[Mrs Pony]

I'm thinking that we MIGHT have to go back to the US... :wah

Our PR still hasn't been approved and it looks like the Medicals are still causing an issue. I had my US rheumatologist write a letter and we sent it off to the MA. I have no clue what the letter said but I'm guessing that he didn't answer the questions right... We've been given until July 31st. So I have an appointment July 27th with a Rheumatologist here so hopefully that will get everything sorted.

OH still hasn't found a job and is getting depressed. He applies for everything that he can. He has degrees in Audio Engineering, types 80+ wpm and can't even get a data entry job. If he doesn't have a job by December, we're going to have to move back to the US.

We just got our electricity bill and had a heart attack... I'll just say that we're working things out with Contact to see if they put the main house on our bill too. We live in the basement part of the house and the main house is under construction. If that really is our bill... I don't know how we're going to pay.

We're starting to think that maybe we WEREN'T meant to come to NZ...

[eassae]

Sorry to hear about all your problems.

One thing that has kept me from going crazy has been volunteering as my contract work is still very sporadic. I mention this because it might be a good way for your OH to network and possibly find work. If not he will still meet some cool people.

Check out: http://www.wellington.govt.nz/services/volunteers/index.html

[Ash3000]

sorry to hear about the problems you are facing :o

I have been reading your posts and I must say you guys are very determined with a 'dont give up' attitude!! :nice1

all I can say is that just go with the flow...see what happens on the 27th....
I hope OH finds the job by October because job situation will only get worse in Nov-Dec due to the holiday season...

all the best and remembr....if its meant to be, it will be!!

good luck!!
:)

[Kanga]

Sorry to hear about all your problems.

One thing that has kept me from going crazy has been volunteering as my contract work is still very sporadic. I mention this because it might be a good way for your OH to network and possibly find work. If not he will still meet some cool people.

Check out: http://www.wellington.govt.nz/services/volunteers/index.html


So, so true; I would have totally lost it if not for my fab volunteering post here in Oz.

Mrs Pony- what was your leccy bill? We had some real whoppers in NZ and now pay less each month than we did each week in winter in NZ :wah

[Kalla]

i was extremely sad to read your post because all the way through our immigration process you have inspired me with your determination to get a new life in New Zealand and I had really hoped it would work out for you guys.

don't give up just yet!!!!!!! i am holding fingers and thumbs for you guys and hope that it all comes together in the end.

[Mrs Pony]

We're not giving up yet... we're just feeling really low right now... OH is unhappy because he can't find a job, which makes me unhappy because he's not happy. We both really miss the dog (had a Skype chat with my parents and the dog could hear me and was looking behind the laptop for me:laugh:wah). And this weather right now sucks, which I'm sure doesn't help... but at least I work in an office and it's only a 10 minute walk to work. Getting that leccy (that still sounds odd to my American ears) was just like a stab to the heart. There is no way we can pay it, rent and everything else. We're selling the Delonghi (http://www.delonghi.co.nz/products/product_details.asp?Model=TCH7592ER) heaters that we were using ... and we got a EconoHeat (http://www.econo-heat.co.nz/) panel heater which is only 400watts for the bedroom... it takes longer to heat up the room but it there is no chill in the air!! and a heated blanket which I'm in love with!

oh... and the leccy bill was over $600... yes you're reading that right... We have a 1bed/1bath place and it's just the 2 of us....

[M-Squared]

Oh no Renee! :( :( I can't believe you've been through the wringer so much, that stinks!

[benhila]

oh... and the leccy bill was over $600... yes you're reading that right... We have a 1bed/1bath place and it's just the 2 of us....

Mrs Pony,

There is no way that your bill is accurate - we pay less than $250 a month and we are heating a 3-bed house with 2 heat-pumps and an electrical heater.
I am quite positive that when you dispute the bill it will be cut dramatically.

And as to all the rest of it - a heartfelt 'good luck' from both of us.

Cheers

Hila & Ben

[M-Squared]

There is absolutely NO WAY that bill can possibly be right! :mad: While it's being sorted, you shouldn't have to pay it, at least. Racking my brain for your hubby, but I'm not in that field at all, so drawing a bit of a blank. Sending (((positive vibes))) for the MA stuff, what a pain in the arse!

