In wake of the UK’s decision to leave the European Union, more Britons than ever have sought a life far away from home in New Zealand.
Immigration New Zealand website – a guide to living and working in the country – recorded a huge spike in queries from British nationals. On the day of the EU referendum result, the website received 998 registrations from Britons, compared with 109 at the same time the year before.
In the 49 days following Brexit more than 10,000 British nationals registered their interest, compared with 4,599 during the same period the year before. The New Zealand Herald playfully declared it a “British invasion”.
Eleanor Ainge Roy, a journalist and writer based in Dunedin, said the country is overwhelming beautiful, with certain areas offering affordable homes and jobs.
But she adds say that people should come to the country with their eyes open – and that issues, such as poverty, still exist. “If you’re expecting paradise, you’ll be sorely disappointed,” she writes.
Do you live in New Zealand? We’d like you to share the reality of living in the country. What are the best and worst parts of living in New Zealand? And what advice do you have for Brits eager to make the move?
Share your advice and experiences in the form below, we’ll use a selection in our reporting.
You can also share your photographs and videos of the country via the form below.
