Working holiday in New Zealand

Time has passed so quickly. Today is the last day of the 2024 fiscal year. I feel a bit strange, as I’ve usually seen cherry blossoms blooming during this season. I honestly couldn’t have imagined my current situation before coming to New Zealand. Spending this seasonal turning point overseas feels special. Although I’ve faced new challenges each week, it’s a sign that I’m continuing to step into something new. I will overcome them one by one.

I participated in a walking event in Henderson and was able to meet people from various nationalities, just like I did last week. I talked with people from Zimbabwe and India about our countries' cultures and environments. I gained new perspectives through these conversations and realized how crucial it is to talk with people in person. The more I step into new environments, the more insight I gain. Therefore, I will keep joining various events here in New Zealand.

As mentioned in the title, I’ve started learning Spanish as my third language. Although I acknowledge that I haven’t yet reached the level of English I’m aiming for, I believe learning another language at the same time could actually accelerate my English improvement. This is because both languages share a wide range of vocabulary and sounds. Therefore, I might be able to overcome some of my current challenges more smoothly. It’s true that I don’t know any Spanish at all. However, I’ll give it a try anyway.

I am sometimes bothered by situations where three or more customers approach me at the same time. For example, one customer might visit the shop earlier than expected, another might call me, and a third might drop by unexpectedly. These situations are obviously difficult to handle. When I faced such a situation this week, I asked the owner for help. However, I ended up miscommunicating with him due to the complexity of the situation. This kind of mistake might be inevitable for anyone, but I will think about how I can reduce the risk of miscommunication as much as possible.

I’ve definitely made progress in my role. However, I’ve been feeling tired lately because I couldn’t fully understand one customer. I realized that one reason was my limited knowledge of car-related vocabulary, and another was that I wasn’t familiar with his accent and intonation. I don’t mean to say his explanation was bad—it just made me realize again how important it is to get used to various English sounds. In any case, I have no choice but to keep practicing through YouTube and podcasts.

As is known around the world, rugby is the national sport of New Zealand. However, I heard from my colleague that most parents do not want their children to play rugby until they reach high school. This is because rugby carries a high risk of serious injury. As a result, parents sometimes recommend that their children play football instead. I’ve certainly seen as many football fields as rugby ones, and local news often covers football-related stories. I had imagined that rugby was the most popular sport here, but the actual situation seems a bit different. This was an intriguing discovery.

As mentioned in the title, I will have to decide when to return to Japan within the next couple of months. There are still some places I want to visit, and my English skills are not yet at the level I hope for. However, I have been able to achieve my goals step by step. One option is to return to Japan earlier, even though my working holiday visa is still valid, because staying longer is not always the best choice. In any case, I will rethink my situation and consider my next step carefully.

I had recently been bothered by the fact that customers sometimes couldn't understand my explanations. I thought the main cause was my lack of fluency and speed in speaking. However, my wife pointed out that the real issue was my inability to form proper chunks, not fluency or speed. Thanks to her advice, I was able to clarify what I need to work on. I believe I’m on the right track now, but I’ll need to continue reflecting on my weak points and make adjustments as I go.

I visited the Takapuna Sunday Market today. It was lively, thanks to the variety of shops, and the atmosphere gave me the energy to get through the day. The arts and souvenir shops attracted me, as original New Zealand merchandise was displayed there. Although I didn’t talk with many locals today, walking around peaceful places helped me relax.

Today, I participated in a walking event held by Hiking Aotearoa. I had an amazing time with people from various nationalities. It was great to immerse myself in different English intonations and accents. I also reflected on my current English level through communication with others. Overall, I had an enjoyable time, and being in nature helped me relax. An Intriguing Art Near Sulphur Beach Boat Ramp Little Shoal Bay Reserve Kauri Glen Reserve

I prioritized taking a rest this week, especially because I’ve been extremely tired. The fluctuating temperatures might have affected my physical condition, but that’s not the only cause of my fatigue. I’ve been feeling frustrated with my struggle to improve my English skills. I feel like I was better at talking with locals before than I am now. I needed to take a break anyway. For these reasons, I went up to the top of Mount Eden after work today. The sunset has been getting earlier day by day due to the seasonal transition from summer into autumn. However, the breathtaking scenery remains unchanged.

As I mentioned in my previous article, I can broaden my perspective and knowledge even through simple tasks like polishing wheels. Day 217 How Simple Tasks Shape My Skills I recently realized that the cleaning techniques I use for car parts can also be useful in my daily life. For example, there are some black rust spots on the inner surface of the bathtub in my home in Japan. I struggled to remove them before, but after learning how to remove rust from wheels using different chemicals and tools, I might be able to solve this issue when I return to Japan. This discovery makes me a bit happy.

