Expectations of returning expats mixed

Expats are having to balance the environmental and lifestyle benefits of this country against what they earn overseas. Photo / Richard Robinson

Kiwis considering moving back home from overseas have mixed expectations, according to dozens of postings on nzherald.co.nz.

New official immigration figures show that New Zealand had its highest annual net migration gain in nearly five years during the 12 months to August. Our Your Views on the subject confirms that many expats are considering packing up and heading back here.

But one who returned sums up the initial disappointment by saying New Zealand today "isn't the place I grew up in" with crime out of control and criminals being able to live in lavish lifestyles."

"We seem more worried about an "h" in Wanganui than we do in addressing the real issues such as child abuse, crime and career welfare bludgers."

Expats are having to balance the environmental and lifestyle benefits of this country against what they earn overseas.

A couple based in Qatar say they have been doing very well financially in the past two years but are thinking of returning despite the lower salaries they will get.

"NZ is our country and we're proud of it. Sure. when we get back, we might struggle to get into the routine of not having the money we have at the moment, but after living in a place that has many things I disagree with, I much prefer the quality of life in NZ than anywhere else."

Lloyd is packing up his bags in the UK and heading home and has come to terms with the fact it doesn't seem as easy in New Zealand to get ahead financially. He says he isn't driven by money but by being in a job where he feels he is contributing to the country.

However he is giving it only six months to see if that works out.

"There seems to be some slight fear of people such as myself who have lived and developed themselves personally and professionally overseas, Instead we should be utilised for the skills we have accrued in large scale environments, and welcomed back as valued Kiwis who can make a difference."

The cleaner air is a big factor for a couple who have just returned from working in India, because of a sick family member.

Reminding himself of the country's "stunningly clear air, clean water, and countryside which is just breathtaking," he had no trouble getting a job but has discovered a confused business mantra.

"While everyone seems to generally agree that a more prosperous economy is desirable, profit still seems like a dirty word."

Despite a change in government here, not all expats who left because of the previous Labour government's policies, are convinced enough has changed, including employer attitudes.

Tom, who is in Canada, says that not only does NZ need to start rewarding hard work rather than punishing it, it needs to "lose the ridiculous 'you're over qualified, too old, and don't have NZ experience' obstacles to employment.

A Kiwi living in the Netherlands has heard back from friends who have returned that they are finding it hard readjusting to the "mentality of the locals", and can't wait to leave again.

Working in an area of the digital industry, he said that moving back now would mean huge compromises, as NZ doesn't have the economic scale or population to support a very big industry. "I like doing what I do and the opportunities it has given me."

Paul in the US says he won't be returning not "until New Zealand stops the ridiculous practise of implementing every 'green' plan and thing that the UN says it should."

But Andrew, who is also in the US, is keen to return and start a business as he complains that "there is no way I am going to educate my kids in the USA as you can literally graduate here while functionally illiterate."

A Papakura reader, who did return, is planning to take off again because of the political environment saying "you owe it to your kids to give them a better future and you can't do that in the socialist utopia that is NZ."