[Mrs Pony]

Thanks guys! It just seems like one thing after another... I mean we got the EOI selected then rejected then it was ok after getting stuff sent to NZQA... but with NZQA they didn't assess OH's stuff right so that was a mess too... Now we have the ITA in and we had to show more proof of relationship and having medical issues... It's like we're aiming for every speed bump and pot hole in the road! We got that bill on Friday and went to church Sunday to pray that God would show us how we're going to pay that bill! ha! And I swear the message was JUST for us! Have Faith! Which is what I keep telling OH... and then there it was again in our face... on a side note we really liked that Church and will be going back... The pastors wife gave the sermon which actually wasn't what she had planed to talk about at all...

We looked at the meter around 4 and the guys upstairs were still there and the meter was going crazy! like 2 seconds and the black line was back... We looked again around 7 and it was crawling... so i think it MUST be the workers up there! We've emailed the landlord,who's on holiday, about it just to let him know...

Contact told us not to worry about the bill for right now and they are going to see about getting someone out here to look at it... I mean when we checked it at 4 we didn't have anything on in the house!

oh and Monday and Tuesday SUCKED at work for me... stupid end of the month and people not knowing the correct cost centers which stops everything... GGRRR!! yea... try uploading about 105 people's payments... and having to correct 99 of them....ugh!

[snowy_apple]

when the dog bites
when the bee stings
when I'm feeling sad...
I simply remember my favorite things and then I don't feel so bad...

I hope you have a bit of sunshine today :). Can't cheer you up....but hope you keep thinking about the good things you have.

Cheers...

[Leo]

A little note of support & comfort :nice1 from Leo DiCappucino

Fret no more... Some delightful chocolate shalt bring thee good cheer & restore thy spirit! :)

" Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. "
Joshua J. Marine

[eassae]

oh... and the leccy bill was over $600... yes you're reading that right... We have a 1bed/1bath place and it's just the 2 of us....

Yeah, that aint right.

I work from home and usually have my electric oil radiator on from when I wake up to when I go to bed not to mention the computer equipment, and our highest bill so far has been $116. OH also runs her heater and computer in the morning in her office.

[Sheldon]

and went to church Sunday to pray that God would show us how we're going to pay that bill! ha! And I swear the message was JUST for us! Have Faith! Which is what I keep telling OH... and then there it was again in our face... on a side note we really liked that Church and will be going back...

Really happy to read that you have found a good church. Keep going back, and hopefully you will establish a new circle of friends and family.

[miep]

I'm really sorry to hear about all your troubles! The weather has been getting me down as well, surely we are due a bit of sunshine:cool:

Have you asked your Dr in the US to send you a copy of the letter he sent Immi? It might be useful to know which part of any questions he didn't answer and perhaps even to show the NZ Dr what is not good enough for them. I can just imagine a Dr who has only seen you once being really vague in their letter to immi and you having to go back to them again!:exit Ouch, that would be really disheartening.

Besides if it was me, I would like to know what was in the letter regardless!:D

And as for the word leccy, I've never heard a kiwi use it, I think it must be British slang??

[JandM]

And as for the word leccy, I've never heard a kiwi use it, I think it must be British slang?? I'm in the UK, and I've never heard this word used - I've only ever seen it on this forum!

[sophiedb]

No advice, just *HUGHUGHUGS* Sounds like you've had a week that would try anyone's determination :(

[paulsco]

Sorry to hear about your troubles, things will pick up I'm sure! take heart from the words of a very wise man! Mr Homer Simpson who said...........

"Stupid risks make life worth living"

Hang in there;)

[tea drinker]

'leccy' is used in certain regions in the UK as a slang term for electricity.

Hope it all works out for you.

[Kitten Witten]

Also sorry to hear you're having such a rough time. Hope your OH finds a job soon.

[globetrecker]

Good luck to you both! It is definitely an emotional rollercoaster. We also think that we may have to go back to the United States. It's hard to have come this far and then realize that because of no fault of your own it just may not work out. Stay positive and perhaps things will have a way of sorting themselves out. Hope your OH finds a job! How much longer are you able to stay in NZ?

