[wkendwench]

My husband and two sons are in the last stages of the immigration process and hope to be issued VISA's soon (crossing fingers) but we are going to have to decide on a place to settle...or at least a starting point. We were originally looking at Auckland. We thought it would be the least but of cultural shock to us...but I am concerned about pollution, and traffic, and city violence. So we need a starting point. I was also considering Tauranga or Whangarei.


I am a designer (mostly cabinetry, plumbing, lighting....interiors) my husband is a butcher. We need a place to start our job search.. I have already been on Seek and Working-in and all those lovely places, but from a living stand point...what are some of the best places to live in?

[Familyofmonkeys]

Where are you from...what culture will you be comparing NZ to?
Do you prefer rural of city, quiet life or plenty of entertainment?
These bits of info are essential if you want to ask those kind of questions :)

[Leanne]

Hello and good luck with your visas!
:D

[BaldyBeardyBloke]

Welcome and good luck.

I'm sure if you ask more specific questions about certain areas the people living there can help you out.

[Nick88]

Pollution and traffic are nothing compared to London. As for city violence, just be careful of the suburbs you consider, the North Shore is a fairly safe bet.

Akl is the biggest urban centre in the country and so has the most opportunities, and logically would make the best place to start, your chances of both getting work are the highest. If in doubt, rent for a while and see if you like it. If you don't, you have the luxury of a safe base to search elsewhere. For you NZ is an unknown quantity, so play the odds.

[JandM]

Hello and welcome.:)

[jackie m]

Hi & welcome to the forum

Jackie

[slider]

Hello, and welcome to the forum :)