[marshanite]

Hi, have a job in Manurewa and want to know where would be good to live. I have twin daughters aged 4 years and they will need a good school. I don't mind a commute of 30/40 mins either by public transport or my own car. Any help would be much appreciated. Any teachers out there. Wouldn't mind knowing what you think of the 11-16 year old schools in the area. i.e. behaviour, management structures, teaching methods etc.

Cheers

[jubjub]

Have a search on the forum for posts by marie P and the area of Wattle Cove.

Its a new area, with a very good, brand new primary school, and its right next door to manurewa.

[Marie P]

Hi

I work at Manurewa High School [Teacher Aide] and live in Wattle Cove

http://www.wattlecove.co.nz/

There is a new School [2 years old ] decile 8 I think ,2 of my children go there and love it.

It takes me 10 to 15 minutes to drive to work depending on traffic.

Have to dash now ,ask some questions and I can answer them later.

Marie x

[marshanite]

Thanks jubjub and Marie P.

Wow Wattlecove looks ideal but I don't know if we will be able to afford the house prices. However will look into it in more detail.

I have been nearly offered a job at James Cook High School. Have had a telephone conversation with the HOD and the principle but just want another point of view. Have heard both good stories and bad about the school. My wife doesn't want me to take it due to its bad reputation but I'm quite happy to give it a try. I can handle the behavior side of it but not if it's a constant battle. Also would like to know if Senior Management back up the teachers.

[marshanite]

I just wanted to explain myself MarieP! As far as I can see James Cook school has a good reputation & seems quite a good school. However when I mentioned to my friend (born in NZ, brought up in UK, now last 10 yrs in Byron Bay (OZ)) that hubby had a job offer, she said - not Manurewa! & warned that racial tension is extreme & as a white teacher he would be seen as a target & could get a violent response.

I reminded her that I worked in the south Bronx as an OT in my 20s & felt very welcomed by the community who saw me as a positive influence (I was working with kids with disabilities). My friend felt that he would not be accepted in the same way and would be seen as a threat.

I have to say that all my manhatanite friends in NY told me that I would get shot if I worked in the south Bronx! But since having children I have become more wary. Also not being able to visit before committing to the move doesn't help.

We had intended to relocate from the UK to Christchurch as I was excited by 'Pegasus town' a new town being built around a feature lake & 1 km from the sea. Very similar to Wattle cove (which I LOVE), but a bit bigger & a bit cheaper!

Can you save money by buying a section & building rather than buying already built ($545 k is a little steep for us if we are taking a pay cut.)

Can you swim in the little lake at wattle cove?

How cold is the sea in summer? Do you get sharks close to the beaches? SIL scared me about sharks in NZ!

Contrary to all my apparent anxieties; I am very excited about moving to NZ!

I really appreciate your offer of answering our questions - you are living our dream!

Best Wishes, Fi. (aka mrs Marshanite)

[Marie P]

I just wanted to explain myself MarieP! As far as I can see James Cook school has a good reputation & seems quite a good school. However when I mentioned to my friend (born in NZ, brought up in UK, now last 10 yrs in Byron Bay (OZ)) that hubby had a job offer, she said - not Manurewa! & warned that racial tension is extreme & as a white teacher he would be seen as a target & could get a violent response.

There are lots of white teachers in my School ,in fact every colour and creed is there.

I reminded her that I worked in the south Bronx as an OT in my 20s & felt very welcomed by the community who saw me as a positive influence (I was working with kids with disabilities). My friend felt that he would not be accepted in the same way and would be seen as a threat.



I have to say that all my manhatanite friends in NY told me that I would get shot if I worked in the south Bronx! But since having children I have become more wary. Also not being able to visit before committing to the move doesn't help.

You could take the job ,if you hate it look for another one later in the year.

We had intended to relocate from the UK to Christchurch as I was excited by 'Pegasus town' a new town being built around a feature lake & 1 km from the sea. Very similar to Wattle cove (which I LOVE), but a bit bigger & a bit cheaper!

Can you save money by buying a section & building rather than buying already built ($545 k is a little steep for us if we are taking a pay cut.)

That is what we did , there are cheaper houses in Wattle Downs which is the older area . Lots of houses to rent too ,check out Trade me.
[
Can you swim in the little lake at wattle cove? yes [well my son does

How cold is the sea in summer? Do you get sharks close to the beaches? SIL scared me about sharks in NZ! Lots of people in the sea ,some with wetsuits .Dont know about the sharks .

Contrary to all my apparent anxieties; I am very excited about moving to NZ!

I really appreciate your offer of answering our questions - you are living our dream! Glad to be of help ,sorry I took so long to reply we have visitors from home been showing them the sights.

Best Wishes, Fi. (aka mrs Marshanite)

Good Luck and if you need more help let me know.

Marie x

[marshanite]

Hubby has just accepted the job. We are really excited:clap . They want us in Auckland for end of jan. Hmmm we'll see! Maybe we'll see you in Wattle cove. How old is your son? Our girls are 4.

Thanks again,
Fi.