[catt]

Good idea about volunteer work for networking. I started with the Coastguard doing admin and have made some useful contacts. Good luck with everything........ pozzi vibes to you both

[newarrival]

I just caught up with that thread- sorry to hear your troubles, Mrs. Pony!
Out of our own experience I can only say- don't give up if there is any way you can afford it, we had been at the "it doesn't go any further" stage more than once and in the end everything worked out!:yes

All the best!

[NJ2NZ]

Following your posts has been a pleasure and for my selfish reasons I'd like to see them coming. I am very much hoping that between now and December things'll look up and you'll be your sunny self once again. My prayers and best wishes to help you along!

[bobo]

I'm in the UK, and I've never heard this word used - I've only ever seen it on this forum!

Its been in common usage in parts of the UK for years, used it serving my time as a sparky, many moons ago.

[BodaciousBean]

Hi Ponies!

I am truly saddened by your post. I am so sorry things have been rocky for you both. I definitely agree with going to church. I have prayed to God every step throughout our emigration process and all of our prayers have been answered, so far. :)

Hang in there Ponies. You got this far, you can go further for sure. I pray Mr. Pony finds a job real soon. :nice1

[Mrs Pony]

Thanks again everyone... I just really needed to vent! We really don't want to have to go back to the US. If we did we would be broke...have to live with friends/family until we could get on our feet... and it would feel like we've failed if we have to go back.

We're pretty sure something is messed up with the meter because when i left for work this morning, the only thing on was the pc (aside from the basic things like the fridge, microwave etc.), all the lights were off, heaters off... and the meter was spinning like crazy! I mean like 2 seconds and you see the black line again. The builders were upstairs already so it MUST be them. Maybe they have some heaters going as soon as they get there? Plus our landlord emailed us and said that the water heater was gas so it's not that... Contact has stayed in touch with us and should be getting someone out here soon.

Our WHV's are good until March 2010. So we're ok on that part... but if OH can't find work soon we will have to see about moving to a smaller, damper place.

We've used the panel heater in the bedroom for 2 nights now and it's AWESOME!!! It's not too hot but you can tell the difference once you walk out of the bedroom in to the icebox aka living room! We haven't woken up freezing or sweating yet!

Just called the DR here to see about getting in sooner... so I should hear back soon on that.

[victoria24]

on brandons visa can he do any job or does it have to be in his area of expertise?

[Ana&Steve]

Hey,
sorry about the rough times; I hope things look up soon!

BTW, have you guys done much social networking to help find B a job?
Thursday Night Curry http://wellington.thursdaynightcurry.com at Daawats (or is it Dawaats?) on Manner St is an IT meetup and so is the Wellies meetup (once a month I think) at the Dog and Bone.www.wellies.org.nz (www.wellies.org.nz/event.php?idd=23&PHPSESSID=f510af80d48f45daebfaf7865707d3a0&PHPSESSID=f510af80d48f45daebfaf7865707d3a0)

take care!

[M-Squared]

The Wellies have merged / been swallowed by UP - aka Unlimited Potential. They're getting a monthly meetup going. The Wellies was quite a bit for what turned out to be one person, to organise (bless him!). Here's where to find them now: http://www.up.org.nz/

[Mrs Pony]

We both have WHV's which we can do any work other than perm...i believe...
If we DO get PR... then he will have to do something in his field... Audio (sound for movies or music in a studio)

Thanks for the links I'll check them out

[JandM]

If we DO get PR... then he will have to do something in his field... Audio (sound for movies or music in a studio)


This is only true if you get a restriction placed on your PR (clause 18a), because it has depended on a job offer to get you the right number of points. Many grants of PR leave the immigrant free to do any work at all, regardless of their qualifications.

[sophiedb]

We're pretty sure something is messed up with the meter because when i left for work this morning, the only thing on was the pc (aside from the basic things like the fridge, microwave etc.), all the lights were off, heaters off... and the meter was spinning like crazy! I mean like 2 seconds and you see the black line again. The builders were upstairs already so it MUST be them. Maybe they have some heaters going as soon as they get there? Plus our landlord emailed us and said that the water heater was gas so it's not that... Contact has stayed in touch with us and should be getting someone out here soon.

