[eve]

Hi,
We live in lovely Birmingham. Planning to go to Christchurch in September with 3 kids, ages 3-6. I am hoping to get Australian citizenship soon so hoping this will make the process a lot easier. I am still a bit confused about what visas ect my kids will need as they only have UK passports?
I'm a social worker and my partner is a secondary school teacher (geography), so any info on working in these areas would be gratefully recieved.
Any views on where to live in Christchurch would also be helpful and what is a realistic budget for a 3 bed house in Christchurch?

Thanks, Eve:)

[SNK05]

Hi Eve

Can't offer any advice I'm afraid but wanted to welcome you to the forum. There are oodles of people on here that will be able to help, I'm sure.

All the best

Sue n Kev

[eve]

Hi, Thanks for the welcome. I'm looking forward to getting more info! Eve:)

[Belmont Babes]

A big welcome from us too. We are planning on NI but sure to be lots of help and advice coming to you soon. Ben and Clare I know are in SI and they are fab, helpful people.

[benandclare]

Hi ya Guys and welcome to the forum :clap

We've been in Chch for 5 months now :raebanana and love it , from just up the road from you guys in Shropshire.

Here's a couple of sites that we drooled over before heading out

http://www.nz.open2view.com/

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Property/RegionListings.aspx?search=1&mcat=0350-5748-&sidebar=1&132=PROPERTY&selected135=&selected136=&134=3&135=&29=&122=0&122=0&49=0&49=0

And of course you can whack "real Estate" in Google nz and get ooddles more sites as well.

We had a few pre-concieved ideas about where to live before we landed but once on the ground we changed our minds as what suits one set of folks may not suit others, so would advise just cruise around when you get here and see what takes your fancy.

Cant give any advice on schools as none with us until Sam turns up in June and he's 16 so will probably go to the Poly.

Have fun with the process :cheers

Ben

P.S. :nice1 Nat

[jubjub]

Alright our kid..

Hello and welcome, not a clue what visas you will need for the kids? You are going to have Ozzie citizenship, so you are OK, what visa has partner got? Does your Ozzie citizenship not transfer to the children, cos that would prob be the easiest thing to sort out. If not then I suppose you have to look into student visas for them to start with....

Not much use am i!

[marshanite]

Hubby has just been offered a job teaching IT in Auckland. He contacted www.oasis-edu.co.nz and 3 or 4 weeks later he was offered a job. That was just before Christmas & we land in NZ early march!:yes

Oasis is is a gov approved agency and there is no charge to the teacher.Your OH will also probably qualify for the $4000 relocation allowance for foreign teachers.

We were looking to move to Christchurch, but have decided to try Auckland then compare the 2 once residents.

Good luck, Fi.

[eve]

Hi, thanks for the welcome and advice. Eve:)

[Asli&Mark]

Hello Eve
welcome to the forum

Asli & Mark

[eve]

Hi,
If you don't mind me being nosy, what areas of Chirstchurch did you like when you got out there? Also what do you think is a realistic budget for a 3 bed family house in Christchurch? thanks Eve

[eve]

Hi,
If you don't mind me being nosy, what areas of Chirstchurch did you like when you got out there? Also what do you think is a realistic budget for a 3 bed family house in Christchurch? thanks Eve

[malcolmtawa]

I'm living in the Wellington area but have spent most my life in Christchurch and get back there 2-3 times a year. I try and keep up with property prices to some degree. These days you might have to pay $300,000 for a reasonable house, or $400-500,000 for something quite nice. You might get something basic for $200-250,000. I guess you'd get a better idea by looking through those property websites though.

Northwestern parts of Christchurch are more expensive. The suburb of Sumner at the other end of town is very pleasant, being by the sea but it's quite a long way to get anywhere from there and not cheap. Some parts of Chch are old (and look it!), others have new housing developments. You really need to check out various suburbs because there's so much variation, as well as different construction types - wood, brick, summerhill stone, but mostly detached single-storey (or bungalow to you) of course. Hope some of that helps.

[eve]

Hi, Thanks for that - good to hear some local knowledge! Eve