Let's start with the way that New Zealand differs from the States in terms of wealth and the distribution of it. Obviously New Zealand isn't that abundant in resources, so it relies a lot on agriculture and trade for revenue. NZ is well known for being a sheep land, much like the UK (which is good for my crocheting needs!). One of my flatmates also informed me that a lot of wood is exported from here, especially to San Francisco, which strikes me as bizarre, as California has a lot of its own wood. But you know, if it's cheaper to get wood from NZ, the Americans will probably do it. Tourism is another big bringer of wealth for Kiwis. I've noticed a lot of northern Europeans, Canadians, and Brits here, especially in the Botanic Gardens which is a key tourist spot in Wellington. So clearly there's not a lot of crazy wealth going on here. However, minimum wage is $13.50/hour (roughly $11/hour in US dollars). Compared to the $7.25/hour national minimum wage in the States. Now, it is lower for people under 18, but they don't have to pay rent and stuff, so I suppose that's fair. And by lower, I mean it's $10/hour. Like come on. This means that, if you're working, you're doing fairly well. Even farmers get paid that well. Everyone. This just means that there aren't crazy poor people here, and you know what- there doesn't seem to be crazy rich people here either. Politicians don't need to be crazy rich to be successful because "there's not the corruption of the American system," as my flatmate pointed out. Fancy that.
So everyone is on a more even footing, financially. I'm not saying there aren't people who are struggling. But they aren't homeless, and you know why? Because the government (gasp) gives them housing (double gasp). I have not seen one homeless person since I've been here. I think the only place I've been before and had the same realization was Amsterdam, where the government also gives housing to those who can't afford it. And, you realize that this helps people because if you can't shower, if you have been sleeping on a bench all night, if you don't have an address to call home on a job application, people WILL NOT hire you. It is so difficult many times to get out of homelessness, not because people aren't trying, but because these many factors, and more. By reducing the factors that prevent people from being successful, it will be less likely for them to be stuck in that situation. It's not a handout, it's aiding the people that build your country.
I've also had a sense that Kiwis are very relaxed about many things. I mean, of course people still stress about work and school and bills, but I mean in general, there's not a whole lot to worry about. First off, there are not millions of ways to die, as there are in Australia (and they're the ones who say "no worries". Crazy people over there). There are no snakes. There is only one poisonous spider, that's so rare that it's actually considered good luck if you see it. No sharks, no dingos, no crocs, none of that. Sure, there are earthquakes, but the majority of houses are built out of wood, which is much more flexible than stone/brick. All of the tall buildings have A+ seismic ratings. The regulations are intense for a lot of things here, but they need to be to guarantee safety. You can rest easier now, Mom. This is why NZ doesn't have crazy disasters like the developing countries who are prone to earthquakes. They make sure everything is built to code. That's the smart thing to do when the entire country is on a fault line, I think. Call me crazy. Similar levels of regulations are effective in most aspects of life here, and instead of freaking out that the government is having too much control over things, they realize that it's a good thing because it means that the people are taken care of. Did I mention that it's super clean here? It's one of the cleanest cities I've ever been to. Now, it's not that people are always thinking about the government's role in their security, but it's something I've noticed as an outsider.
So far, I really like NZ. The landscapes never cease to leave me in awe, and the people have been so friendly. Everyone I meet seems really thrilled at the idea that I've come to their country. The only bad thing I've come across is that they tax alcohol like crazy, so it's super expensive everywhere. I mean, $8 (around US$6.50) for a pint of beer, is pretty standard here. It's something to get used to, but I think there are worse things.
Til next time,
May the road rise up to meet you!
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| Don't want to leave you without a picture. From up the hill from my flat. |
