New Zealand has had an influx of International workers and migrants arrive since the boarders opened, post covid, early last year.
For those new to our country it can be a challenging but rewarding time - there are lessons to learn, challenges to overcome, new experiences to enjoy and new friendships to be made.
Elizabeth Ordelheide and her husband moved from Montana to Hamilton in April 2022. We have asked her to share her experiences so far, and what she’d tell herself if she could go back in time.
Dear Elizabeth from one year ago,
Who knew that life would change so fast! What an amazing journey you are on.
Yes, this huge change can leave you a little breathless when you think about it *and* you’ll find it reinvigorating at the same time.
Make sure to stop and marvel at what has happened and look at things through the lens of awe. Laugh about being the one with the "funny accent" for once and take delight in learning all the new-to-you names for familiar things.
You’ll wonder how to stay connected to friends and family, and then you’ll remember that the pandemic had a teeny silver lining when it comes to technology – with Zoom and Whatsapp and more, connecting with people is honestly not too different from when you lived in rural small town USA.
Although you have a built-in buddy called your husband, it will hit you all of a sudden that you don’t have any friends in this country and the thought of finding some is daunting, especially as an introvert.
Give it time, stay true to who you are, and just "shoot your shot" when it comes to making new friends.
Make sure to join at least one group or club of some kind that’s based on a sincere interest of yours – I promise, you’ll find your people.
As someone who likes to create delicious foods, the grocery shopping experience will be initially disorienting, though you’ll end up enjoying more of the process than you’d expect: seeing all the different items and names, finding a new favourite vegan ice cream, learning about cultural favourite foods here (hello savoury pies, mmm).
I know, you’ll initially pine after the ability to order everything from one website (*ahem Amazon*) or buy all you need from one store (*ahem Walmart*), but in the end you’ll realise that shopping at multiple smaller stores means money is more likely to go into the community and that you’ll prefer the "treasure hunt" aspect in the end.
Get outside! You’re in a beautiful country that has so much to offer out of doors. You’re going to experience lots of fun (and some challenges) on the tracks you’ll go on (make sure to bring your hiking poles!) as well as amazing views.
The uncomfortable bits will make the experience worth it. Preparing for tramping on tough tracks by working out ahead of time also helps, ha.
Continue to go through the doors that open for you, and don’t worry about the ones that closed.
You’ll find your way and your people. Your new rhythms to living in this new place will come.
Kia māia, kia manawanui (be brave, be patient) – you’ve found your new home.
Elizabeth x
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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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