Topic: Questions for New Zealanders (Read 13425 times)

TheFuriousWombat · « **on:** 25 Apr 2009, 10:01 »

So I know there's a few people at least who would know the answer to these: I want to study abroad and I think I want to do so in New Zealand
1. Is this a good idea?
2. I was thinking the north island for no real reason. A wise choice?
3. If I'm there from January to June, what will the weather be like? I'm confused by the alternate seasons and have heard conflicting reports! I like warm weather more than cold weather...
This one anyone can answer:
4. Should I study in NZ or Budapest (another option open to me)?

Luke C · « **Reply #1 on:** 25 Apr 2009, 10:03 »

Another questions for New Zealanders: What are you going to name your islands?

Allybee · « **Reply #2 on:** 25 Apr 2009, 10:31 »

Is it difficult to swallow food when you are always upside-down?

valley_parade · « **Reply #3 on:** 25 Apr 2009, 10:34 »

Since there are so many sheep, do you ever use them as a mode of transportation?

Emaline · « **Reply #4 on:** 25 Apr 2009, 10:49 »

What happened to old Zealand?

StaedlerMars · « **Reply #5 on:** 25 Apr 2009, 10:51 »

It's still in the Netherlands.

Go to Budapest.

michaelicious · « **Reply #6 on:** 25 Apr 2009, 12:06 »

Why do you guys keep spelling Sealand wrong?

JD · « **Reply #7 on:** 25 Apr 2009, 12:38 »

Am I the only one who think Kiwi birds are kind of lame?

Emaline · « **Reply #8 on:** 25 Apr 2009, 12:57 »

I want to go to Sealand! Do you think they have one of those giant octopus rides? That have crazy arms and spin around real fast?

Ã¶de · « **Reply #9 on:** 25 Apr 2009, 14:58 »

Quote from: Zombiedude on 25 Apr 2009, 12:38

Am I the only one who think Kiwi birds are kind of lame?

Yes, because they're pretty rad.

ViolentDove · « **Reply #10 on:** 25 Apr 2009, 15:25 »

Quote from: TheFuriousWombat on 25 Apr 2009, 10:01

So I know there's a few people at least who would know the answer to these: I want to study abroad and I think I want to do so in New Zealand
1. Is this a good idea?
2. I was thinking the north island for no real reason. A wise choice?
3. If I'm there from January to June, what will the weather be like? I'm confused by the alternate seasons and have heard conflicting reports! I like warm weather more than cold weather...
This one anyone can answer:
4. Should I study in NZ or Budapest (another option open to me)?

Answers:

1. Sheep
2. Sheep
3. Sheep
4. Sheep

Puki · « **Reply #11 on:** 25 Apr 2009, 15:38 »

Hey, I just want to know - where is the Old Zealand? I scored somwething around F(translated to that other form of grading) in geography, so don't shoot me.

pwhodges · « **Reply #12 on:** 25 Apr 2009, 15:57 »

It's a province of The Netherlands (i.e. Holland, though that's strictly just another province) - look here. Australia was at the same time called New Holland, but that didn't stick.

Puki · « **Reply #13 on:** 25 Apr 2009, 15:58 »

Thankyou

Lunchbox · « **Reply #14 on:** 25 Apr 2009, 16:36 »

I'm not so sure we have any active Kiwi boarders at the moment. I've never been to New Zealand, but I live right across the ocean from it and I have the power of Wikipedia at my disposal so let's see.

1. Is this a good idea?
Why not? They speak a rudimentary form of English and they're very lovely people. The culture is interesting, the scenery amazing and it doesn't seem like an awful place at all.
2. I was thinking the north island for no real reason. A wise choice?
Supposedly you want to be near either Auckland or Wellington (both on the North island) because elsewhere there is not much really.
3. If I'm there from January to June, what will the weather be like? I'm confused by the alternate seasons and have heard conflicting reports! I like warm weather more than cold weather...
The seasons are backwards in the Southern Hemisphere: Where the US and UK have Winter, we have Summer, and vice versa. if you come in January you'll see most of summer (gets up to 30 degrees celsius or 86 fahrenheit) and in June you'll see the start of Winter (gets down to 10 celsius or 50 fahrenheit and snows in mountain areas, but not in the cities as far as I know).
4. Should I study in NZ or Budapest (another option open to me)?
I'd go NZ. I'm actually considering going there myself sometime this year, we shall see. Budapest? What is there? It doesn't sound particularly intriguing. Wiki lists its most interesting points as a subway, a cave system, and a building. Hmm.

