[Do B Brief]

Well, some of you may think this absolutely crazy but we have sold up in the UK and have come out on long term holiday.

I am in IT (Senior Support Analyst) and now seeking work.

Within two weeks we have a rented 4 bed house in Wellington, a Nissan estate, phone line and broadband Internet.

Just have to find that elusive job and then put the kids into school on a student visa.

If this goes belly up then its only money and we then put it down to experience.

It is easier to get a job offer if you are here, and as we have already committed ourselves by having sold up in the UK it gives us that better chance of the job offer.

Get the job offer, get work permit, get PR.

It maybe crazy but I will let you know how we get on.

In the mean time, we'll be going to the South Island for the weekend and next week, barring interviews, we're off to Taranaki.

[Jade]

At least, you've got the finances to approach it that way. Goodluck and I look forward your update.
Jade

[Avalon]

If you fancy popping round for coffee and a chat this afternoon evening - feel free. Ive PM'd you our details.

Alan works in It (but in security) so he may be able to offer some info.

Avalon

[Diny]

Good on you !!!!

It takes balls to do what you've done. I'll have my fingers crossed for you. Like you say - if it all goes belly up it's only money. But what an experience eh?

Keep us posted.

Diny

[Singel]

:hi Welcome to NZ :clap

Welcome to our "risk-taker" club !

My OH is also in IT and like you, we arrived here on tourist visa last year. On our 3rd week of arrival, my hubby got a job offer.

GOOD LUCK & SUCCESS with your job searching :nice1

Do let us know how you get on.

:cheers

[femke]

We did the same thing 10months ago started off in orewa, ended up with a job offer in hawkes bay :P Now we have bought our own house, 2cars and most important we have got residency :clap
It can be done :nice1
Good Luck

[Moorf]

Another pair of nutters here :mrgreen: we sold up everything and came with no jobs, no PR and no .. errr.. no nothing!! :laugh (ok, we had some $$ in the bank from house sale etc).

Have been here 11 months, and we both now have jobs, cars, permanent residency and have bought a house! :nice1

It can be done :yes :clap

[Miffy]

Good on ya for taking the plunge!
Good luck on the job hunting and looking forward to hearing your updates

:cheers

[Singel]

This IT recruitment agency is based in Wellington : http://www.heliumnz.co.nz/

BEST OF LUCK :nice1

:cheers

[Chris Blunt]

Hi Dave,

There is plenty of IT work in Wellington. I would recommend contacting Hudson, Icon and ElanIT. I was here for five days before I was offered my job but we had PR, these are the agencies I used and all had plenty of Senior Systems Support roles lined up for me. I actually got a job as a Consultant so give them a call if you haven't already and good luck with the search.

Cheers,

Chris.

[Smiler]

Good for you Dave G and family :clap :clap :clap

Will watch your posts with interest as we are doing the same, just waiting for NZIS to decide.

OH is in IT security, so any pointers, help,lovely job vacancies, you can point us towards would be good.

Where are you staying in Taranaki?

Deborah

[Kim39]

Hey Dave, i don't think your crazy.I think what you have done, and i'm sure more will take the lead from folks like yourself, is that you have got what Diny said, "balls" Life is one long gamble and you have chosen to take that.

You know it will work, don't you? You only have to seek help and guidance from folks here who'll answer as best they can any questions and concerns you may have.

Good luck with your new life.

Kim

[Saint]

Good on you Dave

We'll be watching your posts carefully as we're doing the same next month!

I'm coming over for teacher interviews.

Good luck.

Sue

[KD17]

Fantastic... :clap :clap :clap

I admire your spirit, you can only but win.

:nice1 :nice1

Keith & Debby

[Emma]

Good on you! :nice1

[Timbo]

Dave, you are most definately not crazy. We have all heard it so many times before, about the best way to secure work in NZ being to get yourself in the country.We are quite likely to follow in your footsteps before very long. That is unless a job offer comes along.
Godd luck :cheers

[Do B Brief]

Hey everyone, many thanks for the replies - if ever I was feeling doubtful about our decision I should have just asked you guys!

