[Goldmember]

Hello everyone!!

My name is Cindy and we are from Warner Beach in South Africa. Just would like to say that this site has been really informative and has answered many of my questions :nice1

My OH has been in contact with a company in Hastings, Hawkes Bay and they seem very keen on him so we are hoping that we will know more later on this week.

I find the whole process rather daunting but exciting at the same time! But hopefully all will work out in the end as it has been our dream to relocate for some time.

Anyways thanks for a great forum!!:exit

[Steadybears]

Hi Cindy - welcome to the forum - anything you need is found here - we have made it through the whole process with help from this forum. We have been here for a week - having left SA and can honestly say how lucky we are that this country has taken us in - its too beautiful - with alot of positives.

Please PM if there is anything we can help you with - we been there done that.

Jayne

[kzn2nz]

Hi and welcome. We are in the final throes of the process, and hope to be in NZ within a month or so.

Let us know if there is anything specific!
Good luck, and hang in there!!!

[peebles16]

Welcome from us too - enjoy the ride :)

Karenx

[JandM]

Hello.:)

[Janey]

Helllo
and welcome

[Goldmember]

Thanks so much for the warm welcome!! I will appreciate any advice or tips on the whole process - specifically for either a WTR or General work visa.
TX!!

[dusk]

Hello, best of luck with your plans :)

[Kiwi-In-Texas]

Hello and welcome.

[Alan+Mignon]

Hi Cindy and family.
Welcome and good luck. We are in KZN as well- Hillcrest area. We are just waiting for job offer and then it should be all systems go for us. We have used immigration consultant- so all the necessary required paperwork(which has taken about 4 months to collect) is in place. Having said that, we are STILL waiting for my middle daughter's unabridged birth certificate- 5 months and still no joy from Home Affairs!! Talk about African time!!
Hope all goes well for you and your family.

[Goldmember]

Hi Alan+Mignon

Thanks for the welcome - I am very new to this so i hope i am posting this in the right place!?

We have all necessary docs too except for our unabridged marriage cert which we recieved but also "suprise suprise" there was a mistake on it so who knows how long it will take to get it rectified!!

Are u guys going on a work visa or skilled migration? Also I have 2 children aged 5 and 3 - do you (or anyone else??) know if the 3 yr old must go on a student visa as well?

I will also be holding thumbs that your job offer comes through quickly.

[Steadybears]

Hi Goldmember - we have just gone through the whole process of PR and did not know about unabridged marriage certificate - you only have to get the unabridged birth certificates as far as I know - this has both sets of parents names on the birth certificate. No 3 yr olds dont have to have visa - they will just be included on your visa. Our son 18 yrs old was included on our PR.

Good luck witht he process - and please ask if we can help we only to willing.

Jayne

[Goldmember]

Dear Jayne,

Thanks so much for your msg's - i would PM you if i knew exactly how to do this (pls dont laugh :-) I am completely clueless??

We unfortunately will only be going a work visa so i dont know if the same rules apply as for PR - i thought that they each have to have their own visa so that we can qualify for medical and schooling?

Still waiting on company to get back to us but all sounds positive so far.

Another question if u dont mind is how much you generally spend on groceries for the month - i hear food is pretty expensive there?

Thanks a ton for any advice - its appreciated!
Cindy

[JandM]

Goldmember, if you make another post on any thread, so you've done 5, you will then be able to send and receive PMs. When you click on a person's name, a dropdown box appears, and that's one of the possibilities.

[Goldmember]

JandM,
Thanks!! I kept thinking to myself that im only 26 and i should know how to do these things - lol

[JandM]

LOL. You're welcome. And however long in the tooth you get, there's always something.:laugh

[Alan+Mignon]

Hi Goldmember,
We will be going on skilled migrant category- hopefully!Good luck with Home Affairs. I believe they have lost/misplaced birth registers for 1956 and 2000! When you phone them, they don't even answer their phone- so frustrating!
Hope all goes well for you guys!:)

[Goldmember]

That is so laughable - how do you misplace a birth register?? That is so typical. Anyways I hope that all works well with your application, where in NZ would you be relocating to?

[Alan+Mignon]

Hi Goldmember,
We will go wherever my OH can find a job! I would prefer Christchurch tho!! But beggars can't be choosers.
Cheers

[saffer01]

Hi all you fellow KZN and Saffas

My name is Jon and I am from Hilton in the KZN midlands and I am hoping to move to NZ with my wife and 2 boys (10 and 12) by February next year.

There seems to be a huge amount to do before we can go though, but I suppose it is like eating an elephant, one bite at a time.

