New Zealand Life: No Tipping, Tough Roads, Drinking Age & Community That Takes Time

Ashley shares updates from life in New Zealand, including what to expect from the country’s very different real estate system, how renting and buying work for newcomers, and why community becomes especially important when living abroad. She also covers Dunedin, tipping, driving rules, school sports, healthcare, ADHD diagnosis, elections, and upcoming questions for real estate agent Grace.

In this episode:

• Ashley previews an upcoming conversation with New Zealand real estate agent and franchise manager Grace about buying and renting property.
• New Zealand typically has a selling agent rather than the separate buyer’s and seller’s agents familiar to Americans, and many homes are sold by auction.
• Foreign buyers may face restrictions, although exceptions can apply for investor visa holders, people with Kiwi partners, and certain other circumstances.
• New Zealand’s rental market can be competitive, making documentation and preparation important for newcomers.
• Ashley describes Dunedin’s mix of university, healthcare, hills, rural surroundings, and city conveniences, including Baldwin Street, recognized as the world’s steepest street.
• Community has become increasingly important to Ashley, from relying on other parents for transportation to finding networks of Americans in Christchurch.
• Unlike the United States, New Zealand generally does not use tipping, and advertised prices include the 15% GST.
• Driving between cities can involve narrow roads, frequent speed changes, towns along the route, speed cameras, breath testing, and expensive speeding fines.
• Ashley discusses the emotional difficulty of missing family weddings, funerals, and other major life events while living overseas.
• ADHD and autism diagnosis, medication, and related products appear to be receiving more attention in New Zealand, although Ashley feels the conversation is newer there than in the United States.
• New Zealand’s upcoming election, economic pressures, mail voting, and voting eligibility for residents are briefly discussed.
• Ashley mentions products she has been using or reviewing, including Goodfeels, Floradix, chlorophyll, spirulina, and Zivo Life.