The job interviews are coming in thick and fast as I approach the mid 3 week of job hunting and 5 weeks of being in NZ.

I have an interview every day this week except today when we decided to goto Matiu Somes Island for a few hours.

These are mainly second interviews with a formal chat on Friday.

One employer is approaching my referees tonight so maybe tomorrow the job offer?

My only concern is letting the others down as they have all been excellent interviews and each one has a very positive approach towards employing people who still need to apply for a work permit.

Don't bother with your agencies - anyone can get a work permit, my only advise is get somewhere rented, a phone line and hook up to the Internet ASAP.

Once the work permit is in place (less than 2 year WP as you do not need medical or police chexck from UK and other countries) we will decide when to apply for PR on the points system. Also, the medicals here are so much cheaper than in the UK.

The main thing I found is that no-one will get involved with you unless you are over here and have proved to them (agencies/employers) that you are willing to take that step. Also that you are able to start straight away as opposed to applying back in the UK which could takes ages and by then the employer has since moved onto someone else.

More updates to follow.....

[K&CS]

Fingers crossed, but it sounds like you'll definitely come away with a job this week, so sounds like it's all coming together.

Please keep us posted. It just goes to show that if you want something enough, it can be done. BTW, I may have missed something in your previous post, but have you got yourself sorted out with somewhere to live already?

Kate

[Avalon]

The main thing I found is that no-one will get involved with you unless you are over here and have proved to them (agencies/employers) that you are willing to take that step. Also that you are able to start straight away as opposed to applying back in the UK which could takes ages and by then the employer has since moved onto someone else.

More updates to follow.....

Some will!

And some will wait and even extend start dates to accomodate.

Depends on the job, the person, the company, whether theres a full moon etc etc

[Avalon]

OH is in IT security, so any pointers, help,lovely job vacancies, you can point us towards would be good.



Alan is in It Security, and got his job with telecom through Searchworks. Not sure we would reccomend them as such, cos the guy there got stroppy with us when we sent a friend direct to Telecom without going through him. But in fairness they did get him a job from the UK nad were exceedingly helpful.

In moveing on to the new job, TMP Hudson were the most useful (they had also put in a LOT of effort on our behalf egtting interviews organised on a previous visit here).

Please feel free to PM if you want individual contacts at those agencies, or if you want Alan to look over a CV and offer any advise.

We would also warn about getting IT security jobs in Telecom right now !!!! :uhoh

[Do B Brief]

Avalon

The best agency so far has definately been QidR http://www.qidr.co.nz/qid/index.html

They have been inundating me with IT opportunites - some I have had to turn down putting me forward for as they were a bit too ambitious.

This includes vacancies with Datacom and Chapman Tripp.

I agree that some companies will wait for you etc but I think you will need to be in a special area for this and as most are not it gets quite frustrating. IT seems to be controlled by agencies who don't seem to entertain the idea of waiting for you, they want you there and then so they can get their commission.

Anyway, an hour and a half ago one of nominated referees has been contacted in the UK...Tomorrow could be a good day.

I have sent you a PM with some contacts at QidR for your OH, I'm off to bed in 5 mins. Good night NZ and have a good day UK, and remember, we live in your future!

[louron]

Reading all of this has cheered me up no end since we are preparing to put our house on the market and whenever it sells take that leap of faith and head over with no jobs, PR or anything really! So its nice to know that we are not the only completely mad ones and that it can and does work.
Just a couple of questions for IT jobs which do people think offers more opportunity Auckland or Wellington? Also those that have succeeded do you all have qualifications in IT, as hubby has years of experience but no formal quals?
Thanks and good luck with the job hunting.

