We bought an Electric Vehicle a few months ago, and it's awesome! We are under no illusion that it might be suitable for long excursions. But for trips within the local area it couldn't be easier. We charge it up overnight, and a few dollars later it's good to go the next day.

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

That's exactly what our plan is. Especially since we get free power from 9pm-midnight. Not paying for petrol or power would be ideal!

What great fun. You got to have your birthday in winter & summer. There is a saying that goes ' nobody, when reflecting on their life, ever wished they spent more time working'.

I think that a major factor in the American skewed work/life balance is the over-riding fear of losing the health benefits and insurance that go with your job. It becomes difficult to say 'no' to extended work hours and shortened holidays with this fear of not being able to afford life-saving (or even basic) medical care if you lose your job. Anyway, I'm glad that here, in New Zealand, the government takes care of the health system - it's free and it's not necessary for a person to even be employed to receive specialist care, surgery, or hospital care while GP visits and medications are inexpensive. We have our own problems but life here is far less stressful. Welcome, and may your stay here be a long and happy one!

40 hours is common for fulltime employment. Wait until you bump into the "knockoff" time which when someones time (say you work from 9-4) you will see us start packing up just before to go home unless we are asked to stay longer (an hour or so). You even see it in the retail (like at the supermarket when a supervisor will come over and apologies to the customer because the cashier has finished for the day and they are doing a swap over... or the mean look some retail staff will give if you are in the shop if it's about to close but they won't kick you out obviously. They will begrudgling wait. Cool video as usual. Glad you are enjoying NZ and Chch. And happy birthday for last week.

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

I've even talked to a few people that say they would not require more than 37.5 hours a week. I try my very best not to walk into a store or restaurant in the last half hour that they are open. I always feel bad if I'm the reason employees have to stay late!

I've not watched your channel before and after watching this video I'm sure you'll make a great kiwi citizen Welcome to your new home, I'm sure you'll love it here

Power Switch and Power Compare are two online guides for you to compare power prices. It is much easier to switch power companies but one tip is not to tie yourself to long contracts and better still no contracts at all. If you break your contract, you will pay for break fee. I would go across the board and do price comparisons for my phone, internet and power not more than 2 yearly. Renegotiate with your supplier or change. The main thing is to look at the plan that fits your lifestyle and your budget. The main thing eg for power is to use say your dishwasher, washing machine during your off peak hours pricing. Tip is to set your timer on. Power suppliers' peak and off peak hrs may differ.

@eisonnewzealand

Жыл бұрын

We’re thinking about changing our power company! A friend has a different company and spends much less.

Just to let you know that rain is not usual, we don't normally have that much rain, even I the winter. Summers are dryer, and some winters are frosty instead of wet, so you get some icy starts with nice days.

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

That's what everyone has been telling us. The sun is shining today and I absolutely love it!

You have lovely big windows s open your curtains to let the sun shine in to warm your home but make sure you close your curtains before the sun sets, that's the coldest time. As it is when the sun rises. It's OK to put on extra clothes if you're cold like hats and gloves if you are cold inside.

Happy birthday Katie! Love the birthday brownie idea 😋. So glad that you are loving NZ.

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Priscilla!

Hey Katie! Happy 26th B'Day on the 26th! Glad ya coming to love things NZ have to offer! There's much more to love! NZ LiFE! Till next time. Keep smiling! BLESS!

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!! Very happy to be here :)

I call drip coffee ‘Muck in A Cup’. Most younger Kiwis post 1980’s have no clue what drip coffee is. Your videos are always up beat - thank you for putting a bit of cheer in my day.

@pukicat

Жыл бұрын

Most Kiwis didn't know what ground coffee was up until mid seventies. You could not buy it anywhere ( at least in ChCh ). Now there is excellent coffee everywhete in NZ. Cheers!

Happy belated Birthday Katie! Your plants are getting low key spectacular! I'm sorry about your power situation, (and ants!) I'm glad you are taking it in stride and not letting it stress you out. I'm so looking forward to you and Keaton posting about your adventures in Queenstown! (Let me be the millionth person to recommend Fergburger to you!) I've never been to the US but just from the media and internet it seems as though individuals are less valued as people than in other places. Is it just a week until your shipping container arrives? Thanks for the life update, I miss NZ coffee!

