[nickbraddock]

What a week!
We landed on Thursday 15th June at Christchurch. Stayed in a motel on Blenheim Rd for a week and then forun a rental that we are in for 2 weeks (they let us have our cats) The cats arrive tomorrow. The jetlag is only just wearing off, we were waking at 4am every day for the first week!

Went to an auction for a house in Swannanoa that we fell for from the UK. Never been to anything like that before! We won the auction!! Can't believe it. Have an appointment at Swannanoa school on Tuesday, need to get our son in school soon, he's starting to think he's an adult!!

We move in in 2 weeks the same day our rental finishes, we won't have any furniture for 8 weeks, but will make do, it costs too much to rent and we don't want to waste any more money. We have also managed to buy 2 cars, thought we would get a better deal buying the 2 together.

Will post in more detail when we settle in.

Just wondering if anyone could give me some ideas as to the best phone deals that include broadband and international calls?? Also the best house insurances and electric suppliers and/or any other household tips that I can't think of??

Thanks in advance, please feel free to PM Me and I will give you my email
Nick

[IanW99]

...
Just wondering if anyone could give me some ideas as to the best phone deals that include broadband and international calls?? Also the best house insurances and electric suppliers and/or any other household tips that I can't think of??
...


Wow, what a week, hope it all works out.

For electricity supllies then try Power Switch (http://www.consumer.org.nz/powerswitch/) and they will tell you which is the best choice for you.

For house insurance check out at least three different companies for the best quotes, personally we went with AMI and they have been great but from a search on this forum there are others equally as good. Might be a good idea to check on their helpline as some don't seem to man the phones as long as you might expect. Also, most companies give you an additional discount if you have more than one insurance policy with them e.g. car and contents etc.

For phones, if you are getting broadband then check out SkypeOut instead of paying international fees on a phone calls, the quality is great and the cost is even better.

Ian

[BaldyBeardyBloke]

Wow, no messing about there!

For insurance, we just changed all our policies (house, contents, cars) to Tower. Got good deals and discounts for multiple policies, plus the level of cover they offered seemed to be better that their competitors (e.g. lower excesses). AMI are good too, and worth checking what your bank has on offer.

For power we use Genesis. Genesis own and ISP called InfoGen. If you use InfoGen for your internet broadband (and are a Genesis customer) you get a $10/month discount on any of their plans - worth a lot. Also, genesis customers receive fly-buy points against their power bills which adds up over time.

[peebles16]

Welcome along to NZ :) Looks like you have been busy and seems you have plenty of ideas from Ian and BBB re your questions. We can probably lend you basic kitchen stuff, couple of beanbags etc to keep you going till your stuff arrives - if you need to borrow them feel free to PM me

Karenx

[Moorf]

Hey guys - welcome to the area, there's quite a few of us in the locality! I've got bits and pieces you are welcome to use too - duvets/iron/ironing board - even a mattress - and if you're desperate to get off the floor I have a double sofa-bed you are welcome to use too... crockery can be arranged too ;)

Don't be too shy to ask - if we haven't got one we'll probably know someone who does...

Moorf

[benandclare]

Welcome to Canterbury Nick, hope you'll be able to make the meet on the 28th so we can all say hello properly :nice1

[lockstock]

Welcome to NZ. You don't hang around do you? Have a great new life here.:cheers

[IanW99]

...
Also, genesis customers receive fly-buy points against their power bills which adds up over time.

Do they?

They offer AA rewards, not seen them offer Fly-buys?

Some electrical suppliers do offer Fly-buys which may be useful to some?

Ian

[BaldyBeardyBloke]

Do they?

They offer AA rewards, not seen them offer Fly-buys?

Some electrical suppliers do offer Fly-buys which may be useful to some?

Ian

Sorry, meant AA points - must be the drugs messing with my brain (erythromycin for bronchitis, not crack or anything you understand. not this week anyway!)

[cappuccino]

Contact Energy offer fly buys :nice1

[NZ Hopeful]

So it sounds like you have had a quiet week! :eek:

Enjoy settling in, seems like you are more than prepared for it!! :laugh

[JandM]

Congratulations! Here's to a VERY happy future for you all.:cheers

[dusk]

Hey Nick - sounds like you've had an action packed time! congratulations and good luck with the house :D

[nippa&pippa]

Welcome to Canterbury:clap...now go and join our canterbury's social group (http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/group.php)

[nickbraddock]

Thanks for all the support and kind words. It has been a fast flowing move, we have now got a week to have a rest and take in some of what we came for. Will maybe take up some of the offers once I see what we need.

Thanks again
Speak soon
Nick

[slider]

Sounds like you've been busy :nice1
Saved anything for next week? :D