Also re naming:

Quote from: Wiki

The name New Zealand originated with Dutch cartographers, who called the islands Nova Zeelandia, after the Dutch province of Zeeland. No one is certain exactly who first coined the term, but it first appeared in 1645 and may have been the choice of cartographer Johan Blaeu. British explorer James Cook subsequently anglicised the name to New Zealand. There is no connection to the Danish island Zealand.

pwhodges · « **Reply #15 on:** 25 Apr 2009, 16:54 »

Quote from: Lunchbox on 25 Apr 2009, 16:36

Budapest? What is there?

Hungarian cakes are to die for above all others. Also, the whole of Europe is within easy reach, which New Zealand can't offer. The language is remotely related to Finnish and Basque and nothing else at all. Bartok and Kodaly are two Hungarian composers; New Zealand counters with Dame Kiri.

Blue Kitty · « **Reply #16 on:** 25 Apr 2009, 17:02 »

You gotta ask yourself, do you want to be anywhere near this?

Ã¶de · « **Reply #17 on:** 25 Apr 2009, 17:10 »

New Zealand has massive holes in the ground.

Alex C · « **Reply #18 on:** 25 Apr 2009, 17:15 »

I dunno, that picture still makes it sound more appealing than most of Michigan.

StaedlerMars · « **Reply #19 on:** 25 Apr 2009, 17:19 »

Also, New Zealand produced:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JT5AQIlmM0I

october1983 · « **Reply #20 on:** 25 Apr 2009, 17:28 »

Also in New Zealand you can visit Hobbiton. So if you crave disappointment, that's a plus!

JD · « **Reply #21 on:** 25 Apr 2009, 21:17 »

Quote from: Ã¶de on 25 Apr 2009, 14:58

Quote from: Zombiedude on 25 Apr 2009, 12:38
Am I the only one who think Kiwi birds are kind of lame?

Yes, because they're pretty rad.

kiwi bird pic

They are the modern day dodo
Also:

Elizzybeth · « **Reply #22 on:** 25 Apr 2009, 21:59 »

I'd always wondered why kiwi fruit was so fuzzy, but now I understand; they're clearly using single-blade razors.

Caspian · « **Reply #23 on:** 26 Apr 2009, 01:26 »

Except for their unfortunate habit of rooting sheep, New Zealand is a pretty cool place. Nice people, a very chilled out attitude. Amusing accents, too. Heaps of surfing and snowboarding. Epic scenery. I'd recommend you go to the South Island, personally- Christchurch or Dunedin, especially if you're someone who spends a lot of time outdoors. It does get pretty cold but bear in mind that's somewhat relative; I live in Western Australia after all. If you like in England/Northern USA etc then you shouldn't have any problem with the temperature.

I'd take South Island NZ over Budapest anyday. However, if you're a big fan of "culture" then you'll probably find Budapest a fair bit more interesting. However, if you prefer culture over epic outdoor activities, you're not a very interesting person.

Ã¶de · « **Reply #24 on:** 26 Apr 2009, 06:46 »

Quote from: Zombiedude on 25 Apr 2009, 21:17

They are the modern day dodo

You mean something for humans to destroy through ignorance, arrogance, and imperialism?

Cadeonehalf · « **Reply #25 on:** 26 Apr 2009, 23:09 »

Yes. And for delicious dodo meats.

Rizzo · « **Reply #26 on:** 27 Apr 2009, 02:04 »

Quote from: TheFuriousWombat on 25 Apr 2009, 10:01

So I know there's a few people at least who would know the answer to these: I want to study abroad and I think I want to do so in New Zealand
1. Is this a good idea?
2. I was thinking the north island for no real reason. A wise choice?
3. If I'm there from January to June, what will the weather be like? I'm confused by the alternate seasons and have heard conflicting reports! I like warm weather more than cold weather...
This one anyone can answer:
4. Should I study in NZ or Budapest (another option open to me)?

