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Rule of Law: The criminal justice system is increasingly viewed as "two-tier" and politicised. Administrative bloat causes significant delays in civil matters.
The UK has normalized arrests for online speech ("malicious communications"). The definition of "hate speech" is fluid and policed aggressively, creating a high-risk environment for public dissenters.
The UK has arguably the strictest anti-self-defense laws in the West. Pepper spray is classified as a "Section 5 Firearm" (illegal). Carrying any item for the purpose of defense is a criminal offense. You are effectively legally mandated to be a victim.
Taxation: As of April 2025, the classic "Non-Dom" regime is abolished. While a 4-year exemption exists for new arrivals, long-term residents face worldwide taxation at high rates (45% top rate), plus a potential 40% inheritance tax on global assets. It is no longer a viable long-term tax haven.
Very little property sovereignty: The UK planning system is draconian. Conservation areas (common in Greenwich) prevent minor alterations (windows, doors).
Homeschooling is currently legal, but the "Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill" (2025) introduces a mandatory register for home-educated children, signaling a shift from a "notification" system to a "permission" system.
Temperature: Not extremely cold, but "damp chill”. Summers are mostly mild.
Air Quality: While Greenwich is "leafier" than central London and benefits from the park, it is still within the London orbital pollution belt. PM2.5 levels frequently exceed WHO pristine standards, though the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) has mitigated diesel fumes.
London tap water is recycled repeatedly (waste-to-tap loop) and is very "hard." While currently not artificially fluoridated in Greenwich (unlike other UK regions), the high density of population upstream creates risks of trace pharmaceutical contaminants that standard filters miss.
Note: This comment was added at the wrong level in the chain.
At sea level, so fails altitude criterion in #2294.
At sea level, so fails altitude criterion in #2294.
Very little sunlight except for a fairly brief period in summer. About 1,600 hours per year.
Social Trust / Safety: Urban awareness required. While historically very safe, recent trends in property crime and "ram raids" indicate a degrading security environment. It is no longer a "doors unlocked" culture.
Freedom of expression is generally upheld by common law, but recent legislative trends and the Harmful Digital Communications Act introduce mechanisms for state censorship regarding "hate speech."
No right to self-defense: Self-defense laws rely on "reasonable force" proportionality which often favours the aggressor in court. Pepper spray is classified as a restricted weapon and is illegal for civilians to carry for self-defense.
Taxation: No comprehensive capital gains tax and no inheritance tax suggest a favorable environment. However, the Foreign Investment Fund (FIF) rules tax unrealized gains on foreign assets, and trust tax rates are high (39%), creating friction for global capital allocators.
People are not fully free to do what they want with the land. The Resource Management Act (RMA) and local council unitary plans create extreme friction. Modifications to land, heritage overlays, and tree protection laws severely restrict the "Right to Build."
If children are not sent to school, there is a lot of bureaucratic work that the parents need to go through. It requires an exemption application and the Ministry of Education retains the right to review the educational philosophy and curriculum.
Auckland tap water is drinkable, but fluoride is added.
Reduced sun exposure: Auckland experiences a lot of cloud cover and rainfall, particularly during the winter months. Summer months are quite good though. Auckland gets about 2,000 - 2,120 hours of sunshine per year according to Google.
Auckland is at sea level, so the health benefits of being at altitude are not available here.