Kia Ora Liz. Thanks for your RUclips channel. My wife and I have been visiting New Zealand since 1987 and it has become a core part of our lives. Since 1997 we have spent 9 to 12 weeks in New Zealand every year other than 2021 and 2022 (Covid). The US winter is the NZ summer: being there January to April makes sense to us. Your videos present NZ in such a true light consistent with our experiences. Listening to your interviews is like a visit with our Kiwi friends (with a different accent - LOL).
Liz and Brian I want to thank you for always being funny, real and interesting to listen to. I only recently watched your video from 5 months ago when you mentioned five people, two couples and myself. I feel so honoured that my words had in some way made an impact on both of you. You made my day and made be feel that I can keep battling through the hard days because maybe I could have a purpose in this life. You are both extraordinary people and New Zealand was blessed the day you decided to move here. You are both day to earth so I suspect that you don't realise just how many people you have touched through your videos nevermind the lucky people who have become your friends in person. Thank you again. Take care. XX
Hi Liz, you always have the best guests on your show. I think everyone who packs up and moves to a whole other country are incredibly brave and they are always really lovely people and make New Zealand a better place. I only go out about once a week due to my health unless I have medical appointments, so I tend to pray that God would put someone in front of me who might need help or a listening ear. I have only been where I live for a little over a year and there is a little medical centre with a chemist, lab, physio, GPs etc that I've just started to use. I was going to have a blood test and I saw an older lady sitting with her head in her hands outside in the cold. It was going to be dark soon so I was concerned for her. When I came out I went over to her to check if she is okay. She had been waiting over an hour for ACC to send a taxi since she had justhad a physio appointment. I asked where she lived and it was just around the corner so I offered to drive her home. We ended up talking for an hour and have swapped numbers. After that I needed to go to the supermarket and there I heard a boy speaking in a different language with a slight kiwi accent. I asked him what language he was speaking and his mum came over and it turns out they had moved here 6 months ago from South Africa. We talked for quite a while and they were having trouble with her son being bullied at school. He told me all about it and I explained that I used to be a teacher and did my best to uplift him and give him some advice. He was so well spoken and polite so it was upsetting to me that he was struggling. I asked the mum about her experience and sadly she said it was other South Africans were the opposite of welcoming. I told them that they were brilliant and how impressed I was that her and her husband had moved here for their kids safety. I don't understand why people decide to be nasty when they can be caring and positive. The mum said that no one had just stopped to talk to her nevermind interested in how they are getting on. I felt embarrassed to be a kiwi. Just before we went on our way she said thank you for acknowledging them and for taking the time to reassure her son and for making them feel welcome. I thanked her for confiding in me. It makes me question whether we are as welcoming as we used to be and how that makes new comers feel. Sorry my message is so long.
Hi Amy, Brian here doing comments today. I will ensure Liz gets to see these comments. Thanks for the lovely comments (x2) and for sharing your thoughts. Hope you are having a great weekend my friend Love and best wishes Brian xx
I absolutely love your interviews, Liz. 💖You always bring on incredible guests with fascinating stories. 👍Thank you for that.💕 I’m so glad Mandy and her family made the decision to move to NZ and hope they stay in this beautiful country. 🙏Best wishes to them all.💕 Lots of love, Liz.💖
As a teacher in Australia this was really interesting. Fascinating to hear about the experience of a teacher in the USA and in New Zealand. I certainly understand the feeling of being a bit burned out. Teaching is a very demanding job. Lovely to hear honest thoughts about experiences in other countries.
I taught at the same school for 30 years. My kids were rarely a problem. I found the thing that made life hardest was a growing but still sneaky undercurrent of envy and bitchiness from some other STAFF. Something happened about 15 years ago that seemed to change the attitude of women to other women! Suddenly teachers became VERY competitive and it has changed the face of our education. I thought it interesting that Mandy was comparing what the outcome for teachers was in the States to what the outcome for children was in NZ. To me it’s a no brainer- otherwise why are you even there? It is really cool to find out the different experiences and talk them through and in these small ways we progress. Great comment!
It's always so interesting to listen to each experience of a person or family who have moved here. Especially from the USA. It must take a lot of courage to make that final decision to leave everything you know behind and make that leap of faith that everything will turn out well when you get there. Exciting and terrifying at the same time.
I really enjoyed this episode. Especially helpful to hear about Mandy's experience leaving her school in Philly. My husband has really struggled with leaving his teaching position of 23 years only to have them say "Welp! Okay, good luck and good bye!". I think in the States so much of our identities are tied up in our careers, and it can have really heartbreaking consequences. We're hoping New Zealand is a bit different in that regard.
