Name:	Lydie and Gregory
	Nationality:	French
	Profession:	Lydie - Marketing Specialist Gregory - Account Manager
	Migrated to NZ:	2004

Lydie and Gregory appreciate the fine food and relaxed lifestyle they have found in Wellington since their arrival in 2004.

“We are so lucky to be here compared to our stressful life in Paris,” says Lydie, who now works in the media section of NZ Post.

The couple lives in a house with a sweeping ocean view.

“Gregory goes windsurfing after work – he’s an addict. We have a unique balance between our social lives and work. We love outdoor sports such as mountain biking, tramping and roller blading and try to do as many things as we can.”

Work-Life Balance

They both enjoy their jobs. Gregory is employed by Telstra Clear, which he describes as a dynamic company where there is always something interesting happening. But unlike Paris, where they worked long hours all week and crammed leisure activities into the weekend, they now have time to enjoy life after work. On weekday evenings, they often do sporting activities or go to concerts and shows. They also like dining out at Wellington’s many restaurants and cafes.

“Now we enjoy life and do what we want,” says Lydie. “Life is so much more than just working. Every morning we drive round the bays – it’s just stunning. Wellington is a dynamic city with lots happening.”

She likes organising dinners for friends and says the supermarkets are great – very European, in fact. They both appreciate Wellington’s relaxed lifestyle and the lack of pressure to conform in matters such as dress and leisure activities.

Choosing Wellington

The Lamberts thought a long time and considered many alternatives before deciding on moving to Wellington. They were finding their lives too busy and stressful and wanted a change before they turned 30.

“It was now or never,” they say. They chose New Zealand because of its booming economy and Wellington for its capital city status – and have never regretted their choices.

New Language & Culture

When they arrived in July 2004 they took two months out to adapt to the language and culture before applying for jobs. Less than three months later, they were both employed.

Lydie still doesn’t find the local dialect easy to understand. “Kiwis mumble a lot and use so many idiomatic expressions that I found it hard,” she admits. A class for advanced learners of English at Wellington High School is rapidly improving the situation.

The couple are enjoying living in New Zealand and are starting to make some important decisions such as buying a house – the first step to settling down.