I've been in semi-serious job search mode here in Welllington for a while now. It's slim pickings at my seniority level, and there's a strong tendency to require Kiwi experience for all local jobs.
I so much want to be a part of the local tech/comms community here as I continue my career (it was a big reason for moving here!) but I'm starting to consider some remote opportunities as the process drags on.
There are major occupational differences to get used to here!
Work/Life balance is a part of the kiwi DNA. People DO NOT do work stuff after 5pm; even start-ups I've met avoid it.
Yet, you'd be mistaken to get a "slacker" vibe from that. You can ALWAYS get great help during work hours - I've had the national director of an org give me a callback in 10m to answer questions!
It's interesting to see how these factors are cultural on a national level and so don't need to be focused on org-by-org
Our amazement at getting timely, competent help over the phone has been a continuing thread since we were prepping our shipping container last year.
When do you ever look forward to calling a government office for help in the states? The answer for me is NEVER. I prefer it only slightly over a visit to the DMV!
Here, I've been on the phone with customs, the visa office, biosecurity, the national kids health program - every single one of them solved my problem cheerfully in a single go.
krisis AKA peter