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the belated happy birthday! We are trying to plan a trip to Queenstown soon. Not sure if we should fly or drive. I think we would need a bigger vehicle to drive down there and feel safe with the weather. Fergburger is a must!

Happy belated birthday! Yes, to the coffee thing! Pro tip, heat your cup of milk in the microwave for 90secs; while it’s heating make a double shot espresso, then combine the two & sugar to taste. MUCH faster and easier than frothing the milk each day and is SO tasty. We’ve made our morning coffee this way for well over a decade and saved tons from coffee shops haha! Glad to hear you’re a recycling convert, welcome.

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I'll have to try that!

Love seeing your smiling face 🌝. Keep enjoying your adventures.

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

You're so sweet! Thank you :)

You picked the warmest winter on record and I think the wettest winter for many years

@rollyrolly7729

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah bro totally agree. The rain is getting ridiculous now. Spring could be a bit of a worry if this abnormal amount of rain continues

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

We've heard that from a few people!

Always good to see your interesting Vlog. Happy belated BD and lots of prayers for you. Have a great year ahead 🙏❤️🫡

I love watching a brand new Kiwi exploring and reacting to their new environment. Yourself and Keaton are a part of us now. You're a Kiwi as soon as you set foot here. If you want a really cool cafe/bar, go to Six Ounces in Merivale/St. Albans! Such a cool spot with amazing food and drink and GREAT coffee! Head in and tell Edwin (manager) that Martin from New Plymouth recommend his fine establishment. 🙂

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

You are so kind! I'll have to check out Six Ounces the next time I'm out!

Love following along your journey! My family and I are also planning to move to Christchurch in a few months!

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

That is so exciting! Please let me know if you have any questions or need help. I would love to connect once you get here!

Awesome, welcome to NZ, remember it’s not about what country is better or worse, it’s about your experiences and learning how each country has its way to do things, both can be correct of course, one will suit you more or you prefer it or not. You learn new ideas you perhaps wouldn’t have thought about previously and get to appreciate the differences. Took me a while to understand some things (like what I found to be weird) in America are simply commonplace there, they no doubt would think the same here lol. Viva la difference as the saying goes.

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

Yes! I love learning how things work here and the fact that they are different than the US. I've visited many other countries and really enjoy learning about the various cultures and way things are done.

@Paris45627

2 жыл бұрын

Your information is right on top advice

Happy belated birthday wishes. You covered some great topics. Pleased you're settling in . Unfortunate about the crazy rain, ants and power outage but you are so positive about everything anyway. 🙂

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Just gotta keep rolling with the punches!

Christchurch !!! You must like time travel back in time ahaha :-)

So good to open KZread and to be greeted by your smile Katie. And your loose hair's looking gorgeous too btw! I'm wondering what type of work you did in the States? Can't recall if you've mentioned it before. I like you're term kiwi'ism! So so true and to a lot of us "slightly" older folk, we have a similar issue with the younger more internet savvy people who use a lot of abbreviations and "techspeak" that can be confusing. Not complaining because you're certainly not guilty! For a giggle consider running your bloopers after your sign off. Not suggesting you ever make a mistake but we'd enjoy it l guarantee. Ok, I'm posting this then I'll try to delete some of the pervs and scammers in the comments section. Very happy 26th too! 💖🎉🍷

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the compliment! I was a public accountant in the states and worked in taxes and auditing. I promise you there aren't really any bloopers! Mostly just me saying "umm" but if I ever do something funny, I'll put it in! :)

If anybody tells you to work more than 40 hrs, unless it is stated in your employment contract, say no thanks! If there is even a hint of bias after that you can refer them to the Employment tribunal. (Employees win like 90% of disputes so employers know to respect the rights of their workers)

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

Good to know. I'll keep that in mind.

@cherylgardiner4112

Жыл бұрын

Also depending on ur industry and contract working overtime can be paid at time and a half, working public holidays is double time and a day in lieu.

Happy Birthday Katie. Glad the rain didn't ruin your special day. Where did you go for your birthday lunch? Hope you had a good coffee for your birthday too :D Glad things are coming together for you in NZ. I always find that US Americans really love the NZ life style, the slower pace of life and the work to live attitude. Life is certainly about more than just work. I hope you get your working visa approved soon. Is there much work in your field, in Christchurch? All the best with the job hunt and hope you land something that pays well.

