[CjChris]

Hello.

We are hoping our ITA will clear on its own merits so we have not tried to get a job offer. We're Ok with it being approved in the coming weeks as we plan to move in September.

I really have not wanted to be tied to a certain area because of a job offer, which is why I haven't aggressively tried to find anything.

However, I saw a couple of posts on various forums (maybe this one) that mention "packages" the NZ employer offers for the person to relocate.

So, I'm wondering if anyone would like to share your information about employment packages (i.e., did you get moving expenses reimbursed, rental house covered, flights paid, etc.).

I'm a teacher, so I don't know if I'd get anything other than the relocation grant of 4000.00, but my OH is a research scientist, so maybe he would come out better with an offer.

In any case, your shared experiences would be appreciated. It might behoove me to line up a job between now and September if that means we'll get substantial help on expenses. :nice1

Thanks,
Christine

[Trigirl]

my job offer included (for both me and OH) visa costs, medicals, flights, shipping and 4 weeks accomodation in a serviced apartment on arrival. also (not in the contract) we were met at the airport and taken to our apartment and given a lovely basket of food to get us started which meant not having to do a jetlagged shopping trip.

[Belmont Babes]

Trigirl that sounds like a dream to me. The cost of this process is huge and all with no guarantees. Still it's only money.

[Sam B]

My job (speech and language therapist with Ministry of Education) paid for all of us (4) to fly over, $3000 expenses and car hire and accommodation for 2 weeks.

[mudlae]

WOW! What great stories! I wish I would find a Job like that!! I would be more than happy if I at least get a Job Offer at ALL!

[Supadolphin]

We were pretty lucky too - OH has flights paid (ours will be reimbursed too when we go over), met at airport, lovely 3 bed house overlooking lake for 4 weeks (which was booked for all of us:wah ), mobile phone, groceries sorted and car hire for 2 weeks and the allowance will also go towards shipping costs but not cover all of it. Like you say, downside is that it means you're tied to that area rather than having the time to look around, but so far so good. Early days yet, but hubby feels we've made the right decision:) Also worth noting though the allowance is repayable if he leaves within 2 years which is fair enough.

Debs

[stu70]

I would say it is always better to have a job before you leave. Some employers will help with the relocation. Mine is offering a $10000 payment that I can use any which way I like with no strings attached. Good luck with job search.

[nickydwuk]

Hello.



I'm a teacher, so I don't know if I'd get anything other than the relocation grant of 4000.00, but my OH is a research scientist, so maybe he would come out better with an offer.



I didn't know there was a relocation grant - who pays it and how do you claim it?

[incredible hulse]

I had a job before coming and tried to negotiate a relocation package. They wouldn't have a bean of it unfortunately. This was in the private sector however. I'm now working for a "Ministry" which seems to have a lot more money to waste (guess they've got to keep the deficit down below 10 bill) and am aware of lots of sweeteners being used to bring in staff

[CjChris]

International Relocation Grant info can be found here:

http://www.teachnz.govt.nz/overseas-trained-teachers/employment/allowances-and-benefits

Here's part of what it says:

International Relocation Grant
If you are an overseas trained teacher* relocating to New Zealand and you have training and qualifications that are recognised by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and the New Zealand Teachers’ Council (NZTC) and a current work permit, you may be eligible for an International Relocation Grant.

The level of grant paid depends on your term of employment:

ECE

$4000 for full-time positions of 20 weeks or more;
$2000 for full-time positions of 6 - 19 weeks
Primary

$4000 for full-time primary positions of 20 weeks or more;
$2000 for full-time primary positions of 6 - 19 weeks
Secondary

$4000 for 0.5 FTTE or more secondary positions of 20 weeks or more
$2000 for 0.5 FTTE or more secondary positions of 6 - 19 weeks.
If you do not complete the minimum period of employment under this scheme you may be required to pay back the grant. To receive the grant, you must be appointed to a position within three months of arriving in New Zealand (you will need to show your passport as evidence of arrival date) and then you must apply through your principal or early childhood licensee within eight weeks of commencing employment.

To see if you meet all of the eligibility requirements, please access the International Relocation Grant application form for schools or International Relocation Grant* for early childhood on the Ministry of Education’s website.

.....So, from what another member told me, you get your NZQA and TC registration, get a job offer, accept it, move to NZ, get a work permit, start work..and once you have completed the expected amount of time, you get the grant. Even the principal of the school gets a grant in return for "finding" you.

Sounds like a pretty good deal :yes

[CjChris]

I would say it is always better to have a job before you leave. Some employers will help with the relocation. Mine is offering a $10000 payment that I can use any which way I like with no strings attached. Good luck with job search.

Sweet deal!! And your job is....what?? :rolleyes:

[jen]

Wow, I'm impressed (and a tad jealous) of you all. OH's job with ministry of justice paid for a month in a furnished apartment, but no help with anything else - we paid our own flights, shipping etc. I think we were both so happy with the job offer that trying to negotiate for more relocation funds seemed like pushing our luck.

Jen

[jubjub]

Crikey, all you folks with your relocation packages, we got nowt.... zilch, nada, nothing, mind you its just as well, as he left quite quickly, and we would have felt pretty bad had they paid for all our stuff.

[barryp]

Relocation packages typically come with strings attached - usually, if you bail before a certain time has elapsed, you have to pay back a percentage of the package based on your tenure.

Stu, well, that's awesome.

[swissmissdesigner]

I would be happy just find a job.
Every company telling me that I have to be in NZ otherwise they can't set up for an interview. Hmmm..

[mudlae]

That's what they tell me, too! I think I have NO chance finding a Job from Aboard!:no

[Trigirl]

mine came with a 3year bond - if i leave in the first three years i have to pay a % back depending on how long i've stayed.

in total it came to about $25k - so i'll make sure i've always got that set aside so if i decide to move i can. i've got no intention of being tied to a job that makes me unhappy just for money. luckily at the moment i'm very happy anyway :)

[CjChris]

mine came with a 3year bond - if i leave in the first three years i have to pay a % back depending on how long i've stayed.

in total it came to about $25k - so i'll make sure i've always got that set aside so if i decide to move i can. i've got no intention of being tied to a job that makes me unhappy just for money. luckily at the moment i'm very happy anyway :)

You are making me want to switch careers! As much as teachers are in high demand, we're never worth THAT much to an employer :(

I'm glad you are happy, Trigirl. :yes

[stu70]

Sweet deal!! And your job is....what?? :rolleyes:

Just an ordinary systems related role. But then given my skills, I would be a good fit only for an ordinary role.