[Grasshopper]

Hi...

Just joined and found this website invaluable, everything from what boxes to use, how to pack a PC, what people miss, "life stories", and how to navigate the red tape mine-fields....WONDERFUL!:D

My (first) question is; Are there any Occupational Therapists (OTs) out there that have made the move to NZ or are in the process of moving??. I have an interview for a Clinical Lead post in New Plymouth and have found it very difficult to get any specifics on the salary structure, incremental points etc.

I'd really appreciate some info so I can benchmark this particular job.

Just going to open a bottle of wine....sit here quietly going through the other forums......and hope for a response.

Many thanks to all on this site....such good info and resource.:cheers

Grasshopper

[able]

Welcome Grasshopper (I can't help feeling like the old master in Kung Fu when I say that.:D )

I don't know specifically about Occupational therapists but I know there are quite a few medical sorts who're members here so I'm sure someone will be able to give you some pointers.

[Grasshopper]

Hi...

Well...not many replies so guess not a lot of OT's out there :confused:

Anyway...I had the interview and only went and got myself the job!!

So.....not sure if OH laughing or crying at the reality check...bless!:D

[jubjub]

Thats great you got the job! Well done. Hope OH gets over the shock soon!

I have a friend thats an OT, she now does ACC assessments part time.

[willsken]

Congratulations on getting the job Grasshopper:clap :clap :clap

[Sam B]

Hi Grasshopper. I'm not an OT but I work with OTs (paediatric OTs) who are employed to work in schools. They are all from overseas, so I could ask them any specific questions you have.

[Grasshopper]

Hi Sam B..

Many thanks for the offer of help...things have started getting a little crazy here:D . Can I come back to you in the (near) future once I've caught my breath?

We have done a lot of the background work, got the EOI in etc and found this forum an amazing resource. OH has been madly printing off the bits here he thinks we'll need and sticking them on the office wall!!

We both have the "stunned kipper" look on our faces at my job offer as the reality that we are putting the jig-saw together for a new life in NZ is finally underway.

many thanks Sam :D

[hilly up here]

Hello, I have been recently joined the forum as we are considering selling up and travelling with the aim of ending up in NZ. Have really enjoyed reading the posts and am hoping to pick up hints & tips regarding where to live... jobs... cheap rental places etc...
Sam B, would love to pick your brains.... I am an OT and have been looking closely at north island so any advice would be appreciated....

[Grasshopper]

Hi "Hilly up here"....

The job I interviewed for and got was a Clinical Lead (Community) at Taranaki Base Hospital in New Plymouth. I managed to source some info on the pay scales for Allied Health Professionals which proved useful in the pay negotiations. If your interested I'll figure how to post them here for you....my brain seems to remember a thread with them in but can't place it!! (hic!)

We looked at South Island initially, but there were no jobs in my field. We didn't want to go to Wellington or Auckland as prefer the quieter life:nice1

One of the first steps...and sorry if you have already done so...is to register with the OT Board of New Zealand...this can be a nightmare as they are so formal and specific on the info they require. It's been a long time since I had to write a formal essay:D

Anyway...before this turns into a right ramble...please ask away, let me know if I can help on the OT front. What stage are you at??

Grasshopper:D

[Sam B]

Hilly up here, the Ministry of Education in NZ has a website where it lists all available jobs, including for paediatric OTs. Go and have a look, I got all my job interviews off there (loads of them) and was interviewed on the phone, and given a good relocation package by the one I chose. Good luck!

[hilly up here]

Hi and thanks Sam B & Grasshopper
We are still just researching at the moment whilst I try and get my head around all the categories.
Ideally we would like to come for an extended holiday and apply for a work permit when there with a view to residency later but not sure if this is allowed or how to go about it.
I have been searching the threads but am struggling to get answers specific to our circumstances (and keep getting distracted with other more interesting debates...) However I am off work next week so intend to phone the NZ immigration dept here in the UK and spend a bit more time trawling t'internet and trying to figure out what we can do to achieve the dream !
So (Sam B) how is life as an OT there? Is it what you expected? I have no paeds experience (mostly elderly rehab & community) but have a niece with special needs so have met a lot of paediatric OTs through her over the last 5 years.
Grasshopper - hope all goes well for you, will be interested to read your posts in the future - we wouldn't want to be anywhere near a city either but I imagine OT jobs are easier to find in urban areas. Good Luck :cheers