[Going2NZ]

New to the forum and I just wanted to say "hello" to everyone and introduce myself. We (me, husband, mother-in-law, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 0 kids) live in Austin, Texas, US and are planning to emigrate to NZ as soon as we can. We've discussed moving to another country for many years - husband spent years in Germany, I spent years in Thailand - because we've never felt at home in our native country.

Lo and behold, we "discovered" NZ purely by accident and the more we find out about it, the people and the culture, the more it sound like a perfect fit. Imagine a country that takes such a strong stand against nuclear power and for the environment! Our EOI was selected on 2 Feb ( :P ) and we have so many questions!

Has anyone made the trip from the US with pets? Any airline recommendations?

We're both in the computer industry (graphics and GIS) and are leaning towards either Wellington or Christchurch - any thoughts on which has more opportunites? I simply can't tell from what I've read online.

OK, the obvious question <big sigh> since we are Americans, are we likely to hit any predjudice because of this? I sure don't mind conversation, questions or discussions about US policies or choices but I would hate to get over there and discover that we aren't wanted because of our original country.

And, one last item, I have been reading posts on this forum for the last 4-6 weeks and I must say that you are all part of an amazing, supportive, thoughtful group. I am really looking forward to being a part of it all.

Thanks!

Susan

[Moorf]

Welcome Susan :P

You will find many from the USA here on the forum.. may I suggest you take at look at the following thread, some good info posted by many other Americans on the forum :nice1

http://www.emigratenz.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15&highlight=usa

Regards
Moorf

[Diny]

Welcome Susan & family.

Congratulations on getting your EOI selected.

Sorry I can't help you with any advice regarding the best places to live for your work. There's heaps of 'computer folks' on this forum so I would imagine you'll get plenty of info to help you out.

As for your worries about predjudice towards your country of origin. I wouldn't worry yourself too much. You're going to bump into ignorant idiots wherever you are in the world, treat those few people with the indifference they deserve and enjoy your time with the others.

I had to smile at your comment ..."Lo and behold, we "discovered" NZ purely by accident " .......... I like that one :nice1

Good luck with the roller coaster ride that lies ahead.

Diny
http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/linie/smiley-linie-001.gif

[jan]

:raebanana :raebanana :raebanana :raebanana :raebanana :raebanana :raebanana

WELCOME SUSAN & FAMILY

:nice1

Jan xx

[DrPhred]

Welcome Susan and Co!

Another USA to NZ Family here. How'd you talk the mother-in-law to go? We tried that one (to overcome the objections to missing the Grandkids), but no luck so far.

We too are concerned about any anti-USA feelings. Many of our friends have reported to chilly receptions in Europe and OZ after the whole war fiasco.

[jesselyn]

http://www.addis-welt.de/smilie/smilie/mix/hallo.gif

[Moorf]

Yes, it's a shame that all Brits/Americans appear to be tarred with the same brush - i.e we agree with what our "leaders" did... I have seen some evidence of it here but nothing drastic - just the old slogan around town after the elections but that lasted a day or two - I am sure each country voiced their opinion in one way or another.

I do think that NZ'ers judge you on YOU and not necessarily the country you originated from.. attitude perhaps? Plus, the Kiwi's sense of humour is pretty straightforward in in your face and can sometimes be taken the wrong way.. I think you have to be happy in yourself and with your choices and that will help overcome any perceptions of what others have about you... damn, I've seen too many shrinks...

[Tate6]

Welcome Susan! http://tcwozere.co.uk/smileys/tcwozereus.gif

My family is from Wisconsin. We are in the process of securing employment before heading over and seeing how we like it. We have 4 kids, and too many animals to mention! :laugh

Best of luck in your journey and look forward to getting to know you!

Terry

[JohnM]

Hi Susan,
I just joined this site too and I'm from Michigan. There are great people on here. I visited NZ for the first time in Jan and fell in love with it, and I am considering moving as well. I found the Kiwis very friendly and more than willing to talk to Americans as peers, not judgemental at all about our politics. The only comment I got was "When are you guys going to leave Iraq" but it was still friendly chat over (awsome) NZ beers.

:cheers John

[Going2NZ]

Thanks for the lovely welcome and the assurances.

I appreciate all the feedback on the anti-American attitudes. I'm not too worried about getting my feelings hurt but rather any impact on our chances for finding jobs and housing. As with most of the people on this forum, this is a huge leap for us so better to know up front.

