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Apologies for not being more precise. I've been inspected by customs before. The whole discourse was short, only minorly inconveniencing, and the people I dealt

Apologies for not being more precise. I've been inspected by customs before. The whole discourse was short, only minorly inconveniencing, and the people I dealt with were pleasant and professional. At the end of it I thanked them for doing their jobs so well. I wouldn't "raise hell" after such an event. However, were my possessions to be searched and confiscated in such a violating manor as described by the NZ Herald article, I'd most certainly be filing complaints, and perhaps speaking to the press. This is all that I meant by "raising hell." I'm worried not because I'm an international terrorist, but because at the end of next week I'll be a former US defense contractor who is immediately departing the US after quitting his job. I'm sure this raises some red flags. I have every intention of complying with my employer's and government's policies regarding all of the procedures for leaving my position, but with this level of institutional paranoia I'm still worried. That said, if I were to bet I'd say this fear is as irrational as you suggest and everything will go fine.

billforsternz 13y ago
Thanks for this sensible follow-up. If something outrageous happens at the airport, as you say raise hell, why not. My comment came from being a well travelled kiwi, who always feels the warm glow associated with arriving in perhaps the sanest place in the world when I get home. I am not an Aucklander, but Auckland International Airport represents to me "home at last - nothing more to worry about now". Actually I feel a bit the same at Melbourne or Sydney if I get to stop off there on the way back - a nothing really crazy can happen now kind of relief. So, enjoy your trip. Don't worry as outrageous incidents at our airports are really really really rare - dollars to donuts you'll be welcomed as if you are coming home too. If you come to Wellington and are so inclined message me and I'll buy you a beer (or a coffee) and welcome you personally :-)
- benjamincburns 13y ago
  > being a well travelled kiwi, who always feels the warm glow associated with arriving in perhaps the sanest place in the world when I get home. > dollars to donuts you'll be welcomed as if you are coming home too. If you come to Wellington and are so inclined message me and I'll buy you a beer (or a coffee) and welcome you personally :-) Thanks so much, but I'm headed for Christchurch. Since deciding to move, every kiwi I've met here since has offered to put me in touch with some cousin/uncle/sibling to help us get on our feet, and I've had a remarkable number of perfect strangers make similar offers via e-mail and forums such as these. Being that we're going through such a sad time right now as we pack our things and say goodbye to our city, friends, and family, these kinds of gestures are really very encouraging. It's nice to think that we're moving someplace where people are so friendly and helpful toward one another.
  - billforsternz 13y ago
    I really hope it works out well for you. Christchurch used to be a beautiful city, but it has had its heart ripped out. Still, there is the dynamism that comes from (enforced) renewal. Note that the South Island climate demands a well insulated home! Generations of hardy kiwis never felt the need, but really, that's stone-age living and not something a newcomer should endure! Finally, I hope you report back, in this thread for example, on your arrival in NZ. After this discussion I am really hoping you don't have a bad experience !

billforsternz 13y ago

Thanks for this sensible follow-up. If something outrageous happens at the airport, as you say raise hell, why not. My comment came from being a well travelled kiwi, who always feels the warm glow associated with arriving in perhaps the sanest place in the world when I get home. I am not an Aucklander, but Auckland International Airport represents to me "home at last - nothing more to worry about now". Actually I feel a bit the same at Melbourne or Sydney if I get to stop off there on the way back - a nothing really crazy can happen now kind of relief. So, enjoy your trip. Don't worry as outrageous incidents at our airports are really really really rare - dollars to donuts you'll be welcomed as if you are coming home too. If you come to Wellington and are so inclined message me and I'll buy you a beer (or a coffee) and welcome you personally :-)

benjamincburns 13y ago
> being a well travelled kiwi, who always feels the warm glow associated with arriving in perhaps the sanest place in the world when I get home. > dollars to donuts you'll be welcomed as if you are coming home too. If you come to Wellington and are so inclined message me and I'll buy you a beer (or a coffee) and welcome you personally :-) Thanks so much, but I'm headed for Christchurch. Since deciding to move, every kiwi I've met here since has offered to put me in touch with some cousin/uncle/sibling to help us get on our feet, and I've had a remarkable number of perfect strangers make similar offers via e-mail and forums such as these. Being that we're going through such a sad time right now as we pack our things and say goodbye to our city, friends, and family, these kinds of gestures are really very encouraging. It's nice to think that we're moving someplace where people are so friendly and helpful toward one another.
- billforsternz 13y ago
  I really hope it works out well for you. Christchurch used to be a beautiful city, but it has had its heart ripped out. Still, there is the dynamism that comes from (enforced) renewal. Note that the South Island climate demands a well insulated home! Generations of hardy kiwis never felt the need, but really, that's stone-age living and not something a newcomer should endure! Finally, I hope you report back, in this thread for example, on your arrival in NZ. After this discussion I am really hoping you don't have a bad experience !