Hi dear Liz and Brian! (Although I missed that testosterone energy!). Just wanted to say how great this and every podcast is. I live in Dunedin and I truly love this land. So it’s always great to see what I love through other’s eyes. I recognise that Mandy is not all sold on NZ but the fact that I felt really defensive about my wonderful country makes me realise how much in love I still am with it. Sure it’s not any Shanghri-La but it’s as close to Utopia as I ever could come. There was a reason it was called “Godzone” and I’m very happy to feel cared for and considered by 95% of the people 98% of the time. Do take care you two and stay safe in the ‘Naki. In the meantime I’m enjoying 17-18 degree days down here. Who would have thought that global warming could make Dunedin winter’s tropical paradise??? Much love and many thanks. Pxxxx
@@ItsaDrama just saw this coming through. Know that you have your back down here and would love to meet up one day. My son lives in Auckland so he keeps wanting me on that beautiful island up north. Maybe we catch up at your cafe? Love what you’re doing Real happy, positive stuff. We need to spread the word! All over the world!
I found the thought of an american thinking another country's education system wasn't up to level pretty tragic considering ;) Thanks for sharing. Glad Mandy made it out of the US before the book-burnings...
Really? Considering NZ is one of the richest 20 countries in the world on GDP per capita it not exactly an educational Mecca. UNIVERSITY WORLD RANKINGS 2025 2024 University of Auckland 65 68 University of Otago 214 206 University of Waikato 235 250 Massey University 239 239
@@well_i_liked_it That maybe true but i'd rather have a kiwi in a project than an american. The american will work himself to the bone all night no doubt but the kiwi is able to get stuff done and be out by 5 for a beer ;)
@@well_i_liked_it Rolls eyes ... Only someone who has no clue how those rankings are derived and that they have little to do with educational outcome of students would think that the world rankings are remotely valid. (at this is all of the difference ranking systems, there being more then one)
I am born and raised in whangarei and it can be a huge eye opener to those not familiar with the city...it has good things and bad things about the place, however further out the scenery is absolutely amazing, The Poor Knights Island's are beautiful to go diving, Matapouri is another top ten beach. I hope you enjoy it and be safe while exploring the area
I lived in Australia 35 years.Over there they hate "wingeing Poms", and also Yanks always banging on about 'back home'. Their response to Poms is to tell them to F off back there then if they don't like it. For Yanks, they just ignore their comments. The difference is that Poms are usually complaining, Yanks are just compelled to compare everything but are not complaining, more likely pointing out something that is bigger, not better. So it's the reason for the comparison that is the factor, not the country of origin. Bottom line - don't be negative.
Welcome to our country. Unfortunately not as autumnal as the Appailacias. You'll need to go to the south island for that, around Queenstown. Looks like you have a lot to offer. Hope our curriculum isn't too daunting. Teachers comments are vital because students need to be prepared for National Exams marked by teachers from throughout the nation. Could your husband film some other interest that's not sports. Comparing NZ with US is like comparing NY with HI
Yes. Totally. I'm American so I know that the workplace here runs on fear. One needs their job to get healthcare and benefits afterall, and so, many unhappy people are stuck in terrible work situations. And Yes bosses are generally totally and utterly cruel with things like giving fair time off that you have worked for. This is why the employees voted to join a Union at my very first job. And we walked out on strike too! For several months. My first job was baptism by fire.
oooh! Linda thank you so much for supporting the channel. Liz and me really appreciate you! Have a great weekend! Sending you love and best wishes Brian
Kia Ora Liz. Thanks for your RUclips channel. My wife and I have been visiting New Zealand since 1987 and it has become a core part of our lives. Since 1997 we have spent 9 to 12 weeks in New Zealand every year other than 2021 and 2022 (Covid). The US winter is the NZ summer: being there January to April makes sense to us. Your videos present NZ in such a true light consistent with our experiences. Listening to your interviews is like a visit with our Kiwi friends (with a different accent - LOL).
Your video production quality and info is exceptional. Thanks for sharing
Liz and Brian I want to thank you for always being funny, real and interesting to listen to. I only recently watched your video from 5 months ago when you mentioned five people, two couples and myself. I feel so honoured that my words had in some way made an impact on both of you. You made my day and made be feel that I can keep battling through the hard days because maybe I could have a purpose in this life. You are both extraordinary people and New Zealand was blessed the day you decided to move here. You are both day to earth so I suspect that you don't realise just how many people you have touched through your videos nevermind the lucky people who have become your friends in person. Thank you again. Take care. XX
Thank you Brian. I hope that you had a lovely father's day.