Wait, am I still the only kiwi who actually posts occasionally here? Fuck you Kat, BlackMage, Beerman and Gryff!

1. Maybe
2. Yes, Auckland and Wellington are the musical, social, political and not-sucking-constantly capitals of NZ. I recommend Wellington for Art/Music/Fun and Auckland for university reputation. If you want the drunken, scummy flatting experience you could potentially go to Christchurch or Dunedin in the South Island but I wouldn't recommend it if you're into anything other than being cold or being drunk.
3. January is the middle of summer, June is early winter. It'll be between 24-28 in summer and 10-18 in winter in the north. That's Celsius.
4. Budapest is probably a better bet for interesting plus you can tour around Europe.

Caspian · « **Reply #27 on:** 27 Apr 2009, 02:47 »

dude, what? South Island is way better then the north island.

McTaggart · « **Reply #28 on:** 27 Apr 2009, 03:18 »

Not at rugby!

Rizzo · « **Reply #29 on:** 27 Apr 2009, 22:48 »

Quote from: Caspian on 27 Apr 2009, 02:47

dude, what? South Island is way better then the north island.

Incorrect.

North Island gets all the tours, all the art/museum exhibitions, all the theatre and is easier to get around. If you want scenery and friendly people then go south but if you want stuff to do and the ability to travel NZ more easily, go north.

Caspian · « **Reply #30 on:** 27 Apr 2009, 22:51 »

Quote from: Rizzo on 27 Apr 2009, 22:48

Quote from: Caspian on 27 Apr 2009, 02:47
dude, what? South Island is way better then the north island.
Incorrect.

North Island gets all the tours, all the art/museum exhibitions, all the theatre and is easier to get around. If you want scenery and friendly people then go south but if you want stuff to do and the ability to travel NZ more easily, go north.

Well, two thirds of new zealand is in the south island anyway, so surely travelling throughout NZ is easier if you're living in the biggest section.

Besides, if dude is there for the art he might as well just go to Budapest.

Out of curiousity, is there a huge south v north island rivalry? I assume there is, but only being an occaisonal visitor I'm not sure.

JD · « **Reply #31 on:** 29 Apr 2009, 19:40 »

Darkbluerabbit · « **Reply #32 on:** 30 Apr 2009, 17:15 »

I have a question.

For my birthday I was given a wine that is a product of New Zealand. It is called "Cat's Phee on a Gooseberry Bush." So is that just to make a quirky title quirkier, or do you actually spell it "Phee?"

ViolentDove · « **Reply #33 on:** 30 Apr 2009, 19:19 »

It's actually fermented cat urine, which is considered a delicacy in NZ.

Inlander · « **Reply #34 on:** 30 Apr 2009, 19:44 »

Settle down there, don't get your back up over nothing.

EDIT: Especially when Australians (such as Violent Dove and myself) and New Zealanders (such as yourself) should be joining forces trying to fool gullible northern hemisphereans!

Ã¶de · « **Reply #35 on:** 30 Apr 2009, 21:02 »

That's nice to know, please don't take it out on other people though.

calenlass · « **Reply #36 on:** 30 Apr 2009, 22:33 »

The population of NZ goes like this: North Island: Rizzo, Kat's brother and parents, and sheep. South Island: sheep, some lesbians at a ski resort my best friend worked with up until recently, sheep, an old coworker of mine, and sheep.

(the entire nation is smaller than my city)

ViolentDove · « **Reply #37 on:** 01 May 2009, 02:54 »

Hey, can this be a thread where you ask questions of a nationality and then they answer it?

Dear English people- are you responsible for the phrase "Yeah but no" or was it just popularised by you?

StaedlerMars · « **Reply #38 on:** 01 May 2009, 03:15 »

It's actually "Yeah but no but"

pwhodges · « **Reply #39 on:** 01 May 2009, 03:20 »

Quote from: ViolentDove on 01 May 2009, 02:54

"Yeah but no"

Or even "No but yeah but yeah but yeah no but yeah no but yeah"

Inlander · « **Reply #40 on:** 01 May 2009, 03:20 »

But Australians have been saying "Yeah, no" for ages.

pwhodges · « **Reply #41 on:** 01 May 2009, 03:46 »

Not like Vicky Pollard, though (I hope!)