From the big picture view, it is so encouraging to hear that Kiwis make up their own minds about what they think instead of letting someone else decide for them.

DrPhred - talking my mother-in-law into it was easy. She lives with us and, for all practical purposes has no other relatives, so if we go, she goes. To be honest, I don't think she believes we are serious. I suspect once we sell the house and start packing, the fireworks will start. My husband and I honestly believe that she will be happier and healthier in NZ but she doesn't have an adventurous bone in her body!

[RoadRunner]

Welcome! Congrats on being selected!

The NZ Marketing Director in LA told me that the number of Americans interested in NZ more than tripled after 2 November! You're not alone!

I think Air New Zealand has some great specials for travel from March through May (leaving LAX). Also, United is a "partner" of Air New Zealand so you can use frequent flyer miles with United to fly on ANZ to New Zealand...

Best of luck.
RoadRunner

[mechidna]

Hello and welcome to the board. I'm from Nebraska and hope to move myself, daughter and dog over sometime this year. North Island for me! Somewhere along the lines of Napier, Hamilton or New Plymouth. Guess it all depends on who hires me.

I've been mulling over this for almost two years now, but made a final decision last November (a lot of people did).

Now if I can get my daughter to go willingly....

mechidna

[Going2NZ]

I heard the same thing from the Portland-based marketing director. While November was certainly a wake-up call for my husband and me, it isn't the main reason we want to make this move. For us its more of a quality of life issue - I imagine most people are similar.

Thanks for the tip about Air New Zealand. I will check it out. Our plan is to go over in September on a scouting trip but maybe we can swing it earlier and catch a better price. Are either of you planning the same or are you making the plunge sight unseen?

mechidna, I'm with you on the "who hires me"! We're thinking Wellington but are staying open to the possibilities depending on the jobs available.

[Timbo]

Hi Going2NZ. In case you havent seen it yet, here is a link for air NZ at your end..

http://www.airnewzealand.com/default.htm

[mechidna]

Going2NZ...

As much as I would love an exploratory trip to NZ (more for my daughter's sake), I think I would rather just make the plunge. I've got friends in Napier that offered to put us up, so that's no problem. Finding a rental house that will accept a dog is a BIG problem. Hopefully I can find one after they meet the pooch and find out she's not a house killer.

And don't get me wrong, it's not all because of the elections. It's more because it's safter to raise children and, from what I can tell, everyone is not so money-driven. I do well enough here, but I think I am far too laid back for the states. Everyone is so uptight and I could usually give a fig.

Guess we'll have to wait and see.

Air New Zealand has some really good sales every now and then. Might be a good idea to sign up for their newsletter.

michele

[JohnM]

I plan on going back to NZ in July to check out some cities and job prospects before I make the huge decision to try and immigrate. And I don't want to be in tourist mode like I was in Jan. Plus I want to see what the winter is really like. I know for a fact I am done with snow and freezing cold temperatures. Would prefer more than two months of sunshine as well!

And I agree with mechidna, it's about lifestyle for me too, I don't care about getting rich in NZ, just want a nice comfortable life in a temperate climate!

John

[mechidna]

hey JohnM,

When about in July are you going? That's my target, I just don't have a definate date yet. Maybe we'll meet up and grab some coffee before the grueling flight. I don't suppose you have a 11-12 year old that can chat with mine, do you?

Michele

[Tate6]

My hubby and I have never been to NZ, but have been thinking about it for at least two years--at least I have! :yes My Hubby is coming around and we have sent out resumes to about 5 places. A couple prospects to check out later this month. My husband has worked in a wood processing mill for 14 years and is a supervisor. He also works as an electrician on his days off. If he could get licensed here and qualifications for NZ, we would be in like Flint! So he will test for his license this spring. My sister was in NZ this last October and loved it. She said it was everything we thought and more. She will be moving in a few years when her youngest son graduates--problems with ex-hubby and joint custody. :wah
We, too, are going less for political reasons and more for the lifestyle for our 4 children and us. And the weather!! :nice1

Nice to hear plans and advice from other fellow Americans!

Although I so enjoy the Brits sense of humor!! :laugh :laugh
Find I am tuning in for my daily laugh!

Best of luck and hope to see you all there!! :nice1
Terry

[RoadRunner]

The reason I brought up the increase in number of Americans interested in New Zealand was not to suggest that the election is the motivation for anyone on this forum.

Rather, I was trying to respond to the original question: OK, the obvious question <big sigh> since we are Americans, are we likely to hit any predjudice because of this?

