[jadugar]

:cheersI have a Job offer from Auckland based company. They offered 55KNZ$. I have 2 kids 3,1.5 years old and a wife. And have good points in EOI. Will this cover the cost of living easily?
Any comments and suggestions.

[PeKaJoSa]

That is a question with no easy answer! It really depends on two major factors:

1) How much capital (savings) you are bringing with you

and

2) What you consider to be a reasonable living standard!

It's a subject which has been discussed many times on the forum, and here is one such recent thread:

http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21786

As you can see, mortgage / rent costs are normally by far the biggest costs. If you have enough capital to buy a suitable property without needing a mortgage, that will make a huge difference as to whether or not a $55k salary might be enough for you.

However I'm sure plenty of other people will be along here soon who will be happy to give their opinion to you!

Cheers,
Pete

[kerrijeansmith]

For us, that would be a really nice lifestyle. We eat simply, never buy new clothes, etc. For most people I know though, it seems that would be a tough one to make work. It just depends on you guys. We're going to be moving with only about $10K in the bank, plus a monthly income of $3K. And we'll do it. We're survivors! ;)

Kerri

[Tia Maria]

Get your calculator out! :)

http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=16780

Cheers

Tia

[AndyR]

well im single and I struggle on that amount. Mainly because I spend my money on stupid things. If you budget well You can survive on that but Id send old wifey out to get a job also.

[np2nz]

For us, that would be a really nice lifestyle. We eat simply, never buy new clothes, etc. For most people I know though, it seems that would be a tough one to make work. It just depends on you guys. We're going to be moving with only about $10K in the bank, plus a monthly income of $3K. And we'll do it. We're survivors! ;)

Kerri

When you say We, how many people are we talking about?

My EOI submission is on hold after reading so many depressing posts about how expensive everything is and how low the salary is. I do not have a job offer, but hopping to be able to find a job that pays somewhere NZ$50K to 60K. We are 4 in the family (me, wife and 2 young kids). I am going to be the only one working as the wife needs to take care of the kids. I will have about US$50K to bring with us. I appreciate your advice. Thanks.

[kerrijeansmith]

We have four kids. 9, 8, 7, and 4. They eat alot. I can't really work at the moment because the costs of childcare exceed what I make in a day.

In Canada we live well on that amount because most food is cheaper here than in NZ and we make everything from scratch, buy no convenience foods, etc. Basically, we just know how to live for cheap here, have figured out our shopping system, know lots of people we trade with, etc.

In NZ, though, I'll be a student and will qualify for a student allowance (NZ citizen) and we will be getting student loans and my husband may work part-time once we see how busy life is. At this point, he's going to be the stay-at-home Dad for at least the first while.

NZ also has a longer growing season and we should be able to supplement our food by gardening after a few months too. We will set up our rental home from garage sales and hand-me-downs. We're just going to do it and figure it out when we get there, I guess. By going to school, I'll eventually have a higher-paying career.

Kerri

[np2nz]

Thanks Kerri. Don't we get a student allowance too, if we have a PR status and one of us goes to college? Or do you have to be a NZ Citizen to be qualified for a student allowance?

Let's say, we got our PR, moved to NZ and I did not find a high paying job and I had a hard time supporting my family with my income, are there any supports that we can expect from the NZ government? If there are, what do we get from them? I hope that we do not have to depend on the government, but just wanted to know in case need some help. Thanks.

[incredible hulse]

Not sure if you would have mortgage/rent costs but being honest I know we couldn't live in a lifestyle we'd want to on that unless mortgage free

[dharder]

We eat simply, never buy new clothes, etc. For most people I know though, it seems that would be a tough one to make work. It just depends on you guys.

There is obviously a limit on how much it depends on the individual, but we've had lots of threads/discussions on that one, won't start another one :)

In Auckland, I wouldn’t worry as much about the food and clothes prices, I’m sure you can budget there and try to make it work, or grow your own stuff.

The biggest struggle for me would be finding a place to live and schools for the children that I was somewhat comfortable with and the rental prices in those areas.

We have four children, don’t live extravagantly at all, don’t pay a lot of rent, but would really, really struggle on 55k. A glance at Quicken also doesn’t make it obvious where we are spending too much, as our biggest outgoings are rent and food, and we are at the lower end for both of those already.

I’m sure this might be different in the countryside, but here in Auckland, I couldn’t do it (not with rent/mortgage payments).

