[Bridgett]

Hello everyone, we are South Africans and going down the path of many other South Africans; should we stay or should we go!? New Zealand seems the best possible option for us (although one of us has a British passport...).
We have a child and of course are looking to the future..
We are not highly qualified and I dont think we would score loads of points. Most of our experience is in the tourism field but more recently dairy farming and beekeeping. Both dairy and bees seems to be on the short term list for N.Z. I think dairy farming would be easier and more successfull to use to get a job offer, but we are more interested in beekeeping!
Anyone got any thoughts, advice or suggestions?
Many thanks
Bridgett

[migratory birds]

Sorry, Bridget, no specifics for you but I, too, saw beekeepers on their skills shortage list and was thrilled to see it as a valued profession. With colony collapse disorder affecting hive operations in other parts of the world and the promise for honey extracts to be used pharmacologically as we see ever growing antibiotic resistance, this island nation holds tremendous hope for the continuation of honey cultivation.

I don't keep bees yet but look forward to doing so once arriving in NZ.

Keep us posted!

[Bridgett]

Thanks for your reply Migratory Birds. It looks like you have been members since Dec 06 -and not yet in NZ - not sure if I worked that out correctly? But was wondering how long people tend to pursue the option of NZ before starting the whole process (scary!) Actually we are not really even sure were to start...there are a lot of Immigration consultants for NZ in South Africa doing various lectures etc but we havent gone to those yet (we live on a farm, a bit remote). Any advice on a starting point - should we look at working out or points first?
Thanks again

[migratory birds]

Actually, we submitted our EOI in Nov05, got PR Nov06, visited Nov07 and are now deciding if it's the move for us.

Might want to keep this thread on bees and dairy farming and start another on your second question to get better response to that one.

Welcome - you'll find this group quite helpful!