The big quandry that I am in, is do I sell my properties and then look for work in NZ, or do I first secure a job offer and then start selling the properties? I would hate to sell our beautiful home for maybe less than it is worth, due to current market conditions, then find that I can't get a job in NZ for whatever reason. Similarly, if I look for a job first, a company might make me an offer then expect me to be in NZ in a couple of weeks, which would mean I have to leave my wife to sort everything out from here....not really fair.

Please let me have your thoughts how you are all going about this.

Thanks
Jon

[JandM]

Hello, Jon, and welcome to the forum.:) (BTW, those sound like the same questions people ask themselves wherever they're moving from, with pros and cons to all the choices. Which MAY help, even a little, as every time you're wondering what to do next, you can think, 'I am not alone.':roll )

[Goldmember]

Hi Jon,

The midlands is sooo pretty!! It is such a difficult thing when you are caught in such a catch 22.

We also have 2 boys (5 & 3) and are hoping to be in NZ before the end of the year. My OH has had 2 phone interviews both sounded very positive so at the mo it is just a big waiting game.

We fortunately (or unfortunately - no extra cash from sale!) dont have a place to sell so it would just be our cars that we would have to sell off. I know it is a lot to ask of your wife to handle it all if u had to go over first - it really depends how badly you want to go to NZ and what kind of sacrifices you are all willing to make. For us it is going to be a huge financial knock to go over but at this point in time there is very little that is going to stop us from getting there. This is purely due to the fact that we stress over our family's safety more than anything else. So I feel it really depends on your motivation behind your move. I really hope it works out for you guys.

Most of the ppl from SA that I know who have gone had a job first but some just packed up and went and they are doing fine (a little risky though).

Anyways enough of my ramblings on!!
Cheers
Cindy

[saffer01]

Hey Cindy

Thanks for the encouraging reply and the advice.

I reckon just about everyone who is planning on emmigrating is caught in this catch 22 situation.

Have you guys decided where you want to settle in NZ. For me this is pretty important, coz I really enjoy living here in the midlands, and I would hate to land up in a big city environment.

I reckon we are pretty much limited to living where we can find employment, and I s'pose that's usually in or near a big city. I reckon that I am going to have to go over on a recce visit, although I know this is going to cost me a fortune.

Are you guys going for a look first?

A few friends of mine who have emigrated to NZ have gone without looking first and they say they have not regreted it at all.

Jon

[Goldmember]

Hi Jon,

We have not decided on one specific place as we would basically go wherever my hubby could get a job but this first company he had an interview with is in Hawkes Bay which seems to be quite a farming sort of area. They grow their fruit there and have lots of vinyards (yay!!) and the weather seems pretty good on average. The other company is based in Wellington which also seems lovely but I think is much colder which will take some getting used to (being a durbanite and all).

We are not going over first as it will just cost too much, most of my friends have also moved without visiting first and love it. On the other hand some employers like to see you in person so organising a trip with some interviews lined up is not a bad idea.

Cheerio
Cindy

[saffer01]

Hey Cindy

I also reckon that I would pretty much have to go wherever I could get a decent job. But at the same time, I don't really fancy living close to Auckland, but I know that is where all the money and jobs are.

What line of business are you and hubby in?

From what I have read, Hawkes Bay sounds like a great place to be, so I think you should jump at a job offer there.

I think I will probably end up going over by myself for a look at a few of the cities as well as job opportunities there. I would then definitely have to come back to SA though to sort things out here before finally packing up and going.

When are you guys aiming at leaving?

Jon

I know this is going to be expensive, but maybe worth it in the long run, as I will get a bit of a feel for the places and the prospects.

[Goldmember]

Hey Jon,

My hubby is a Mechanical Draughtsman and I am a lady of leisure:D (not!!) I have stayed at home since becoming a mother so have not been in a work environment for quite some time (was a PA/receptionist) so am not missing much I think.

We are planning to be over there about 3 months after a job offer has come through - but this of course is our ideal, in reality - who knows?

We should hear more this week from the company in Hawke's bay so heres hoping!!

[andrewp]

Hey guys and girls,

Just found this forum. What a wealth of info. Thought I'd also introduce myself. We are hoping to be in NZ for Christmas. Going the Skilled route for now, although my wife has a sister and mom in Auckland, and no family here, so with a job offer she should get us in. However, with 2 small boys (2.5 and 6 months) it's not easy for us to arrange the job while stuck in SA.

We are using an agent for now, but it can get frustrating when it seems they are doing nothing. I get the impression that they are snowed under with the flood of people applying. If I had found this site before handing over R5k to them I think I may just have tried to do it on my own. Holding thumbs they do a decent job.

