Name:	Jon and Celeste
	Nationality:	American and Filipino
	Profession:	Jon - Student recruitment Celeste - IT
	Migrated to NZ:	2006

“I love it, I really do.” says New Yorker Jon, who moved to Wellington with his Filipino fiancée Celeste in 2006. “I feel like I belong.”

A big change to New York, Jon says Wellington feels like his hometown of Portland, Oregon particularly in regards to the city’s café culture and laid back atmosphere. “It’s like going home, though there are some cultural differences.”

Wellington Amenities

Jon admires the music, theatre and other cultural opportunities the city provides. He relishes Wellington’s natural environment, particularly Otari-Wilton’s Bush and the Botanic Gardens. “Nature is really close by in the city. On the weekend you can go to the Wairarapa or Marlborough Sounds.”

A particular favourite activity is walking around the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary. “It’s so peaceful and relaxing.”

Jon says Wellington is a convenient, friendly city, with most of the amenities you could ever want. He responded instantly to the Wellington mix: liberal, cosmopolitan and diverse. “Overall, it’s very accepting of other people and other cultures. You constantly meet people from all over the world.”

Employment

Jon works for Massey University and says the university is a welcoming employer. “The university has a family atmosphere, with cool programmes like their design courses. I’m allowed to be independent, creative and to come up with new initiatives.”

Overall, it is the feeling of a common purpose on the Wellington campus that Jon really enjoys. “You feel interest and support from every corner. People know each other here and take a real interest in each other’s lives.”

Related Links

• Discover Marlborough website
• Karori Wildlife Sanctuary website
• Otari-Wilton’s Bush
• Wairarapa Region
• Wellington Botanic Garden