Fenriswolf · « **Reply #42 on:** 05 May 2009, 01:28 »

Hello. Don't come in here much any more.

Quote from: TheFuriousWombat on 25 Apr 2009, 10:01

So I know there's a few people at least who would know the answer to these: I want to study abroad and I think I want to do so in New Zealand
1. Is this a good idea?

Er... maybe? I would go to Budapest but then I'm from NZ.

Quote

2. I was thinking the north island for no real reason. A wise choice?

Depends what you're studying. Otago is good for medicine and biological sciences. Canterbury is good for engineering. Victoria (Wellington) is... you know what, I can't remember! lol I liked the chemistry department but I have no comparison... Also good for education I think? Massey in Wellington is good for design/art. Auckland's good for accounting.

As for places to live, I recommend Wellington. Go Wellington. Even though our council sucks.

Quote

3. If I'm there from January to June, what will the weather be like? I'm confused by the alternate seasons and have heard conflicting reports! I like warm weather more than cold weather...

Meh. January is great, all downhill from there. It's currently fucking freezing - not literally, I'm just cold.

Quote

This one anyone can answer:
4. Should I study in NZ or Budapest (another option open to me)?

Depends what you want from this...

Caspian · « **Reply #43 on:** 06 May 2009, 06:09 »

Quote from: Inlander on 01 May 2009, 03:20

But Australians have been saying "Yeah, no" for ages.

I've always felt our strangest quirk is the fact that we cuss pretty much every second word. Maybe that's just because I've been mining for too long. Some countries use um or ah, we just say fuck a few times when we're searching for the right word.

ViolentDove · « **Reply #44 on:** 06 May 2009, 19:34 »

"Fucken" pretty much gets used as punctuation in some places. I know what you mean though... it seemed like people swore a lot more when I was on the Central Coast, but I don't notice it so much in Sydney. In polite company I have to make a conscious effort to use "stuff" instead of "shit" amongst other things. I accidentally said "pissing down" instead of "it's raining hard" at a job interview the other day. Maybe I need to go to finishing school or something.

RefD · « **Reply #45 on:** 06 May 2009, 21:36 »

i lived in the Auckland area for awhile in the late 90s, Howick to be specific, and liked it plenty.

in fact i constantly wish i had stayed!

*waits for ppl to start shit-talking about Howick*

FruitKat · « **Reply #46 on:** 07 May 2009, 09:11 »

DING DING
Hello all, I'm back!

Basically questions for the furious wombat:

What do you study currently and what are you wanting to study in New Zealand?
Do you like lots of people and busy culture or do you like nature and sitting outside looking at stuff?
Do you like adventure sports?
What would you be wanting to do in your spare time?

You should go to New Zealand, it's great. Maybe it is just because I miss it a lot, but I think it is great.
Also you could still travel to Australia, or Fiji or plenty of other pacific islands on your break if you wanted to. Australia is pretty great too.
Depending on what you actually want to be doing in New Zealand or what you want to get out of the whole experience would show where you should go. So gimme some more information geez.

SilentJ · « **Reply #47 on:** 07 May 2009, 10:41 »

Kat! It's certainly been a while.

Oh, anyone from New Zealand, how much fun is zorbing? Because really it looks pretty goddamned amazing.

Quote from: ViolentDove on 06 May 2009, 19:34

I accidentally said "pissing down" instead of "it's raining hard"

Is that a widely used expression?

ledhendrix · « **Reply #48 on:** 07 May 2009, 10:48 »

Pissing it down is a pretty regularly used phrase in Scotland. Don't know about anywhere else.

the_pied_piper · « **Reply #49 on:** 07 May 2009, 11:47 »

Yeah, pissing it down is a generally used phrase in most of the UK, i think. I also like "its raining cats and dogs".

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Author Topic: Questions for New Zealanders (Read 13425 times)