One reader living in Australia said ex-pats over there lived a life most New Zealanders 'can only dream of'. Photo / Tourism Australia
The 'Is the grass really greener in Oz?' debate has been re-ignited by the latest figures showing record numbers moving across The Ditch. Readers from both sides of the Tasman have again taken up the heated debate on our Your Views pages.
A land of glorious weather, low taxes, cheap food and bountiful job opportunities. That's Australia, if some of our readers debating emigration across the Tasman this week are to be believed.
Others suggest that the cost of living is actually higher in Oz, that the threat of drought
is always present and crime levels are worse.
This split in opinions was evident when we asked you yesterday if you wanted to move to Australia. A slim majority of the almost 6000 people who voted said "No, thanks", but the rest were either in favour of a move, thinking about it or had already gone.
"V Man" from New Plymouth was among those to stick up for life in New Zealand in the our Views debate. "If it's just about money and sun seeking, you'll like Aussie but NZ offers a great lifestyle in many parts of the country," he said.
"I think lots of people go over to Aus and end up earning good money but have to live way out in the suburbs and sacrificing some of the benefits they had here."
There was also support from Faiyaz Mohammed in Fiji who said: "People in Fiji still believe and see New Zealand as a best place live and work. The reason behind this is better employment, law and order and all the seasons of climate."
On the other side of the argument, was "Resist", a Kiwi now living in New South Wales, who said: "It's different, wages are better, living costs are about the same (if you know where to shop). I live in one of the most expensive areas in Sydney and my rent is the cheaper than what I was paying in NZ.
"I commend anyone in their 20s who lives in NZ, because I sure can't."
Meadsy is another ex-pat New Zealander, living in Queensland where he has been for four years with his family after "struggling" in Auckland.
"After living week to week, pay day to pay day we now have a great 4-bedroom house on a large block with swimming pool, our three children are all in private schools and we enjoy a quality of life most of you back in NZ can only dream of," he said.
The last word, for now, goes to "JSandman" an American living in Wellington, who argues that the comparisons are pointless.
"Both places are cool. Some times more expensive. Some times not. Aus is warmer and drier. NZ is wetter, cooler and greener. I say, just be happy wherever you live. And maybe it will rub off on those around you. Both countries are great!"