Daniela

[kerrijeansmith]

Not sure if you would have mortgage/rent costs but being honest I know we couldn't live in a lifestyle we'd want to on that unless mortgage free


That's exactly it. I'm sure we're not living a lifestyle everyone would want. And that's fine with us, honestly. My husband makes 16.50 an hour and we are debt-free aside from our mortgage. We only spend our money on bills and food and sometimes second-hand clothes and/or furniture. To many people that's extreme and poor and uncomfortable. To us, it's empowering. Different strokes and all that . . .

Kerri

[Spudgun]

Our rent alone is $2400. Could you really live on less than a $1000 per month after rent?

[Joolzr]

We've found the costs of moving to be much greater than we'd expected and six months on are only just starting to recover. You also need to think about whether you may need or want to take a trip back to your home country every couple of years. With flights to the UK being about $2700 this is a huge chunk of our yearly income.

Julie

[kerrijeansmith]

We won't be travelling back until I've finished my degree. My parents travel to NZ at least twice a year, and I have close family there. We'll be okay. Our moving costs are basically our flights and that's about it. We'll buy a used van and live in a cheaper area (we're looking at Palmerston/Masterton area, so yeah - not Auckland) so our rent will be about $1200 a month plus utilities and other bills. We're going to be poor students. That's okay. The kids know we'll be camping on the floor until we find furniture. It's all part of the experience. ;)

Kerri

[irishliz]

I can only comment on our experience but I know we could not manage (us and 4 kids) on $55,000 a year - unless we were mortgage free and had savings. And we have friends who moved to Auckland on just that amount with three kids who soon realised the cost of living but he managed to find another job for $80,000 and they are ok now.

Honestly in my view - not worth moving for that. You will not have a reasonable experience of NZ and what about emergencies, etc.

[emaino]

If you have kids and an income on that range you will be entitled for a government assistance. Take a look at this link: http://www.emigratenz.org/family-assistance-new-zealand.html

Hope this helps!

[nippa&pippa]

Also with low wages at $55K, you can qualify for community service card (http://www.workandincome.govt.nz/individuals/a-z-benefits/community-services-card.html) (CSC) to give you money off on doctor fee, prescriptions and dentist treatment (not all dentists, need to check if they do take CSC).
Also give you money off at some lessons like swimming lessons for my kids :nice1

[jadugar]

Great ideas....What documents required to submit when ITA arrive? Will they ask for the employment contract too?

[Tia Maria]

Did you see these threads?

http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=18193

http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=18194

http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=18195

http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=18258

Cheers

Tia

[jadugar]

Good threads Tia,
It seems difficult to live with 55K$NZ with two kids....However I have probation period of 3months and will ask after successfull probation period how much they add on it. Apart of that they are ready to pay Cost of airfares, and a freight allowance of NZ$6,000 for moving personal effects to New Zealand shall be covered. An allowance of NZ$4,000 shall be paid for relocating personal effects to New Zealand.

They will contribute internal resources of up to NZ$7,000 to assist in gaining New Zealand Immigration for the employee and their family, plus cover disbursements of up to NZ$3,000 to assist in gaining immigration to New Zealand.

In short this all depends how one manage the things.

[Tia Maria]

Good threads Tia,
It seems difficult to live with 55K$NZ with two kids....However I have probation period of 3months and will ask after successfull probation period how much they add on it. Apart of that they are ready to pay Cost of airfares, and a freight allowance of NZ$6,000 for moving personal effects to New Zealand shall be covered. An allowance of NZ$4,000 shall be paid for relocating personal effects to New Zealand.

They will contribute internal resources of up to NZ$7,000 to assist in gaining New Zealand Immigration for the employee and their family, plus cover disbursements of up to NZ$3,000 to assist in gaining immigration to New Zealand.

In short this all depends how one manage the things.

Thats a good relocation package. :)

If you can, see if you can get the agreement of a pay review after 3 months in writing. They might say no but there is no harm asking.

Good luck with it all!

Cheers

Tia

[jadugar]

Yes I have the revision of pay after 3 months in writting...The office loacted on Parnell Road, Parnell Auckland. Which area is suitable to look for accomodation? and How far is Donnor Place,Mt Wellington,Auckland to Parnell road?

[Joolzr]

Does the relocation package bond you to the company for any length of time? And will it be taxed? We got caught out on that.

b.w

Julie

[jadugar]

The contract length is 5 years to bond with the company. And there is penelty clauses if i quit the job before 1, 2 and 3rd year in terms of payment that is 20K to 10K last year.
The relocation amount is non taxable and 55K$NZ salary is before tax. I really dont know what does it mean by relocataion package?

