Thanks again Huckster.

We are trying to stay in B&Bs while we are over there as we hope it will mean we have closer contact with other people during our stay. We also plan to spend 2 nights in most places so we are not just spending every day driving to another place to sleep. We should have all our accomodation booked before we go.

A.

mooreaz

From what I have heard, NZ employment agencies will not start looking for positions for you, until you have a visa agreed in principle. With the job market in its current state, companies may also not be willing to go look at your application until you have a visa agreed in principle.

You are probably doing the right thing by having a holiday test trip. On a separate matter, I would suggest that you book any accommodation in the main city/tourist areas ahead of your trip. At some times of the year hotel/motel room availability at short notice can be difficult. Some people leave it until the last moment and end up at one of the tourist information centres trying to find a room. This is particulary the case in Christchurch and Wellington, where luckily I had booked ahead, but others were being turned away as they were full up. Would also suggest using some of the motels, as some of the rooms can be better than hotels and better value. Eating out in certainly cheaper as well.

Huckster

Thanks both of you, very much appreciated. The job is the most important thing really. Even if it were possible, I would find it very hard to uproot the family to there without knowing I had a job to go to.

Our trip next year is a holiday/recce. We will then make the decision to either go ahead or abandon it. I don't know if there is anything I can do in the mean time to help for when we do make this decision.

Thanks,

Hi mooreaz,

huckster is, as usual (!), spot on. The official sites and employment agencies are definitely the best way to do this. I spent a year out there about 10 years ago. It was fantastic and I would recommend it to anyone, but then I was single and so without the responsibility of a family etc!

I would definitely take the time to talk to as many people as possible about the best areas for your type of work - and I would definitely try and arrange some interviews while you're over there. Failing that, I think the NZ embassy still do job-fayres where you can talk to prospective employers face-to-face. It's much easier to go with a job offer than not (statement of the bleedin' obvious!)

But the hardest bit of all is the distance and the psychology. The thought of having to fly back to the UK to see friends and family get married, missing nephews' birthdays etc is much harder than you can imagine. It's often the little things you take for granted that you miss the most.

Having said that, I'd still recommend it without hesitation - the people are so friendly, the lifestyle and attitude is spot on and the scenery is simply breathtaking. Like anywhere, it's very much what you make of it and NZ will always have a very special place in my heart, even though I was only there for a year.

HTH.

PS: In terms of pronunciation, 'wh' is a 'f'! I have a maori dictionary somewhere, I'll dig it out if you're interested... ;o)

mooreaz

I think the 'Immigration consultants' are mostly just in it for the commission. I would just use the official NZ government sites and NZ employment agencies. If you get a working visa agreed in principle, subject to finding a job, you could always set up a few interviews via agencies before you visit. Make sure your visit is planned for the best time. If NZ is the same as OZ. In January some businesses almost close down for a few weeks for the summer holidays, so things such as recruitment may be put on hold.

Huckster

Thanks Huckster,

I have spent a fair bit of time going through the immigration details. My main question here would be whether it is worth the money paying one of the many 'Immigration Consultant' companies to aid with the process.

In all likelihood we would be in the North Island as that is where the majority of IT is (which I need for work!) but we are over there for a few weeks early next year to have a good scout about. In reality, we would go whereever I could get a job as without a job, I would find it difficult to get a visa (and vice versa!)

Distance from friends doesn't bother me (I have very few) and from family is a Godsend (I have too many).

mooreaz

Suggest that you read the official NZ site and go through the process. http://www.immigration.govt.nz/

Sending your possessions to NZ will be expensive. Some of my family moved to OZ about 10 years ago and it cost them about £5k to move one container (3 bed house contents). Will be much more expensive now. Delivery takes about 3 months by sea. Sometimes easier to sell all your Contents and start again in NZ. Most people rent a house before they think about buying. Quite alot of people return to the UK, because they realise how remote they are from family and friends at home. Also the NZ jobs market is not very good at the moment and some Brits are been forced to move back to the UK. If you lose your Job and are on a working visa, you only have a short period to find another before you are kicked out.

I have been to NZ and travelled throughout both Islands. It is certainly beautiful and quiet. In some areas you can travel for miles and not see another car. If I was looking to move there, I would look at North Island, Tauranga or Hawkes Bay. The South Island is much more picturesque but many people find it too quiet. I spoke to many Kiwis who moved to the North Island for this reason.

Huckster

The nurse in me suggests you look at health provision.

I am not sure what the set up is in NZ but you may have to look at health insurance etc.

DD

Right, here goes...

I am considering moving to New Zealand. I have a vague idea of how to go about it in terms of immigration, job hunting, letting out my house etc, but as I have never done such a thing before, I am sure that there are a million things that I haven't thought of.

So, over to you guys... What should I add to my list of considerations? How do I get a job on the other side of the world? How much is it gonna cost me to ship my hammock? How do you really pronounce Whakapapa? Or even more importantly, Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu?

No suggestion too small to be added to the list so pile them on....

A.