[Timbo]

Hi louron, and welcome aboard. You beat me to it with the question about formal quals. I have just been informed by a rec. agency that as far as they are concerned, no paper quals = no work permit= no job offer.
I am going to scrutinise the NZIS site to try and find otherwise.
I am not in IT by the way. :cheers

[louron]

Hi Timbo and thanks for the welcome.
I didn't like your rec agencies equation so heres mine experience=job offer=work permit=PR see doesn't that look better! Seriously though perhaps when you've finished scrutinising the NZIS site you could let me know your conclusions. We've tried to consider it from all angles and what seems fairly clear is that without quals we don't have enough points so only way to get points is with job offer which seems quite unlikely to happen unless we get ourselves over there, hence our plan to sell up and give it a try. If you draw any other conclusions let me know.
Cheers.

[Do B Brief]

Morning All.

A nice bright morning (no sun yet) looking out onto the hills (Wellington Harbour is behind me beyond another hill - and also 2K's away from Wellingtons fault line......).

Regarding qualifications, I have 2 x Microsoft Cetrified Systems Engineer. 1 x NT4 and the other in 2K and 6 years solid experience.

This is what companies are looking for and have nothing to do with immigration.

These qualifications will NOT count towards your points when applying for PR. If you had a degree as well! Then this would arm your PR application to the hilt. That and a job offer? Wow!

There are more IT jobs in Auckland but you get less points if you are working there. Wellingtons IT jobs are rarely advertised and you need the agencies.

I like with louron's quote "experience=job offer=work permit=PR ", it more or less sum it up.

[Singel]

I like with louron's quote "experience=job offer=work permit=PR ", it more or less sum it up.
I second this :nice1

My hubby has electronics engineering qualification and he got the job here based on his working experience in IT. He didn't get much help from the agencies, but through knocking the door of one company when we arrived on tourist visa.

Louron, which area of IT do your hubby specialised in?

:cheers

[Carl and Liz]

Sounds like you guys are having a good experience. Good for you for taking the chance!

We took another route - waiting for PR which we applied for without a job offer. House is just about to go on the market. We should be hearing any time from NZIS regarding our application.

I'm tempted to go to Wellington and start looking for a job, renting an apartment, etc., - without the PR - but am a little nervous that it may screw up our immigration process since we are already mid-stream. Does anyone have any experience in this regard?

Good luck with the job search . . .

[sizzlingbadger]

Hi Dave G

My husband works in Oracle as a Senior Consultant. He worked with them in the UK and managed to secure the job externally before we arrived. We found seek invaluable and when he updated his details to an NZ address he was called within 15 minutes by three agents, all offering him work.

If you need any advice or info by all means PM us.

Good Luck, it sounds like the job offer is on it's way :-)

[Avalon]

Just a couple of questions for IT jobs which do people think offers more opportunity Auckland or Wellington? Also those that have succeeded do you all have qualifications in IT, as hubby has years of experience but no formal quals?


Something to bear in mind is that salaries are actually HIGHER in Wellington than in Auckland. (On saying that - I noticed prices in New world supermarket are also higher in welly than auckland!!!!)

You may want to look on the candle website - it has salary scales for IT jobs. (Only as good as the few people who post details onto it!)

http://www.salaryzone.co.nz/salzone/candle/it/default-nz.jsp

Theres also one on the HAYS website - but I dont have the link im afraid.

[Singel]

Theres also one on the HAYS website - but I dont have the link im afraid.
here is the link : http://www.hays.com.au/salary/pdfs04/InformationTechnology.pdf

Dave, good luck and success with your job interviews :cheers

[star4]

Hi,

In the same vein as this thread, I arrived in Auckland (from South Africa) 3 weeks ago on a tourist visa. My wife and daughter still in SA and planned to arrive here in November. Also in IT, without "real" qualifications, but solid experience.

I received an awesome job offer last week, after 2+half weeks of interviews, etc. Currently busy with my work permit application......

Otto

[Avalon]

Otto,

Thats fantastic! Well done and good luck.

[Singel]

Otto, that is awesome :nice1

Good luck with your new job :cheers

[Moorf]

Great news Otto - keep us posted regarding your work visa application :cheers and welcome to the Forum :D

[Diny]

Well done Otto and welcome to the forum. You'll get plenty of positive help here.

