Think very carefully before a big move

Letter: I suggest that those people who have written in recent weeks extolling the benefits of moving to live in another country should do their research very carefully before making any irrevocable commitments.

The costs of essentials such as food and fuel are rising throughout the world, as the demonstrations in countries as far apart as Spain, Thailand and Mexico show.

If you are past retirement age you need to be aware that there is little social support provision in many other countries for the elderly and infirm, it being assumed in most societies that this will be taken care of by extended families.

If you are younger, then moving to a country with a warmer climate might not be the best of plans if global warming really is taking place, especially, given the warnings about rising sea levels, if you settle by the coast.

Property values in places such as Spain and Ireland are plummeting as fast as they are in this country. Crime can be a real problem, especially in third-world countries such as South Africa, where having your property protected by an electrified barbed-wire fence is often the norm.

There has been a serious water shortage in many parts of Australia for over a year.

I have lived in other countries in various parts of the world, and my experience suggests that most of the people planning to emigrate would do better to stay and try to improve this country.

At present, at least, you can voice your criticisms openly without the secret police knocking on your door in the small hours.

David Burton, Wellington