
About Me
Hi, I’m Katrien, but my friends call me Kat.
Welcome to NZ101—New Zealand for Beginners! I’m the Kiwi enthusiast behind this blog, though I wasn’t always calling New Zealand home.
My journey here started 20 years ago, when I packed up my life in Belgium and settled in the land of the long white cloud.
Before settling in New Zealand, I called parts of Africa, Europe, and Asia home at different points in my life. Each place taught me something valuable, but there was something special about New Zealand that made me plant my roots and stay.
Ōrewa
I live in Ōrewa, a charming beach town on the Hibiscus Coast that’s popular with outdoor enthusiasts.

Beyond its beautiful beach and scenic walking trails, Ōrewa is home to an abundance of cafés and eateries.
Whether I’m strolling the 7 km Millennium Walkway around the estuary or sipping coffee by the beachfront, I’m often reminded of how lucky I am to live in this little corner of New Zealand.
Why New Zealand?
New Zealand is not perfect, but no country is.
I’d be lying if I said I’ve never considered returning to Europe. I do visit family in Belgium and England every couple of years, but I always feel drawn back to New Zealand.
New Zealand is far from the rest of the world, and that sense of isolation and distance sometimes makes me wonder whether moving here was the right decision.
But that very remoteness has its perks. With the world in turmoil and little to cheer about, being far away gives me a sense of security.
You may say I’m living with my head in the sand, but that’s not quite true. I grew up in a family where history, world politics and current affairs were discussed around the dinner table. Ever since, I’ve had a keen interest in world news, and I still follow it closely.
Still, it’s hard not to feel disheartened by the current level of global conflict.
Why this blog
Now more than ever, it’s important to focus on the positives, the small, daily moments of joy that happen close to home and in our communities.
After two decades of figuring out Kiwi slang, learning that jandals are flip-flops (not some exotic bird), discovering that a chilly bin is actually a cooler and realising that L&P is basically liquid Kiwiana in a bottle, I’ve gathered quite a collection of insights!
This blog is my way of sharing everything I wish someone had told me when I first arrived. Whether you’re:
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planning a move to New Zealand
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just visiting for a holiday
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curious about life down under
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or simply enjoy armchair travelling,
I’ve got stories and tips aplenty to share with you!
What you’ll find here
A bit of everything, really! From the must-visit hidden gems around the country to the quirks of Kiwi culture that still make me smile.
I deliberately steer clear of stories about wars and ego-driven politicians. There are more than enough websites covering the doom and gloom. This blog is not one of them.
As a glass-half-full kind of person, my aim is to spread a little cheer by focusing on the light-hearted news in and about New Zealand.
What this blog is not
This blog is not a guide to the legal aspects of immigrating to New Zealand.
For any visa and immigration questions, please visit Immigration New Zealand.
There are also plenty of immigration advisers, but I recommend consulting the Immigration Advisers Authority, as they keep a register of the licensed ones.
A bit more about me
When I’m not blogging, I edit academic writing (check out my website, www.proofpal.co.nz), or you might find me hiking one of New Zealand’s gorgeous trails, attempting to perfect my pavlova recipe (still working on it after 20 years!), or enjoying a flat white at my favourite local café.
I still maintain a bit of my Belgian heritage—chocolate standards remain exceptionally high—but my heart belongs to New Zealand now. The longer I’ve lived here, the more I’ve come to appreciate the spectacular landscapes and the wonderful Kiwi spirit.
Got questions about New Zealand? Planning a move yourself? Or maybe you just want to say hi? I’d love to hear from you! Contact me at kat@nzforbeginners.com.
Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the internet.
Chuck your jandals by the door, grab a cuppa, and make yourself at home. That’s the Kiwi way!
Haere rā for now,
Kat