Anyone that's been successful in finding a job from SA? This is our plan-b, but no idea where to start. I get the impression you need to take a huge leap of faith, pack your bags, get a holiday visa and then hope you find a job. For a 41yo who's been in the same job 9 years that is a scary prospect!

Cheers,

Andrew

[JandM]

Hello, Andrew, and welcome. I'm sure you'll get some experienced people along soon to give you some answers.:)

[Steadybears]

Hi Andrew and Jon - welcome to this forum. We from SA and have been in NZ for about 4 weeks and can honestly say we loving it. This country is so beautiful that wherever you end up you can be pretty close to the coast and if not well the countryside is gorgeous. What line of work are you doing?

We didnt use the agency route - thank goodness - we were quoted $2500 to go through them and OH company suggested we do it ourselves without it being any problem. Better to bring the other money over with you to use here.

Good luck with everything - be warned that it is an expensive process and time consuming but very worth the effort.

Let me know if I can help with anything - if there is one bit of advice if you havent got your anabridged birth certificates - do them asap as the Home Affairs can be unhelpful and pretty useless as you all know!!

Jayne

[Goldmember]

:raebanana :raebanana Hey Andrew,

Welcome!! We have just found out that my OH has been offered the job in Hawkes Bay:raebanana :raebanana

We did it all over phone interview and we went through Rob Law recruitment agency - they have been extremely helpful! So it definately can be done without going first for interviews.

So now the let the stress begin!! And the ton load of paperwork!!

[JandM]

:raebanana :cheers :raebanana

[dusk]

Congrats!

And hello to the other new people too :)

[andrewp]

Hey Goldmember :clap :raebanana :clap

Huge congrats to you and OH. You must be very chuffed. What line of work is you OH in? Must be in big demand.

[Goldmember]

Hey Andrew,

Thanks very much - we are very pleased but are trying not to get ahead of ourselves seeing as we still have to do all the paperwork including medicals - I will only start jumping for joy when we actually have stickers in our passports!!

My OH is a Mechanical Draughtsman - it seems they are in short supply in most places, even here in SA. What line of work are you in?

[andrewp]

Hi Goldmember,

I have also seen there are lots of jobs for Draughtspeople. I an an Electronic Eng (also listed on the long term shortage list) and have been working in Radio and TV broadcasting for the last 10 years. From seek.co.nz it would seem I should be able to find something, but I'm not banking on finding it before we leave here. If we do, then bonus.

[Steadybears]

Hi Andrew and Sue
All the best - hope all goes well with the search - can recommend the move highly. We been here 4 weeks now and find folk so friendly, helpful and its all so laid back.

Good luck and PM if we can offer any assistance.

Jayne

[slider]

Hello and welcome to the forum

[Buksie]

Hi Goldmember
We seem to be in more or less the same scenario currently. We are from Mpumulanga.
I am just one step before you.
My OH received a job offer in March and I have submitted my EOI tonight.
We have also submitted an application for Work to residence visa, but unfortunately due to medicals will have to be forwarded to London.

This process definetly keep you on yout toes.

[Steadybears]

Welcome Buksie - where in Mpumalaga are you from and where will you be heading. We were from Secunda and have now been here 1 month.

Good luck with the process.
Jayne

[stevie]

Hi Goldmember

Welcome, we are leaving from Cape Town and can't wait, I just can't seem to think of something I'll miss

Hope all goes well and the only step back you might have in the begining is financial

:cheers

[Goldmember]

Hi guys,

I agree the only set back initially will be financial - but as I am sure u will agree its the price we are willing to pay to ensure the safety of our family!!

My OH now has two companies that are sort of competing for him so as nice as this is it tends to draw out the whole process. Not that I am complaining too much cause if we can come off with a better deal it will help us in the long run.

[andrewp]

My OH now has two companies that are sort of competing for him so as nice as this is it tends to draw out the whole process. Not that I am complaining too much cause if we can come off with a better deal it will help us in the long run.

That's awesome Cindy. Best of luck.

[saffer01]

Hey Cindy

Great news on your hubby's job offers, you guys must be so chuffed.

Jon

[angelofamily]

Hi , I am also new to this site , and have no idea how to start . We will be relocating from South Africa ASAP , and I need to find out which schoolyear my kids should go into . Their DOB's are :28/07/95 and 01/12/97 and they have been educated in UK untill January 08. If anybody can give advise (also on how to use this site) I would appreciate it .

Regards
Annelize

[JandM]

Hello, and welcome to the forum.:)

If you start from the Forum List http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/index.php you'll see that each forum describes the kind of things that have been discussed in there. If you click on a particular forum - say 'In NZ - how/what/when....?' because you've got a question about life once you arrive in the country - it will open up, and you'll see all the threads. The titles will give you an idea of the subject. Click on any one and you'll see the conversation and can join in.

