[MB]

Guys, I'm coming cap in hand for some advice today.

Air New Zealand is doing some US$650 round trips (LA-Auckland/Chch) for travel over the next couple of months.

Last night we hit on the idea of just me going down to Auck and Welli for a concentrated 7-10 day recce trip in, say, late May. Main purposes are to reacquaint myself with NZ; scout for rental accomm for our move down to NZ a month or two later; bring early a couple of big suitcases full of stuff; perhaps even meet with a job agency, etc.

Think it's a good idea? If so, are any forum members in Auck or Welli interested in meeting for a beer or something if and when I pick travel dates?

Cheers,
Matt.

[Timbo]

It has to be a good idea to meet with potential employers face to face Matt. Just be aware of the rugby going on, and the shortage of accomodation that will go with it. I dont think it starts till June so you SHOULD be ok.

[sarahw]

Yes great idea - I'd thoroughly recommend it we did the same & came back with a job offer - our friend just did the same a month ago & went home with 2-3 job offers. Not only that but it gives you a bit of time to check out housing & where you'd like to live as well as what you'd be able to do in your spare time over here. :nice1 :nice1 :nice1

Also £650 return flights?! That's fantastic!!!

[Going2NZ]

I'm thinking of doing the same. I've gotten lots of very gracious rejections based on NOT being in NZ. The lack of work visa has never come up, just being able to set up a face-to-face interview. Also, I think the subtext is that if you are physically there, they know you're serious not just "playing" with the idea. So I think when we've hit a few more milestones in our plan, maybe another month or so, I'm going to make the leap of faith. You know, pack a bag, pick a location, set up as many interviews as possible and keep my fingers crossed.


Didn't know about the $650 flights...that would definitely make it easier to justify. hmmmmm

Susan

[adamsat]

I found that being able to give a date when you will be in the country will certainly get you interviews. The problem then becomes when they ask when you could be available to start....... The answer when the house sells and I've worked my 3 months notice didn't seem to hit the right note.

In hindsight I would time the trip for only a month or two at the most before you plan to be there full-time and available for work.

[Carol]

Good advice so far Matt.

Me and Kenny will meet ya for a drink luv! Always keen to meet up for a pint we are..............might have to bring a sproglet or two though..... :eek

[MB]

Carol - cheers to you and Kenny. I'll PM you nearer the time.

Cheers everyone for advice, too. :nice1

Matt.

[miep]

MB,

Sounds like a good idea, won't do you any harm in meeting potential employers face to face.
I can always be tempted to have a beer somewhere, pm me when you know dates etc.

:cheers Miep

[shagen]

Brilliant idea Matt!

We did the same and I was really surprised at the number of interviews you are able to get when you tell them you are in their soil! Making calls and appointments too far ahead did not work well for me. Tell them you are going to be there next week or at the most 2 weeks time was better.

Let us know when your plans are firm. We will be in Wellington end May and we could meet up! We found meeting up forum members when we were in NZ a reality check. To be honest, I still can't believe we were in NZ last month and returning next month!

Good luck!

Shagen

[MB]

Hi, pals...

I'm arriving in Auckland on Sat 28th May. I am now planning to spend my whole 8 days in Auckland because we think that dividing time between there and Welli is perhaps pushing things a bit schedule-wise as this is a (fairly! :cheers ) serious fact-finding trip. We have pretty well decided that we are going to put all or most of our eggs in the Auckland basket as we think the Auckland economy feels a better likely market for our skills. Our (one or two) Auckland contacts have been very encouraging and friendly. Also our housing wants are modest, so we hope that perhaps the biggest usual Auckland consideration -- i.e., pricey housing -- will be something to which we can adjust. We are coming from the 'greater Seattle' market, and we managed to find a niche here after a few months' searching.

So many thanks indeed to our forum pals in Welli -- I am still leaving an option to fly there at short notice during my trip, quite honestly -- but, for now, anyone in or around Auckland care to meet for a beer or something?

[jonSE]

Matt

Definitely up for a beer or three - maybe meet up with other forum members in Auckland? anyone?

if we can be of any other help PM me.

Cheers

Jon

[MB]

Great! I look forward to it, Jon.

Anyone else???

By the way, in case my recent post was not clear, I'm coming over to NZ by myself for the May trip... then the three of us (I, Vera and Winston) are moving to NZ in July.

Cheers,
Matt.

[AliJax]

Count me in you two.

[foolsgold99]

If we're discussing the drinking of beer, then you guys aren't doing it without me. :cheers