[NeilB]

Hi,

My wife and I are just setting out on the exit route and hope to be in NZ in 5-6 months time.

From advice on other forums I’m going to do the paperwork myself and save the cash.

Is this the best way forward?

Also, what is the IT market like in NZ (planned to live in Christchurch) as I’m struggling to find a good list of System Arch positions?

Any help or pointers to agencies etc. would be greatly received.

Cheers,

Neil

[kiwidollie]

Hi NeilB nice to see you over here.

I'm sure you'll get lots of good advice from the lovely people on this forum.


Just wanted to wish you a warm welcome. :yes

[Moorf]

Welcome NeilB

You are certainly right that doing the immigration yourself will save you lots of $$$ and this forum is bursting with info and helpful members who can help you on your way.

We're in Chch and hubby is in IT. I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you may have on the IT scene here and other Chch queries you may have.

The IT market in Chch is alive and kicking, but it's not as dynamic as in Welly or Auckland where you'll find more IT / network / support positions are available due to the higher number larger companies / HQ's being located there. Similarly, the salaries aren't as high, but neither is the cost of living so I guess it balances itself out.

A good place to start looking is the Canterbury Software Cluster website (go to the RealContacts area)

http://canterburysoftware.org.nz/

PM me and I can get you added to Woz's (hubby) network which will open up access to a large number of IT vacancies. We found the best way to find work here is to approach companies direct or via ads in the local newspaper. It appears that many co.'s aren't using recruitment agencies if they can help it - saves them $$. However, you would do well to contact agencies such as Elan or Brannigans and let them know you're searching for work.

The Christchurch City Council also lists IT jobs from time to time - http://www.bfound.net/login.aspx?Coid=131

Perhaps most importantly of all is that you get here and search for work - some people have been lucky enough to get jobs via telephone interviews from abroad, but on the whole, being here and showing your obvious committment to making the move goes a long way to helping secure a job offer.

Hope that helps. :nice1

Moorf

[paulwardle]

neil,
have pm'd you, regarding this, have advised you on other sites not to use agencies !!!!!
listen to moorf, she knows all !!!
:typing

[NeilB]

Hi,

Thanks for the replies, I will certainly take you up on the offer of the PM.

Another forum suggested I post here.

For my wife and I we are certainly committed, Have already sold the house, living in a rental, have family living in Wellington for the last 6 years and are trying to exit stage left as soon as possible.

It rather seems a catch 22 in that some agencies would only look at me (in the job sense) with a visa and the EOI and selection etc is enhanced (so I’m told via a £1 per minute call) with a job offer.

I’ve enough points to go as a skilled migrant and can probably support myself for 6ish months but would be more comfortable with a job.

I’ll send more specifics via PM as I’ve a few questions around EOI form Q E4.

Cheers,

Neil

[NeilB]

Hi,

Newbee IT guy (for shame) with possible tech grief. :oops:

I sent a couple of PM’s to the folks above, I know some have been sent and replied to, however two other message threads just sit in the “outbox” is this normal or do I have to do something special with this PC. I’m quite prepared to threaten it. :?

Cheers,

Neil

[MB]

Neil - welcome. The messages will sit in the Outbox until the recipient logs on and opens them to read, I think. It's normal.

[NeilB]

Hi Matt,

Many thanks thought I was having a premature senior moment.

Cheers,

Neil