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Hey Australia, why not consider moving to NZ?

1. You can already move / live / work here without any immigration hassle.

2. We have an actual UFB fibre to the home network rolling out now that actually works.

3. Local and central government is pretty keen to support the technology scene - from government grants (refer Callaghan Innovation) to local tech hubs. AND help to connect in SF (http://kiwilandingpad.com/)

4. Activity from successful early founders/employees from Xero and others.

5. We build for a global audience -- NZ is just too small to be your only market.

6. Simpler tax system.

7. Better coffee.

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It might have changed in the last 5 years, but I found #5 a point of contention.

I found it incredibly hard to find a new job opening when I wanted one, let alone get hired for them. Flew to London and have had jobs thrown at me nearly every day since. I suspect hiring has the same issues.

The population is just so small. There's a joke that when you say from New Zealand, somebody will ask "Do you know Karl?". Which quite often, happens to be true.

This is vs. Australia but it's probably a fair point. It can be a small place (less so in Auckland) and retaining experience is an issue. If you've got exposure to scale outside of New Zealand and good experience, you should be in demand (I mean - let me know eh?)

Interesting :)

How about VC / Angel / funding scene? Is it pretty vibrant there?

PS. The only downside to your offer is the weather, I like my weather 20-30*C :) I've been to Auckland and Wellington before and I struggle with the cold even during summer.

VC / Angel scene is a big issue at the moment, but improving. Capital is tight. That said, if you have a bit of track-record, the 'smallness' of NZ means you can often raise small amounts off the back of reputation. Then you probably want to look overseas for serious money. Or do a Xero and IPO locally - they've shown local 'normal' investors how forgoing profit for growth can work.

Also: the wildlife isn't venomous, the trees are not explosive and the sharks don't bite. Met with a friend from Sydney yesterday - she was enjoying the low 20s here after baking in 30+ in Sydney for the last few days. TBH it's a few degrees difference that you acclimatise too - you're not going to need a new wardrobe.

As a kiwi living in Australia and quietly working on a bootstrapped startup, I'm keen to hear more about this. Is NZ really a good place for a startup? Is there any government support that doesn't involve giving up equity?

Better coffee? That's a pretty huge claim ...

8) Better beer

Definitely.

Wine too ;)

Melbourne would like a word..

Challenge accepted. Seriously.

What about R&D tax rebate?

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