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I don't remember exactly what it was called, but it was good! I am looking to make a career shift, so there are a lot of options for work!

Part of the reason with work life balance here is the minimum wage allows the time with family and laws in which a company can ask someone to work

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

I love it!

NZ is loving having you here BTW.

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! That is so sweet!

Belated happy birthday 🥳 yeah !!!

If you think the McDonalds coffee is nice then I hate to think what you were used to in America. Kia Ora & welcome to Aotearoa. Yes we value a balance between work & play. Although we take it for granted, if the experience of other immigrants is anything to go by you'll take a while to get used to how relaxed we are in our workplaces.

When you do start working you'll only be expected to do the 40 hours as per your individual contract. If the the employer wants you to work extra hours they will have to put their hand a bit deeper in their pocket and pay you extra. Also you are under no obligation to work extra hours. Have you tried our Whittaker's chocolate yet. If you haven't tried the Whittakers brand called Blondie yet. I recommend you do.

@QuickeMart

2 жыл бұрын

double vote for Whittakers chocolate. hands down the best chocolate you will ever taste. my favourite is dark ghana peppermint, absolutely devine.

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

I have had at least three Whittakers bars since being here! I can't believe I didn't mention it. Truly superb chocolate!!

love seeing that you get more plants in every video hahah

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

We just can’t help ourselves 😂

Being in a union is even better. I have 6 weeks holiday owing. I’m taking 3 weeks in a months time. I also have 50 sick days owing. If I resign they must pay me out 40 of my sick days. So I’m just using my sick days for the hell of it now. Especially now we get ten days per year omg.

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

That sound like a really good deal!

Shout also has another meaning like my shout or I'm shouting means I'm buying lol

Work to live, not live to work, that's what my first manager told me when he sent me home, because I was unwell.

Happy birthday 🎂

good on you

Happy Leo :)

HI from Florida. Happy Birthday, late.

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Happy Birthday 🎂

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

First welcome to New Zealand have you had a look at kiwi American s on you tube she has a lot of videos on about living here that might be helpful

Ah rain, the lesser of two evils keeps the frost at bay just someone forgot to turn the tap off...lol🤣😂, it's about the journey and experiencing life guys, there is beauty in all countries on this little rock we call earth happy you choose NZ to start an adventure, "she'll be right...

I see you have a lot of beautiful plants. Were you able to bring them from the states? I have a few plants that I want to bring but if not I'll have to rehome them.

@eisonnewzealand

Жыл бұрын

You cannot bring in plants!

Happy birthday

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Pizza boxes in christchurch can go in the green bin

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

Good to know!

My power company,called flick.. off peak price all weekend, and 9pm to midnight weekdays, very good bill

@kingcountrykiwi7429

2 жыл бұрын

Roughly what’s a good bill? I pay roughly $150 per month for 3 adults and we always use our drier 😂

@Auckland-girl

2 жыл бұрын

@@kingcountrykiwi7429 2 bdrm apartment, heat on alot, 2 ppl... $97 was last months bill...I'm happy with flick

@Auckland-girl

2 жыл бұрын

@@kingcountrykiwi7429 yr bill good too though

@kingcountrykiwi7429

2 жыл бұрын

@@Auckland-girl thanks. I’m contact. We don’t try and save power so im happy with it also. Water bill on the other hand is another story hh

@Auckland-girl

2 жыл бұрын

@@kingcountrykiwi7429 lol hearing you, my heat on all winter, gotta be warm, and air con on all summer...give my aroha to the king country lol

Hi. Great video. Glad you guys are settling in. Just a word on EVs. Do some extensive research on the age of the battery of the vehicle you are looking at purchasing. New Zealand imports a lot of pre loved EVs and some of the batteries in them may have lost the ability to sustain their peak power duration and capacity...hence the vehicle will require being charged more frequently. Supply chain issues for parts can and have been another issue surrounding the global motor vehicle industry. Lol...read and be sure you understand your purchase agreement before signing on the dotted line. Coffee...yup...l tried drip coffee. It's definitely something you have to either grow up drinking to actually like the stuff, and...you can't beat a well made (espresso) flat white made by a seasoned barista and the right blend of bean.( Amazing how many of the latter are available) Have a great day.

@mdnickless

2 жыл бұрын

I would go to a dedicated EV dealer, rather than a regular dealer or private sale. They should be able to provide you with a State of Health check and a decent warranty. If the battery is good, then electric vehicles get through a lot less consumables than their petrol equivalents.