Hi Liz, you always have the best guests on your show. I think everyone who packs up and moves to a whole other country are incredibly brave and they are always really lovely people and make New Zealand a better place. I only go out about once a week due to my health unless I have medical appointments, so I tend to pray that God would put someone in front of me who might need help or a listening ear. I have only been where I live for a little over a year and there is a little medical centre with a chemist, lab, physio, GPs etc that I've just started to use. I was going to have a blood test and I saw an older lady sitting with her head in her hands outside in the cold. It was going to be dark soon so I was concerned for her. When I came out I went over to her to check if she is okay. She had been waiting over an hour for ACC to send a taxi since she had justhad a physio appointment. I asked where she lived and it was just around the corner so I offered to drive her home. We ended up talking for an hour and have swapped numbers. After that I needed to go to the supermarket and there I heard a boy speaking in a different language with a slight kiwi accent. I asked him what language he was speaking and his mum came over and it turns out they had moved here 6 months ago from South Africa. We talked for quite a while and they were having trouble with her son being bullied at school. He told me all about it and I explained that I used to be a teacher and did my best to uplift him and give him some advice. He was so well spoken and polite so it was upsetting to me that he was struggling. I asked the mum about her experience and sadly she said it was other South Africans were the opposite of welcoming. I told them that they were brilliant and how impressed I was that her and her husband had moved here for their kids safety. I don't understand why people decide to be nasty when they can be caring and positive. The mum said that no one had just stopped to talk to her nevermind interested in how they are getting on. I felt embarrassed to be a kiwi. Just before we went on our way she said thank you for acknowledging them and for taking the time to reassure her son and for making them feel welcome. I thanked her for confiding in me. It makes me question whether we are as welcoming as we used to be and how that makes new comers feel. Sorry my message is so long.
Hi Amy, Brian here doing comments today.
I will ensure Liz gets to see these comments.
Thanks for the lovely comments (x2) and for sharing your thoughts.
Hope you are having a great weekend my friend
Love and best wishes
Brian xx
I absolutely love your interviews, Liz. 💖You always bring on incredible guests with fascinating stories. 👍Thank you for that.💕 I’m so glad Mandy and her family made the decision to move to NZ and hope they stay in this beautiful country. 🙏Best wishes to them all.💕 Lots of love, Liz.💖
Thank you for being with us and for sharing, Renata ❤, we appreciate and love you too! Have a great weekend!
heaps of love
Brian xx
As a teacher in Australia this was really interesting. Fascinating to hear about the experience of a teacher in the USA and in New Zealand. I certainly understand the feeling of being a bit burned out. Teaching is a very demanding job. Lovely to hear honest thoughts about experiences in other countries.
Thank you for being with us, Shelly and for sharing your thoughts!
Have a great weekend!
Cheers
Brian 💕
I taught at the same school for 30 years. My kids were rarely a problem. I found the thing that made life hardest was a growing but still sneaky undercurrent of envy and bitchiness from some other STAFF. Something happened about 15 years ago that seemed to change the attitude of women to other women! Suddenly teachers became VERY competitive and it has changed the face of our education. I thought it interesting that Mandy was comparing what the outcome for teachers was in the States to what the outcome for children was in NZ. To me it’s a no brainer- otherwise why are you even there? It is really cool to find out the different experiences and talk them through and in these small ways we progress. Great comment!
It's always so interesting to listen to each experience of a person or family who have moved here. Especially from the USA. It must take a lot of courage to make that final decision to leave everything you know behind and make that leap of faith that everything will turn out well when you get there.
Exciting and terrifying at the same time.
Absolutely. Thank you for joining us, Susan and for sharing your thoughts; Liz and I appreciate you!
Have a great weekend!
Cheers
Brian💕
I really enjoyed this episode. Especially helpful to hear about Mandy's experience leaving her school in Philly. My husband has really struggled with leaving his teaching position of 23 years only to have them say "Welp! Okay, good luck and good bye!". I think in the States so much of our identities are tied up in our careers, and it can have really heartbreaking consequences. We're hoping New Zealand is a bit different in that regard.
