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Key Differences if You Are Moving to New Zealand or Australia
Australia and New Zealand are two of the most popular countries to move to, particularly from the UK, but there are some important distinctions between the two nations. Here Hamiltons Removals, who can help with house removals to Australia and New Zealand, highlight some of the key differences.
The Flags
Both national flags are similar but with some subtle differences. – both have the British union flag in the top left corner signifying the close links both have to the UK and the Commonwealth.
However, Australia’s flag, above right, has six white stars, and New Zealand’s (above left) four red ones (with white outlines). The extra-large star on the Australian flag has seven points – one for each of the six states, and one for the Northern Territory of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Both flags have the Southern Cross star on the right-hand side – representing the constellation which can only be seen from the two countries.
The Local Fauna
As it’s often famously commented on, Australia has more dangerous native creatures than New Zealand – although the former may be known for its marsupials such as kangaroos and koalas, there are a lot of dangerous smaller animals and insects roaming around in Australia.
These include spiders (the Sydney funnelweb and the redback are probably the most famous), brown snakes, tiger snakes and Taipan snakes, plus sea creatures (saltwater crocodiles and box jellyfish). In most cases, although bites are often venomous, they aren’t always deadly (and antidotes do exist).
However, you are unlikely to run into any of these creatures, particularly if you live in one of the big cities such as Sydney or Adelaide.
If you are considering house removals to New Zealand, then you won’t have to worry about so many dangerous animals – you’re more likely to see seals and dolphins than crocodiles. There are plenty of birds (penguins particularly), but no snakes and nothing that should pose a threat to your life.
The Scenery
New Zealand sits on a major fault line which has shaped the geography and topographical features of the nation; its volcanoes, mountains, its fjords and lakes (not forgetting the occasional earthquake) are all a result of it’s positioning over the Earth’s tectonic plates.
In contrast, Australia is much warmer and drier and has all the deserts (although it also has tropical rainforests) as well as the red dirt of the outback.
Of course, the scenery between various parts of each country can vary greatly, so make sure you do plenty of research on the area you are looking to move to.
The Various Cultures
Australia’s indigenous aborigine culture is not particularly prominent in the big cities, which are generally quite cosmopolitan and have plenty of expats from different countries (although the country as a whole is more respectful of the aborigines than it used to be).
Generally speaking, the New Zealanders are more aware of the Maori culture – the Maori language is an official language of the country, alongside English, there’s a dedicated TV station, and the national rugby team perform the Haka (a Maori ceremonial war dance) before every match.
How Much Does It Cost to Move to NZ or Australia?
The cost of moving to either of the countries will vary depending on which of our deep sea removals packages you opt for – dedicated use of a shipping container, or part-load or groupage (where it’s shared with other consignments) and how much you send via air freight.
There are also other optional extras such as insurance, packing and unpacking services to consider, all of which we offer to help your move go smoothly.
But what about the cost of living in the two countries? Compared to the UK, Australia and New Zealand generally have higher prices but much higher salaries. There’s not that much difference in the cost of living when comparing Australia with New Zealand. The former is generally thought to be more affordable, but NZ is actually cheaper for a lot of consumer goods and services.
And, in both cases. the average price of property (buying or renting) is skewed by the big cities (as with most other countries), so it’s much higher if you’re looking to live in Wellington or Sydney.
House Removals to Australia and New Zealand with Hamiltons Removals
If you’d like to know more about removals to Australia, then click here; for more information on moving to New Zealand, follow this link. You can also call us on 01379 855203.
Why Move Your Business to Suffolk?
With lots of open space and countryside, growing business hubs and excellent transport links to the capital, Suffolk is becoming an increasingly popular destination for businesses. Suffolk Observatory reported that, at the end of 2022, the county was home to more than 30,000 companies across a multitude of industries.
Hamiltons Removals, who can help with all types of Suffolk commercial removals, look at why the county is such an attractive place for companies to move to and operate from.
The Transport Links
Although the county doesn’t have an airport of its own, Stanstead (in Essex), Cambridge and Norwich are all nearby in neighbouring counties.
And, while there isn’t a motorway either, the major road routes are all dualled at least in part – the A14 (which runs from Felixstowe to the Midlands), the A11 (running from London to Norfolk), the A12 (from London to Suffolk) and the A140 (between Ipswich and Norfolk).
The Norwich to London rail line will get you from Suffolk into London Liverpool Street in little more than an hour. This line also makes it easy to reach Colchester, Chelmsford and Stratford, amongst other smaller stops on the way to London.
Another major industrial bonus is the presence of the port of Felixstowe, pictured, which is the UK’s busiest container port. It accounts for almost half of the country’s containerised trade and providing easy access to export markets); there are also ports at Lowestoft and Ipswich.
The Skills Base
Suffolk is home to a wide variety of businesses. As you might be able to tell from the ‘Tractor Boys’ moniker for Ipswich Town Football Club, agriculture remains a key driver of the county’s economy, as is tourism in the summer months, especially to destinations on the coast such as Southwold, Aldeburgh and Felixstowe.
There’s plenty of big businesses which have made Suffolk their home, for example BT in Adastral Park in Martlesham (where Huawei amongst many others also have offices), brewers Greene King and Adnams (which are based in Bury St Edmunds and Southwold respectively), utility company EDF Energy (who are responsible for the new Sizewell nuclear power station project) Birds Eye (in Lowestoft) and many major insurers based in the county town of Ipswich.
All of these have associated supply chains, which opens up even more business opportunities throughout the county.
The University of Suffolk, which accepted its first students in 2007, already generates more than £50million for the local economy – as well as bringing new talent and skills to the region (although the main campus is in Ipswich, there are satellite sites across the county).
The Back Up for Businesses
Suffolk and the neighbouring county of Norfolk are both covered by the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership. The two counties have been designated a strategic economic zone, and the LEP works with businesses, schools and colleges, and local authorities to provide a range of support and initiatives which will benefit all sectors of the economy.
There are several other potential sources of support for start-ups and businesses looking to move into the area. These include area-specific organisations such as Foundation East, and the national Regional Growth Loan Scheme. Both of these provide loans and grants to SMEs.
There are also more traditional sources of help, such as the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, as well as smaller Chambers in towns and districts. All provide valuable assistance and networking opportunities for businesses.
There are also Enterprise Zones in the north and east of the County (in Beccles and Lowestoft). Businesses moving into these areas may be eligible for business rate relief as well as other incentives.
Suffolk Commercial Removals with Hamiltons Removals
If you want to move your business to Suffolk or are trying to find self storage in East Anglia (for yourself or your business), then Hamiltons Removals can offer three decades’ worth of expertise. We are based on the Norfolk/Suffolk border and have plenty of local knowledge which you can tap into.
You may not be new to the area and may be looking to move from one part of Suffolk to another, or to downsize or upscale your business – Hamiltons can help with those types of moves too. We can undertake commercial removals for businesses of all types and sizes, ensuring minimum disruption to your business. Our commercial moving service includes full packing and unpacking as well as dismantling and reassembling of all furniture.
To find out more, you can email info@hamiltonsremovals.co.uk or give us a call on 0800 246 5622.