[Michelle and Richard]

Well hello all and welcome from NZ.

Arrived yesterday am from Singapore, great to be met by ex flat mate and taken to temp acommodation. Staying in friend of friends flat and although its very clean and free from psychadelic wallpaper or carpets it is a little dated still its cheap and comes with free car.

So first day got internet and phone sorted, Richard had a job interview went Ok but not very hopeful still its an interview. Tomorrow its sorting out bank accounts, new car and meeting up with old friends.

Its 8 yesrs since we left and although things have changed its familiar and that really helps when finding your way around. We are paying $265 for a very small 1 bed flat, its fine until the end of oct when our stuff arrives but would do my head in for any longer. That includes bills etc so not too bad all considered, its also furnished which is a huge bonus. Have a portable TV that we can't tune in so can only get TV3 and then in black and white snow, it does have a "rabbit ears" aerial but I guess that actual rabbit ears would be more useful.

Internet was so easy to arrange, went to xtra and its $16 a month for 160 hours on dial up. Didn't have much time to shop around just needed to get on line and amazed at how easy given that we had no account best of all he apologoised because it might take a couple of minutes. No 15 mins of irritating music and the call being put through to India Germany or whereever else.

Stocked up on basics at Pak and Save although it wasn't cheap. I would totally agree with Amanda's comments on food shopping etc. I bought budget brands but its still not cheap. I wasn't looking for brands I would buy at home as I'm already familiar with Kiwi brands. I also went to New World and bought their special offers which were cheaper than Pak and save. Can post my shopping bill if anyone is interested.

We are living In Remuera which is where we lived before so I know its not cheap but we love it although doubt we will buy around here, will wait and see where we end up working.

So first impressions, loving it loving it but know we have some tough times ahead. Our income is a tiny fraction of what it was back in the UK and we cannot realistically manage on my wage for any length of time. To anyone on one wage I would think carefully before accepting a lowish wage in Auckland its not a cheap city. Going car shopping tomorrow, car dealer told us today that NZ is the cheapest place in the world to buy a car, yeah right, nice guy but thought he was going to burst into "do you think I'm sexy" after he split up from Rachel Hunter, Rod Stewart stayed on and opened a car dealership Auckland. Wow what a hair cut he had !

Cars are as old and battered as ever although thankfully cheaper than they were.

Everyone has been very helpful with the exception of one snotty real estate agent, seem to have more time and less hassled.

To Moorf and the others heading out in the next few days, enjoy the flight if you can and get in touch if you get to Auckland.

Michelle

[Moorf]

Good to hear you both arrived safely and in good spirits :-)

Having last minute panics here.... need an elephant to come and sit on my case!!

Moorf & Woz

[Michelle and Richard]

Hello Moorf

Oh 87 Kilos of luggage and big smile to the check in staff got me through. You have no idea how frustrating it was being in Singapore for 3 days and no space to shop. Its a bit nippy here so pack the fleeces although did see people in shorts today although there legs were a strange blue colour.

Have a safe trip.

Michelle

[Douglas]

Hi Michelle, I followed your posts as you packed-up and left for New Zealand and felt for you, as I'm sure everyone else who has done it (or hasn't done it for that matter) did.

I found the most upsetting thing was saying goodbye to family.

I'm glad you've made it. Hopefully most of the stress is over and you'll have an exciting few days settling in. :hopeso

[Moorf]

Whoa - 87kgs!!

I think we'll be a little lighter - at least I HOPE!!

Oh god - 3 hrs to get myself sorted until taxi arrives... :wah

[jesselyn]

87 :eek what a beautiful smile you have michelle :nice1 ;)...

it will be nice if you can post your shopping bill - me and and my officemates are very interested :yes . good thing, you included the internet fee too coz i was wondering about that... thanks for the info. :cool

cheers,
jes :angel

[Diny]

Good to hear that things are going OK so far - keep us posted. This is the bit I find really interesting - reports from folks who have "passed over to the other side" - must be the spiritualist in me.

Reading the posts of people who are on a count down to leaving, then having a few days with no news then up crops a post saying 'we've arrived' .... maybe I'm just easily pleased but I blooming love it - very interesting.

