If your family’s financial situation is quite average, think twice before heading to New Zealand 
. The psychological gap can be truly staggering [Sigh R].
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[One R] Spending money here is like water flowing through a sieve…
Unless you earn and spend in New Zealand dollars, every purchase feels like opening the floodgates [Hold the wall R].
The cost of living is high, especially when it comes to housing, which can be particularly heart-wrenching. The purchasing power of the NZD 
might not live up to your expectations.
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[Two R] Dining Out
Eating out in New Zealand isn’t for the faint of heart or wallet.
Even a regular meal can set you back 20-30 NZD,
which translates to about 100 RMB [Look R].
My advice? Cook at home and save a fortune.
·
[Three R] Dreaming of a Laid-Back Life 
Before I arrived, I imagined life in New Zealand would be all about relaxation.
But, in major cities like Auckland, the competition is just as intense.
Highly educated and skilled professionals are a dime a dozen here.
Without some solid skills and fluent English, it’s an uphill battle!
·
[Four R] Immigration Options:
[Sweet potato R] Green List: Ideal for those with bachelor’s degrees in occupations on New Zealand’s shortage list. Level 1 categories on the Green List can apply directly for residency.
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[Sweet potato R] Points System: Perfect for individuals with a master’s degree or higher (PhDs automatically get full 6 points).
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[Right arrow R] To qualify, you must meet these criteria together: IELTS 6.5, under 55 years old, and have a job offer with employer sponsorship.
I feel like the article really highlights the unseen challenges of moving to NZ as a middle-class family. It’s easy to romanticize life there, but the reality seems far from glamorous when it comes to finances. Especially with housing costs, it sounds like you’re in for a tough adjustment unless you’re already earning decent local wages. Not sure I’d rule it out completely, but definitely worth doing thorough research first!
I feel like this article really highlights the unseen challenges of moving to NZ as a middle-class family. It’s easy to romanticize life there, but the financial reality seems pretty tough. Especially with housing costs—it sounds like it could be a real strain on day-to-day life. Definitely makes you reconsider the grass-is-greener idea.