[sweetpea]

The contract length is 5 years to bond with the company. And there is penelty clauses if i quit the job before 1, 2 and 3rd year in terms of payment that is 20K to 10K last year.
The relocation amount is non taxable and 55K$NZ salary is before tax. I really dont know what does it mean by relocataion package?

I'm sorry, but even if this employer is well-intentioned, this sounds like a trap. As others have said, $55K is generally not enough for a family of four to comfortably live in Auckland. As you say, you will not be able to quit this job and get another, better paying one for 12 months without paying the company $20K? How are you ever to come up with this money (or even $10K) on a $55K salary? You will be effectively indentured to this company. It may be an OK place to work, but what will happen if it isn't? What will happen if you can't pay your bills on $55K? I would think carefully about this.

[Joolzr]

I agree with Sweat pea- that is a big bond over a significant time. So, although they might agree to review your salary after 3 months, there may be little incentive for them to increase it.

Have you applied for any other jobs, or had any other interest from companies? Even if you went to this company anyway it would defiantly increase your bargaining power.

Julie

[ykkee]

5 years contract...... how many 5 years we can have?

[andrewandjane]

we started out here two yrs ago on 55K with two kids and it was ok. didnt leave much spare but we did get a bit extra from Tax credit which helped. thankfully ive had a few raises since then.

I would be very wary about signing with an employer for 5 yrs...as it seems that the only way to get a raise here is to move jobs (Ive done it once and am about to again in less than two yrs)

Maybe it would be worth getting some legal advice re the contract first, to see if you could get out if need be.

[Tia Maria]

I would be very wary about signing with an employer for 5 yrs...as it seems that the only way to get a raise here is to move jobs (Ive done it once and am about to again in less than two yrs)



Most people I know who have had a relocation package have been tied for 1-2 years at the most, 5 years does sound extreme.

I agree that the best way to get a raise is to move jobs, especially if you started on the 'new immigrant' special rate

Cheers

Tia

[CityBlue]

Most people I know who have had a relocation package have been tied for 1-2 years at the most, 5 years does sound extreme.

I agree that the best way to get a raise is to move jobs, especially if you started on the 'new immigrant' special rate

Cheers

Tia

I agree. I was tied in for 2 years and its common from what I hear.

In my opinion 5 years is far too long to be tied in

[jeffanar]

I agree. I was tied in for 2 years and its common from what I hear.

In my opinion 5 years is far too long to be tied in

Yup 2 years here too. 5 years is a long time to be tied to one job, let alone when you're in a new country and don't really know how much you will like it!

[James 1077]

Does the relocation package bond you to the company for any length of time? And will it be taxed? We got caught out on that.

b.w

Julie

Julie

Tax rules on relocation allowances have changed recently and the changes have been backdated so that you can reclaim the tax back!

I'll see if I can dig up info about the process.

James

[Joolzr]

Julie

Tax rules on relocation allowances have changed recently and the changes have been backdated so that you can reclaim the tax back!

I'll see if I can dig up info about the process.

James

Thanks James, but half our relocation wasn't details as relocation but some other sort of payment. So we paid tax on that bit with no hope of getting it back :wah

We'll have to chalk it up as a learning experience.


Julie

[Moorf]

I've heard of a couple of these long tie-ins or penalty payments if you leave before xx yrs etc, what happens if you're made redundant or fired?

[James 1077]

Thanks James, but half our relocation wasn't details as relocation but some other sort of payment. So we paid tax on that bit with no hope of getting it back :wah

We'll have to chalk it up as a learning experience.


Julie

If you can show that the relocation expenses that you were refunded (and taxed on) were for relocation purposes then you should be able to reclaim the tax regardless of how they were detailed.

You will probably need a photocopy of the receipts as proof that they related to relocation though.

[Familyofmonkeys]

Although i'm sure we could survive on $55 in many areas of NZ, I very much doubt we could manage this in Auckland. Not because of the cost of food, utility bills, of consumables in general, as these expense can be controlled very tightly if neccessary. It is because of the costs of rent/morgage if you want somewhere even reasonably comfortable to live.