Diny

[Smiler]

Brilliant News Otto. Look forward to hearing how things go for you over the next few months.

Welcome and keep us posted.

Deborah

[louron]

I second this :nice1

Louron, which area of IT do your hubby specialised in?

HI,
OH is a bit of a all rounder really, but worked in IT support for a number of years and is now self employed primarily dealing with networking (everything from admin to installation).
Avalon and Singel, thanks for the links re pay we will certainly check those out, although I was thinking more of job availability cos looking in the NZ herald it would appear that most IT jobs are Auck based but as you say that could be cos those in Welly use agencies to recruit.
Otto, congratulations hope everything else goes well for you.

I have to say that this thread has made us much more positive about taking a gamble and sorting everything when we get there and its opened our eyes to Wellington as a possible destination, where it would appear you can get much more house for your money. So now we just have to get house sold and some more money saved! :cheers

[Do B Brief]

Yes!

I have received a job offer within a large financial firm in Wellington.

The money is about the same as I was on in the UK so that's OK.

Just need the forms completed, colated and get them handed in for the Work Permit.

It can be done!
It has been done!
It will be done again!

I hope others can take something from this and not to give up (easily).

Not too sure on starting dates etc that will all depend on how long it will take sort out the permit etc.

I will keep you all updated as things progress.

[nessie]

Congratulations :cheers



We're not quite brave enough to do things that way round but we have PR now, we have sold the house (contracts to be exchanged very soon - fingers crossed) - just the flight over and the jobs to sort.

[Smiler]

YeeHay!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well done Dave:raebanana :raebanana

Keep us posted. It does seem to have paid off just being there.

Deborah

[Singel]

Fantastic :nice1

Good Luck with your permit application and the new job :cheers

[Chris Blunt]

Congratulation Dave.

Cheers,

Chris.

[Avalon]

It can be done!
It has been doen!
It will be done again!
.

What a fantastic message to see!

Well done - this is brilliant news.

[louron]

Hi Dave, thats fantastic news well done!
It is nice to see that it can be done, the lack of work permit/pr clearly hasn't caused too many problems then?
Good luck!

[sizzlingbadger]

Congratulations, Good Luck in your new job :-)

[Do B Brief]

Thanks for the congratulations everyone but you'll never guess what?

Another job offer came in which is slightly better than the first!

And what's more the company is owned by a bigger accredited company.

We could go down the work to residence path but that would take too long to get PR.

So, we are just going to get the work permit and apply via points (105 without letter from ITANZ and 115 with).

It makes it easier to get the work permit as on the employer supplementry form they do not have to state what lengths they have gone to to employ someone from New Zealand.

I have also had to cancel interviews and offers to apply for a position.

There really is a skills shortage here which you don't really see from outside, but once you're here, everyone wants a piece of you.

Hopefully all paperwork should be in place Tuesday (kids study permits/OH work permit app etc).

OBTW does anyone know of any threads which help filling in the study permit forms etc? They do not make allowances for under 16 with parents and seem to think that all kids that study here are unaccompanied.

Cheers all

Dave

[Timbo]

Great news Dave, well done. I cant help with the student stuff, sorry.
I would like to ask you however, how did you play things with regard to bringing your personal (household) stuff into the country?
We are probably going to end up doing much the same as you and are thinking that we should be able to get a work permit in place in the time it takes the container to get down. Any thoughts?

[Do B Brief]

Timbo, what we have done is the expensive way of doing things.

We have got the removals company to pack all of our belongings up and keep them in storage pending overseas removals. Once we have the Work Permit we send a copy of this to the removals comapny and they will then ship our stuff over.

The longer it takes to get a job then we would have to start paying more for storage and insurance (which is another bone of contention).

When you insure your goods they sting you. Your total doesn't specific targets then there are clauses thay up the premiums. The more you delve into the small print the more you find out about a clause for this and a clause for that.

My missus went through it all and sorted it as I gave up after a while.

It could take from 6 weeks to 13 weeks to get here! On top of us being here now 5 weeks - I miss my games PC, and DVD collection!

