I worked in a corporate scene where, much like London I assume, everybody gave their All, and then some. It happens here too, though here people obey The Rules more.. like - I was given 5 weeks holiday so I must use them.
Here I find, people are more willing to leave earlier to go mountain biking, or spend time with their kids.
The jobs with fixed times, will be fixed times.
My friends in NZ, enjoy being on the beach with the kids in the summer. (yes, many of my friends have kids)
I am aware that in NZ the shops are open until 11pm, then open again at 6am - meaning that there are people in them, working those hours.
The shop products are china-made, and a lot cheaper. House prices are affordable(ish), with decent sized gardens.
It is a lifestyle choice. The sushi is better, as is the beer. (Dont argue, if you dont know - I have not met a Swiss Equivalent to Canterbury Draught!)
Back on topic, the list jacek provided is a good starting point. Then add a few items of your own and start weighting the values based on which things are at the top of your list. I would also ask how much vacation does one get on average in NZ, and is the salary sufficient to support a few trips to visit family and friends each year? Those would be two important questions for me.
The list can go on and on ... Just one needs more brandy for insightful inspiration
On a serious note though, been there done that. It's not an easy choice. Perhaps prioritizing what's in one's life "now" and what will be in the "future" important? The planning can help to make a right choice. Try to think in shorter and longer terms i.e. family, retirement, health and etc...
I know two Kiwi blokes who left, and an Irish family that went there and then left a few years later. It's also an active earthquake zone. It's also very very far away and financially it is a one way street. You can live, earn and buy a plot in NZ. You won't ever be able to live, earn and do the reverse, i.e. buy a plot in ZH. Also NZ is a bit of a legendary place when it comes to sexual predators / abuse.
But it does have lovely scenery and very tasty sheep.
Historically yes, it never was a good place financially. However this is quickly changing now as their economy is improving. It is predicted that the NZD may even overtake the AUD by the end of this year.
Nearly half of all homicides in New Zealand are family violence. ... Around 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 10 boys in New Zealand have experienced sexual abuse.
Just a week before I joined the EF I told my ex employer in London (now living in NZ) that I want to move to Switzerland. He replied to me with job offer in NZ, photo of a house where me and my family will live, willing to help with emigration. So, basically I had a job, where to stay and assistance with immigration. Best move in the world! I know that moving to CH will be 10 times more difficult than that for sure.
I wrote him back. "if you wrote me this from Switzerland, we would of been there tomorrow"
New Zealand is too far for us as a family. Distance is important for us. We like Europe, and we couldn't see our self living there. Al-tough, with 2 kids and another one on the way, New Zealand is kind of ideal for a young family with its good schools and health system.
"If you are ever stuck choosing between two things, simply flip a coin. Not because it chooses for you, but because for those few seconds that the coin is in the air you know what you are hoping for"
Did you make the move? I was there in 2010-2011 6 months. It was great adventure. I am thinking to go back to there longer even to live. What kind of job you will have?
I am in IT, i saw there are plenty of opportunity but the visa process isn't so simple. is someone has advices? (I am Swiss)
@wtraveller if you want to disscuss about it in real life. PM me.
the problem is more about getting the validation of my studies like i didn't go to university but others swiss schools and knowing if your profil can be accepted in nz...
I know New Zealand quite well since I travel there regularly for work. It is a lovely place and I have often thought of moving there with my family. The biggest problem is the distance and isolation. Otherwise it is rather lovely. The lower salaries and the relatively high cost of living are a negative but made up for by the lifestyle. Good luck.
I lived in New Zealand for a year and fell in love with the place and now i'm preparing my things to go back after almost 3 years in Switzerland.
As a foreigner in both countries i must say New Zealand is way better for my lifestyle and Culture
Not that Switzerland sucks but i just can't get along with the place, I feel bad because my wife is swiss is not nice to have people complaining about your country all the time.
About the career it really depends what you work with, in my job i actually have better chances in NZ than in CH.
I would tell you the same thing others told you here : go there stay for a while and see for yourself. nobody better then you to know where you belong.