[3littlepikes]

This is certainly a roller coaster ride ( do not like them at all ) and starting to think about getting off the ride ( uk starting to look more attractive ) .

I have just recieved written offer of a job in NZ as a midwife . very disappointed as the agency I used promised relocation package , including accomodation and travel for me . This has not been included , nor has the annual practicing costs .

Do NZ really want midwives or am I just wasting my time . This whole business is costing loads . I have just recieved my ITA to process ( yet more money ) .

We ( husband 3 kids and a dog ) hoped to move to NZ for a better lifestyle but I do not think we can afford to . the wages are far less ( I would be working full time and earning less than I am now - part time ) I would get less holiday pay , looks like no sick pay , not sure about a pension !

I read loads on the forums about the cost of living , food , petrol and the medical costs .

can anyone give me reasons to come to nz and suggestions about what to expect in a relocation package as I am not going to accept this offer .

[mikewalkerfrom]

I'd go back to the people who made the offer with a list of questions. Get some definate answers (if necessary ask for the answers in writing), sleep on it, then start making decisions (or another list of questions!)

Everything is negotiable, this is a hard enough move without being shafted on a job!

[Alan]

I think as with any job, you have to play the field and not tie yourself to the one employer especially if they are not willing to move to meet your desires. As far as I see it NZ need people full stop, so I wouldn't be put off by one poor experience, as this could easily happen and does happen in the UK as well. Would you pay top dollar as an employer if you didn't have to?

[snailandthewhale]

Don't know about midwives but I know that us nurses generally get airfare and a couple weeks accommodation paid for. I think this is standard across the DHBs and I know of at least one agency that does this.
It may be a separate document from your contract as you usually have to agree to stick the job for a set period or they'll want their cash back.
If you're not 100% happy with the agency, look at some others or apply to the DHBs direct. Your skills are very much in demand and you are in a position to pick and choose the job you want, not just what the agency decides to offer you.
I work for ADHB, the holidays aren't too bad and you do get sick pay, can't remember how many days, they pay for your APC. I've just had a quick look at their website and there's more than a dozen vacancies for midwives.
If I were you, I'd check out the DHBs in the areas you fancy, give them a call & discuss your concerns, I bet they'll be fighting over you.
The wages here aren't great, but there are lots of nurses & midwives in NZ and we're not all starving.....
Good Luck!

K

[JandM]

I have just recieved written offer of a job in NZ as a midwife . very disappointed as the agency I used promised relocation package , including accomodation and travel for me . This has not been included , nor has the annual practicing costs .

Do NZ really want midwives or am I just wasting my time . This whole business is costing loads . I have just recieved my ITA to process ( yet more money ) .

We ( husband 3 kids and a dog ) hoped to move to NZ for a better lifestyle but I do not think we can afford to . the wages are far less ( I would be working full time and earning less than I am now - part time ) I would get less holiday pay , looks like no sick pay , not sure about a pension !

I'd say all that should be the basis of a letter to the agency which promised what you want. Maybe there's room for manoeuvre, and they hadn't spelt out to the employer what they'd told you to expect.

[Jennispink]

I'd apply straight to the DHB and skip out the middle man. I'm going over as an orthoptist, not a very common profession, but they're offering accommodation and flight and a hire car for a while as well. I think it's unrealistic to move for the money, as you say wages are less but for me and mine its lifestyle top to bottom.

Have a good think, only you can decide but clarify everything first so that your decision is based on the facts not a fog:yes

[silvo]

Hi Pikes x3

Came over as a Cardiac Physiologist year and 1/2 ago. I contacted the DHB directly (no agency involved). Was given flight cost for myself plus 1 month in a nice 3 bed motel as we have 3 kids.

The salary here looks unimpressive but if you stay in NZ the dollar tends to go further than you would expect. Hits you hard though when you step out of NZ and pay for flights back to the UK etc !!I did a lot of research vis these type of forums but one big thing I missed was no NHS type pension came with the job. The government here has introduced a 'kiwi-saver' scheme - nowhere as good as a NHS pension more of a small scale savings scheme. Probably the reason I come across so many patients still working at 80!

I came away with 5 weeks annual leave after 25 years in the NHS to 3 weeks here but it has just changed now to 4 weeks - though it kind of balances out as there are more public hols here (10 or 11 I think).

Your job is very much in demand here so you will be able to negotiate. Might be better to negotiate directly with the DHB! - worth a try ! (ask for a hire car for a month too!!

Good luck......... Neil

[3littlepikes]

thanks guys waiting to here back from agency . more optomistic though especially whislt listening to the howling gales around the house last night . I am surprised it did not take off . that would have saved a bob or two if it had landed in new zealand .