Why bother coming to NZ in the first place if you are going to be so negative? On the plus side, NZ has heaps of open and green space, clean air and water, relatively low crime (evn if it is always emblazoned over the papers and TV news). Our medical system is generally excellent, and very cheap ($30/visit, free if young or old).

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

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.

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