New Zealanders like to think of ourselves as easy-going, laid-back, friendly and accepting. We are a nation of great travellers.
Those traits mean we interact positively with many foreigners and are great ambassadors for our beautiful country.
Overseas, we also have a reputation for being hard-working, flexible and reliable. It is therefore not surprising our apparent new Australian label, ''carping Kiwis'', has hit a sore spot.
The term was used last week by Queensland's Sunday Mail newspaper in reaction to the findings of a survey which found New Zealanders are Australia's unhappiest migrants, dissatisfied with their financial situation and alleging discrimination.
The newspaper wrote ''carping Kiwis'' had overtaken ''whingeing Poms'' as Australia's hardest-to-please people and told Kiwis plainly: ''If you don't like it, leave''.
The label is certainly not one of which to be proud, but is it fair?
New Zealanders, like many other migrants, move to Australia for the lifestyle, the weather, and the standard of living.
We appreciate the similar values, such as human rights, freedom and peace, as we enjoy, and those are also sought after by many other migrants who may not enjoy those basic freedoms in their home countries.
We have moved across the Ditch in droves (about 25,000 a year, although that number is now dropping) predominantly for better economic opportunities.
The mining boom and its flow-on effects to other businesses has helped line the pockets of many Australians and New Zealanders alike. But it seems if we don't ''get rich quick'' we are disappointed.
In comparison, the survey found the vast majority of migrants deemed Australia the ''lucky country'', with 8 out of 10 newcomers satisfied with life there, and more than half happy with their financial situation and government assistance.
For those escaping genuine hardship in the world's hotspots, or those frustrated with the rat race in other developed countries, Australia clearly is ''the lucky country'', and 7 out of 10 migrants say hard work brings a better life in Australia.
We clearly have high expectations largely because, in global terms, we are already well off and used to good treatment from our governments and equal opportunity for all.
Because of that, it rankles that New Zealanders in Australia do not share the same access to welfare entitlements enjoyed by Australians living here.
The Special Category Visa allows New Zealand citizens to live and work in Australia indefinitely. Under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, Australians can do the same here.
But the 2001 revised social security arrangement between the two countries means New Zealand citizens arriving in Australia after that year must apply for and be granted a permanent visa for Australia in order to access certain social security payments, and must become permanent residents to obtain Australian citizenship.
The survey found New Zealanders were the group least likely to take up citizenship. Some of the reason is the cost, but there is also possibly an element of national pride and security - we like to have a foot in both camps. But we can't have it both ways.
The requirements have been clear for more than a decade. New Zealanders have still chosen to move to and stay living in Australia.
Many of the criticisms are that the rules and costs for New Zealanders are harsher than for other migrant groups.
That certainly seems unfair, and unclear, but does not appear likely to change. Conditions are certainly not ''fair'' in many countries by our standards, and most decisions around work, travel, family and lifestyle involve compromise on some level. Living the ''Australian dream'' is no exception.
New Zealanders have enjoyed a lucky ride, and the many benefits of the strong relationship with Australia and, unlike many migrants, can return home to the country which housed them, nurtured them, and educated them, one which is free, beautiful, safe and friendly when compared with many others.
The privileges we have been born with should be remembered as such.
They do not mean we should be treated as privileged elsewhere. New Zealanders must do their homework before moving to Australia and basing their dreams on assumptions and self-entitlement.
Maybe it is time to remind ourselves that, truly, we don't know how lucky we are.
