QUOTE from Unregistered;349

"On the plus side, NZ has heaps of open and green space, clean air and water, "

Some of the filthiest rivers on the planet or don't you read? Tonnes of fertilizer and animal waste being flushed into the rivers.

"relatively low crime (evn if it is always emblazoned over the papers and TV news). "

According to a justice system and a media that is incapable or unwilling to provide verifiable stats. To begin with, if it ain't bolted down it will "walk away".

"Our medical system is generally excellent, and very cheap ($30/visit, free if young or old). "

Try getting registered at a local medical facility. If you are not registered you will pay double that. Furthermore, NZ has some of the lowest survival rates for various types of cancer amongst OECD countries.

"In most areas, kids can mostly walk or cycle to school in perfect safety."

Perfect? I have seen and do see children being bullied in school and on the trains home frequently. On top of it the schools are commonly little more than warehouses for children with one of the lowest class hours per school year in the OECD.

"Housing is expensive, but is coming down quite fast at the moment! Tax rates are also coming down, and the 33% bracket is of course only on money earned above $30K, and earnings below that are far lower taxed."

Below 30 K is hardly enough for a single person. Forget getting enough together for a mortgage.

"As for conforming and provincial, depends where you are, as it does anywhere. On average, we'd be far to the left of the average US citizen, far more innovative and welcoming of change."

And you know this how? 310 million people in the USA, not counting illegal immigrants, living in 50 different republics with widely varying cultures and legal systems. As for "welcoming of change", ever hear the old cliche, "Not invented here?" Same is true for "not educated here". As for innovative, the USA is is hands down amongst the most innovative places on the planet.

"I guess New Zealand is more about lifestyle than stashing away the maximum amount of money in the shortest possible time."

Read "Not owning a house and making a comfortable living".