[Wiggy]

Hi Everyone,

Since the job offer I'm now well and truely on my way! Flights are booked, shipping companies have been round to do the estimates and I have my medical next week. All a bit scarey really!

What I wanted to know is with regards to meeting new people and establishing myself in my new life. I'll obviously have my boyfriend in the Mount but as I'll be living in Auckland for the majority of the time, I wondered if there were any support groups or get togethers for people in simlar situations? It would be good to hear other people's experiences/useful titbits on adapting to a new life!

Em

[AliJax]

Wiggy, I dont know of any support groups sorry....but we could certainly do with a Baby sitter every once in a while :yes

...Sorry , couldnt resist.

I know that from experience it is difficult to get a social side of things together especially in a foriegn place & your BF is 2 hours away by FAST car.

We have a small circle of friends - in its infancy stages as you can't just invite the first person you see on the street :eek

Sports clubs generally have a strong social side in eveidence

Will you be moving to the city or suburbs ?

[Wiggy]

Well - I can't believe there's nothing or no-one out there?!! Thought NZ was a welcoming kinda place?! Oh well, will just have to set about making new mates at the new job.

[nessie]

I'll obviously have my boyfriend in the Mount...

*snigger* :P

...Sorry , couldnt resist.
(don't flame nessie, for tis I, her OH :mrgreen: )

'Support groups' make you sound like a victim :? I know there's a Brit expat club in Chch, but only cos I saw it in the Press. You won't catch me in there, but each to their own, and there's probably one in AKL.

What about sports as AliJax said, or hobbies? I'd like to make friends through the motorcycling community and also join the Canterbury 4x4 club. Even if you don't have time for them now, there must be loads of activities or clubs that won't take more than an evening a week but will broaden your circle of friends.

We also hope to meet people through after school clubs when picking the kids up. Also intend to have a BYO party once we get our own place.

Generally I'd like to have proper conversations with the people I meet. Not just the 'alright' acknowledgement and then rush off somewhere but slow down and actually talk to people in the community we choose to live in.

hth

[jan]

We met an English couple on monday form Devonport ( north shore) who said that in the local paper there they have British ex-pats welcome partys!

It seems its quite a big concern when someone has arrived and they all gather together to welcome them here and swap info and advice.

I have browsed in our regional paper and found nothing like that here, but I found when at the supermarket or at school when you hear an english accent you seem to strike up a conversation quite quickly.

Good luck

[Wiggy]

Nessie - not ideal wording is it?!!!!! Mount Maunganui that is!

I realise that I might come across as sounding like a 'victim' but I can assure you that I don't feel like that. No matter how great or wonderful NZ is, there is no doubt in my mind that it will be a huge change and pretty bloody hard going for the first few months. A 'support' group was meant as I said it - people in similar situations to help out with any problems that I'm sure everyone has in a new country.

[Diny]

This thread highlights the importance of the forum meetings (to me anyway).

As you may know, us NW lot (well, slightly SNW for some of us) have been meeting now for several months and we've built up some really good friendships. We're going to be scattered in various places in NZ but alot of us are going to be within striking distance (i.e. a couple of hours or so) from each other in the north island.

It now feels like we'll be making the move with a bunch of mates. None of us will be living out of each others pockets but we already have a few camping trips and weekend get togethers planned. I for one shall be looking forward to them.

For what it's worth, my advice is get together with as many forum-ites as you can before you go. Even if you don't end up living within visiting distance of each other, there'll be somebody to phone for a friendly chat who will be going through exactly the same as you.

Whatever you decide to do - have fun.

Diny

[lindajax]

Hey Wiggy,

When you get here your more than welcome to get together with me mate!!!!

You'll be surprised at how quicklly you'll make new pals - it was my BIGGEST worry about the move as I had a very active social life in theUK and a good support group. I have found it the hardest part of the relocation - having a mate to let off steam too - someone you can trust to not take what you say literally.

I have made new pals and can see some relationships being really good long term friendships .... especially one couple who we met through this forum!

Ignore Ali - the hubby - not very expressive at times!!!

By all means if you want my number just pm me for it

Linda xxx

[Wiggy]

Great stuff - thanks everyone - I'm sure it'll be just fine! Will definitely take your offer of meeting up Linda! I arrive on the 10th August but won't be in Auckland until the 20th.

So exciting! I've got the shipping companies coming round tomorrow to give me an estimate. Hope it's not too shocking!