Looking forward to Moorfs and Dave & Sandra's first NZ post !!

Diny

[lindajax]

Hi Michelle,
Been following your posting over past few days. congratulations :clap on getting to auckland - thats where I'm headed later this year :nice1

Any posts about renting and cost of living would be helpful and possibly a checklist of do's and don'ts for the preparation etc.

I am really pleased your finding it as you left it GOOD LUCK :mrgreen:
Linda

[bbq]

Good to hear that things are going OK so far - keep us posted. This is the bit I find really interesting - reports from folks who have "passed over to the other side" - must be the spiritualist in me.

Reading the posts of people who are on a count down to leaving, then having a few days with no news then up crops a post saying 'we've arrived' .... maybe I'm just easily pleased but I blooming love it - very interesting.

Looking forward to Moorfs and Dave & Sandra's first NZ post !!

Diny

Me too DIny

Just hope that they do manage to find the time to keep posting :hopeso

cheers

alex

[Michelle and Richard]

Mixed day today. Richard has been told he has a second interview for job hurraahhhhhh problem is its psychometric testing booooooo. Not hopeful as a lot of people have applied internally. Anyway its experience.

Car hunting today and its not easy. Lots of Jap imports and they dont look good, have heard some absolute horror stories from friends about them and they do look suspicious, how can a car that 8 yeras old have done 20 000 miles ???????. Seems to be a lot of dodgy dealers out here and very little licensing since a change in the rules earlier this year.

Looked at a couple or rentals although its a little early as we don't leave our current place until the end of oct. Not exactly cheap however we are looking in more expensive areas again because its familiar. Did however meet the most incredibly helpful real estate agent who spent ages explaining things. What was most amazing was that I had said we were not considering buying at the moment just trying to suss things out. He will be my first port of call when we do decide to buy.

Sorted out Bank account at ASB migrant banking in Auckland, piece of cake although the charges are a shock but can be avoided by leaving a reasonable balance. Very impressed with them so far and would recommend them. Have sorted out temporary contents insurance through ASB $20 000 worth of cover for $43 a month, not cheap but will shop around more once we have a permanent address next month and our stuff arrives.

Shock horror are parking charges everywhere at $1 for 20 mins or $12 for 90 mins in the centre of Auckland. We are under presure to get stuff sorted so short of time therefore parking wherever we can. Traffic does seem much worse than last time we were here, very busy and some of the roads seem inadequate for the volume of traffic.

Weather is mixed, really 4 seasons in one day but the loveliest blue sky when the sun does shine.

Will post shopping bills if I can find where I put it ! also try and post other costs as we encounter them.

Michelle

[Rimbo]

Michelle,
Jap cars with only 20kms from new is not rare.
They have a really strict version of an MOT over in Japan which most of the time makes the cars very expensive to keep on the road espesially after only 5 years or so. Have you never noticed how many non UK Jap cars there are in Britain (known as Grey imports). The reason is that we can buy them cheap, say a Maxda MX5 (eunos for a Jap import), at auction over T'internet, pay shipping charges (£1500), tax, brokers fees, SVA test (this makes it uk spec, fog lights etc etc at cost around £500) and finally register it and give it a GB MOT. the car still works out cheaper than a UK spec car.... go figure! :?
As NZ is closer to Japan than the UK i imagine they too are inundated with Jap imports going for a song at auction. just make sure it is road legal for NZ before you buy.

Hope this helps a bit.

[evelynne_r]

Hi Michelle and Richard,

Good luck with the psychometric testing - they seem really keen on it over here for some reason. However, remember that the company is paying several hundred dollars for it, so they wouldn't put Richard through it if they weren't seriously considering him.

Good luck,

Evelynne

[Raeven]

Hi, Michelle,

I'm following your posts with great interest and fascination -- thank you so much for taking the time to give us the benefit of your discoveries and experiences as you go through them! There is just no substitute for 'boots on the ground,' as they say. So glad to hear you are encountering helpful people along with the Rod Stewart wannabees!!

Looking forward to your next installment!

