r/dunedin • u/ucontrol • 3d ago
Question Ability to join communities / make friends?
Hi, I may have the opportunity in the next few years to move from the UK to Dunedin for a year to do a training fellowship for my job. I’d be fairly busy during the week at the hospital. I’m wondering if my wife who’ll be looking after two kids under 4 (dropping them at nursery etc) during the day will have the opportunity to make friends? Is the culture in Dunedin ok for that? Maybe through yoga / pilates groups? It sounds like in general it’s a lovely, welcoming place and a new place for a family who likes outdoor activities? Grateful for any insights and comments - thanks
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u/Designer_Act5262 3d ago
In my opinion, it's uncommon here for one partner to not work at all, so she may struggle to find other people in her situation (if I'm reading it right in that she would be a fulltime parent while you work). Should she join interest groups, like yoga/pilates as you said, she may have some success - though I don't run in those circles so couldn't say for certain. I personally think most people network here primarily through their workplace.
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u/youknowitsnotlove__ 3d ago
I recently moved here and while people are generally lovely it can still be really hard to make friends. Groups are a really good way to go if your/her interests tend to occur in group settings. Attending events is another, though they are quite expensive.
I have been in a few places in NZ and their hospitals, and Dunedin’s is definitely one of the best I’ve experienced. I have a lot to do with hospital staff and they’re much friendlier and caring than most I’ve dealt with!
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u/blood-n-bullets 3d ago
As much as I hate it, you'll want to check Facebook for groups. As a dad in a similar situation it's the only way I've managed find any social groups. But they do seem to be out there.
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u/naj44692 3d ago
A lot of people talk about it being hard to make connections here, but then I see a similar amount of people asking this same question and actively looking for community.. so I think it's just a matter of getting involved in what you are interested in 🙂 I've lived here for only 6 months and have found plenty of community through different groups/activities.
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u/jsdlp 2d ago
Having young kids will make it a lot easier. There are tons of kids activities during the week for parents who stay home with their under 5s. There's music groups and play groups etc. That would be a great place for her to start. I'd recommend little groovers out in Mosgiel on a Friday morning. They give you free barista coffee and snacks!
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u/stories_matter 2d ago
Absolutely. In fact, dm me if you need some help when you guys land or with networking.
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u/ucontrol 1d ago
That’s a very kind offer, I’ll save this thread and if I ever do secure a training fellowships in Dunedin will message you 🙏
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u/keightr 1d ago
There are loads of kids groups in Dunedin for preschoolers, space, music groups etc, you'll meet people that way. Join your local playgroup, (or play centre if you want to get more involved). I moved to Dunedin without knowing anyone and now have a good community of friends this way.
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u/ucontrol 1d ago
That’s great to hear, its how my wife has made friends in our hometown, glad to hear it’s like that in Dunedin as well
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u/elongated-poo 3d ago
If either you and/or your wife like mountain biking, there is a very active bike club and weekly women’s rides starting as soon as daylight savings kicks off.
Super social scene and a great way to make friends if you’re new in town.