That's dreadful, and ridiculous! I hope they sort it out soon *hug*

Maybe watch the meter when you get up tomorrow - or tonight after the builders have left - to compare?? I know someone else would have to verify it, but should at least confirm whether it's the builders in your mind :)

[Sovenok]

Dear Mrs Pony
I like you guys and I'd like to help you ;)

You've done a lot to get where you are. Stop thinking about returning to the US, our thoughts are material. Tell your OH he must stop feeling depressed, employers feel his vibes spreaded.

I suggest you to find auto-training audio materials, btw I personally use lectures from the institute of human self-recovery. Sorry, I cant send these materials to you, they are in russian.

Best of luck!

[skibumwa]

Keep fighting, but be aware of the following:

a) Make sure your OH is not being negative or coming across as depressed when he talks to potential employers via email, tele or face to face. They can sense this and will RUN away!
b) Have your OH call Weta Studios here in Welly. However, I am not sure if they can use a Audio Engineer at this time.
c) Welly is not as good as Auckland is for Audio Engineer work. There's more of a music and entertainment industry in Auckland vs. here. I met a couple from Denver who came down here last yr on a 3 month reccy trip. He had almost ZERO luck here in Welly for Audio Engineering jobs. I think they went back to Denver broke and heartbroken.
d) Perhaps you can work in night club here in Welly as a DJ? Will that help your NZIS issues
e) Keep in mind that the NZ economy is crap (recession) and also that the NZ D.O.L. and NZIS are being protective of Perm Residents and NZ Citizens (& keeping them employed above all else).


I sent you a PM, let me know what you think and when you are free?

Try to keep smiling... many people are in your shoes. You are not alone my friends!

John

I'm thinking that we MIGHT have to go back to the US... :wah

OH still hasn't found a job and is getting depressed. He applies for everything that he can. He has degrees in Audio Engineering, types 80+ wpm and can't even get a data entry job.
We're starting to think that maybe we WEREN'T meant to come to NZ...

[Tesall]

Do you have access to the mains? I would suggest you turn it off next time you both head out of the house and the builders are aorund... you will soon find out oif they are piggy backing off your power ;)

Good luck to the OH, you both have had such a positive outlook and even now when things arent going as planned you arent slagging off the entire country or coming actross as bitter, just 2 people who are having a tough time initially settling in, plenty of people here could learn from your attitude.

And I agree with Skibumwa.. you thought moving to Auckland... or at least he could apply for jobs in Auckland?

[Tesall]

What about this

http://www.seek.co.nz/users/apply/index.ascx?Sequence=33&PageNumber=1&JobID=15592622


or this

http://www.seek.co.nz/users/apply/index.ascx?Sequence=38&PageNumber=1&JobID=15537170

or

http://www.seek.co.nz/users/apply/index.ascx?Sequence=48&PageNumber=1&JobID=15504034


sorry if these arent his thing!

[eassae]

b) Have your OH call Weta Studios here in Welly. However, I am not sure if they can use a Audio Engineer at this time.

Also, contact Park Road they handle all the post production for the PJ movies. I think Hobbit is in prepro now?

parkroad@parkroad.co.nz

You could also contact Film Wellington and see if they can put you in contact with production companies. I was speaking with one of their peeps the other day and they told me that Welly has a little bit of a hard time supporting its native crew full time, but it's worth a shot.

http://www.filmwellington.com/

[IanW99]

Do you have access to the mains? I would suggest you turn it off next time you both head out of the house and the builders are aorund... you will soon find out oif they are piggy backing off your power ;)
...


Of course it should be noted that it could be very dangerous to cut the power whilst it is being used, so maybe not the best advice...

And yes, I'm aware that it was said in jest (hopefully), just trying to ensure that it is taken that way... :exit

Have you tried talking to the site foreman, sure they would know how the electricity has been wired up.

Ian

[Mrs Pony]

OH has a contact at Park Road who just emailed him the other day updating him that there still isn't any openings... and that The Hobit still doesn't have the green light yet...

We didn't want to move to Auckland because we've heard it's too city like... maybe we will have to pack up and move up there... My contract is up at the end of the year so IF we have to move it would have to be after then... I'm fairly confident that I would be able to get a job at another school or anywhere now really...

We'll see about talking to the builders...