Yes, there are cheaper homes to rent availble, but this is usually because either you only need to live somehere very small/no garden etc, or because you are renting somewhere cold, very little insulation if any, damp and prone to mould. Don't underestimate how difficult it can be to live somewhere like that long term....been there, done that, no thankyou!! We spent our first 5 months in a house that although big enough for our family, was bloomin freezing, draughty and damp and I was forever having to bleach all the windows, curtains etc just to keep the mould under control........not a healthy environment to bring up children. If you are buying, then you can at least budget for some home improvements, but if you're renting then you are stuck living that way for the most part. We now rent a house that is more expensive and much smaller that our other house, but we put up with this because we can at least afford to keep it reasonably warm and dry in winter. We will be moving to Canterbury next year and could rent a significantly larger brand new house with some heating and double glazing, for about $200 PER WEEK less than we pay now :eek:

[jadugar]

good ideas.......
I have brought them to negociation table and have gathered good information ofr better deal.
will let u know all if we done some thing good....

[Rocket]

we're not moving out until January, and we're already concerned that our combined salary won't be enough.

and that is just for 2 of us, and it's more than double 55k

it's easy to get an idea of rental prices (if that is what you intend)

[M-Squared]

I was offered a job in Auckland, $65K. Me + hubby + daughter. I turned the job down after we did the maths and decided it wouldn't be enough for us to live on unless hubby pulled in a huge great wage too.

Best of luck! :nice1

[CityBlue]

If you can show that the relocation expenses that you were refunded (and taxed on) were for relocation purposes then you should be able to reclaim the tax regardless of how they were detailed.

You will probably need a photocopy of the receipts as proof that they related to relocation though.

Can I do this from may 2007?? or is there a limit on how far back you can go?

Would love to know

Thanks

[James 1077]

Can I do this from may 2007?? or is there a limit on how far back you can go?

Would love to know

Thanks

The rules were backdated to 2002 so if you paid tax on your relocation expenses after then you should be able to claim a refund.

The IRD should be able to tell you what you need to do but, if not, then give me a shout and I'll find out.

[CityBlue]

The rules were backdated to 2002 so if you paid tax on your relocation expenses after then you should be able to claim a refund.

The IRD should be able to tell you what you need to do but, if not, then give me a shout and I'll find out.

Thanks.

I will look into it myself - money back is a great motivator isnt it!!

Thanks for the offer of help too - I will let you know if I need it

[jadugar]

EOI Submitted today:bluebanana

next selection pool is on 19th nov. Let us hope to be selected in this pool.

Will it possible as one day before the selection i submitted this?

[eve]

Hi
To be honest,unless you bring a lot of capital and can have a very small mortgage, a family cannot live on 55k. I'm earning 50k and over half of that goes on rent. I would say you would struggle to spend less than $200 a week on food, and at least $50 a week on electricity, so thats all your salary gone.
You might be able to get Working for Families Tax Credits, but not if you are claiming temporary tax exemption or have not got residence.
All I would advise is be prepared for the stress of having no money and be realistic, the cost of living is not cheap here.
Most Kiwi families seem to need both parents to work. I would say a family needs at lest 70k to get by if you have rent or a mortgage.
Hope that helps - I know its not what you want to here, but its better to be prepared. I never realised how depressing it would be to work for such low wages that you can't even afford the basics, which is how it feels to me. If my OH can't get a job, we will have to go back to the UK or we will run out of savings.
Good luck, Eve

[jadugar]

Hi, Eve

you are right and as I am going to re negociate the salary with the employer in next few days. Hope they revise it otherwise I have to bring lot of NZ$ to survive.

[jadugar]

Negociated and after 3 months salary will be 65KNZ$. Hope this will workable and rest is upto performance and time.................
But apart of this 20KNZ (without TAX) is to help for immigartion and settelment.

[TonnyTessa]

That sound better. Good luck with it

[TheBigSaxon]

We won't be travelling back until I've finished my degree. My parents travel to NZ at least twice a year, and I have close family there. We'll be okay. Our moving costs are basically our flights and that's about it. We'll buy a used van and live in a cheaper area (we're looking at Palmerston/Masterton area, so yeah - not Auckland) so our rent will be about $1200 a month plus utilities and other bills. We're going to be poor students. That's okay. The kids know we'll be camping on the floor until we find furniture. It's all part of the experience. ;)

Kerri

This is how I grew up. We were incredibly poor because my Dad was an illegal alien in the US for nearly 8 years before he straightened out his green card status and during that time he could only work day labor jobs. Clothing shopping was from Goodwill/Salvation Army, furniture was from handmedowns, often times food was from a massive pot of vegetable soup we would eat off for 5-10 days. My bed for the first 3 years in the US was a sleeping bag on two old sofa cushions and there was no television. I didn't even know what "cable" was until I was nearly 11.

Because of that I now know I can live through anything. When people say, "Well what if you don't make it, or it doesn't work out?" I simply say things always work out, just sometimes not as you would have liked them to.