By: john lowe

I visit NZ once every 3-4 years to catch up with my friends. I was born in Singapore but because of my Scottish ancestry and private education in England, get discriminated even by customs officials at the airport who ask all sorts of questions about my accent. I get absolutely sick and tired of Kiwis reducing me to their level. To most Kiwis, I smack of being a privileged toff because of my allegedly posh Oxford English. Even as a tourist, I get rude treatment in stores. I was paying for fuel at the Challenge petrol station in Halswell, Christchurch when this rude proprietor gave me dirty looks never said a word and stared at my credit card when I paid as if he had never seen one before.