Your December Mobile Newsletter

Enjoying Outdoor New Zealand Safely

Aotearoa is known for being a natural paradise. From lava caves to growing mountains, there's a lot to explore. And let's not forget that New Zealand is surrounded by water and stretches across 12 degrees of latitude.

With all that natural diversity, there's plenty of adventure to be had.

Don't get caught out. Before you head out, get yourself up to speed on local knowledge.

Sun Protection - Sun protection is important year around and essential in the summer due to our location on Earth. Get a good UV app and build the habit of being sun safe: slip, slop, slap, and wrap.

Unpredictable Weather - We're an island in the Pacific, and our weather is changeable. You should always check weather forecasts and warnings before heading out. For any adventures longer than a few hours, be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. The same is true of weather conditions on the water.

Water Safety - Before you head to the beach, make sure your whole family knows how to spot a rip and what to do if someone gets caught in one. Before you jump in or attempt to cross a river, make sure you're aware of the risks. Swim lessons are part of primary school curriculum and widely available for children and adults; it's a good idea to make sure everyone builds the skills to stay safe in and around the water.

Water Quality - We're an agricultural country, and not all water is suitable for swimming. Check water quality ratings and results from LAWA and Swimsafe before jumping in.

Hard Copy Navigation - Be prepared to lose mobile coverage while you're out exploring. Have your map backed up digitally and in hard copy in case of emergency.

Pack In, Pack Out - Be prepared to carry all your rubbish away with you. DOC huts and an increasing number of campgrounds and beaches require you to pack in and pack out all rubbish. Because rodents and other pests are such a problem for native birds, you should also carry out your organics.

Toileting in the Wild - Our native bush is taonga (treasured), and according to Māori culture, mountains represent spirits and gods. Out of respect, you should take steps to relieve yourself in a provided toilet, which tend to be widely available in public spaces, at trailheads, and along longer tracks. If you get caught out, take steps to safely dispose of your waste.

Be Found - Let someone know your plans when you're headed out. If you're using DOC facilities, note your intentions in their books to help with locating you should you get lost. Consider investing in or hiring a distress beacon for more remote adventures.

HOW TO: Navigating New Zealand Addresses

You'll want to know how to write a NZ address as well as how to find a particular address.

Addresses are typically written in the following format:
[ Unit / House Number ] [ Street name ]
[ Suburb ]
[ City ] [ Postcode ]

When you are looking for a specific address on the ground, keep this in mind:

House numbers are sequential on a particular side of the road. One side of the road will be evens and the other odds. Numbers across from one another may or may not be similar.

A unit or apartment number will be before the house number. For example: 4 / 10 Motu Road is unit #4 at 10 Motu Road.

Sections have often been divided into multiple sections/houses, which will be indicated by a letter following a number. For example, #12 may have been divided into 12, 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D, each of which stands on its own and may or may not share a driveway.

Holiday Period

Aotearoa is coming into the holiday period. As the end of the year approaches, businesses tend to slow down, and many close between Christmas and (at least) early- to mid-January. This is a very common time for employees to extend their work break without having to use as many days of annual leave, and kids are out of school from mid-December until early February.

The mood across the country is festive and laid back. The major cities clear out as many Kiwis flee to baches, campgrounds, or wherever their family has traditionally retreated for the summer. In cities, towns, and campgrounds across the motu, whānau take time to gather, share kai, and enjoy the great outdoors.

This year has a particular buzz about it as Kiwis are reunited with friends and family who haven't been able to visit in several years.

Lingo of the Month

In honor of the holiday period, we bring you a brief conversation amongst friends.

M: Hey, mate. Are you going to the party tonight?
L: Yeah, nah. I'm flat out at the moment. My diary is chocka. I'm already knackered and Christmas isn't even here yet.
M: She'll be right. What's the whānau doing for Chrissy?
L: The rellies will take a barbecue and marquee down to the beach. One of the cuzzies is off on an OE, but everyone else will be there - including some new sprogs - with pressies and kai.
M: Chur.

M: Hey, friend. Are you going to the party tonight?
L: No, I'm so busy right now. My calendar is so full. I'm already exhausted, and Christmas isn't even here yet.
M: It'll be okay. What's your family doing for Christmas?
L: My relatives will take a BBQ grill and tent/canopy down to the beach. One of my cousins has gone overseas for a while, but everyone else will be there - including some new babies - with presents and food.
M: Awesome.

Farewell

Readers, it's been my pleasure to write to you monthly for the last two years. It is my sincere hope that something I've shared has made your transition to Aotearoa easier. This is my last newsletter as I move to a new phase of my life in New Zealand, and I wish you all the best.

Accordingly, the newsletter is ready for a new editor! If you're a recently arrived expat or returning Kiwi and have an interest in writing and decoding life in Aotearoa New Zealand, please contact Ange@mobile-relocation.com to learn more. - AS