Kiwi expats prouder of New Zealand

Kiwi expats prouder of New Zealand

Kiwis living overseas are prouder and more positive about New Zealand than those living here, according to a ‘global census’ by Kea and Colmar Brunton.

The 2015 Kea/Colmar Brunton Every Kiwi Counts survey featured questions also included in Colmar Brunton’s What it is to be a Kiwi survey, allowing for a comparison between expat New Zealanders and those living here.

Colmar Brunton CEO Jacqueline Farman says the surveys show Kiwis generally agree that New Zealand is one of the best countries in the world, but expats are much prouder about some aspects of our national identity.

“Absence makes the heart grow fonder. The longer Kiwis live away from New Zealand, the more they think about it and what makes it such a great place,” she says.

“There may be an element of rose-tinted glasses, but it’s also true people often don’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone. Kiwis who haven’t lived overseas don’t always understand just how good we have it in New Zealand, or fully appreciate the things that make us unique.”

The biggest gap between the two groups was in culture, including the haka and other aspects of Maori culture, which 78 per cent of Kiwi expats were proud of compared to only 48 per cent of Kiwis living in New Zealand.

Other things expat Kiwis are prouder about include progressive and liberal thinking, equality and cultural diversity.

Both groups agreed on the top five things that made them proudest about New Zealand:
1. New Zealand’s natural beauty;
2. Easy access to outdoor pursuits;
3. Our can-do attitude
4. Sporting achievements
5. Laid-back lifestyle

“A significant majority of expats and Kiwis living in New Zealand agree that New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to live,” Farman says.

“However, expats are more likely to agree that New Zealand is clean and green and a safe place to live. ”

The Every Kiwi Counts survey also included New Zealanders who have returned from overseas (repats).

Overall their results were similar to those of expats but there were some big differences, including repats being more sceptical of New Zealand’s clean and green credentials (48 per cent compared to 78 per cent of expats).

Kea Global CEO Craig Donaldson, who has lived in New York, says the Every Kiwi Counts survey shows how much Kiwis overseas value the things that make New Zealand unique.

“About one million or 20 per cent of all Kiwis live overseas. Every Kiwi Counts shows that they remain proud of their Kiwi identity and the things that make this country great,” he says.

“With a growing number of Kiwis returning from overseas, it is pleasing to see repats share the positive view expats have of New Zealand. Most Kiwi expats plan to return home to live, and it is important they have a great experience when they do.”

ENDS

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