Moving to New Zealand - Eagles to Kiwis

This week I'm joined by Karl, an American who moved from Portland, Oregon to Christchurch in 2015 and never left. Eleven years on, he shares what it's really like to build a life here, from arriving on a work visa (and shipping two dogs through the blood-tests), to raising two Kiwi kids, to re-entering the dating scene in Christchurch after experiencing a divorce after moving here. Karl also share...

Most newcomers to New Zealand discover a vibrant, bustling city full of surprises, yet many are caught off guard by how lively Christchurch truly is. From unexpected community events to the rapid pace of adoption of AI in local businesses, there’s more happening here than meets the eye. In this episode, Ashley sits down with Si Thu who’s navigated the intricate pathways of relocating from the UAE...

In this episode, Ben, who recently made the leap from Colorado to Christchurch, shares the unexpected joys and surprises of his journey, from navigating visa pitfalls to rediscovering a laid-back, community-focused lifestyle. Ben brought his wife and two teens with him on this adventure. Discover how planning, curiosity, and a willingness to adapt can open doors to a new world! Ben's story peels b...

Diving into a life filled with vibrant cultures, fierce independence, and self-discovery, Susan’s story reveals how embracing your authentic self can transform your entire world. From London to Guyana to Florida and to the lush landscapes of Aotearoa New Zealand, her journey uncovers the power of internal growth over external circumstances, showing you that wherever you go, the real home is within...

Dont skip this one. Immigration lawyer, Michelle Chen, answers questions about moving to New Zealand and the different visa pathways. https://mclegal.nz/

How Aaron made New Zealand his forever home. He came to the country in 2013 on a working holiday visa as a fruit picker.

Summary: This episode features Julie sharing her journey of moving to New Zealand just before COVID-19, navigating the challenges of immigration, housing, and adapting to a new culture. She moved with her husband, 15 year old, dog and a few suitcases! She offers practical advice for prospective immigrants and insights into life in New Zealand. Follow Julie for assistance with a move you may be thi...

In this conversation, Ashley and Will discuss Will's experience moving from California to New Zealand 15 months ago with his wife, 2 kids under 5 and 3 dogs! He drafted a children's book for American kids moving to Aotearoa New Zealand. We discuss the adjustments faced by families relocating to a new country, although Will is chill and adapted quite well! They explore topics such as visa pathways,...

In this conversation, Ashley and Sara discuss Sara's journey of moving to New Zealand, her experiences living in Auckland versus rural areas, and the challenges of parenting in a new country. They explore cultural differences, the importance of community support, and the complexities of family dynamics as immigrants. The conversation also touches on reflections about home, belonging, and the balan...

In this conversation, Olivia shares her recent move to New Zealand Aotearoa discussing the challenges and joys of relocating to a new country. She moved here just over a month ago to Auckland and has settling in! She reflects on the cultural adjustments, the job market, and the importance of building community. Olivia also shares her personal growth she has encountered during this transition. The...

In this conversation, Anika discusses her family's move from the lakes and mountains of New Hampshire to New Zealand, sharing insights into their experiences with the education system, cultural adjustments, and outdoor activities. The dialogue explores the differences in community life, food preferences, and the impact of work-life balance on family dynamics. Anika reflects on her aspirations for...

In this episode, Ashley interviews Edison (Chi-An), a Taiwanese man who moved to New Zealand for his MBA. They discuss cultural differences, the challenges of adapting to a new environment, and the opportunities available for international students. Edison shares his experiences with education, work, food, and social interactions, highlighting the contrasts between life in Taiwan and New Zealand....

In this conversation, Ashley and Melissa discuss Melissa's journey of moving to New Zealand from the Delaware, touching on various aspects such as her experiences with TikTok, the immigration process, healthcare differences, and raising children in New Zealand. They explore the cultural and legal contrasts between the two countries. The conversation also delves into the impact of consumerism and m...

In this episode, Christine shares her global journey and what ultimately led her family to settle in New Zealand after years of living around the world with Dallas as their home base. Originally planning just a two-year stay, Christine and her husband found themselves drawn to the Kiwi lifestyle, choosing to stay permanently and raise their children as global citizens. She opens up about the chall...

Abby and Ashley met at their MBA program at UC. They sit down and talk about transitions from New England (New Hampshire and Vermont) and they both owned small food based businesses. Abby has been in NZ for less than a year and still figuring out community.

Two bold American women, Nicki and Ashley sit down to discuss life in a culture that is more passive and humble. In this conversation, Nikki shares her journey from San Jose, California to New Zealand, detailing her experiences during the 2008 recession, exploring New Zealand, and the cultural differences she encountered. She discusses her relationships, parenting, and the healthcare system in New...

In this episode, I interview Sarah, who shares her journeyof moving to New Zealand, her experiences with the culture, education system, and the challenges of navigating life in a new country. They discuss the importance of embracing the Māori language, the differences between Wellingtonand Christchurch, and the significance of outdoor adventures. Sarah also shares insights on the education system,...

In this conversation, Christine shares her journey of movingfrom Arizona to New Zealand with her family. She discusses the immigration process, settling into a new culture, and the differences in healthcare mental health systems. Christine reflects on her experiences in Hawke's Bay andChristchurch. She also offers insights into navigating the local systems and shares her thoughts on the benefits o...

From Sephora to Aotearoa: Tilia’s Journey ofImpact and Innovation. In this episode, Tilia shares her inspiring journey from leading product innovation at Sephora to founding her own sustainable beauty brand and ultimately relocating to New Zealand. Through the lens of her Global Impact Visa with the Edmund Hillary Fellowship, Tilia opens up about navigating New Zealand’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,...

In this conversation, Lauren shares her journey of moving to Christchurch, New Zealand, where she built a house and started a new business. She discusses relocating, the process of building a home, and the differences in schooling and childcare between the U.S. and New Zealand. Lauren also talks about her passion for cooking and her plans to offer cooking classes, highlighting the importance of co...

In this conversation, Andrew discusses his experience of moving from New Zealand to America and back again. Ash and Andrew explore cultural differences, the challenges of immigration, and the impact of healthcare systems on their lives. The couple reflects on their family dynamics, work-life balance, and the changes they have observed in both countries. They also share insights on education, commu...

I met Ian at the F45 gym last year. He has been in and out of NZ for 8 years. I refer to him kindly as a little brother. In this conversation, we discuss the intricacies of moving to New Zealand as an American expats. We delve into topics such as tax obligations, cultural differences, work-life balance, and the overall experience of living in New Zealand. Ian shares his journey from the U.S. to Ne...

Ashley talks to Dave about his recent trip back to NZ after being in America for nearly 20 years.

Podcast Episode Description: In this episode, I sit down with Julie from Massachusetts , who moved to New Zealand just six months ago while her Kiwi husband remains in the U.S. to wrap up their life there. We talk about the realities of starting over— from navigating loneliness and building new networks to the challenges of finding work in a new country. Julie shares her first impressions of Kiwi...

In this episode, Ashley and Allison discuss their experiences as American expats living in New Zealand, touching on food, the challenges of navigating life during COVID-19, the complexities of the NZ mortgages and interest rates, NZ military vs USA military, and the importance of community and personal growth. They share insights on adjustments, working in NZ, financial challenges, and the emotion...