-Where were you born?
Auckland, New Zealand
-In which country and city are you living now?
Brisbane, Australia
-Are you living alone or with your family?
My husband & I with our 2 Kiwi dogs
-How long have you been living in Australia?
4 years
-What is your age?
37
-When did you come up with the idea of living in Australia?
4 years ago - needed a change of pace.
-Was it hard to get a visa or a work permit?
No, it was simple.
-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
No
-How do you make your living in Australia? Do you have any type of income generated?
I was lucky, when we decided to move over to Australia I managed to get a transfer through my role at the time in finance. My husband, however, resigned in NZ and came over - he had 4 job offers within the first day of ringing around - a positive attitude goes a long way.
-Do you speak the local language and do you think it's important to speak the local language? Please add your thoughts on local customs and whether it's important for expats to respect/observe local customs.
Do I speak the local language - Australian - sometimes!!!
I think it is very important to immerse yourself in the culture when you're living abroad. I spent 15 years travelling and living in countries like Thailand (5 years) Spain (12 months) Chile (8 months) USA (2 years) Canada (18 months) Egypt (6 months) and I loved every single minute of being submersed in different cultures, the food, traditions, customs, food, language - ooohhh I just soak it all up and enjoy the beauty of what all cultures have to offer.
-Do you miss home and family sometimes? Describe your favorite recreational activities there or those that are available.
Sure I miss home, I mean New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries of the world! Thankfully with Sykpe, Facebook and the likes communication is a lot easier now that it was when I started travelling 20 years ago.
My favourite thing to so in NZ is to go "Pipi Collecting" along the white sandy beaches for dinner! Yumbo!
-Do you have other plans for the future?
I started a new Internet-based business late last year, www.globalkidsoz.com.au. Even though I have chosen to settle in Brisbane for the time being, I can't get travel out of my mind...this is a fabulous way that I can still immerse myself in learning about other cultures while still having both feet firmly planted on the ground in Brisbane. I love what I do - by sharing different multicultural resources with the education sector of Australia, I get the amazing opportunity to continually learn about other cultures and countries through my work. They say that if you are able to find a job that you're passionate about then you're one lucky person - well, I feel that is exactly what I am...one very lucky person indeed!
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
We bought our house when we first arrived in Brisbane 4 years ago for around $330k. We have since put in a swimming pool, done extensions and landscaped. But prices are still reasonable in many parts of Brisbane if you're willing to take the time to look.
-What is the cost of living in Australia?
Reasonable
-What do you think about the locals?
The people of Brisbane have been so accommodating and welcoming to us - we know all our neighbours and even had friendly introductions from neighbours across the street when we moved in - it's a lovely community feel here.
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Australia?
Positives - I love the weather.
Negative - I love the weather - as it means I don't get back to New Zealand as often as I should!!
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Australia?
Never compare all the great things about New Zealand to the bad things about Australia. If you're talking to an Australian, make sure that you're positive about both countries and not just NZ. After all if you have chosen to live here then there must be plenty of great things to talk about! This goes the same about every country!
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Australia?
My website is www.globalkidsoz.com.au and www.recycledmats.cm.au
My facebook pages are www.facebook.com./globalkidsoz.com.au
www.facebook.com/jstranan