All the best, Rae

[Carol]

it will be nice if you can post your shopping bill - me and and my officemates are very interested :yes . good thing, you included the internet fee too coz i was wondering about that... thanks for the info. :cool

cheers,
jes :angel


https://www.woolworths.co.nz/homeshopping/default.asp

THis might help Jes......I use them about once every six weeks....when full time work and 3 kids gets a bit....too much!
;)

[blue]

Congrats on getting there! and glad its running smoothly. Very informative post. Please keep posting.

[Michelle and Richard]

Hello all and gretings from sunny if a little windy Auckland.

Car hunting again today but its all a bit depressing but just because I'm not that interested in cars. Rimbo took on board your comments about the imports but we have heard nothing but bad news about them. They do have low mileage but the engine hours are high because they spend that long sat in traffic. Its also very difficult to verify the mileage and after talking to friends out here we have decided to stay clear. There are loads of ex hire cars about but with sky high mileage and have clearly been hammered. Also a lot of ex fleet cars which seem in better condition with provable mileage and service history. We are now looking at a CRV or Rav 4 which are plentiful and seem to retain their value and a Ford Ka for a second city car. The latter is amazingly cheap although small by NZ standards however as petrol prices are on the up they are becoming more popular.

We are fortuante to have friends brains to pick otherwise this whole business could be quite daunting.

Started looking at houses, much more fun than cars ! Looked around Ponsonby, Herne Bay today and going over the bridge to Nothcote and Birkenhead tomorrow. Going into real estate gaents is a bit hit and miss, some are very helpful others not at all because we keep saying we are just sussing out areas. So yes they may view us as time wasters now but we wont go back in a few months when we are ready to buy.

Went to Foodtown today, definitely like Sainsburys but again if you get the special offers some things were cheaper than Pack and Save. We have bought quite a bit of wine and most of it comes in betwen $8 and $10 its the sort of stuff that would be 5 pounds at home. Paid $14 for Carlton cold 12 bottles and they are 375 mls Steinlager was $17 on offer .

Richard got knocked back from an agency today so was fed up. He is a solicitor and they basically said go away and come back when you can practice here. He has to 6 exams and he can only sit them in feb and july next year. Despite having a significant amount of experience in the UK its doesn't transfer well so he is prepared to accept anything to get some basic NZ experience. Anyway got straight on the phone and spoke to somebody else and has arranged to see him tomorrow. He is still waiting to hear about a date for his second interview with ACC.

It is difficult to not see every minor set back as a disaster but I'm a half empty glass kind of person. I'm so excited to be in this wonderful city and so desperate to make a go of it that I just want everything to fall into place and its just not going to be like that.

One tip I would give is to allow yourself plenty of time to sort yourself out when you arrive, I gave myself 2 weeks before starting work and we are going to need it. Also arrange a car, we are borrowing a friends and would be really stuck without it.

Anybody out there due in Auckland soon ?

Michelle

[eric_amanda]

Hi Michelle

Sorry to hear that not everything is going entirely your way. Chin up and you will wonder what all the fuss was over in a few months. Why do we give ourselves such small timeframes to do these things in. We had 9 days before Eric started work to get over jet lag, start looking at houses, cars, sort out bank accounts etc and we had to deal with three young children at the same time!! Very difficult.

But here we are, less than six weeks on and things have settled down considerably.

Good luck to Richard with his job interviews and happy car/house hunting. We have bought two japanese imports and they are working just fine, mine is a Toyota Estima (people carrier), 12 yrs old and its imaculate, everyone thinks its brand new!!

Best wishes

Amanda

[karltsmith]

Hi Michelle,

I'm on the shore so if you need to the low down come over the bridge and have a coffee and a chat.

WRT cars speak to Barney at John Andrews Ford, nice bloke not pushy and some great deals about especially ex lease vehicles with current Ford Warranties.

If you like BMW's Lexus etc...they are entirely affordable and you could do worse than ringing Denis (south african) at Claytons of Cherry Lane just off Wairau Road!

Also try the car market at Ellerslie race course on Sundays and Kilburn's in Albany.

Jap imports if properly vetted are a good buy but I understand your concerns.