[Rimbo]

Well done Dave G!

There is a skills shortage and i'm glad that you have found agencies usefull. I did not but then my filed is probably somewhat different and it does depend on what specialist skills are in demand.

You have also demonstrated to employers that you have (in Diny's words) "Balls". By putting yourself in front of them they realise even without the latest Psychometric testing that you are a "go get em!" kind of guy!

Congrats again and "Kia Ora"!

Send me a PM next time you visit Taranaki!

John

[Avalon]

- I miss my games PC, and DVD collection!

The thing I was most exited to unpack???

My Garlic Press :wah

(I'm off out to get a life! :p )

[bozandhelen]

Hi Dave (and Otto)

:nice1Let me echo the well done, it was a bit of a gamble and it seems to have paid off nicely, just the 'can-do' attitude NZ needs we keep hearing of.

As another IT bod, I am heartened to hear of the secret locals only job market, I receive very encouraging replies to most of my enquiries (though I am not with an agent yet) but most seem to end with "Look us up when your here"

This thread will at least keep the missus happy and ensure I dont start applying for shelf stacking positions in desperation if I do go over without a job lined up

Boz

[Timbo]

on ya Dave. Thanks.

[louron]

Hi Dave,
Can you just clarify for us, did you leave your container in storage in UK through personal choice or do you have to have work permit etc in order to be able to get the container into NZ? Also I realise that not having a work permit hasn't stopped you from getting job offers but do you think it caused any concern to the employers you were dealing with and have you any idea how long its likely to take to get a permit once you have job offer?
Thanks and well done again!

[Do B Brief]

Louron

The missus dealt with the removals and storage. We were concerned about our items entering NZ on a work permit so I emailed NZ customs and got the following reply:

"Passports or copies thereof need to be sighted to establish identity and provide proof that you have the legal authority to work and reside here for at least 12 months.
A work permit of at least 12 months allows duty/tax free entry of used household effects."

The decision to leave our items in storage as opposed to putting them straight onto the boat comes from our feeling of insecurity of acquiring a job.

If I did not find a job and the items were sat at Wellington port we would have had to get them on the next boat back to UK at extra cost so yes, it was a personal reason based on cost limitation.

Basically, we played it safe and upon the completion of the work permit application we will call for our belongings.

Regarding the employers I have dealt with, every single one of them were happy that I would have to apply for a work permit (after advising them that this was with a view to PR).

I think that the commitment of selling up and having the family with me was a bonus of just me being here though I doubt that would have effected anything.

The offer was in place (verbally) last week and my referees are being contacted over the next day or two. Once that has been completed succesfully the letter of a job offer along with terms and conditions, the employer will then complete the Supplementary for Employers form (NZIS1113) that will be handed in in person to the immigrations officer.

This form (NZIS113) is a bit tricky as the employer has to either have letters from agencies used and/or receipts for advertisment used to offer New Zealanders a chance of applying.

The company I have the offer of employment from is part of an accredited company and does not have to forfill this latter requirement and they must state so.

I have spent most of the day collating evidence and information for our application which even includes a letter of support for my wife to get an open work permit.

We're getting there, albeit slowly.

Regards

Dave

[Avalon]

Dave,

Would you mind me asking a question? I was wondering why you are applying for a work permit and not a PR visa?

I was under the impression that it was more difficult to get jobs that way because the employers have to then prove a Kiwi wasnt available to do the job.

I hope thats not too nosy :o

[Do B Brief]

Not at all Avalon.

If I was to apply for PR at this stage would be too intrusive at the moment (my daughter is adopted) and could pose one or two problems.

Getting a work permit still gives us the chance to start work immediately without all the rigmoral of EOI etc.

Finally, if for any reason that we found that NZ was not for us we would not have committed too much time and effort.

The way I see it is I want to work here and find out that NZ is for us as well as if we are what NZ want!

I think it is an honest way of doing things and plus, I need the job offer as I would not get enough points normally.

