[wanderingoregonian]

I was reading over some of the Jubjub and Foolsgold's posts on starting family at the same time of starting a new life in NZ... and now I am looking for similar info.

We had previously thought that we'd move to NZ, work for a bit, get settled, then try to start our family... then in the last month or so we realized that if we started now we might be able to have a baby when we are back home with our families, then move to NZ a couple months after the baby is born. We already are planning to take 6 months to be home with our families before moving abroad - and it would be so nice to have all my oldest friends and family around for the birth and the first couple months (in the area I grew up in and know well)

My husband wants to know if there any knows of any major difficulties on the imigration/pr side if we have a kid between now and our departure. I'm looking for more general advice, particularly how new parents are finding work/home balance in NZ.

I know there is no perfect time, but it doesn't hurt to hear other people's words and thoughts, particularly since I can't imagine what the first year in a new country will really be like let alone adjusting to a new baby and trying to find work in a new country. We also are planning on applying for PR based on my occupation (its on the shortage list), but don't know how likely it is to find speech therapy jobs on a part time base. In the states, its pretty easy particularly if you interview with that in mind, because there is a shortage and many places prefer to start someone part time then move to full time (cheaper with healthcare benefits etc.).

thanks for any thoughts!

[Park City Partner]

Well, I can't give you any advice yet but will be able to next year. My partner and I, after extensive medical intervention, are pregnant and due early July. We are planning on shipping our container mid-January and flying over Feb. 1. Though I plan on only staying for a 3-4 weeks before returning to the states for some business stuff then going back Aprilish while I am still allowed to fly.

Some people think it is too much all at once but I see it as great timing...now everything will be new and different. Why not do it all at once? Plus my mom is planning on coming over for several weeks when the baby is born so I won't be missing that part of it.

[wanderingoregonian]

Congradulations!!! I've also been researching the medical intervention side of things as well (had some surgery that put my fertility into question), and know that can be a very long and emotional road. I'm so glad you can celebrate both here and soon in NZ!

[jubjub]

We were in the position of having waited for treatment we got the go ahead at the around the same time as our PR. So we just had to go with it, and I got pregnant just about the time hubby got his job offer. It has worked out great, I believe I have had better healthcare over here than I would have had in the UK, OK, it did cost us around $2200 for obstetrician and scans, but I reckon we would have paid for a few things in the UK by choice anyhow. There are good fertility clinics here too, and the private costs are much lower than UK (not sure how they compare to US)

If you had the baby after you got PR and before you arrived in NZ you would have the problem of getting the passport sorted for junior, so check that out with NZIS. Have you enough points for PR without a job offer, if so you should be OK, if not you may be stuck getting a job offer whilst pregnant if you are the lead applicant.

As for getting to know people, having a baby makes people talk to you, had little one out in his pram the last couple of days and got stopped several times, there are also excellent support systems via Plunket and child care centres where you can meet other mums, and the antenatal groups are good for meeting people too, if you have baby over here.

Only thing against having baby here is that you dont get maternity/paternity leave entitlement for a year (some will give a smaller amount after 6 months) so hubby has had to take a week off unpaid to be with us.

[K&CS]

We had a baby boy 3 months ago - he was born a week after we got PR. Getting PR for a baby is absolutely no hassle. We just emailed our CO after he was born and she said all we needed to do was to get our own GP to do a very basic medical, and then send that off with his passport, and she could turn it round in a couple of weeks for us. We're just in the process of doing that now (not in a tremendous hurry as we can't go until we sell our house). If we had sold our house, we would have been going around now, and I think it's a good age to travel with a baby. He's still small enough to be no bother, but not quite as needy as a newborn. The good thing about having a medical while pregnant is that you don't have to have a chest x-ray and they don't weigh you!! If you want any more info, just ask away.

Kate x

[Debbie]

Im sure someone will be able to confirm or deny but Im under the impression that you have to be able to work a minimum number of hr, I believe it's 30 in order for you job to count towards PR. I may be mistaken and it only apply to WTR counting toward getting your PR but as you are planning to be the main applicant worth checking out. Good luck with your plans, all these babies making me feel broody (again).
Debbie

[wanderingoregonian]

thanks for all the replies everyone! We're in the middle of a snowstorm here in boston (with thunder and lightning! a 1st for me), school is cancelled so I have a free day to ponder and brood and let my mind wander... on one hand I'm so thrilled to have NZ and kids and maybe even going back to school for another degree as posibilities dangling on the horizon, but then I have a moment of panic because its all such new territory for me. :confused:

We're planning to apply for PR under the skilled migrant (with me as the primary applicant). I've been under the assumption that if you are granted PR, you have to find work more so you can afford to live but they aren't going to kick you out if you don't find a job immediately. I'd really love to be able to complete my job search once down there - and see things first hand.

[Debbie]

I think if you get PR then become pregnant you are ok but you might want to check if being pregnant will effect you getting PR. As I said IM note sure but thought that if you were to be in a possition where NZIS offered you WTR instead of PR you need to work 30hr to convert. Someone on the forum will be able to correct me im sure.
Enjoy your day off.
debbie