Australia or New Zealand?

[TobyTR]

Hello fellow ex-pats! The company I work for has offices in Brisbane and Christchurch, and due to growth over the last 18 months both locations are open to transfers. The dilemma is which one to go for?

I've been to Christchurch several times for just a couple of weeks a time, so I know it fairly well, but obviously living in a new country/city is a whole different ball game. Not been to Brisbane yet...

From research and experiences, I gather the following (please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong):

Christchurch pros:
- Mild weather that's still generally better and warmer than UK, winter lasts approximately 3 months
- Beautiful landscape/country/roads
- Outdoor lifestyle
- Fuel prices

Cons
- Lower wages than UK and Aus?
- Higher cost of living?
- Earthquakes
- Overpriced housing and built to a lower quality (no central heating, poor insulation etc)

Brisbane pros:
- Warmer weather for longer periods throughout the year
- Fuel prices
- The crumpet
- Winter? What winter?
- Cheaper housing than NZ
- Higher wages?

Cons
- Humidity?
- Spiders/snakes (I loathe spiders and the thought of having to check everything)
- Stamp duty/higher taxes?
- Housing bubble/economy heading for recession?
- Nanny state speed enforcement
- Car prices

FYI I'm a Business Analyst, so will need to consider long-term prospects too. Your thoughts/input is much appreciated

[TobyTR]

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated

I must admit, the pull to Brisbane is strong and on paper it would seem to fit my lifestyle. I could happily deal with 25+ degree weather for most of the year and I loathe the cold. I'm not particularly bothered about having seasonal weather. I'd also deal with the higher taxation for that too.

I am concerned about how 'small' Christchurch is and the limited long-term opportunities that may have... Plus Bathurst being driving distance from Brisbane

[TobyTR]

Hasbeen said:

Toby I'm a Sydney boy who moved north years ago, & love it.

Brisbane offers many choices of lifestyle. I have lived in suburbia not far from the CBD & it was great. However 23 years ago I bought 20 acres 54 kilometres south of Brisbane CBD so the kids could keep show jumpers & eventers. I am in easy commuting range of Brisbane & the Gold Coast, close to all the facilities, but with space & fresh air to burn.

Places like this are no more expensive than a good home in a nice suburb, so the choice is there. The kids & the horses are gone, but it's a great place to fly my remote controlled planes with the grand kids.

One of my neighbours is a dentist. He was in medical research, but got sick of being poor. His practice is only 22Km north in a southern suburb, & he is very far from poor today.

We have great boating, salt or fresh, excellent beaches, plenty of motor sport, & some great driving roads, close enough for a half day run.

The drive to Bathurst is great, on less trafficked country roads. It is the type of run you would enjoy, even if Bathurst was not at the end of it.

Yes I did have air conditioning fitted to my old Triumph TR7, it can be a bit hot at times, but today it is easier to get cool than stay warm, so not a problem.

Thanks for all the replies really helpful stuff