I'd disagree with your last point: 'Getting ahead', and the instinct behind it seems to me to be the main driver behind New Zealanders being generally much more

I'd disagree with your last point: 'Getting ahead', and the instinct behind it seems to me to be the main driver behind New Zealanders being generally much more entrepreneurial than their European counterparts (anecdotal is not the plural of data, notwithstanding). Additionally, working in Wellington yields a London rate but without the equivalent expense (I'm a contractor); so attainment of 'ahead' is well within the grasp of someone competent and reachable for those who aren't, at least as far as I can tell. While I am in no position to comment, my experience has also lent itself to the deduction that the education system here isn't as rigorous as it is in other places, but this is entirely anecdotal also, so should be taken for exactly what it is worth. I guess if I'm being picky, I'd also pick you up on the point prior; fatty foods aren't necessarily correlated to obesity, but I'm guessing that's not exactly what you're driving at. Thank you for making me think a little more!