[JasonS]

We didn't want to move to Auckland because we've heard it's too city like... maybe we will have to pack up and move up there... My contract is up at the end of the year so IF we have to move it would have to be after then... I'm fairly confident that I would be able to get a job at another school or anywhere now really...



i understand your feelings for not wanting to move to auckland, but another way to look at it, if it came down to having to relocate there for work, is at least you would still be in NZ and it would not have to be forver. :clap

hang in there. hoping the best for you!
laurel

[victoria24]

what about approaching radio stations? is this the sort of thing that monsieur pony would do being an audio engineer?

[Mrs Pony]

He's done all that... He applied for those Auckland jobs (thanks for the links!) so if he gets one of those then we'll know it's time to move! He applies for jobs everyday but still doesn't even get a call back. :(

[eassae]

He's done all that... He applied for those Auckland jobs (thanks for the links!) so if he gets one of those then we'll know it's time to move! He applies for jobs everyday but still doesn't even get a call back. :(

I can commiserate. Living in a small place like Welly, although a lovely city, it is pretty easy to feel like you have exhausted your options pretty quickly.

[Arwen]

So sorry to read about your current predicament Mr and Mrs Pony. What a shame :(. I really hope you don't have to return home after all the effort you have made to get here.

Just a thought, but would your hubby be interested in working in a teaching capacity in colleges like Whiteria or other music departments??? Just to keep you both going for now??? I have friends at Whiteria in Porirua, I could ask them if there are any positions available???

[Mrs Pony]

So sorry to read about your current predicament Mr and Mrs Pony. What a shame :(. I really hope you don't have to return home after all the effort you have made to get here.

Just a thought, but would your hubby be interested in working in a teaching capacity in colleges like Whiteria or other music departments??? Just to keep you both going for now??? I have friends at Whiteria in Porirua, I could ask them if there are any positions available???

Yes, but he's not qualified to be a teacher... He only has his AS but NZQA gave him a level 5 for his Audio Certificates, which are in THX Approved Certification in Film Post Production and Certified Audio Engineer (CAE), . What would he have to do? Plus he doesn't know how to read music... He usually just listens to the music and he can figure it out (he plays guitar).

Here is some of his playing... http://www.youtube.com/user/PonyboyInNewZealand

[Arwen]

Hey, he is really good. :nice1 He would love it at Whiteria, that's all they do all day!!!

Hmmm, not sure what he would have to do to be able to teach.

However, I have found this website that enables you to email the tutors. Perhaps your hubby could post a quick email asking how they managed to get into that roll.

http://www.mainz.ac.nz/mainz/staff1.asp?id=3

In the meantime, I will email a friend of mine who might be able to shed some light on the qualifications of his tutors at Whiteria.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

[925dancer]

Another route for some networking, although I don't know if it is his thing, would be to offer his services to amateur theatre groups. They are always happy for experienced helpers and the entertainment industry is tiny so a lot of amateur groups have professionals keeping their skills brushed up until paid work comes along.

[Arwen]

Just another thought. Has he tried all the local recording studios???

[5kings]

"He applies for jobs everyday but still doesn't even get a call back."

My OH is having the same problem in the UK since he got made redundant, it's so disheartening isn't it?
Fingers crossed for good new for both OHs!

Helen

[Moorf]

Sorry to hear things are a bit crappy at the moment, Ponies...

I wonder if you might try contacting LeccyLee who used to frequent this forum - he's into lighting/audio in theatres I believe and recently relocated from Welly to Hamilton for a job.

I don't have his email to hand - but if anyone does could they please PM The Ponies with it as he's not contactable via this forum anymore. Or is he still running ExPat Radio online - if so http://www.kiwimigrant.com/forum/index.php

Just a thought.

Moorf

[Mrs Pony]

he's tried volunteering at studios but they told him that they don't take them...

It's very disheartening! I applied for over 50 jobs and only had 3 interviews... 2 of them were with temp agencies (and not an actual position) I got really lucky with my 3rd and got that job. It's not even really what I was doing in the US. I did Financial Aid in the US and now I'm an accounts coordinator for a payments team (Finance crap) for a college here.

[Kalla]

you've probably considered this already but I was wondering if you might have more luck if you widened your job search to other areas in New Zealand? or have you already tried this? Sure I know it means a move and leaving somewhere you're already settled but I was just wondering if there might be jobs elsewhere in the country?