Last night, I could not do anything after work because I felt extremely tired. Although talking with my flatmate helped me relax a little bit, I needed time to recover from fatigue. I will take a rest on this weekends.

Digital media has gradually replaced traditional journalism, such as newspapers and printed articles. However, it is unlikely that all printed materials will be entirely replaced by digital content, as certain demands will remain even with advancements in information technology. For example, individuals who are not familiar with digital devices continue to rely on newspapers for gathering information. Additionally, schools should continue incorporating printed materials into their classes, as research has shown that handwriting enhances memory retention more effectively than typing or consuming content through digital devices. For these reasons, although digital tools will continue to expand their influence in the near future, it does not mean they will completely replace traditional media.

A shorter workweek could actually deteriorate work quality in the pharmaceutical industry, even if it helps maintain work-life balance. When I was working as a Clinical Research Associate, I had to schedule appointments with doctors, pharmacists, and other medical professionals. Additionally, I was responsible for preparing documents for contracts with medical institutions and creating instructional materials on the proper use of medical kits. This workload was particularly demanding when I was involved in large-scale clinical trials, as the number of contacts I had to negotiate with and coordinate schedules for increased significantly. Furthermore, the larger the hospital I worked with, the more difficult it was to secure appointments, as many pharmaceutical companies were competing to do the same. For these reasons, reducing working hours could lead to employees working on their days off rather than improving productivity.

Yesterday, I visited Mount Victoria to take a break. It had been nearly half a year since I last went there. Day 62 Devonport and Mount Victoria Autumn had already begun, but it was still hot because of the strong sunlight. I lay down on the grass and unintentionally fell asleep, thanks to the good weather. That kind of time was necessary for me because I have hardly had the chance to do nothing recently. I always appreciate the nature in New Zealand.

I like listening to Ghibli music because its melodies help me relax easily. Also, the soundscapes immerse me in a fictional atmosphere, even when I’m at home. Thanks to advancements in information technology, I can listen to it anytime and anywhere I want. Last night, I fell asleep at 9:00 p.m., earlier than usual. Today, I plan to take a walk near my home, but not too far.

I am unwilling to do anything right now, but I promised myself that I would keep updating my blog even when I am extremely tired. Getting through a tight schedule until last week is one of the reasons I ended up feeling this way. As soon as I get home, I just want to dive into bed. Fortunately, I have experienced this kind of exhaustion before and know that it will get better with time. I will focus on calming myself down and go somewhere relaxing tomorrow.

What do you usually do to maintain the quality of your sleep? There are three key points for me. The first is stretching because it helps relieve muscle tension and improves blood circulation. The second is wearing an eye mask. I always turn off the lights in my room, but it's still bright due to some outside lights. For this reason, I make sure to block out any remaining light with an eye mask, which helps me sleep deeply. The last one is using nasal strips or other items that improve airflow in my nose. I had surgery before to fix my nasal congestion, but I still feel uncomfortable when exposed to dry air. I manage to maintain my body condition even though I hardly ever take a bath.

I sometimes realize how important it is to secure time for doing nothing. When I was younger, my teachers taught me that good results come from a large amount of practice and training. There was a time when I believed that, but now I think that deliberately doing nothing is also crucial. This is because I am constantly exposed to loads of information through my smartphone and TV, even when I am just staying at home. If I don’t allow my brain to rest, I will definitely burn out someday. Therefore, I occasionally keep my workload to a minimum.

Human emotions are like waves, constantly fluctuating each day. Although this is inevitable, it is crucial to establish daily routines. For example, when it comes to learning English, I make a commitment to listening to podcasts and mimicking the sounds using my smartphone on my way to and from work. Building a strong relationship with myself is the first step. I understand that even the accumulation of small tasks contributes to solid confidence. Therefore, I will keep going.

I found an intriguing article while searching for psychology research papers. According to this article, brain connectivity patterns are significantly more elaborate when handwriting rather than typing on a keyboard. I refrain from commenting in detail since my major is not psychology. Nowadays, digital devices have been replacing traditional handwriting. Additionally, using a keyboard is now recommended due to the fast-paced transition in the current environment. Be that as it may, handwriting remains a useful method for improving spelling accuracy and recalling information more easily. It has been a long time since I last read content like this. However, learning through research papers helps me absorb new knowledge and expand my vocabulary. Reference: Handwriting but not typewriting leads to widespread brain connectivity: a high-density EEG study with implications for the classroom

Yesterday, I bought a new pair of trainers at Kmart in Hamilton because the back of my previous shoes was completely worn out. I sometimes nearly slipped while carrying items and washing wheels at work. The reasonable price helped my financial situation temporarily, but I was reminded once again that quality depends on price. For that reason, I decided to get a new pair for my safety. The soles of the new ones are better than before, allowing me to focus on my tasks without pressure or worry. Left: Old, Right: New

