[cameronandkim]

Hi everyone! My husband and I (and 4 year old daughter) are ready to leave for NZ, too bad none of the paperwork is done. :-(
We are both teachers in the US (California) who are just ready to get outta dodge. How long does the whole paperchase take? Everyday I think of a million things we have to do before making the move. I often ask myself...can we do this???? I know the move will be so worth the effort, but I'd love to hear some encouraging words... or the truth.
Kim

[CjChris]

Hi, Kim. I sent you a PM with a lot of the "truth" in it, but I really think that for all the chasing papers and running in circles you will do, it will be worth it. My OH and my oldest daughter have both been to NZ (he went on vacation in 2000 and she went for 3 mo. volunteer program in 2006) and they both absolutely loved it. I've never been, yet here I am planning to move everything "the heck outta dodge"!!

I have been fed up with things in the US for some time now, and I just don't see how things will turn around anytime soon. I want a different life than what is offered here, and I have faith that there's some community in NZ that is out there just waiting for us.

I'm sure some others will post their encouraging stories from first hand experience. NZ isn't perfect, but I feel it certainly has a lot to offer.

Christine

[UpNorthMum]

More teachers! Yay! We're currently in the paper-chasing, but have given ourselves until next June. We sent off our NZQAs at the end of December and are waiting for those results right now.

My husband made an excellent flow chart about everything that we need to do to, including costs, websites, etc. If you would like a copy, I would be more than happy to share it with you. He did some extensive research in the early fall when we made the decision to go.

It's a lot of work, but you can do it. Like Christine, we are pretty fed up with things around here and want to give our children (currently ages 5 & 2) the experience of living in a country where the ideals better fit our family's ideals.

Welcome aboard!

[UpNorthMum]

I forgot to add that we are also a two teacher family. What do you both teach?

[Ana&Steve]

Hi from SoCal!
Not sure where you are in the paperwork process, but going through this forum (don't forget to use the search up top) and getting used to the NZIS website are two good ways to understand the process. Everyone on here is very helpful and there are lots of teachers on as well:nice1 Good luck with everything!
Ana
PS NZIS website: http://www.immigration.govt.nz

[Cindy]

Not sure where you are in the paperwork as we're in the USA also but one thing that you'll probably want to do ASAP is your FBI check. I assume they're backed up and will probably take 4 months or more. I'm also getting the dodge out of here as soon as our business sells. I have a 2 year old and looking ahead, I'm worried about healthcare, education, no more middle class, social security, medicare, North Korea, Iran, etc... I know I'll miss my family and friends but with enough of us (US citizens) leaving and with the amount of help from the forum members, I thing we can draw strength from those that have gone through it or are managing the move/change better than others. So, good luck and hopefully, we'll see each other on the other side amongst Kiwis.

Warmest:)

[Carey]

I'll second that 'yeh, more teachers'! Welcome to this great forum ! i'm a primary teacher hoping to get a job in early Childhood teaching which is on the SSL but at present there is no Uk quliafication that equals the required NZ one, just a slight stumbling block! Working on it though.
We're off on a reccy next week and plan to visit a few schools.
I love the idea of a flow chart, if you really are happy to share it, I'd be extremely interested.
Good luck and best wishes,
Carey

[cameronandkim]

Wow! You all are so kind and helpful, I should have signed on here weeks ago when I first started stressing over this process. PLEASE send me the flow chart! I would greatly appreciate that kind of organizational thought process. My husband and I currently teach Middle School Reading/Language Arts. I teach 6th grade and he teaches 8th. Those 8th graders are turning him prematurely grey!!! We both have English degrees and Masters degrees in Educational Technology. I hope we have a little bit of what NZ needs. Thanks again for the warm welcome. HOpe to run into all of you on the other side too. K

[Caroline and Dave]

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q109/davros1nz/3_3_1v.gif

Hi,We are not teachers but we would just like to say welcome to the forum and I am sure everyone will do their best to help you

Kindest regards

Dave and Caroline

[UpNorthMum]

Kim (and anyone else)-
If you PM me your email, I'll send it right out! I've already sent it on to one person. It is definitely tailored to teachers, but others can use it and just leave out the teacher steps.

My husband is a middle and high school science teacher (certified 5-12) and I am a 7th grade LD teacher (certified LD K-12). I am really anxious to see my NZQA results. We both have M.Ed. degrees and I'm hoping that might certify me to get my primary teaching license in NZ. I only have LD right now. Of course, from my research about special ed. over there, it's totally different. I may actually get to TEACH more instead of be a paperwork goddess.

I'm glad there are so many teacher on the board! We can all connect during all this fun of emigrating.

[Newbe1]

My husband and I are both teachers with a 4 month old son- sent out our paperwork to NZQA this week. We are worried about finding a job in NZ. I enjoyed reading all the threds from everyone and would love to know how the process is going? Does anyone know the chances of getting a teaching job in NZ?
Would love to hear your feedback!
Emily