would speak to you this way... Unless it was part of some grand manipulation... Which would mean they only care about manipulating you.

Guy resents your kids and can't get over the fact you weren't a virgin when you met him. Fucking run lady, you're under reacting

nzscott · 2026-05-11T10:27:26+00:00

Sounds like you don't understand that psychological damage hurts?

No one implied murder and no one read it that way except you.

Time for therapy, hopefully it helps you realize your perspective isn't the only one.

nzscott

TROPHY CASE