Expatriation is to dream with one's feet. It is to act on what most people only fantasize about, to reject the excuses in favor of visa applications, packing and handing in the notice at work. It is to take the privilege of first-world living and funding, and convert it into an adventure instead of a harder asset.

Expatriation is an optimist's course, like any other form of migration. We believe that we can turn an exotic destination into a new home. We belive that the life we will build there can balance out leaving behind family, friends and the security and comforts of familiar life. We believe that once the dust settles, everything will be all right.

Expatriation is also big business. Nowhere is this more true than in New Zealand. In 2006, migrants paid a net total of NZ$3.3 billion (US$2.5 billion/€1.77 billion) in taxes into the New Zealand economy, an astounding figure considering the "real" New Zealanders contributed a net of $2.84 billion, despite being 3/4 of the total population. The New Zealand government has aggressively marketed the country as a relocation destination to skilled workers, and the campaign has successfully created an image of New Zealand as a progressive, green and technologically innovative nation.

The image is frankly debatable.

Many of us would go so far as to say that the image is false, the ad campaign a blatant propaganda, and what it does to many people a crying shame.

Expat Exposed was created by several frustrated migrants to New Zealand as a refuge, and as a resource. It is a one-stop resource for all prospective migrants to NZ who want to know the downsides of life in this country. It is also a refuge for migrants who are already here and struggling, and feeling very much alone.

Praemonitus Praemunitus. Forewarned is forearmed. We hope the information and the network you find here will reduce the number of rude surprises for expats who are determined to give NZ a try. We hope people who are suffering here can find some comfort in a community that does not lecture or ostracise, and possibly practical help for getting out. And finally, we hope that Expat Exposed can help people who are ill-matched to NZ avoid a costly mistake.


The Charter Members,

Expat Exposed



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Source: Fiscal impacts of immigration 2005/06. NZ Department of Labour, 2 Oct 2007