There has been quite a bit of press about the jump in American interest starting the night of the election. I thought that might mean that Kiwis would be willing to give us a chance - get to know us, so to speak - before immediately assuming that we are anti-environment, anti-science, anti-gay/woman's rights, warmongering, bible-thumping Bush supporters.

I don't know if this is true, I can only hope. :hopeso

My husband and I have done quite a bit of traveling since 2000 and have always found that people are willing to give us a chance and do not necessarily assume we are part of the Bush problem. I've heard that has changed since November (because people just can't understand why he was reelected).

I thought the news about the increase in desire to emigrate might make people more disposed to give us a chance in spite of his reelection. Guess we'll see.

[Going2NZ]

RoadRunner is right. My original post brought up the issue. I was trying to delicately ask the question without getting into the politics of reasons. But, truth be told, you really can't talk about this issue unless you recognize what has created the steady rise of anti-American sentiment everywhere in the world.

All I am hoping for is the chance to be judged on my own merits and be part of a society values all its people and takes its role as a global neighbor seriously. Sadly, I don't think America fits this description anymore. Much as I would like to blame GWB, there were/are many who have made decisions out of greed and ego who have contributed to the current culture in America. Enron, MCI-Worldcom, Abu Ghraib, the 2004 election, Vioxx and the Iraqi war are just the tip of the iceberg.

If nothing else, the responses tell me that the people looking to emigrate to NZ are just the kind I was hoping for - tolerant, hopeful and willing to discuss an issue reasonably. But, as I told my husband earlier today, I would rather be happy that there are avocados in NZ than continue to spend my life being morally outraged at everything the US is doing.


Susan

[Raeven]

Hi, Susan,

Please let me add my belated welcomes to the forum! It's a wealth of information, isn't it?

My political views as they relate to migrating to NZ are (too) well-known on this forum, so I won't repeat them. Suffice it to say they were very similar to yours. We ultimately decided to stay in the States, but I understand very well how you are feeling.

I too was very concerned about anti-American sentiment. Based on my own explorations, New Zealanders were tolerant and curious. I did not suffer anti-American sentiment in my admittedly too-short time there -- unlike in Australia, where anti-American sentiment is pretty out front. I was taken at face value in NZ. You do get the usual, "Why..?" questions, but if you just look bewildered and say, "I have no idea. I'm as baffled as you," that usually takes care of it. They do have an abhorrence of "tall poppies," people who brag about their possessions or their money (don't we all?), but that's not limited to just Americans. I found that a quiet, respectful approach worked well. Depending on how low you're willing to sink, a well-placed, "Go, All Blacks!" will take you far!

Best of luck to you in your emigration adventures!

Rae

[gratto]

Hey all A Michigander here currently living in welly.

I've been here alittle over a month, found work, a place a live and a few friends already.

I came over by myself and am a 31 year old male.

So far I can't say I had any problems at all with anyone about being American, besdies I did get asked once who I voted for but that was it.

I didn't see any problems about being American finding work or places to live. If anything the Cool accent is great for picking up the chics. lol

One thing is don't expect to find a job your first week. It took me about a month of talking to recruiters and just had my first interview lastweek and got the job pretty quickly. I just signed the contract today and I fill out the paper work for the work permit tomorrow. But I hear from everything that shouldn't be any problems as my employeer already filled out everything I need.

One thing you will notice is that things are generally more expensive as compaired to the States but after you figure out the conversion most items are about the sameish. For example a draft Lion Brown will generally cost 6 bucks. Kinda expensive if you think about it in US dollars but do the conversion its around 4ish, so not really all that bad.
The other thing that will freak you out is the cell phone charges. My god those are crazy but what can you do.

If anyone has any questions feel free to PM me.

Brett

[Robert Dazzler]

OK, the obvious question <big sigh> since we are Americans, are we likely to hit any predjudice because of this? I sure don't mind conversation, questions or discussions about US policies or choices but I would hate to get over there and discover that we aren't wanted because of our original country.



Just tell every Kiwi you meet how fantastic & wonderfull you think their country is and how crap and fed up with your own you are (even if you`re not) and they`ll love you.

[Going2NZ]

Great advice Robert!

From everything that I've read and heard about NZ, chances are it will be the complete and total truth so I think we'll be OK. As long as we can safely get our dogs over there, it will be home to us.

Susan

[Moorf]

Oh and they love it if you moan about your fellow expats :laugh :laugh