[rensburg]

:uhoh Hi Folks

My story is not exactly new: I found out about Australia with a view of going there, but they are so difficult about it that we are starting to look at other places. We never seriously considered NZ but we are now at the stage where we would rather go to a country that wants us than to a country where we have to beg to get accepted. That said, the reason we want to leave South-Africa in the first place is mainly because of the crime and our childrens future. But we have good weather and are financially secure. We don't want to leave just for the sake of leaving, and end up being worse off. I have only stumbled on your forum a few days ago and everyone seems so friendly and helpful. Any advice would be much appreciated. Also, can anyone compare NZ to Australia for me? We definitely don't want to use NZ as a stepping stone to Australia. We want to move once and stay wherever we go forever. It is nightmarish enough having to move once!

[Stu]

There are certainly a LOT of South Africans in NZ these days. They (that I have talked to) have all been struck by the way the houses do not have security fences around them, kids play on the streets etc.

However, living in NZ means your kids will wind up supporting the All Blacks. Still, that is better than the Wallabies!

cheers, Stu.

[kamus]

I can't offer you a decent comparison of NZ vs Oz as I haven't been to either place.

However, my impression is that it's actually easier to get into OZ than NZ. Perhaps someone can clear this up definitively. As far as climate goes, I know that much of Oz is hot whereas NZ is more temperate, wet and with cool winters. My impression is also that there is more overt racism in Oz and the government is more conservative. On the other hand, it may be easier to find work in Oz as there is a larger population.

The main difference that clinched it for my wife is that Oz has more poisonous spiders! :eek

That's about what I know-I'm sure some of the people that actually know what they are talking about will fill you in better.

Good luck!

-Dave

[drumminj]

I can't speak to how easy it is to get into NZ vs. Oz, either. But I can say that I have yet to come across a person who feels that NZ "wants" them. Immigrating to NZ isn't easy - it's quite frustrating. I find myself thinking "damn, you'd think they'd WANT someone like me - young(25), well-educated, with five years good, solid work experience in my field(computer science)". Perhaps they do, but I won't feel it until I get my PR.

Best of luck in whatever you decide.

J

[Gran]

Dont worry Drumminj, they DO want you, they just have to make sure you are who you say you are, and you wont come here and be a drag on our welfare system etc. because believe me there are some like that.