Regards

Karl

[lindajax]

Hi Michelle,
Wonderful to know you're out there :mrgreen:

Don't feel disheartened at minor set backs I'm sure you had already worked out what they may be before you got there - so keep a stiff upper lip and your head down for now.
I had a long process of getting myself registered to practice in NZ but fortunately could do it from this end.

Me and my hubby plus 4 year old daughter are comig to Auckland in December and CANNOT WAIT :D

We will probably stay in a hotel or guest house until we suss out the renting game than like you buy when we've looked at the nicest areas etc.

I will be working at Middlemore Hospital and plan to start work mid Jan so we are hoping to have 2-3 weeks lazing about :cool No seriously - trying to get sorted etc.

Your posts keep me happy and centred and motivated - just being able to experience it through you makes me well excited - the sad case that I am !!! :eek

KEEP POSTING lets us all know whats happening , what problems we might have and what really positive things you can advise us on

You are the experts now - BLESS

LOL and best wishes

Linda xx

[Michelle and Richard]

Thanks all. I think we arrive and expect everything to fall into place, also charge around like a headless chicken trying to do everything at once. Must try to chill more but its not me, if I wake up with nothing to worry about I worry I don't have something to worry about !

Karl, we were looking at an ex lease ford today, think we will go back tomorrow, is the place you mention on the north shore, we are heading over there tomorrow, very helpful real estate agent is going to take us around to give us an over view of the area. She knows we don't want to buy yet as well.

Just had a lovely evening with friends who came out here with us back in 1995 and stayed, she seemed very happy and settled.

Oh Amanda how you did all this with 3 kids amazes me, Karl you did it with twins, I hold my hands up to you.

Again today I looked at the view as we were driving back from the north shore to the city and was very grateful to be here. Next week we plan to take a few days away and really remind ourselves why we are here. I have to say despite all the silly little hassles, most of which I bring on myself, I am so glad we have done it.

So what will tomorrow bring ??? not sure but I do know I wont be getting in my car and driving down the M62 like I have done for the last 17 years and thats a good feeling. Linda, you have a lot to look forward to.

Michelle

[karltsmith]

Hi Michelle,

John Andrew Ford are at 2, Gt North Road, Grey Lynn 09 7376 9829.

Karl :nice1

[Michelle and Richard]

Hi Karl

Just about to head out there now, called in briefly yesterday and they seemed pretty decent, will look out for Barney. They had a few reasonable cars and came with a warranty for 1 year, looking for cheap run around but they did have a very nice CRV which Richard had his eye on. My intention is to go for the cheapie Ka at 10k and 2 years old they seem a bit of a bargain.

Thanks for your help.

Michelle

[karltsmith]

You should be able to squeeze 2 free services out of them aswell as the transfer of the Ford warranty.

Our Ford Laser, 18 months old started at 18K and ended up at 14K with 2 free services and 2 1/2 years offull Ford warranty.....don't be afraid to bargain!!!

Karl :nice1

[Michelle and Richard]

Hi Karl, we paid 9500 for our KA, got the balance of the warranty, 2 free services and tax until feb so quite pleased. It has a couple of dings and they are going to sort them out as well as a couple of stone chips, non of it major but should make it a pretty ok car.

Very impressed with Richard, our salesman, mentioned that we had been recommended asked after Barney he was pleased that people
are passing his name on.

Anyway its houses now, viewed a couple in Nothcote point and Birkenhead. Views were amazing and incredible houses, one we could have bought on the spot, just think no renting hassle, brand new, not the type that leak but sense prevailed. So back to looking at rental but thats depressing oh dear oh dear still we have 5 weeks here so no panic yet.

So thats about it for today, shame about the weather.

Michelle and Richard

[Michelle and Richard]

Mixed day today, Richard has withdrawn his application for a job, he had reached the second interview stage but decided it was the wrong career path. Big decision but only time will tell if it was the right one. Has a couple of meetings next week so we will see how that goes. Rapidly discovering that one nurses wage will not go far in Auckland. Looking at rentals today some ok ones but they are not cheap.

Getting a bit fed up with this very small one bed unit, the electrics look scary, there must be loads of work for electricians out here!

