[Alison]

Hi I am wondering I broke my back 13 years ago and went through a very tough time, but although I have a dropped left foot a few muscles that don't work properly I still manage to get around and look after my dogs. My father died and I and my brother and sister inherited 33% of the family business each although I didn't work I did manage it as I lived local to it and was listed as Director and share holder, which is what I would be doing in NZ I don't work and haven't for a while. I have the opportunity to have my own business in NZ thanks to my mother. although it means giving up my DLA as I can't take it with me. I want to be independant but it does worry me that because of not working for awhile immigration will turn me down, saying I am not fit Any ideas or thoughts anyone please. I would be employing New Zealanders to work for me. and I would be living on site, managing the accounts etc. Would I be better having medicals in NZ ?

[johnrt]

Welcome to the forum Alison. I'm no expert so take what I say with a pinch of salt. From what I've read, unless your health condition is going to be a chronic and expensive drain on the New Zealand health system, I don't think there will be a problem.

From reading around the forum, I know veronica started a business in New Zealand and applied to go through the business visa route. If you've run a similar business in the Uk and you'll be employing New Zealanders, it sounds encouraging.

I don't know what a DLA is.

[lockstock]

DLA - Disability Living Allowance.

Keep going Alison. My OH is reg disabled after breaking his leg on several different occasions (don't ask! motorbikes and cliff rescue). His right leg below the knee is well-mangled but he gets around ok. We're applying on my qualifications and points because I'm not sure there's much call for one- legged search and rescue divers in New Zealand:roll
I'm sure you have the credentials to make a success of things in NZ. Best of luck. Will be thinking of you.