The big OE: why do Kiwis do it?

Last updated 09:00 05/02/2014
BACKPACKING: The big OE is a Kiwi rite of passage.

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Our national bird may be flightless, but it seems to be in the Kiwi DNA to leave the nest and fly across the other side of the world for an 'overseas adventure'.

We're everywhere. Working in London. Contiki-touring around Europe. Teaching English in Asia. Volunteering in South America. But why?

What is it about New Zealanders that we feel compelled to spend sometimes years as far away as possible from our family, friends and country? And what do we get out of it?

We want to hear about your big OE. Why did you do it? What did you achieve? Why did you come back - or not? Did it make you realise we're the best country in the world or leave you cringing at our accent and small cities? 

Or on the flipside - why have you not done an OE?

Share your experiences, photos and memories with us by hitting the big green button.

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- Stuff

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