Hi dear Liz and Brian! (Although I missed that testosterone energy!). Just wanted to say how great this and every podcast is. I live in Dunedin and I truly love this land. So it’s always great to see what I love through other’s eyes. I recognise that Mandy is not all sold on NZ but the fact that I felt really defensive about my wonderful country makes me realise how much in love I still am with it. Sure it’s not any Shanghri-La but it’s as close to Utopia as I ever could come. There was a reason it was called “Godzone” and I’m very happy to feel cared for and considered by 95% of the people 98% of the time. Do take care you two and stay safe in the ‘Naki. In the meantime I’m enjoying 17-18 degree days down here. Who would have thought that global warming could make Dunedin winter’s tropical paradise??? Much love and many thanks. Pxxxx
What a beautiful message, Pauline, thank you so very much. You are wonderful, appreciated and loved 🥰 Liz and Brian xx
@@ItsaDrama just saw this coming through. Know that you have your back down here and would love to meet up one day. My son lives in Auckland so he keeps wanting me on that beautiful island up north. Maybe we catch up at your cafe? Love what you’re doing Real happy, positive stuff. We need to spread the word! All over the world!
Kudos for your brave decision as a family. What an experience for your daughter! Good luck back in the States 😊
Great comment! Thank you for being with us and for sharing, we appreciate you taking the time! Have a lovely weekend, my friend!
I found the thought of an american thinking another country's education system wasn't up to level pretty tragic considering ;) Thanks for sharing. Glad Mandy made it out of the US before the book-burnings...
Far less likely to get shot at work here.
Really? Considering NZ is one of the richest 20 countries in the world on GDP per capita it not exactly an educational Mecca.
UNIVERSITY WORLD RANKINGS 2025 2024
University of Auckland 65 68
University of Otago 214 206
University of Waikato 235 250
Massey University 239 239
@@well_i_liked_it That maybe true but i'd rather have a kiwi in a project than an american. The american will work himself to the bone all night no doubt but the kiwi is able to get stuff done and be out by 5 for a beer ;)
@@well_i_liked_it Rolls eyes ... Only someone who has no clue how those rankings are derived and that they have little to do with educational outcome of students would think that the world rankings are remotely valid. (at this is all of the difference ranking systems, there being more then one)
@@WarriorKiwi007 The grammar on your comment proves the point.
I am born and raised in whangarei and it can be a huge eye opener to those not familiar with the city...it has good things and bad things about the place, however further out the scenery is absolutely amazing, The Poor Knights Island's are beautiful to go diving, Matapouri is another top ten beach. I hope you enjoy it and be safe while exploring the area
It took us 2 years to settle ❤seems to be the same with other friends. This was probably linked to buying a home.
She didn't even know where nz was
Living in NZ for nineteen yrs now. Would never go back even if someone offered me a million $
I lived in Australia 35 years.Over there they hate "wingeing Poms", and also Yanks always banging on about 'back home'. Their response to Poms is to tell them to F off back there then if they don't like it. For Yanks, they just ignore their comments. The difference is that Poms are usually complaining, Yanks are just compelled to compare everything but are not complaining, more likely pointing out something that is bigger, not better. So it's the reason for the comparison that is the factor, not the country of origin. Bottom line - don't be negative.
Welcome to our country. Unfortunately not as autumnal as the Appailacias. You'll need to go to the south island for that, around Queenstown. Looks like you have a lot to offer. Hope our curriculum isn't too daunting. Teachers comments are vital because students need to be prepared for National Exams marked by teachers from throughout the nation.
Could your husband film some other interest that's not sports.
Comparing NZ with US is like comparing NY with HI
A teacher who did no homework.
I was so annoyed by this interview. 🤦🏼♀️
Go well Mandy & Fam
Thank you for being with us, Richard and for giving Mandy and Family support!
Have a great weekend!
Cheers
Brian
American Employers are cruel. Maniacs. That is a quote from a friend who went to America, they had since returned, then went to Australia
Yes. Totally. I'm American so I know that the workplace here runs on fear. One needs their job to get healthcare and benefits afterall, and so, many unhappy people are stuck in terrible work situations. And Yes bosses are generally totally and utterly cruel with things like giving fair time off that you have worked for. This is why the employees voted to join a Union at my very first job. And we walked out on strike too! For several months. My first job was baptism by fire.
Thanks!
thank you so much for supporting the channel 😉♥💕
thank you so much for supporting the channel 😉♥💕
No no no we are not attached to Australia
Yeah, but there is a bridge from Auckland though 😂
@@ItsaDrama I don't get it
And something tells me Brian worries more about your daughter. Mummies boy, daddies girl. Lol😂
Yes, I do! 😂
Cheers
Brian
The teaching jobs are on the green list...
Absolutely. Thank you for joining us, we hope you enjoyed the show
Thanks!
thank you so much for supporting the channel👐♥
Thanks!
Many thanks again!!💕
Thanks!
oooh! Linda thank you so much for supporting the channel.
Liz and me really appreciate you!
Have a great weekend!
Sending you love and best wishes
Brian