After 170+ days without community COVID transmission, New Zealand plunged back into lockdown on 17 August 2021.
For our recently-arrived expat and returning Kiwi clients, this is their first experience of lockdown New Zealand style. Our lockdowns are strict, and it can be quite an adjustment figuring out how to manage routines, source what you need and take care of wellbeing in a Kiwi context, even if you’re an overseas lockdown veteran.
So we’re sharing our 5 top tips for nailing lockdown as a newcomer to New Zealand.
1. Eat New Zealand
A valuable learning from previous lockdowns has been the benefit of fresh food deliveries from New Zealand suppliers. Not only is the produce amazing quality, it's exciting to have the courier knock on the door and break the monotony of the day with a tasty surprise.
Here are some of our favourite finds
Sanford & Sons - Fish, freshly caught, direct from the supplier
Twisted Citrus - Citrus and kiwi fruit, picked to order from a family-run Hawkes Bay orchard
Bayfarms - Avocados from the Bay of Plenty. They arrive unripe, so we keep them in the fridge and bring out 2 a day to keep a constant supply.
Clevedon Herbs and Produce - Veges grown 45 minutes drive from Auckland's CBD.
2. Make new connections
After adjusting to earlier lockdowns either in New Zealand or overseas, many of us have developed systems for keeping in touch with friends and family.
But what about the wider expat community? Living away from home, or moving back to NZ, gives expats a unique experience of COVID - mobility under pandemic conditions. It might be interesting, and of value, to connect with people who've walked the same path.
Families in Global Transition (FIGT) is a not-for-profit, member run organisation dedicated to linking up and supporting people like you. The Australia/NZ chapter is hosting a zoom coffee and chat this Thursday (26 August) so it’s a great chance to meet people in similar situations.
If you have some free time during lockdown you may like to take a look at their expert sessions, FB page with information/event notifications and resources.
3. Safeguard wellbeing
Have you been finding this lockdown different from previous experiences?
In some ways it is a familiar routine, which has been fairly easy to slot back into. There's a degree of contentment about it. But on the other hand with familiarity can come boredom or a sense of 'enough is enough'.
Perhaps this might be an opportunity to explore some of the wellbeing support apps out there, for your own interest, or to share with someone in your life.
The Mental Health Foundation's highly regarded self help tools and mental health apps are free. And you can also sign up for their weekly newsletter to help you get through.
4. Give gifts
I've been enjoying surprising people from afar with delivered gifts - actually mainly within Auckland but it makes me feel closer since we can't meet up in person. What you can send does depend on the Alert Level, but even a surprise supermarket delivery is something.
The idea came out of a webinar we ran recently on 'distance familying' or how to maintain relationships with parents, siblings, grandparents who are in different countries.
One of the participants talked about the joy a food basket delivery gave to his elderly mother in South Africa - she really felt he had been thinking about her to take the trouble to organise such a gift.
Here are a few sourcing suggestions:
Flowers After Hours will send a beautifully presented bunch of flowers anywhere in Auckland for you
Telegraph Hill's yummy olives, oil and other condiments are produced in Hawkes Bay and delivered nationwide
Black Pineapple has fun cocktail kits to courier over to friends in preparation for Zoom drinks
5. Make an occasion of the government briefings or the nightly news.
We've found it comforting sitting down together (or rather remotely) with millions of other Kiwis to watch the PM’s 1pm briefings or the 6pm network news bulletin. Depending on the time of day you could make it a special occasion with these classic cocktails. Even if your lockdown liquor cabinet doesn’t have the necessary ingredients, take 30 minutes to stop with a glass of your favourite beverage - making the best of a less than ideal situation.
And finally...
Mobile's role is to provide trusted, impartial advice. For this reason we don't have commercial relationships, or take any commission from the suppliers, organisations or businesses we suggest to you. They are included because we, or our clients, have used them and were happy. We hope you will be too!
Mobile Relocation connects you with what you need to thrive in New Zealand. Contact us today to talk about how we can carry your relocation burden.
Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India. After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent. bridget@mobile-relocation.com
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