[lockstock]

We've had our mid-life crisis (crises?) here in the UK and we're taking the plunge. Filling out the on-line EOI but waiting for NZ verification of my teaching qualifications first. No idea where we're going but we're bringing the dogs (2 Hungarian wire-haired vizslas and a Korthals Griffon) and leaving the horses behind (sniff). We're middle-aged but growing old very disgracefully and hoping neither of us falls off the perch before the big day.
Anyone know anything about showing dogs in NZ? Where's the best place to live? I'll need a teaching job too I suppose. So many things to do. Any advice?

[jess]

Welcome to the forum! :D

For the skilled migrant category, you must be 55 years old or younger to apply. (That's online here (http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/workandlivepermanently/caniworkinnz/whatisrequired/).) Hopefully that's not a problem for you. Other categories - like family sponsorship and investing - have different age requirements I believe.

This thread (http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=6142) has a good overview of the skilled migrant process, although in December there were some additonal requirements added for skilled migrants without a job offer claiming bonus points. See this thread (http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=10514) for some details.

Sorry I don't know about showing dogs here.

As for the best places to live... well that really depends on what you want - some people love big city life in Auckland, some love quirky Wellington or swear by Christchurch, and some love a lifestyle block up in the mountains or down by the sea, far from any big towns...

[zardell]

Hi and WELCOME to the forum.

We used to breed and exhibit boxers in the UK, but I have to say that I have only done research on breeders here in NZ (looks like an Aussie import is on the cards !!)

There is a NZ equivalent of the KC although I must admit to not researching it.

Julie

xx

[jubjub]

http://www.nzkc.org.nz/

This might help with some dog show info, they do do local and national shows from what I have seen on new items etc.

I have not seen a wire haired vizlas, only smooth ones, but they are gorgeous dogs, our old neighbours had one, and she was soo sweet.

As for where to live, that depends what you want out of your life here really. Although with large dogs, a larger out of town property may suit you better... as some councils impose 2 dog per house limits in the city (although you can apply for an exception).

Good luck....

[StevieD]

Welcome to our world! :)

Steve

[thepiesleys]

As a quick run down I would do things in this order:

NZQA
Teacher registration
(apply for jobs now if you like)
EOI
ITA

The NZQA can be a right pain - do a search on this on the forum as there have been countless threads.

But to let you know it will take a while and you need all manner of documentation, not just your certs but transcripts of subjects studied and certified copies of everything.

Good luck

Dan

[lockstock]

Thanks for the info. We're still very much on the right side of 55 and doing research like mad. I've got the NZQA forms and found it remarkably easy to get the Universities to do the Transcripts. I phoned them prepared to go into lengthy explanations about what I needed but they all knew exactly what to do, e-mailed me the forms and job done. It was bizarre phoning all my previous employers but all the letters are on their way. I'm doing the Teaching Council forms at the same time. It will definitely have to be rural with not too big a lifestyle property. My main problem seems to be how to slow down. It's 5 am here and I can't get back to sleep for thinking about it..there's months to go yet and I'll be wreck by the time it all happens! The worst thing is keeping it a big secret until we get the visa decision.

[H & Rick]

Welcome to the forum :nice1

Which part of Wales are you from?

We are in Newport, South Wales and hoping to leave for Christchurch in the next few months.

As for NZ locations it depends if you are looking for - big city life like Auckland or a quieter existence like Christchurch, there are loads of other really nice places to consider. I guess in the end it would be dependant on where the jobs are.

[lockstock]

Mid-Wales - right up in the hills where sheep are sheep etc! Originally from England though if that helps. We'll miss the scenery here but considering what's on offer in NZ, we'll cope I'm sure. We drive past Newport everytime we go back to the West Country to visit rellies. What do you aim to do when you get to NZ H&Rick?

[H & Rick]

Well OH is in Electronics and I am in Social Housing/Finance....or Assisted Housing as Moorf worded it :p

We know we would find it easier getting jobs in Auckland but after our recky trip in September Christchurch really felt like home...there was something about it.:yes

[lockstock]

We're still trawling the web for information. This 'pool' thing - what happens if you aren't fished out even if you've got the points? How often do they go fishing and is there an optimum date to send in your EOI?

[H & Rick]

How many points have you got?

We had 135 and were pulled out 2 weeks after we put it in.

I think the draws are every 2 weeks, if you miss one you could be pulled out of the next one. Think you stay in the pool for 6 months until you get lucky.:yes