Being in IT I truly believe there is a skills shortage in this area. Some of the employers I have met have had the position applied for numerous times only to be left with no-one as they have taken a position elsewhere.

In the UK it is very much a flooded market at the moment unless you have a very diverse IT skill.

Finally, if you check out the NZIS 1113 you will see what requirements an employer has had to have met prior to employing from overseas. There is a part of it which is like a get out of jail card where the employer can state why a resident of NZ was not suitable - the employer just needs to state that all interviewed were not experienced enough etc.

But, me being lucky, has managed to find an accredited company who does not need to answer these last few questions.

If you were wondering that now I have an accredited company why not choose Work to Residence? It would take too long to achieve when I can get PR via the points system.

Phew, long winded. I'm off for a beer (Mac's Gold Malt Lager) and watch the telly.

Cheers

Dave

[louron]

Hi Dave,
once again thanks for that invaluable advice, you seem to be getting there fairly quickly to me (a lot quicker than us anyway!) Can understand your concerns about getting stuff shipped, we'd had the same worries. Look forward to hearing how the job works out.
cheers
ps enjoy that beer!

[Singel]

Finally, if you check out the NZIS 1113 you will see what requirements an employer has had to have met prior to employing from overseas. There is a part of it which is like a get out of jail card where the employer can state why a resident of NZ was not suitable - the employer just needs to state that all interviewed were not experienced enough etc.

My hubby's company is not accredited but the skills required by his employer is in the critical skill shortage list. When we apply for the work permit, his employer need not answer to NZIS 1113.

:cheers

[Avalon]

Dave,

Thank you very much for that! I think we can sometimes get blinkered by the fact that EOI is actually a fairly safe bet for a lot of people as the points are low, and dont often get to see why its not always a great idea.

I appreciate your reply.

[star4]

Hi All,

Dave, well done mate. I know what you've gone through (and probably still is).

I had actually taken pretty much the same route as you, packing up the house in May and having it stored.

Similarly, I felt that although I had an even chance of going via EOI succesfully, going the work permit/visa route was the safer option. I would be able to start working sooner, and also, IF not entirely satisfied with our decision after the two odd years, then I would be experience richer.

Needless to say, I very much doubt that we will be unhappy here. I can't wait for my daughter (and wife) to get here. NZ is a proverbial paradise for kids. I fully intend having at least 2 more kids here. Now just to convince the wife :-)

As a matter of interest, does anyone here know how the procedure for work permit applications goes once the application has been submitted?

Regards,
Otto

[Do B Brief]

OK everybody, Work Permits firmly stuck in our passports and the kids have Study Permits.

Went into NZIS at 08.10 this morning (NZ time) and waited about 40 mins behind 4 people. Got called up and expected maybe to be called back either later that day or tomorrow.

The Immigration Officer skimmed through my application, made notes on my employer, didn't pay much attention to anything else and took our money. Took photo copies of my Microsoft exams and a few small questions about my work and employer (as in small talk). He then took copies of job offer, employers supplementary and T&C's.

He then stuck the Work Permit into the passport along with the Work Visa (an additional request in case we need to leave for any reason - family etc and need to come back in - at an extra cost mind you).

I was gobsmacked!!! He then did the same for the wife and then the kids permits.

The only photocopies he took later were that of my Letter of Support, marriage and birth certificates (kids)

He was the experienced one as others were asking him questions to what only he had the answers for and knew exactly what he was, and wasn't looking for.

The only other question I was asked is did I arrange the employment from the UK or not. I said not and was totally honest that we are here for a holiday and this will help fund it and if we like it that much we will apply for PR.

To which he replied that we would need medicals and police checks if we wished to stay longer than the 2 years we had requested or for PR.

He even saved us money by stating that the kids visas do not carry an extra charge. I was later told that that depends on the Immigration Officer as some do charge for the permit and the visa - that saved $280 - Well done that man.

Whilst waiting there was a chap handing out brochures and details of a conference regarding applyin for PR. THEY ARE DESPARATE FOR YOU TO LIVE HERE!