I finally visited Hamilton, a city I have been interested in for a while. This was my first time sightseeing in a different city. Although Hamilton is the fourth-largest city in New Zealand by population, most areas were calmer and quieter than I had expected. Such an atmosphere helped me relax and forget my worries. The highlight of my visit was Hamilton Gardens, where I saw a variety of gardens. The Japanese garden was especially amazing, and it reminded me of how beautiful Japanese culture is. Course Auckland Central to Hamilton Central: 7:15 am to 9:05 am Hamilton Garden: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Lunch: 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery: 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm Walking Along Waikato River: 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm Shopping Mall (Centerplace Mall): 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm Walking Around Hamilton Central: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Hamilton Central to Auckland Central: 7:25 pm to 9:15 pm Cost Bus (Auckland Central to Hamilton Central): 36 NZD Bus (Hamilton Central to Auckland Cen...

As I mentioned in the previous article below, I have shortened the time I spend checking social media more than ever before. Day 206 Reflecting on My Daily Routine I still use YouTube to listen to podcasts, but I have significantly reduced the time I spend casually browsing. Staying in New Zealand has given me the opportunity to reflect on my daily routine, especially on habits like checking social media posts without any real purpose. This change has actually helped me stay calmer, even when I feel a bit frustrated. Additionally, studying with a pen and paper has been a good way to distance myself from social media. Anyway, I will continue adjusting my daily routine step by step.

I have been reviewing my tasks and the challenges I couldn't handle every day. Although I have expanded my vocabulary related to car parts, there are still difficult inquiries that I struggle to answer. I can't help but rely on the owner's help to resolve them. I want to continue improving my knowledge and skills, even if it's just one step at a time.

I visited Newmarket Park after work because my friend invited me, just like we did before. I have met many calm and kind people at language school and various events, but there are only a few reliable friends with whom I can share my honest thoughts without feeling pressured. It’s easy to see that she gets along well with her coworkers at her workplace. I always learn something new from her personality and attitude. Of course, English as well. I must not forget my wife’s understanding. She once told me, "It is precious to stay abroad for a long time. Also, please absorb different perspectives and ideas during your working holiday. You don’t have to worry about spending time with women because I also have reliable male friends. Don’t let that bother you."

Recently, I have been trying various ways to enhance my English skills in all four areas: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. I will attempt the following methods for a while. Listening I will practice shadowing and mimicking some free content uploaded on YouTube while commuting to work. The goal is to expand the vocabulary I can recognize in conversations, especially key phrases such as What if , I cannot help but , and so on. Reading I will read research papers in fields I am interested in. Academic journals expose me to complex sentence structures, which will definitely improve my reading skills. In fact, I was able to do this when I was a university student. Speaking I will keep in touch with my friends and try to participate in local events, such as running activities and volunteer work. Writing I will continue updating my blog every day because I have noticed that my sentences have gradually improved since I started this practice.

I wrote down two car parts for review. A wheel spacer is placed between the inner surface of a wheel and the hub attached to the car body to decrease the offset, which moves the tire outward. A wheel adapter is used to change the bolt pattern of a wheel, allowing different types of wheels to be installed on a vehicle. <My Past Articles Related to Customer Service> I will review my past articles and keep practicing every day. Day 166 Phrases in Customer Service (1) Day 168 Phrases in Customer Service (2) Day 169 Phrases in Customer Service (3) Day 175 Phrases in Customer Service (4) Day 174 Inquiries from Customers Day 178 Phrases in Customer Service (5) Day 199 Phrases in Customer Service (6) Day 203 Phrases in Customer Service (7) Day 204 Phrases in Customer Service (8)

I participated in Round the Bays Auckland 2025 , an event where participants complete a total of 8.4 km by either running, jogging, or walking. I had expected it to be easier than the Auckland Marathon , which was held in November 2024 , as that course was much longer. However, I was actually exhausted because the sunlight was so strong today, and the temperature kept rising. I hadn’t anticipated such tough conditions. I managed to reach the finish line thanks to the fantastic music and the cheering voices of the spectators along the course. Upon finishing, I was filled with satisfaction. I will make sure to stretch my feet and legs carefully to prepare for work tomorrow.

I visited the French Market held at Highwic - Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga with my Japanese friend. It had been a long time since I had enough time to talk with a Japanese person outside of my coworkers here. We shared our current situations and the things we have been trying individually. Through our conversation, I was reminded of the importance of continuing to challenge myself during my stay in New Zealand. We can refine our English skills by correcting our pronunciation, accent, and intonation without being afraid of making mistakes. Also, we should always keep in mind that using English is just a tool, not the ultimate goal.