Why everyone wants to move to New Zealand (if Trump wins)

11:32, Jul 12 2016
Could New Zealand be the new Promised Land for Trump haters looking to relocate?
Linda and Colin McKie/Getty Images
Could New Zealand be the new Promised Land for Trump haters looking to relocate?

New Zealand should brace itself for a mass arrival of American liberals if Donald Trump becomes president.

US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has become the latest high-profile figure to reveal her escape plan, if the business tycoon is elected in November.

"Now it's time for us to move to New Zealand," Ginsburg told the New York Times.

Waiheke Island is the perfect island "escape".
iStock
Waiheke Island is the perfect island "escape".

The judge would join American comedian Billy Crystal, who in April said he would consider finding a "nice little ranch" in New Zealand if Trump prevails. 

READ MORE:
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* Inside Trump International Hotel & Tower

 
Some Americans are threatening to leave the country if Donald Trump becomes president.
RICK WILKING/REUTERS
Some Americans are threatening to leave the country if Donald Trump becomes president.

Until now, the anti-Trump brigade has largely focused its sights on Canada as the most viable relocation option.

Google reported searches for "How to move to Canada" surged to their highest levels in the search engine's history after Trump's Super Tuesday victories in March.

And the island of Cape Breton in Nova Scotia was even dubbed "the land of the flee", partly as a political campaign, mostly as a tourist promotion.

Hide from Trump in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
SUPPLIED
Hide from Trump in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

But some say New Zealand could be an even better alternative.

The Huffington Post has compiled a list of 15 reasons we should all move to New Zealand if Donald Trump becomes president, recommending a visit "whether you're looking to escape the prospect of a Trump presidency or simply get away from your desk".

It enthuses about New Zealand's beaches, mountains and cost of living, as well as tourist attractions like Hobbiton and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

Even meat pies get a mention: "What may sound like a questionable snack is actually an obscenely delicious dish that's easy to eat on the go."

Or you'll be safe from Trump in The Shire.
Nicola Stewart
Or you'll be safe from Trump in The Shire.

Environmental news website Grist suggested Trump haters would have to either start saving money or "marry a Kiwi" if they wanted to move to New Zealand.

"The easiest way to get residency in New Zealand is to invest. And we aren't talking allowance money either: It takes an investment of 7.2 million U.S. dollars to be considered for permanent residence."

Americans could also try applying for refugee status, but would probably struggle - in 2012, Kiribati climate change refugee Ioane Teitioata applied for asylum in New Zealand and was rejected.

Meat pies, or maple syrup - which do you prefer?
Sarah Tuck
Meat pies, or maple syrup - which do you prefer?

"If losing your home to rising seas won't get you a visa, the presidency of Donald Trump probably won't either," Grist surmised.

But the New Zealand government has an entire webpage, encouraging Americans to move to New Zealand.

"We speak the same language and share a lot culturally, which will help make you feel at home," it reads.

"The pace of life is laid back, and we're fortunate to live in what many people say is the cleanest and most beautiful country in the world."

So Americans, what will it be - pounamu or poutine?