If you're looking for help with some particular thing, look on the bar up at the top of the screen, and you'll see 'Search'. Click on that, and you can enter key words. The site will come up with a list of threads where those words have cropped up, and you'll probably find some helpful information.

[JandM]

About your children.

Here's a thread where this matter was tackled before. http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=16593&highlight=school+system

If there aren't any factors against it, from ages alone the children would be in Year 8 and Year 6 upon arrival in NZ, but the school will discuss the arrangements with you, and will want to see their previous school records to be sure they'll fit into the particular class. You should probably go to the websites of the schools where you hope to send them, and get in contact as soon as possible (before you leave SA).

[Goldmember]

Hi all,

Thanks we are very excited but still waiting for paperwork from the co that we accepted offer from(hawkes bay).

I have also made a list of things that have to be done now and it just seems never-ending!

Andrew, how are things going with PR ?

Welcome Annelize! Hope all goes well with your plans.

Cheerio
Cindy

[andrewp]

Hi all,

Thanks we are very excited but still waiting for paperwork from the co that we accepted offer from(hawkes bay).

I have also made a list of things that have to be done now and it just seems never-ending!

Andrew, how are things going with PR ?

Welcome Annelize! Hope all goes well with your plans.

Cheerio
Cindy

Hey Cindy. Things are actually fantastic today thanks. We found out our EOI was selected from the pool. We have 130 points without a job offer. We're very chuffed but have no idea how we'll survive the 6-8 week wait for our ITA. All docs are ready. Just medicals and police not done yet since they expire.

Cheers,

Andrew and Sue

[IanW99]

Hi , I am also new to this site , and have no idea how to start . We will be relocating from South Africa ASAP , and I need to find out which schoolyear my kids should go into . Their DOB's are :28/07/95 and 01/12/97 and they have been educated in UK untill January 08. If anybody can give advise (also on how to use this site) I would appreciate it .

Regards
Annelize

I prefer this post on the forum for School Years (http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showpost.php?p=157781&postcount=6), but then I would :)

From this info, officially if you arrive this year then they should go into year 8 and year 6 (assuming I've worked it out correctly?)

But, there does seem some flexibility in school years in NZ, so they may start in the year above or below this.

Ian

[JandM]

I prefer this post on the forum for School Years, but then I would :)

Oh, wow, how did I not see that, Ian?:D

We came to the same conclusion about the children, anyway.:nice1

[Goldmember]

Hey Andrew & Sue,

You deserve a couple of :raebanana :clap :raebanana
Thats fantastic!!

I know the waiting is definately the hardest part. I am sure everything is going to go well with you guys - where in NZ have u decided on living?

[andrewp]

Hey Andrew & Sue,

You deserve a couple of :raebanana :clap :raebanana
Thats fantastic!!

I know the waiting is definately the hardest part. I am sure everything is going to go well with you guys - where in NZ have u decided on living?

Thanks Cindy. We're heading to Auckland as Sue's Mom, Sister and sisters family live there (in Henderson). In fact we'll have more family there than we have hear in SA, so we'll have a pretty strong support system when we land (and a car, house and plenty babysitters!!!)

[Goldmember]

That is so awesome for u guys!! We will not know anyone where we are going and no family whatsoever :-( but hopefully with time we will get more family to follow us over!

[Steadybears]

Dont worry about that Goldmember- we came over a month ago Oh , myself and our son - we didnt know anybody -people so kind and everyone chats away. Where are you going to - people on this forum are all great with advise at anytime.


Jayne

[Goldmember]

Hi Jayne,

If all goes according to plan we should be going to Hastings in Hawkes Bay. Everything is just taking so long but I think I am being too impatient. At least the kids have more time with their grandparents - I am feeling really guilty about taking them away!! But I have heard that ppl are very friendly and my OH and I are quite outgoing so dont think it will take us too long to make friends.

[Steadybears]

Great - and its beautiful in hawkes Bay - we also felt so guilty leaving my Mum alone in Plett - she now has 3 daughters all round the world. Its all very sad - but she knows we doing the right thing. All the very best and if you feeling like meeting up when you get here - PM and I can send through our mobile no and home numbers.

Jayne

[Goldmember]

Thanks Jayne, will definately do that. Dont know how long it is going to take us exactly to get there but I am thinking along the lines of late August - if there are no hiccups but Im sure there will be a few - there alway are. Anyways i will let you u know how things progress here in SA for us.
Cheerio
Cindy

[Asli&Mark]

Hello Cindy.

Welcome to the forum and good luck with the process :)

Asli&Mark