What others see of Aotearoa in New Zealand is lush green bush, wildlife, spectacular mountains and beaches, and relaxed people enjoying endless opportunities for outdoor activities. I can understand why it might be a little confusing. I see the same things, but I also see privatised essential services, the cost of education, and an increasingly harder day to day life for many.
This is what I love about life in Copenhagen:
Transport is quick and accessible: I love that anywhere in the city area can be reached in a half an hour cycle. I have the freedom to leave whenever, stop wherever, and put my bike on the train if I need to. Most outer suburbs are reachable with a half hour train ride and a ten-minute cycle at either end, or with well-networked buses. That is much more than I can say for Auckland. One transport card (now digital) gets you everywhere, even over the bridge to Sweden. Shared cargo bikes and cars are available to transport bigger loads. People value their free time for spending with family and friends, and on sport and hobbies. It’s much too precious to spend in a car.
Paperwork is minimal, trust is everything: This means things just get done. Commercially, politically, and in the community. Decisions are made in a group, through discussion, negotiation and by voting, in formal situations. Anyone can contribute. People look for truth and fact, they fiercely protect their independent media, and they educate themselves. Free education also helps. I love that people debate issues until resolution is reached and typically look for the best solution for everybody.
Good quality, accessible housing: Even in cold winters, apartments and houses are so well-insulated and ventilated that they need little heating or cooling. District heating is being rolled out right to the outer suburbs. District cooling is also underway, circulating seawater to keep offices and servers cool.
Free healthcare: it speaks for itself. All public systems could be improved, but my view is that this generally functions quite well.
Public space is open to all: parks and playgrounds are everywhere, and there are very few fences and curtains – I love that people like to see that they live near others, and space between buildings is often accessible. Waterfronts are always open for all to enjoy, and big housing blocks are never a barrier to pedestrians – there is always a way through without walking the long way around. Harbour baths dot the harbour, and the water quality is so good you can more or less swim anywhere.
Sneakers and jeans at work: no problem. You’re not defined by what you wear. Tidy – yes. Formal – no. No need for a change of clothes for biking to work either, unless you’re on the ‘super cycle highway’!
In addition to my wonderful friends, these are some of the things that keep me here. Denmark might be low in nature, but it sure is high in quality of life.