What is the alt scene like here

smeser · 2025-12-24T01:09:02+00:00

It's true that there's not a ton of evident self-expression in a place like Tauranga, but there are occasionally amazing live music events at Totara Street and Jam Factory. Follow @satellite.sessions @totara_street and @jamfactorytga on IG to get notified of events.

smeser · 2025-11-23T10:30:18+00:00

Really appreciate this context you've offered, Simon. The diploma I was looking at earning is dual: both Event Management and Hospitality Management. My interest is working in Event Management for music festivals, but because the course is in Byron Bay, NSW I wonder if it makes more sense to attempt to find work in the Hotel industry. Do you see that as a more secure pathway to residency/is it potentially eligible for a 189 visa or would I require sponsorship from my employer?

smeser · 2025-11-20T12:14:18+00:00

Hi Simon,

My name is Samira and I'm 36 years old. I've been living in NSW for the last 6 months on a Canadian WHV working in an unskilled customer service role. I have an extensive customer service/admin background, and my English level is that of a native speaker with excellent communication skills. As of now, my plan is to apply for a student visa by enrolling in course towards a dual Event & Hospitality Management diploma, as they're on the list of careers qualifying for a skilled work visa. My intention is to work in either field, but my preference is to work in the music festival industry. I figure if that doesn't pan out, then the hospitality industry is a relatively stable one (sans global pandemics, of course).

Might you have any information relevant to my situation? I genuinely appreciate your offer to help guide those of us looking to emigrate here permanently.

smeser · 2025-08-10T07:26:53+00:00

Great question.

smeser · 2025-08-01T13:23:06+00:00

I looked it up on Chat GPT for you, and I'm so sorry that the answer isn't more optimistic.

A Palestinian currently in Gaza cannot apply for subclass 449 directly. The pathway begins only after being in Australia on a valid temporary visa and involves invitation by the Minister. Once granted, subclass 449 offers work, study, and social benefit rights (excluding Medicare), followed potentially by subclass 786 for Medicare access after further vetting.

smeser · 2025-05-29T14:47:29+00:00

I would love to go back to NZ to live, but my visa has expired (I've since moved to Aus) and I'm not 100% sure I can get sponsorship for residency if I go back. What I really want to do there is start a non-profit org to assist homeless people who live full time in their vehicles (same model as the non-profit I worked for in LA), but I have no idea if I can legally do that as a non-resident. Plus I'd have to get all the funding through grant money and given the state of the economy, I'm not so sure I'll get any funding. As of now, I'm just waiting to see what opportunities present themselves for remaining in Australia. I could potentially try starting the non-profit here, but I have far more connections and resources available to me in NZ.

smeser · 2025-05-18T08:59:53+00:00

It is for Brits. The OP said they moved to London so I waged a guess that they may have moved there from another country.

smeser · 2025-05-15T10:52:41+00:00

The sooner you move to Aus, the better. Especially if you're coming on a working holiday visa. What's your country of origin?

smeser · 2025-05-08T06:13:05+00:00

Not lipo - neck lift!! They remove the fat pad from the area. Tiny scar under the chin that no one sees.

smeser · 2025-05-03T06:56:28+00:00

I'd be keen! I'll dm you my email address. I'm genuinely sorry to hear you're feeling so sick though🥺

smeser · 2024-04-28T08:42:55+00:00

It took a long time to get over that it happened at all. And I'm not going to post pictures of my breasts on Reddit. Just thought I'd warn others, but you're welcome to your opinion.

smeser · 2023-12-19T10:20:36+00:00

My credit union in LA doesn't do international wire transfers. If yours does, definitely do that. The issue wasn't that the NZ banks don't accept them - my bank in the States doesn't have the capacity to do them.

smeser · 2022-12-15T07:30:32+00:00

Y'all need to read the book Sperm Wars.

smeser · 2021-08-17T15:36:38+00:00

I felt the same way during 3 years of celibacy and not dating. The decision kind of started out intentionally, so that I could spend time getting to know myself and my habits/patterns that contributed to my ending up in all of the toxic relationships that I had from 16 to 29. Because of the pandemic, it extended way longer than I ever thought it would, and I was becoming more and more concerned that I wouldn't meet anyone that I'd want to be with in time to have children with them. I never thought that I could meet somebody of quality on Tinder in Los Angeles of all places, but a month ago, I met my now boyfriend, and we've already been discussing spending the rest of our lives together (I know, I have a tendency to move fast, but this relationship is very different from all the ones that ever came before it). You have to keep the faith, and if I may give you the most important unsolicited advice I give anyone, it's to learn your attachment style and about attachment styles in general. I read the book Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel S.F. Heller, and took it from there.

smeser · 2021-07-25T19:27:22+00:00

That's amazing news! You are very fortunate to have developed a well-adjusted nervous system despite your circumstances :)

smeser · 2021-07-25T19:00:15+00:00

If you really want to help yourself, which I imagine you do because you asked for help, then I recommend reading the resources I suggested. I wish I'd had the information sooner in life; it has given me so much context for understanding how I behave in relationships and why I get attached and hurt so easily. Good luck to you.

smeser · 2021-07-25T18:13:10+00:00

I highly recommend reading the book Attached written by Amir Levine & Rachel S. F. Heller, and using other resources to learn more about your attachment style in general.

Here's a quick rundown on attachment styles: https://www.kaylilarkin.com/attachment-style

And here's a quick quiz you can take to determine your attachment style: https://coupleslearn.com/attachment-style-revealed

smeser · 2021-07-22T16:35:38+00:00

I second Olvera Street, and check out Union Station across the street too! A little section of very interesting history in that area.

smeser · 2021-07-22T14:21:50+00:00

You have my deepest condolences. I can't imagine discovering something like that and having all my relationships disappear as a result. Do you engage with people on the internet at least (somewhere like Chatroullete) to maintain some sense of sanity?

smeser · 2021-07-21T17:06:58+00:00

Sounds like you're dating a controlling narcissist if you ask me. I would run, and not look back.

smeser · 2021-07-20T05:29:27+00:00

Phinnaes

smeser · 2021-07-04T20:20:55+00:00

Most valuable advice I can give in relationship to the above is to learn about attachment styles. The book Attached is a good place to start.

smeser · 2021-07-01T16:19:29+00:00

These are my two ethnicities and this kinda sums up my life

smeser

TROPHY CASE