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

I've had so many flat whites since being here! I'll do my research on EVs. Thanks!

@teevis3620

2 жыл бұрын

@@mdnickless for sure

@teevis3620

2 жыл бұрын

@@mdnickless for sure... however there is a recently uploaded video on KZread that is also worth watching about EV batteries. I don't have anything against the manufacturer or their dealerships but it is really something l would want definitive clarification about were l purchasing an EV. Search...Tesla LOCKS customers battery to 66% after unrelated service.

@mdnickless

2 жыл бұрын

@@teevis3620 There are a lot of diagnostics available, so if you do your due diligence you should be able to buy with confidence. For most people I think that would mean going through a reputable dealer who specialises in electric. There's nothing wrong with a bit of battery degradation so long as it's reasonably stable at the time you buy, you get a good warranty, and it's reflected in the price you pay. I gather that the quality of warranties can vary though, so that's something to look out for. Another thing about EVs is that the engines are mechanically simpler, so there is generally less maintenance than with petrol engines. All those dollars on maintenance and servicing can add up over time. One more thing to factor in, is that we ended up paying $2500 for a charger in our home. Although it's possible to plug into a regular socket, it does mean a long charge time. You'd also get less out of any free electricity hours. So when you buy an EV it's important to think about any extra costs.

Spending for the sake of spending. An easy trap to fall in to. I never would... 😇 But yeah, being isolated from the rest of the world makes a big difference in shopping habits. Even as a Kiwi. Possibly more so.

@eisonnewzealand

Жыл бұрын

We had some good "retail therapy" this Black Friday weekend, and I don't feel bad about it :P

@almostyummymummy

Жыл бұрын

@@eisonnewzealand I'm going be doing a 'bit' (!?) of that myself tomorrow. I've earnt it, dammit. Wardrobe stuff. Yay.

Happy Birthday for the 26th!! You share a birthday with one of my brothers... and our Prime Minister Jacinda Adern 😊

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

I love that! Happy late birthday to your brother!!

@kathinwood8917

2 жыл бұрын

@@eisonnewzealand Thank you

Sprinkle cornflour ants hate it

Hi Katie, we are planning to move to Wellington Nz. I remember watching one of your videos about getting free power from say 9-midnight. may i ask which company are you subscribe to, if you don’t mind me asking. any kinda help would greatly appreciate ❤

@eisonnewzealand

Жыл бұрын

Contact Energy!

But let the cornflour sit there until they get the message

Gee which power co are you with

@adriannegentleman83

2 жыл бұрын

must be Contact

@johanmeischke9189

2 жыл бұрын

@@adriannegentleman83 that's good to know I'm changing

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

Contact!

Lol ya poor sods welcome to nz lol

"Tow bar"

Give it time kiwi English can be confusing

Your free times, get you tog and go for dip.

You must be saving a bit now.

WOW. I've def spent too much time on youtube? how did I end up here. Goodnight internet.

@QuickeMart

2 жыл бұрын

bro, I got in to the same algorithm wormhole and I've never looked back! Katie is awesome, such a natural in front of the camera, plus I love seeing a new Kiwi reacting to their new environment. 😀

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

@@QuickeMart You are so kind. Thank you for this comment. I need to print it out and look at it the next time there is a mean comment!

You're certainly being tested

@eisonnewzealand

2 жыл бұрын

And we are going to prove that we still want to be here!

New Zealand is now Aotearoa no?

@thrusta100

Жыл бұрын

No

@geoffhughes225

Жыл бұрын

It both

@adrianahewitt5052

Жыл бұрын

No

@maltnz

Жыл бұрын

Not yet - but there are moves towards possibly having that happen.

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 petrol not gas 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 litres not gallon 🤦🏽🤦🏽🤦🏽 kilometres not miles

@eisonnewzealand

Жыл бұрын

It’s an adjustment when you’ve lived 26 years of your life using something different!

@Ligai4

Жыл бұрын

@@eisonnewzealand I understand. Brollie = umbrella, bring a plate = bring something to share, grog = alcohol, are you winning? = how are you?

If you're intending to buy a vehicle with a "hitch", the NZ word is "towbar"; most cars will have them, but it pays to ask.

trash = rubbish, go online shopping in ... 😂😂😂