I came across this video of Saffers in NZ:
I wonder if you agree with the views...?
Not really - I think the biggest problem, which the video focuses on, are the people that came across in the 90's early 2000's. People moved without doing proper research and not knowing what to expect.
Secondly, there is a diversity between South Africans in NZ as well. There are a lot that just refuses to integrate into NZ and just wants it to be another South Africa, (and its touched on at 6:30) and he is correct. Then you have the other "group" that is open and wants to integrate and usually makes kiwi friends as well. I was at a braai recently where there were SA's, white kiwis and Maoris and it was great fun. Generally, you don't hear from there south Africans as life is good and they have nothing to complain about. (guess its just like in SA, you don't hear from the people that are having good lives complaining). You do get the SA guys that struggle and with all mankind you generally try and assist those you relate best with.
The groups that struggle in NZ, are the first group, as they just want to talk Afrikaans, make fun of people and only socialize with other South Africans... of course, you going to feel out if this is your attitude. I had an SA guy stay with me for a week that was very old school and use the K word often, he was to stay with me for 3 weeks but after 1 week I asked him nicely to leave. There was a recent group on facebook that started kicking out south africans as they kept asking for help for furniture and household goods as they just landed and only brought their clothes, so no planning there. Now I have no issue with people asking for help in the SA groups but this group was a group for the NEEDY in NZ after major disasters, like earthquakes, floods and recently the fire in the south island. - starting to see why locals see us as arrogant?
With SA arrogance, I can see it being an issue and its something I work on constantly in my workplace. I watch how I say/suggest things to try and not come forth as knowing everything or trying to enforce my ways, which does make it difficult as its one of my KPI's (to improve processes and have twice the years in experience as the next guy in the business).
The problem or rather, other issue is the kiwis are very laid back and relaxed - they work their 8-5, take lunch, talk kak most of the day at work and come 14h00 on a Friday it's drinking time. They consult for a bit with other teams within companies for a second opinion before making decisions.
In comes SA guy that's use to working 12 hours a day running around non-stop and works/talks fast as he has a million things to do, making decisions on the fly....This can be seen as arrogance.
Overall it is as
@Christian Kuun said, the Kiwis are very friendly, helpfull and welcoming. It is for us to integrate not for them to adapt to us.
Topic: Life in New Zealand - The move has been made... (Read 48845 times)