[Mrs Pony]

I think we might have to start looking into that... OH wants to get in with Park Road which is here in Welly, but he got an update email the other day and they still aren't taking people in. He's applied to those jobs that were in Auckland (i can't remember who posted them on here) so will see... If we have to move then we will have to move... My job isn't up until the end of December so if he were to get something in Auckland...I might be able to move in with friends and he can get tiny place in Auckland until my job is done here.

[PonyGirl]

So sorry to hear of all your struggles!!! I really hope you get things worked out with your electric bill soon, I know how frustrating that can be. We went through that a few months ago with our electric company here in the US. Hubby and I are anxiously awaiting our time to move to NZ, but things seem pretty bleak on the job front and that makes us nervous to actually move. Our house been on the market for a little over a month now and we have not had any offers, so maybe there's a reason we are still here for now. I'm sure you will continue to find encouragement and strength at church. I truly hope things start looking up for you two!! I'll be praying.

[Tesall]

I think we might have to start looking into that... OH wants to get in with Park Road which is here in Welly, but he got an update email the other day and they still aren't taking people in. He's applied to those jobs that were in Auckland (i can't remember who posted them on here) so will see... If we have to move then we will have to move... My job isn't up until the end of December so if he were to get something in Auckland...I might be able to move in with friends and he can get tiny place in Auckland until my job is done here.

It was me!

Modesty is overrated.... and I want a commision if he gets them.

[akp713b]

You aren't alone in getting an outrageous electric bill this month. My flat isn't even really heated. It is 3 bedrooms but we only have 2 small oil heaters we run a few hours in the evening, and only one at a time. Yet our bill jumped from $100 in April to $180 in May (the highest we'd ever had) to over $300 in June, without running any extra appliances. I think they've screwed up. Your bill sounds unbelieveable though.

[TheNaylors]

Gosh...somehow I missed this thread!

Sorry to hear of your worries, I hope you manage to get everything sorted with the leccy and that something comes through for Brandon soon.

[RJLink]

we only have 2 small oil heaters we run a few hours in the evening, and only one at a time. Yet our bill jumped from $100 in April to $180 in May (the highest we'd ever had) to over $300 in June, without running any extra appliances. I think they've screwed up.

Something's not right there. I run two bigger heaters (sometimes together) 7 to 10 hours a day for $180 a month.

[Mrs Pony]

Welp Contact has told us not to worry about the bill until they get it figured out... Brandon is going to call them later this week if he hasn't heard anything... We don't want to power shut off on us!

No word on the job front yet...

oh.. and Tesall... depending on if OH gets the job in Auckland... The commission will be a beer! Maybe more than one... depending on how much he'll be making ;)

[3fromSA]

sorry to hear you are having such a hard time ponies,been following your thread for a while now and really hope it all works out for you!

[Susan2502]

Good Luck Ponies, I have also followed your thread throughout your process.

Holding thumbs that hubby finds work soon.

Keep us posted!!

[Arwen]

Just to let you know that I emailed my friend a couple a days ago about possible jobs at Whiteria, but he hasn't replied yet!!!:mad:

Not to worry, he will be at band practice tomorrow night, so I will get as much info as I can out of him and post back Thursday. :nice1

[shakyle2906]

Hope things look up for you soon!

We've had 8mths of no good news, hubby out of work, ACC stopping our money and living on the pitance WINZ pay us plus my wages.

Try and stay positive, its damn hard without your family but we are trying not to give up too!

Every day we wake up and wonder what s*** will come our way today.

Our thoughts are with you!

Sharon
x

[Mrs Pony]

Welp OH got a email today about setting up an interview for next week! Keep those fingers crossed!!

[Arwen]

Everythings crossed for you Pony's, that's fantastic news. xxxxx :clap

Where is the interview???

[Mrs Pony]

Here in Welly... we want to stay so hopefully he gets this one vs the ones he's applied for in Auckland!

[snowy_apple]

All the best to Mr Pony. Whatever outcome it will be, pls stay positive. Cheers...

[mgf]

wishing you the best!

[Toonster]

Keeping my fingers very tightly crossed! :D

[Sheldon]

Good luck Monsieur and Missus Pony!

[andrewp]

All the best, The Stallion ;)

[Sheldon]

Lol - High Ho Silver and all that!

[3fromSA]

pretzled for you!! good luck!

[JandM]

+++++++++++++++++++