[RayBCO]

Hello Everyone...

Just joined the forum and thought we would say 'Hi'.

Based in Portsmouth, we are a family of 4 if you include the 3 month old little dolly we call 'Lana Elise' !

We now have 2 daughters (Carina 3) and would love to offer them something better for their future than what is currently termed 'The UK'.

I am a Building Control Officer and found that NZ has a shortage of qualified BCO's, as we do in the UK. Decided to send off my CV and a cover letter to seven councils across both islands only 2 weeks ago. Had one telephone interview last week, and have another interview in London next week... Amazing!

The first interview ended with them asking if I could meet their HR manager in London in early June...keep you posted.

My wife has two degrees, one in nursing (midwifery) the second in Banking & Finance. But she loves to make home fabrics, something she really wants to do...also considering training to work in beauty/hairdressing later...Here she has many people asking her to make everything from curtains to roman blinds etc...

Anyone know if this could continue in NZ? Just a thought...

The place we feel may come off is in West Auckland..Waitakere! Anyone can give us some info or insight into what it is like there?

Any other BCO or other Local Government people here that can let us know the inside track on working in NZ?

Anyway, I like the way everyone here seems to pull together and support others... In advance I would like to thank those that have provided us with some good reading over the past week or so...

Take care everyone and we hope that you all realise your dreams in the future!

Ray,Anna,Carina & Lana

[lockstock]

Blimey Ray - you've really hit the ground running haven't you? Good luck with the job side of things and welcome to the rollercoaster. Just one thing though, two children, two degrees in totally different fields and a useful hobby? How does Anna find the time for it all? I'm off to find another packet of biscuits and crash out in front of the TV, I'm exhausted just thinking of all she must do!:clap

[speckythecky]

welcome to the forum and the rollercoaster ride of your life. Sounds as if you are in a great position. feel free to ask any questions, some one on here will have been there and done that.

[zardell]

Hi and WELCOME to the forum.

Window dressings are soooooo expensive here in NZ. If that's what she fancies doing, I'm sure your Anna would be kept very busy.

Good luck with all your plans,

Julie

xx

[StevieD]

Welcome to the forum guys - sure you'll find plenty of help here, sure there will even be a few Pompey'ites around. Long time since I used to stagger round the place trying to find my way back to the dockyard! :laugh used to have a great time down there.

[Patricia]

Hi welcome to the forum,
We are moving to West Auckland in the next few weeks to Henderson will let you know what it is like when we get there. No 1 son lives there and loves it so I hope we do to.

Patricia

[Belmont Babes]

Hi Guys
Welcome to the Friendly Bunch of Hopefuls. It does sound as though things are moving fast for you. Do you have a house to sell? Have you done alot of research around Auckland? If so would love a little more info about it. We were basing our plans around Waikato but Hubby has had offer in Auckland

[RayBCO]

Hi Again,

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone...

I have done some research but mainly on the web and via friends that have made the move or been there on their holidays.

I have a telephone call coming up soon from a Building Control Officer based in Wellington. Another place I have applied for a position. He is from Southampton and is actually calling me to tell of the life he has there - warts and all !!! I shall find out as much as I can and keep you posted.

It seems that the Council have asked this guy to call me just to let me know what it is all about - I have not had an interview with them yet??!!

Seems a bit odd. I thought perhaps some people had tried it and maybe returned so the council are 'laying some sand' (as we say in the building industry in reference to good foundations). This may ensure that you have fewer surprises and are in a better position to make a go of it...

Also I understand that many people think Wellington has a higher cost of living than other cities...? Anyone know if this is true?

Thanks again for the welcome,

Ray&Anna

[Belmont Babes]

We have friends in Welly and they love it. They don't feel it is that much more expensive than other places. I think originally Welly wasn't their first choice it was all down to jobs but, they have settled well. The company that have offered Hubby's job also have a place in Wellington. Good Luck. If you find out best areas in Auckland please let me know by PM. thanks

[RayBCO]

Hi welcome to the forum,
We are moving to West Auckland in the next few weeks to Henderson will let you know what it is like when we get there. No 1 son lives there and loves it so I hope we do to.

Patricia

Patricia,

Please would you keep in touch and let me know 'everything'?
The council office I hope to work at is in Henderson. So would love to be able to 'see through your eyes' as it were...
If you want to PM me I can give you my email addess to keep in touch if you wish, you never know we may be neighboors...

Just got the date to meet the HR Manager in London 11th June...Still not sure exactly what its all about, but I feel/hope it is an offer I cannot refuse :)

Can you tell me any more of what your son has said about the place?

Take care, Ray