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Wiggy
9th September 2005, 03:14 PM
Hi Everyone,

It's been an age since I last posted anything on this forum, but can assure everyone it's been a lifeline throughout my recent experiences! As the title suggests, I've FINALLY made it to NZ permenantly although at times I never thought it would happen! So here I am five weeks into the adventure and I thought I'd share a few of my experiences with everyone....

As some may or may not know, my decision to make the big move to NZ has been a result of a five and a half year 'long distance' relationship with my Kiwi boyfriend. Months/years spent in each other's country made us realise that we had to get real and finally make the decision as to where to settle permenantly...and it wasn't really a hard choice! A long story short, after frustration after frustration, disappointments over our very limited options for me to work in NZ and some real soul searching, I hit the jack-pot and got offered a good job in my discipline by a company that just happened to be a Talent Accredited Employer.....we couldn't believe our luck! Fast-tracked through the immigration with guaranteed PR after 24 months. It was the best news ever!

The last month in the UK was a total whirlwind of events and emotions. I never in a million years anticipated just how much was involved to shift over to the other side of the world! Thanks goodness it was only me going as that was bad enough - those who shift a whole family and house full must go through hell!

My partner made the trip over for the last few weeks to give me a hand, whisked me away to Paris and proposed!! Talk about a life-changing couple of months! Needless to say I accepted and the farewell parties combined with engagement celebrations!

We decided to go with Whites to do my shipping who have proved so far to be absolutely wonderful - nothing too difficult for them. The container arrives at the end of the month (just can't wait to get all my stuff back again!!).

So I'm currently flat-tack working for my new company - so much for easing me in gently! I've been here three weeks and so far it's going really well. Although saying that, I'm now definitely appreciating how good I had it in the UK with 5 weeks holiday, endless sick days and more perks than I could shake a stick at! Ah well, I'm not complaining, I guess sacrifices need to be made from time to time. Roll on Xmas and some time off!

I have to admit that I had no idea just what a HUGE thing this emigrating lark was. I'm totally exhausted and sometimes look back and wonder how the hell I did so much in such a short time! Saying that though, I wouldn't change it for the world. NZ is such a wonderful country and people are SO welcoming. I just wish I didn't have to leave my family behind - that was without a doubt the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I guess time will help heal.

So there you go.

Overall, my message would be don't EVER give up. It works out in the end:-)

jan
9th September 2005, 03:33 PM
AHHHHHH Wiggy, that was beautiful. How romantic getting proposed to in Paris!!!

It is hectic heh? I STILL wake up and ask myself `How the hell did you end up here?`

Hope everything goes well for you.

Family eh!! Hard hard hard........ say no more.

xxxxx

Singel
9th September 2005, 08:14 PM
Wiggy, welcome to New Zealand :clap

Looks like the wheel that you have set in motion (moving to NZ) has gone so fast and well, good luck with your new job and your new life in NZ :cheers

Smiler
9th September 2005, 08:55 PM
Wiggy how romantic is that? Congratulations. Your route to NZ is inspiring after a 5 year journey, well done.Enjoy the new job and your new life. :nice1

Deborah

kiwidebs
9th September 2005, 11:33 PM
Ahhh.... Congratulations. Paris, wow, how romantic. Glad to hear all is going well for you. Not looking forward to that final few weeks myself - especially with a 2 year old and a 3 year old under foot. Ah well, hopefully it will all be worth it in the end.

Debs

jo b
10th September 2005, 12:13 AM
Congratulations Wiggy.

How romantic is your fella!! Does he give lessons??

All the best for your future life together and let us know when the wedding is.

Jo

PaulandHelen
10th September 2005, 01:53 AM
Congratulations wiggy, good luck with your new life.

Carl and Liz
10th September 2005, 04:13 AM
How exciting! Glad to hear things are working out well for you. Thanks for the post and good luck to both of you!

gil
10th September 2005, 05:01 AM
Congratulations all round Wiggy! :cheers :cheers
Gil

Wiggy
13th September 2005, 08:59 AM
Thanks everyone for all your kind messages! I've just had my first appraisal with my employer and so far all good! Even suggestions of a pay rise already!

On a slightly more worrying note, my future father-in-law has just had to under-go heart surgery as a result of a heart attack - five bypasses! I'm just so glad my OH was here and not in the UK for this terrible time. Fingers crossed it all turns out OK.

Thanks again all

Emma

Singel
13th September 2005, 10:18 AM
Thanks everyone for all your kind messages! I've just had my first appraisal with my employer and so far all good! Even suggestions of a pay rise already!
Wow, pay rise :eek:
..............Emma must have some sort of lucky genes in you ;) :laugh

On a slightly more worrying note, my future father-in-law has just had to under-go heart surgery as a result of a heart attack - five bypasses! I'm just so glad my OH was here and not in the UK for this terrible time. Fingers crossed it all turns out OK.
Emma
Sorry to hear about this.
This must be a nerve-racking and fingers-bitting time.
Keep fingers-X :nice1

kiwidebs
13th September 2005, 06:58 PM
Emma - sorry to hear about your father-in-law-to-be. Hope the surgery was a success and wishing him a quick recovery. Bet your fiance was glad to be in NZ for it all.

Debs

Wiggy
14th September 2005, 09:05 AM
Good news - all went really well and he's on the road to recovery!

Smiler
14th September 2005, 09:09 AM
Emma

Good to hear your F-I-L is doing well. Speedy recovery wishes to him :nice1

Deborah

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