[aardvark]

Hi folks, a newbie to the forum. Been skirting round the edges of all the threads trying to pick up as much info as i can. I have also looked at a few of the links suggested here to try to gather as much info as possible.

Been thinking about New Zealand for a while now, was hoping someone could help me out with some clarification, apologies in advance for all the questions.

1) I think I am reasonably well qualified, Degree in Psychology, Diploma in Social Work, Masters in Social Work and a Teaching Qualification in Further Education. Currently employed as a Lecturer in Social care with and emphasis on Psychology and Child Protection. The question is given my age (50) would I get work?

2) My partner works within the field of Mental Health, has a Teaching Qualification, slightly younger than I, lets say over 21, is there potential for work in her field?

3) Would I get points for each of the qualifications or is it the highest that they score you on?

4) Medicals, I am a bit on the cuddly side, certainly round the middle otherwise reasonably healthy would this make a difference?

5) As a younger man I obtained a driving disqualification, would this make a difference to acceptance or entrance.

Any thoughts here would be great, informative site with lots of interesting points. Lots more questions but I will save them for later.

Thanks in advance

[dusk]

Hello,

not sure on the answer to all your questions, I'll answer the ones I think I know more about ;)

You should not find too much trouble finding work at 50 in NZ, there's more emphasis on experience being valuable from what others on here have said.

yes you are pretty well qualified, that should help with your points for application, but as far as I know the points are for the highest qualification you hold (a max of 50 points I think for quals, possibly you might get some bonus points too)

You are required to get a police check, I guess it depends on the circumstances of your disqualification really as to whether that will be counted or not

medicals - they are a bit strict on the BMI measurements when doing the medicals I'm afraid. Find out what your current BMI is and if possible try to get it down a bit if you're currently high - medicals are not something you need to worry about immediately though.

[peebles16]

Basically what dusk said :)

Just wanted to say hello and welcome from us too :D

Oh and have a look at www.seek.co.nz for jobs

Karen

[JandM]

Hello.:)

[Susan&Dennis]

Hi, Aardvark--loved your "on the cuddly side" description--your sense of humor will come in handy in this process, I think! My husband and I are even older than you, and we're certainly hoping that experience and wisdom (should I put that in quotation marks?) count for something. Good luck in your venture--S.