I start work on Monday morning after what will be 6 weeks tomorrow in New Zealand.

My wife will then start the EOI process when we are ready but there's more news to follow, our landlord died and we maybe forced to leave this place we are renting, went looking for houses and have had an offer accepted and we go unconditioned Monday - including mortgage application approved!

Talk about not hanging around!! If we stop now, there are no seat belts to stop us, it's straight throughthe windscreen.

Wow, what a place.

Sorry for babbling on but the beers is flowing quite smoothly after what has been a sobering week!..

[Timbo]

I am close to using an expletive to describe my reaction to that lot Dave, but I will refrain (being moderator and all). WOW!! Good on you my man. Proof yet again, as if needed, that being there counts for an awfull lot.

[louron]

Flippin' eck,
You certainly don't mess about do you! You have now become something of a legend in our household and we can only aspire to follow in your footsteps :D
I think I'd have needed more than beer to get me through a 6 weeks like you've just experienced. Where is the house that your buying?
Don't forget to let us know how the job goes and in case we forget good luck for Monday.
All the best
Sian n Michael

[Smiler]

I kneel at the feet of the God Dave G, in awe of all his (and his families)achievements.:nice1 :nice1


Good luck for monday. Let us know how you get on.

Deborah

[Singel]

Wow Dave, you are moving really, really fast.........that is fantastic :clap

Good luck with you new job and new house :nice1
:cheers

[Do B Brief]

Thanks everyone. I think the missus is the main driving force behind all this though. She wants the kids in schools and with the rented house in a dialema etc we have had little choice but to act quick.

When dealing with houses out here it really is manic!

I think someone quoted the other day that behind every great man? etc....well I am not admitting to anything!!!!

Well here are the permits/visas. But we still haven't got PR which a lot of you are further down that path than us.

http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/prod/dialspace/town/pipexdsl/p/appv75/nz/Visasmall.JPG
And this is the house we have made an offer on:

http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/prod/dialspace/town/pipexdsl/p/appv75/nz/1.jpg

The house is literally further up the hill on the road we live on now, in a cresent set back from the road side.

We are just on the edge of Johnsonville in Newlands which is a suburb of Wellington.

It needs modernising but this is what we had plenty of experience of and can only add value.

http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/prod/dialspace/town/pipexdsl/p/appv75/nz/2.jpg

[sizzlingbadger]

Good Luck ... It certainly seems you've got everything planned well :-)

[starkhorn]

I know this is an old thread but wow! Well done Dave. We've already started the process for PR but reading this thread makes me so jealous as I wish I had have done the same thing now, instead of trying to sort out the PR before moving to NZ.

I'm in the IT field as well (telecommunications) so I'm quite happy to hear that IT people seem to be in demand. Hope it lasts until I get out there.

BTW, a silly private question but when you landed at the airport on the first day in NZ, where did you actually go and stay? I mean I assume you didn't have a rented house sorted out prior to landing? You and your family stayed in a motel for a few days before finding rented accomdation, yeah?

Cheers
Brendan

[Rocketman]

I am in IT (Senior Support Analyst) and now seeking work.
.

There is plenty of work. I am a software eng and can assure you that there are jobs to be had. As with any developed country there is a shortage of any type of IT staff. Most IT firms in NZ will not offer a job without a face to face interview, unlike some other industries, but be sure that there are the same numbers of jobs as you are probably used to back home.

[K&CS]

Hi Brendan

Dave actually posted recently to say that NZ wasn't for him and he was returning to the UK, but as you say, good on him for giving it a go. It's a brave thing to do and although it hasn't worked out, he can always say he followed his dream.

Good luck with your plans.

Kate

[JoanneB]

Best of luck to you all, i hope it works out seamlessly for you. Well done on taking the plunge!

And the Chrisco ads stop soon - they're usually only on just after christmas ;) I'm sure you'll find a new one to be irritated by - NZ advertising is somewhat hit and miss lol!!

Look forward to hearing how you get on, and welcome to NZ.

Best wishes, jo x