[JandM]

Hello, everybody! We've been lurking for a week or so, ever since we realized we've actually decided we definitely want to go and live in NZ. We're oldsters compared with most of you whose posts I've read so far - I'll get my pension in June, and my husband already has his, but is still working, too. Our son is married to a lovely Kiwi lady, so has PR on that account, and is keen to sponsor us on the Family (Parents) basis.

We had a five-week stay over there last August/September - rented a house and vehicle, and got around doing our own thing, not all under the wing of the family, and by no means all tourist stuff - so are comfortable in our own minds that we have the feel of the kind of life we can make. Part of that is, of course, being near enough to share watching our two beautiful NZ-born grandchildren grow up, but there's plenty more we're both interested in.

Is there anybody else out there of our generation, making plans or already done it?

[Belmont Babes]

J & M,

Would like to say welcome to forum and good luck with it all. You sound very mentally prepared for the next chapter of your lives.:raebanana

[JandM]

Thanks.:nice1

If only it was enough to be mentally prepared - if only we didn't have to go through the physical sifting of the contents of this house we've lived in since 1980!;)

[catt]

we are both of the "older" generation........my husband is a kiwi but spent most of his working life in England and now wants to go home. I am waiting to see if my work will allow me to retire early to go with him. We have thought long and hard about this move and although my OH has 3 grown up children here (my step kids) we thought we would see more of them if we moved to the other side of the world. They have all said they will visit us for a month at a time :nice1 I will be sponsored by him and we will hopefully be there by September 2007 if all goes to plan. Where are you up to with your applications? This site provides lots of useful information and there is always help if you need to ask any questions. Welcome to the forum.

[Mickstim]

Hey - some more oldies!! We are going on a parent sponsorship and have all our paperwork ready, PR granted, just the blinkin' house that needs to sell and we are off!

Where are you living J&M and Catt??

Good luck with your applications

Barb xx

[JandM]

Thanks for the replies, Catt and Mickstim.

We aren't anywhere with the formalities as yet. We are each the only child of an elderly mother, and don't feel we can do anything about leaving the country while our old ladies are still around. It sounds awful, but in blunt terms, we have to wait till they've died. I feel an awful two-way stretch about it. My Mum is/has always been a loving, lovely person, and she deserves my support while she needs it, and a lot of the time is a joy to be with. But HOW I'd love to leap into action on the NZ plans.

We live in Dorset.

We are going on a parent sponsorship and have all our paperwork ready, PR granted

We've been reading about the quota scheme for this, and have been wondering how tight the numbers are. Did you have to wait long for your son/daughter's name to come up? (Should I start another thread for this?)

[JandM]

I DID start another thread. http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?p=179596#post179596

[catt]

we are in Bedfordshire but hopefully not for much longer. I am not really a patient person when doing anything like this, probably cos i am not in control of things, and waiting for police checks to come back before i can book medical. Once they are out of the way will submit my application for PR. Estate agents are booked this week to come value the house and then we will be able to see the wood from the trees a little clearer on the finances.

Wish you and JandM luck with wherever you are in the process.:cheers

[JandM]

I am not really a patient person when doing anything like this, probably cos i am not in control of things Yes, that's what makes it tough - quite agree. Hope all goes smoothly for you. Keep us posted.:)