[Helsandfamily]

Not sure where to start on this one as I have LOADSA questions.

The first thing is we have exchanged on our house:nice1, and the flights are booked for early July. We have decided (I think) on Wellington, and was wondering if anyone can recommend areas that are particularly good for schools. (We have a 4 nearly 5 year old and a 7 Year old.

Looking at previous threads Whitby sounded as though it was a good area, is this still the case, and is it a commutable distance into Wellington. Can anyone advise the costs of commuting and the time the train takes?

Is there anything that I should be aware of, for example bad area's or places that would not be recommended for any reason, such as flooding or stuff like that.

Lastly, my OH is into IT, are there any Agencies that are particulaly suitable?

thanks for the advice!

Hels.

[IanW99]

Not sure where to start on this one as I have LOADSA questions.

The first thing is we have exchanged on our house:nice1, and the flights are booked for early July. We have decided (I think) on Wellington, and was wondering if anyone can recommend areas that are particularly good for schools. (We have a 4 nearly 5 year old and a 7 Year old.

Looking at previous threads Whitby sounded as though it was a good area, is this still the case, and is it a commutable distance into Wellington. Can anyone advise the costs of commuting and the time the train takes?

Is there anything that I should be aware of, for example bad area's or places that would not be recommended for any reason, such as flooding or stuff like that.

Lastly, my OH is into IT, are there any Agencies that are particulaly suitable?

thanks for the advice!

Hels.

Can't offer you any advice on the schools (too young for us) but you can read the school reports which gives you a good feel for the various schools.

There are many decent areas around Wellington and Whitby is certainly (still) one of them, AFAIK the primary schools are good around Whitby.

As with everywhere you need to have a look around and the areas that you are interested in and maybe ask again once you have narrowed down what you want.

Commute time off peak by car is between 20-30 minutes depending on which bit of Whitby you are in, and the train takes around the same time.

Ian

[northernfive]

Not sure where to start on this one as I have LOADSA questions.

The first thing is we have exchanged on our house:nice1, and the flights are booked for early July. We have decided (I think) on Wellington, and was wondering if anyone can recommend areas that are particularly good for schools. (We have a 4 nearly 5 year old and a 7 Year old.

Hels.

Only thing I would say about Whitby, and the reason we ruled it out after looking, is that although the primary schools are good, the secondary school Whitby is zoned for isn't great.
Other than that, Whitby is nice.

[buzztalks]

Have a look at St Marks school right by the Basin Reserve in Wellington. Not a great location situated by the biggest roundabout in the Southern Hemisphere, however excellent Principal, great staff and thoroughly recommended.

[Janey]

Hi Hels,
When we visted last week we found Whitby a little far out for us we are looking at Churton Park the primary school is excellant (my son is also 7)

Also we stayed in Belmont Lower Hutt which was alos nice and I believe the school was good. If you children are into sport then I would recommned Silvertstream again we vistited new head who is very nice, the school has its own pool! Commuting from there is not too bad as there are express trains which we caught 30 mins If you look at the metlink website it will give you an idea of fares etc.

One thing to note from Churton Park is it has 2 excellant senior schools it does depend where you work your OH could be based in Poiruia or the Hutts as there are often jobs there too! Good luck I really really would love to have a date and be set to go so I am dead envious let us know how you get on!

[pinkpiggy]

Hi Hels, can't help with your questions on Welly as we're in Hamilton but just wanted to say well done on the house and it's great news that you'll finally be on your way to NZ soon. :clap

[Janey]

Hi Hels
where are you thinking of staying on landing? I can recommend the bach (Belmont Cottages, we stayed in Fern Cottage) we used it has everything you need including outdoor space washing machine etc and they accept Pets. It was very reasonable the owner Beth is happy to accept long term lets

[Georgebulldog]

We're in Churton Park & it's great, has lovely parks & as far as I know the schools are good, they will be building a new school as the one at the moment isn't big enough here are some links

http://www.churtonpark.school.nz/

http://www.churtonpark.org.nz/

[Helsandfamily]

Hi Hels, can't help with your questions on Welly as we're in Hamilton but just wanted to say well done on the house and it's great news that you'll finally be on your way to NZ soon. :clap

Thanks Paula,
It is a very strange feeling - Excited one minute and very nervous the next !!!

[Helsandfamily]

Janey,

Thanks for the info, I found your post(s) on your recce trip very informative. We are relieved to have exchanged contracts, and to have such a long date between completion as it has given us time for arranging things. I feel Lucky but it is like the long slow climb up to the top of a rollercoaster and then Whhooooshhh. We are still spinning! (don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing but it is how it feels.

Hels.

[Helsandfamily]

We're in Churton Park & it's great, has lovely parks & as far as I know the schools are good, they will be building a new school as the one at the moment isn't big enough here are some links

http://www.churtonpark.school.nz/

http://www.churtonpark.org.nz/

Thanks for the links, they have been really useful, what is the area like, is it big/ small is there a sense of community?

hels

[Janey]

Hi Hels
keep in touch perhaps one day we can meet up on the other side of the world! You eldest is the same age as my little one

One good thing about the visit was he was so positive and can not wait to move!
good luck to you fingers crossed all goes well, where are you currnetly based?

[Helsandfamily]

Hi Janey,

We are in Fleet, Hants.
I noticed from your recce thread, that the children were the same age, just finishing year 2. Is yours excited about the move, I am so surprised but my eldest is really excited, I thought that he would have been the opposite, but hey, I am certainly not complaining!

Hels

[Georgebulldog]

Thanks for the links, they have been really useful, what is the area like, is it big/ small is there a sense of community?

hels

Hi
It's hard to say as we have only been here since February but it's a nice area, they are going to build a community area & are aware that Churton Park neesds one, a space has already been put aside so I don't think it will be too long. Everyone I have met so far is friendley & neighbours came round with Banana cake when we moved in :)
The local park is nice & meet lots of people there too. There is still a lot of developing going on up one end & not sure how much more is being built but there is also an older side that at least you know wont be built on anymore. Johnsonville is the nearest town to shop in & I hate to say it, I now don't go into Wellington as it has everything I need, I miss Wellington though as a month here made me fall in love with it :yes
Any questions feel free to ask/PM me
Lindsey

[Carol]

Hi Hels - have pm'd you with a possible offer...
:-)