I often run into this problem and find myself in person (and in here the forum) that it's not productive to mention how things are done in Canada (or elsewhere) as a comparison. Some question why I bother live in NZ because of how many instances things appear to be better in Canada when there was nothing really too shocking of how things are done in NZ to warrant a complete lifestyle change (pack up and move back). Many kiwis joke about it about the differences when in fact, they really don't know. It's certainly not the same feeling I get back in Canada as my friends there are more curious of how things are done in NZ and welcome any criticisms.When someone comments about how hot it is and asks me why I'm wearing a sweatshirt, I don't feel scared to say, "This weather is cold to me because of where I'm originally from." I'm not complaining about the weather; I'm stating a fact as to why I'm wearing a sweater. I do agree with your point that it doesn't make much sense to try to turn NZ into where you came from but I'm not going to hide that I'm Californian and it informs my world view
I'm a big fan of experiencing better things (tangible or non-tangible) while living in NZ. Building our house was not easy and i'm sure my neighbours know that the things I do and have are rather uncommon for NZ. The other day I was using my self propelled Craftsman lawn mower cutting the grass by the footpath. The one man walking with his wife could not help noticed how the front wheels of my mower would spin. Or how some of my local friends were impressed of the central vacuum where the floor head is electrically powered (brush bar) with a built-in light.
All in all, the neighbours know well that I don't fit the typical asian migrant. One that wears a hat, t-shirt, & shorts all the time while driving old classic cars - this doesn't fit the description of the typical asian that drives a new BMW or Mercedez. Why assimilate? One shouldn't be ashamed of where they came from or how they do things or what cultural aspects they praise on.