[Evanses]

Hi everyone! As we are new to this forum, thought a good place to start was here. We have been reading all sorts of views and advice from everyone and thought that now we are seriously thinking of getting our application together, it would be good to get some communication going. We (Me, hubby and two kids, six and two) are totally sold on emigrating to New Zealand for a whole host of reasons. For me, the top of the list has to be a better quality of life for our kids - more outdoor time in particular and more quality time as a family. We feel England has precious little to offer us and our children now and in the future and feel the time is right to make this happen. There is a bit we do know, for starters we particularly like the Christchurch area as a place to settle. Steve is just completing a degree in Information Systems so we are reasonably confident that this along with his years of experience in manufacturing management will enable him to find employment - IT being on the skills shortage list. I by the way, have been at home with the kids for nearly six years now and love it but am a little apprehensive about how easy this makes things when settling in a totally alien environment. Of course there is loads we don't yet know too, so we look forward to sharing in everyones own experiences, learning alll we can from them and hopefully in turn we will be able to help others too. Look forward to further communications with you all - any advice at all from those in IT, those with young children in NZ, those in ChC and from any mums at home with the kids in NZ would be really really welcome. Thanks!

[shakyle2906]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

I am sure what ever question you have to ask, someone on here will be able to help you.

We have been here nearly a year. Hubby is a Foreman at a local Joinery company, I am a booking co ordinator at the local Hospital, and we have a son who is 5.5, all living in Hastings, in Hawkes Bay on the North Island.

We absolutely love it here. Kyle, our son has settled so well here, which was my biggest fear. He tells me he never wants to go back to the UK!

Anyway, enough of us. Any questions, dont hesitate to ask!

Good luck with your plans.

Sharon
x

[dilanium]

Hello and welcome!

[JandM]

Hello.:)

[peebles16]

Hello and welcome from us too :D We fairly new arrivals to the South Island just outside of Christchurch and with two young boys similar ages to your own - loving it so far :)

Any questions ask away and enjoy the ride :D
Karenx

[nickydwuk]

Welcome to the forum. We are moving to the Chch area later this year. I will be working and OH will be a 'house husband'. Our boys are teenagers so a lot older than yours. Ask away and I'm sure many will help with advice.

[JayBee]

Hi and welcome. You'll find lots of help and support on here!

[jasonelsa56]

Hello and good luck with everythng

[catt]

welcome to the roller coaster ride.........happy to have you aboard :raebanana

[dusk]

hello :)

[Kiwi-In-Texas]

Hello and welcome

[StevieD]

Welcome guys, good age for the kids, lots of thought and decisions to be made in the future months - try to enjoy the ride, and you will always get advice and info on this forum, good luck.

Our kids are certainly enjoying a more outdoor life, they were always outdoor kids but now even more so.

Steve

[Evanses]

Thanks everyone for the kind messages of support. Nice to know that the feeling is so positive too,when it comes to the benefits of emigrating with young kids.

I am very aware of how important a support network will be when we are out there and thought the North West meet might be a good idea. Thought it may be good to meet with people who can offer support here in England and with whom we will hopefully stay in touch and meet up with when we finally arrive. Have some of you done this who are already in NZ? We live in Billinge near Wigan by the way.

So, thanks again for all your replies and look forward to hearing all your news.

Helen X