Denmark always scores high on lists detailing best countries to live in, best quality of life, etc. A couple of weeks ago Verve caught up with an expat couple – who now live in Denmark and told us more about what life in this charming Nordic country is like.
You met when you were at Rangitoto College; how long have you been together?
We met at high school in 2003; We both attended Rangitoto College and have been together since 2016!
What prompted the move to Denmark?
We were after a new adventure. We both absolutely love NZ but were excited at the prospect of experiencing different cultures, more affordable housing, new job opportunities and easy access to all of Europe.
How long have you lived there for now?
Since December 2019 (One and a bit years).
Antoni, what were the biggest differences you noticed when you first moved to Denmark, and did life there take much getting used to?
The work culture. Life often comes first – many people leave work at 3:30 and many companies offer 6 weeks of paid leave. There is also a refreshing focus on community building at work and in your ‘kommune’. It was fairly easy to integrate and I was lucky enough to meet a great group of people through my work which helped the transition. I know many other expats that found their feet through the many great expat groups or free Danish courses (paid by the government). I really need to sign up to one of those…
You studied engineering in Auckland; have you continued on with this line of work in Denmark?
I studied Mechatronics Engineering and am now in software engineering. I re-trained in 2018/2019 before moving.
Katarina – what do you do?
I studied law, and currently work at a university that running a Women in Leadership Programme. I enjoy mediation, and am especially interested in mediation for the elderly.
Do you have a favourite Danish dish? Something that you’ve discovered since moving there?
Æbleskiver – like a small spherical pancake but so much better.
What do you each miss most about life in New Zealand?
Our family (including our incredible friends), the chilledoutness, not planning everything weeks in advance (the Danes are intense with that), kiwi humour, the food culture and the Hauraki Gulf.
What do each of you love most about living in Denmark?
It can be incredibly social and easy to build close friendships fast. Copenhagen is an amazing city with so much going on. There are new wild activities every week, even during this partial lockdown time we are still experiencing. We have completely different opportunities here which we are enjoying to the fullest. Also the baked goods are dangerously good.
With the pandemic still affecting the world, travel is a bit tricky right now, but what would you say to Kiwis who might want to visit Denmark in the future?
Do it! Summer is the best time to go, everyone is out and there is an incredible vibe. Copenhagen, in particular, is a real experience. People swim in the canals in the middle of the city and there is a lot to see in a fairly small space. Get a bike and explore. The island of Jutland has some incredible beaches, surprising nature and sunsets if you feel like venturing away from the city.
If you could sum up Denmark in a word, what would it be?
There is so much to say – we don’t think that we can manage it in one word.
