Life in the big city

In the 4.5 years I have lived in the biggest city in New Zealand (small, I have to say, in comparison to other major cities of the world) I have heard all manner of comments, criticisms, and judgement about my current residential environment of choice. My own reactions to the variety of opinions freely given have ranged, at times, from pure astonishment to utter disbelief.

At the risk of sounding defensive – and believe me, I have far more important things to defend myself over *smile* - I would like to provide a practical response to some of the things I have had the opportunity to hear. Generally, my reaction is speechlessness – you will see why – but with an opportunity to be succinct, I attempt to provide a slightly different take on some commonly held views (below):

“The traffic in Auckland is ridiculous! Why the heck don’t they just move out of Auckland? I don’t know how they stand it……they must be idiots.”

First – yes, the traffic aint great. However, having spent 11 years living in Tauranga, I can sincerely promise I have yet to experience a LONGER trip home from my place of work (due to traffic) in Auckland, than it used to take me in Tauranga. Traffic is not just an Auckland problem.

Second – have these people ever been to Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, or even Los Angeles? Auckland’s traffic is synonymous with the kind of traffic difficulties experienced in any of the world’s major cities. I lived in Brisbane and Sydney when younger and the traffic made Auckland look like a country estate. This is generally countered with exceptional public transport systems. This in particular IS one of Auckland’s biggest problems – public transport (or lack thereof…)

Third – I am sure those who want to move out of Auckland because of the traffic will have already done so. It does mean that those remaining are “idiots”. One would have to ask – considering the “traffic problem” and the “high cost of living” in Auckland – why people stay here at all…? Oh yea, that’s right, we’re idiots. *grin* Thankfully, by moving out of Auckland, the “non-idiots” are unwittingly contributing to an improvement in the traffic problem. Long may you continue to leave!

“It is far too big to try to get round, and travel takes up too much time and money”.

Yep – if you want to live on the North Shore and work in South Auckland (or vice versa), this would definitely be a problem. I must say, though, I’ve yet to meet anyone who is actually doing that kind of commute daily. Most people work within a 30 minute (in full rush hour traffic) car trip from their place of employment, i.e. 10 minutes minus traffic.

“It is really smelly, and smoggy – and the crime rate is horrendous.”

*smile* there is enough sea breeze anywhere in Auckland (on most days) to disperse any smog or smell. In fact, I have yet to experience a “smoggy” day in Auckland even half as gag-making as the smog I have experienced in Christchurch – a city about one fifth of the size of Auckland.

The crime rate – considering the percentage of population – SHOULD be horrendous, I agree. However, it rates (info from Dept of Statistic 1/4/06) tenth in the country for serious crime rates (including murder, aggravated robbery, and rape/assault) proportionate to population. Burglaries and car accident rates are slightly (.6) higher than the rest of the country combined, but with Rotorua coming a close second.

“It is incredibly expensive to rent/buy in Auckland.”

Yes it is. Get over it and stop taking it so personally. It is expensive to rent or buy anywhere in Enzed right now. However, in the big city, the wages are also higher on average. And the business competition drives down prices for just about everything else. Economically, it seems to balance out.

What I have discovered about Auckland, to my utmost surprise (yes, I came here with an “anti-Auckland” attitude too…..!)

* There are some stunningly beautiful places in Auckland that defy belief – not the least being North Head in Devonport. I can walk around North Head and meet no one on an early weekend morning – and examine the local flora and fauna with awe and wonder, amazed that this is all SO close to the largest (smoggiest..? not!) city in NZ. Quiet, serenity, beauty.

* People are unexpectedly friendly – when they really have no need to be. It is unlikely that you will ever run across that nice man and his family on the bus/train/ferry again – but he will chat pleasantly and wish you a good day anyway. I guess, with the larger population, the amount of really nice people are also proportionately increased. I sure have noticed this.

* Pukeko peck happily at the grass on the fringes of the Northern motorway without fear. They still make me smile with pleasure – especially when the babies are out and learning the rules with the parent birds. In the time I have been here (driving that road on a daily basis), I have seen only one pukeko casualty on the side of the road. I have on a number of occasions seen traffic pulled over, or diverted, by a concerned motorist or traffic policeman, while a group of distracted pukeko are “shooed” away from the asphalt dangers. Cars generally take a “wide” berth if the birds are anywhere near the on and off ramps. Yea, there are cowboys out there – but they appear to be outnumbered by voluntary DOC worker impersonators.

* The sea – the sea – and the sea!!!! It’s everywhere! No getting away from the water if you live in Auckland. It is an unavoidable reality. I have had the experience of looking out of my bedroom window of my rented home on three occasions into the Sandy Bay area of the harbour, and seeing (to my amazement) a pod of killer whales swimming unconcernedly about. Perhaps in Vancouver this may be more common. Whatever - it totally blew ME away!

* The native wildlife. I have seen more tui, native wood pigeons, oyster catchers, and grey warblers (okay, I admit it, I have only HEARD the warblers) since moving to Auckland than I ever did in any of the other 14 places I have lived in this beautiful country of ours. Go figure. I have also seen more wetas, large-ish spiders (Avondales and nursery webs), and geckos. Fantastic!!!! Long may they all thrive and roam, and scare the beejeezuz out of my girl children.

* The ferry rides – to anywhere. Waiheke Island is an awe-inspiring experience. The numerous islands in the Hauraki Gulf beg exploring. But the 10 minute ferry ride from Devonport to the city, and back, is a joy that I have never quite gotten over, and I do it on a regular basis. The dolphins that have on occasion played around the boats seem to like it too.

I could go on, but I won’t. I am sure you get the picture. This “country/bush girl at heart” was completely unprepared to even slightly enjoy being in Auckland. I came along with the attitude that I could “grin and bear it for the time I had to be here”. I suppose, if we have no expectations at all, they will always be exceeded.

(The photo is of the mainstreet of Devonport, Saturday a.m.)