Big news is we have managed to get a colour picture on one of the TV channels, makes me think I have double vision though.

If anybody is coming out as a nusre to work at Auckland hospital, everyone I have met so far is great, HR have been great.

Have converted our mobiles with Vodaphone they are the only ones that use sim cards. Cost $35 for the car with $15 of air time. 20c to send a text calls 49c


I know this has been said many times before but everyone is friendly and goes out of there way to help you. If you phone somebody you get through almost straightaway, no irritating music for 15 mins.

Going to some open homes / auctions this weekend just to get a feel of buying houses.

Weather still bad but Rangi looks fab even through the mist.

Michelle

[Michelle and Richard]

Just a tip but if you are coming through Singapore they have UK to NZ adaptors for $3 in the electrical shops at the airport, pick up a handful we bought some but could do with a load more.

Sorted a rental today, remember to negotiate there is a real surplus of accomodation so its worth trying to knock down the price. They seem to like a minimum of 6 months but you do a periodic where you just give 28 days notice.

Most come with some whitewear although not many have washing machines. Check the NZ herald on line on a saturday as this is the big property day.

Visited a few open homes today, have seen some lovely houses but don't want to do anything too soon. There are signs everywhere for open homes and you just pull in and have a wander round, no hassle.

Weather still not great, going out for a curry tonight or we are as soon as we have figured out the TV and video that we have just bought in an attempt to try and watch TV. The signals are so poor and depending on where you are you may need sky.

Michelle

[Craig]

Hi Michelle and Richard,

Glad to hear you are settling in Auckland. I noticed you mentioned wages earlier in the thread and wondered what you would consider as a good wage in Auckland. I may have an opportunity with a salary aroung $48000 plus 15% shift allowance and health benefits. Is this a good wage for two people,with no children? :hopeso

Also.....what sort of average prices are you looking at for rental accommodation and what do you generally get for that?

[jesselyn]

https://www.woolworths.co.nz/homeshopping/default.asp

THis might help Jes......I use them about once every six weeks....when full time work and 3 kids gets a bit....too much!
;)

thanks carol - will bookmark the site ;)

jes :angel

[Michelle and Richard]

Hi Craig and Justine.

My salary is 47 500. I am working at Auckland city hospital, parking is a complete nightmare and as a result we are looking to rent close to the hospital, Richard will also be working in the city.

Rental accomodation is plentiful over this side but not very good. We are looking for a 3 bed place, although there is only 2 of us we have quite a few friends planning a visit including my parents for 2 months so we want space. At the moment we are in a furnished 1 bed unit including bills and its $265 its OK short term but feels very dated and we wouldn't want to be here long term.

The place we have found is $500 although we are hoping to negotiate a lower rent but that may be difficult as we dont want to sign up for a year. There are a lot of cheaper places and it will all depend on where you are working, where will you be ?

There are others on here on the North Shore, Karl included, perhaps they can give you an idea of rents over there.

We have looked over on the North Shore and its very nice and you certainly get more for your money but we like this side and the suburbs provide more of what we want.

To give you some idea of take home, I think I will be on 2900 to 3000 a month. Rent is going to take a pretty big chunk of that however we only plan to do it for a short time.

Richard is looking for work but has been told it wont be easy, he is a solicitor so needs to requalify over here. He will basically take anything to get experience of the NZ legal market.

I will post bills on here as we encounter them.

If there is anything I can do to help please feel free to get in touch anytime or send me a PM.

Michelle

[lindajax]

Hi Michelle,

Glad to see your settlin in wwell :nice1
I'm sure you've seen my posts I'm a nurse too and have just recieved my formal offfer of employment.

I want to pick your brains really :? - did you negotiate your salary - whats it like working in the hosi there - i'll be at Kidz First??

feel free to pm me or if you agree i could pm you

love
Linda xx

[Michelle and Richard]

Hi Linda,

PM me with any questions nursing or otherwise, will answer anything or I can or try and find out for you if not sure.

