KEY POINTS:
Quan Meharry, 32, food technologist in Auckland. Married to Clinton, a food technologist from Taranaki. From Germany, 10 months here.
"I was born in Vietnam but my family left when I was four. They were boat people, refugees. I grew up in Germany.
"The people are more relaxed
here, they go barefoot in winter. I haven't seen so many men in shorts. It's very English, there's morning tea and afternoon tea, and the cuisine is very English/American. There's also this laid-back, island attitude.
"For the first few months it took a little bit of getting used to. I have to calm down more to get into the same lifestyle. But I think it's a healthier working life than in Europe.
"I've worked in Germany and Thailand and I've travelled in Europe. Every country has a different work pattern. In Germany, you're stricter about hours and work more efficiently. Here, people are more focused on the project and discuss it more with their colleagues. In Germany you try to do it by yourself first. "In Asia people don't show they have problems and follow the rules of their superiors. In Western working cultures, employees are encouraged to think outside the square.
"New Zealanders say Germans are precise, organised and like to follow the regulations. I'm like that. I like to organise my day and follow up quite efficiently. I also like to do my job without discussing much with my colleagues, because I know I'm right.
"My colleagues have invited me to some of their private parties, they are quite relaxed and helping people to integrate and really know the country.
"My husband is from the countryside, so family life is similar to what I'm used to. It's quite family oriented here.
"Women here are more confident than in Europe. Men are quite polite, they tend to be more like gentlemen. I find they don't make the dirty jokes they did in Germany.
"I'm Asian and I was a little worried about the reception I'd get, but everybody welcomed me with open arms. I feel I belong here more than in Germany. On the streets you see more Asians. I know there's discussion here about whether there are too many Asians, but for me it's the right proportion.
"In Germany when people look at me they see me as an Asian. But actually my attitude and behaviour and thinking is more German.
"Almost everything that I like from Europe is here. What I miss is the green thinking, the public transport, recycling. I thought you were more environmentally friendly."
