Moving to New Zealand - Eagles to Kiwis

About Moving to New Zealand - Eagles to Kiwis

Each episode, I'll sit down with Americans from all walks of life who have made the move-sharing their journeys, challenges, surprises, and what they’ve learned along the way. Whether you're thinking about moving, already here, or just curious about life in NZ through fresh eyes, this podcast is for you!And that’s just the beginning! I’ll also be chatting with experts living in NZ to give you even more insight and other expats who have moved to Nz from other countries around the world!

Publisher

Ashley

Category

education · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

24 Mar 2025

Latest episode

19 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

37 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   19 Oct 2026

   Meet my Friend Utsab: From One Village Phone in Nepal to New Zealand Citizenship

   Check out Utsab's YouTube channel and his socks story: https://youtu.be/pJEGUHKO-g8?si=86jnTnLja_rzz4Dm (https://youtu.be/pJEGUHKO-g8?si=86jnTnLja_rzz4Dm) What does it take to build a life across three countries, several New Zealand cities, and a childhood where the village phone was a two-hour walk away? Utsap shares the journey behind his move from Nepal to New Zealand, and why the biggest lessons he brought with him have nothing to do with technology. Host (http://technology.Host) Ashley talks with Utsab about growing up in a mountain village without electricity, where families bartered food, neighbours gathered around the only television, and a trip to the hospital could mean carrying someone for miles. At 16, he left for the city. Years later, he came to New Zealand as a student, worked his way toward residency and citizenship, and made a difficult choice: giving up his Nepalese passport. You (http://passport.You)’ll hear how he navigated life in a new country, from the shock of realizing Kiwi English didn’t sound like the English he knew to discovering the quiet, space, and safety that now make New Zealand feel like home. Utsap also shares why he opened a Moroccan restaurant in Kaiapoi, what he misses about Nepal’s festivals and community, and how he stays connected to his home country from afar.The conversation turns to raising kids, independence, and the value of learning to adapt. Utsap’s perspective comes from a childhood spent exploring, observing, and figuring things out for himself. His advice for anyone moving to New Zealand - or trying to make a big change - is summed up in one memorable image: life is a marathon, not a 100-metre race.For anyone considering a move to New Zealand, curious about the lives people leave behind, or looking for a reminder to slow down and keep going, Ashley and Utsab offer a warm, honest conversation that stays with you.

2. 

   24 Sept 2026

   Home Buying in NZ, Grace-fully: Your Local Kiwi Real Estate Agent Explains It All!

   Episode Description Buying a home in New Zealand is not the same as buying one in the US, and the biggest mistake is falling in love with a property before you’re ready to buy it. Christchurch real estate agent Grace Little explains how auctions, buyer’s agents, pricing, financing, and due diligence really work, especially for newcomers navigating the market.Grace shares why more than half of Canterbury properties may sell by auction, why auctions can actually offer more transparency than negotiated sales, and the preparation you need before bidding. You’ll learn why a lawyer, building report, insurance, finance, and LIM review must be arranged in advance, what happens when an auction is brought forward, and why a winning bid is unconditional. (http://unconditional.You) You (http://unconditional.You)’ll also discover: How to find and work with a buyer’s agent, often at no additional cost to the buyer Why New Zealand’s rateable value, or RV, is not the same as a property’s market value How to research realistic prices using Homes.co.nz (http://Homes.co.nz), OneRoof, and Trade Me insights What “price by negotiation” actually means How much deposit buyers typically need, including the difference between 10% and 20% What American buyers need to know about AML requirements and proving the source of overseas funds How visa status affects your ability to purchase property What renters should prepare, including references and proof that they are reliable tenants Why school zones, sun orientation, and property location can dramatically change Christchurch home prices Grace Little is a Christchurch-based real estate agent and sales manager with ten years of experience, managing a team of 18 at Harcourts Gold. She brings practical insight from helping local and international buyers navigate contracts, negotiations, and auctions, including bidding on behalf of clients.Whether you’re already renting in New Zealand, planning your move, or hoping to buy your first Kiwi home, this conversation replaces assumptions with a clear, practical roadmap. Listen before you attend an open home, make an offer, or raise your hand at auction.

3. 

   21 Sept 2026

   New Zealand Life: No Tipping, Tough Roads, Drinking Age & Community That Takes Time

   Ashley shares updates from life in New Zealand, including what to expect from the country’s very different real estate system, how renting and buying work for newcomers, and why community becomes especially important when living abroad. She also covers Dunedin, tipping, driving rules, school sports, healthcare, ADHD diagnosis, elections, and upcoming questions for real estate agent Grace. In this episode: Ashley previews an upcoming conversation with New Zealand real estate agent and franchise manager Grace about buying and renting property. New Zealand typically has a selling agent rather than the separate buyer’s and seller’s agents familiar to Americans, and many homes are sold by auction. Foreign buyers may face restrictions, although exceptions can apply for investor visa holders, people with Kiwi partners, and certain other circumstances. New Zealand’s rental market can be competitive, making documentation and preparation important for newcomers. Ashley describes Dunedin’s mix of university, healthcare, hills, rural surroundings, and city conveniences, including Baldwin Street, recognized as the world’s steepest street. Community has become increasingly important to Ashley, from relying on other parents for transportation to finding networks of Americans in Christchurch. Unlike the United States, New Zealand generally does not use tipping, and advertised prices include the 15% GST. Driving between cities can involve narrow roads, frequent speed changes, towns along the route, speed cameras, breath testing, and expensive speeding fines. Ashley discusses the emotional difficulty of missing family weddings, funerals, and other major life events while living overseas. ADHD and autism diagnosis, medication, and related products appear to be receiving more attention in New Zealand, although Ashley feels the conversation is newer there than in the United States. New Zealand’s upcoming election, economic pressures, mail voting, and voting eligibility for residents are briefly discussed. Ashley mentions products she has been using or reviewing, including Goodfeels, Floradix, chlorophyll, spirulina, and Zivo Life.

Who has been a guest on Moving to New Zealand - Eagles to Kiwis

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Julie
• Will
• Sara
• Olivia
• Anika

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.3 / 5

10 ratings

Spotify

4.7 / 5

16 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 31 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

42

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

51

Contact Moving to New Zealand - Eagles to Kiwis

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Shows with a similar audience

• 

  Kiwiamericans Podcast

• 

  NZ Ahead Podcast

• 

  The Front Page

• 

  Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

• 

  Consider This from NPR

• 

  Up First

Questions about Moving to New Zealand - Eagles to Kiwis