Michelle

[susanlin]

Hi Linda and Michelle

I am a nurse, here in ChCh. Don't want to sound too negative but I am really disillusioned with nursing in NZ. It seems to me that nurses do not have the status that UK nurses enjoy. The salaries are abysmal and are just an insult for the skill, experience and responsibility nurses have.

Nurse do not have the autonomy in NZ that UK nurses have. They are Drs assistants - and the public perception of our role is just that! I am of course only speaking from my own experience and observation.
PM me if you want any details on nursing - I have been here for 6 months and have worked non stop in that time. I have worked in 3 different places - the first job I could not bear - I started work 24 hours after I got off the plane- the employer would not let me have any time off. to get my family sorted etc. So I started off in a bad mood feeling very resentful toward them! I hated every moment of my time there - big NZ health organisation but won't name them! I now have 2 jobs - can't say I am happy but they will do for now whilst I decide where my future lies - thinking of midwifery.....

[Michelle and Richard]

Hi Susan

Really intersting to read your post and your perceptions. Thats terrible and what an awful introduction to NZ no wonder you started off in a bad mood.

I am working at Auckland city hospital in the opthalmic out patients department. I have worked at the hospita before 95 to 96, I worked on the nurse bank for 6 months and then 8 months on a general medical ward. I had some awful experineces but no worse than bank work in the UK. I took the medical ward job because the staff were great and it is without doubt the best group of people I have ever worked with.

Except for my time in NZ I have only done bank work for 17 years so perhaps my career aspirations are lacking. My main job has been as air cabin crew and travel is my real passion. I am determined to give my nursing job a real go and so far have been impressed with the way I have been treated.

One thing I would point out is that the shift pattern here is awful earlies were 7 until 3 lates 2 30 until 11 this made going from early to late impossible therefore getting weeks of lates and then a week of earlies.

I think your experiences are more valid because you sound more career orientated and it must be incredibly frustrating if your experience isn't recognised. After years of bank work you get used to people not talking to you or treating you as second class nurses. I have mainly worked in the private sector in the Uk where you tend to just deal with consultants, some of whom would't speak to me because I was a bank nurse

I have been lucky to secure a top level as I have been qualified 19 years perhaps this shows the system to be at fault somewhere.

Very good to get a balanced view of things out here and I think you made some valid points, however I do have to say that some of those points also apply to my experience in England. I was on 8.08p an hour back in England not much less than I will be on here.

Good luck with whatever path you decide to take,

Michelle

[Michelle and Richard]

One week on update.

Like moorf, picked up car today and signed rental. We didn't get a great deal on price down from 580 to 500, I wanted 450 but no deal and as we would only sign up for 3 months we thought it was a reasonable deal. Its a fabn spot and I can walk to work and hopefullyRichard will soon when he gets a job!

We have got a very modern 3 storey town house 3 beds 2 baths and double garage, decks for the barbies and a balcony with a view of mount eden.

Can we have collective finger crossing please he has an interview this week and he is really keen, has no experience in the area but hope his enthuisiasm will carry him through oh and a ,lot of swotting !

Would second woz and moorfs experience, contacts and networking are the way to go and this job will put him right in the middle of the legal market in Auckland so praying and praying for him.

Got car today, can I send anyone heading out to Auckland to head along to John Andrew Ford, those guys are so friendly and we are very happy with our purchase. Got car insurance with the AA paid $402 for fully comp.

Do shop around our quotes varied by $250 and whats covered also varied considerably. BUT the excess is really high $700 until we get a NZ licence and every agent said the same, its been introduced to get people to get an NZ licence quicker.

Had to laugh at one high quote when they said it was high because i wasn't used to NZ driving, so once I have learnt to cut people up, drive like a nutter I get cheaper insurance.

WEnt to meet my new boss today, lovely welcome very friendly so have high hopes.

So thats it for today

Michelle

[Moorf]

:hopeso :hopeso :hopeso :hopeso :hopeso :hopeso :hopeso :hopeso :hopeso :hopeso :hopeso :hopeso :hopeso

[bbq]

:hopeso :hopeso :hopeso :hopeso :hopeso

alex

[Michelle and Richard]

Thanks guys, not building hopes up as its early days but keep them coming until thurs.

Michelle