[Karen and Rich Matthews]

Urgh!

After what seems like an eternity of planning and writing applications we are finally going to Nz!!! We started the process in Sept 2004 as an initial idea, getting residency was fairly ok if a bit stressful at the time, but the real headache came when we tried to sell our house, and I'm sure we're not alone in that one.

Well, bar any fatalities everything is set and exchange is set on the 13th Jan, and we can't quite believe it. Our possessions are being packed by PSS on the 6th and the Cats are flying out on the 20th being looked after by animal airlines.

Thanks to one and all on this forum for their support, and that meet up at Thurruck really helped our resolve. For anyone who's just starting the process, prepare yourselves for some hard work and some sleepless nights, but all in all, it'll be worthwhile...hey, you're emigrating to New Zealand, nothing easy is worthwhile having eh!?!

Best wishes

Karen and Rich xx

[Mildred]

Karen and Richard

Can't believe it has all happened so soon? Which company are you using for your cat? Please update us with all your news and pics as they happen.

Wonderful news.

[Mildred]

Sorry just re-read your post. Are animal airlines the company involved?

[Nienke]

Nope, you're not alone in that one (selling the house).....I'm still waiting for that to happen.

Have a great flight and a great start in New Zealand!

[Cardy]

Hi Karen and Rich we should have been going on 14th Jan but still waiting for confirmation of completion date on house hoping to hear today got GB liners on standby for furniture removal. Your right about the sleepless nights i keep remembering lots of things we havent done. Where are you heading for in NZ ? Have you got work lined up or not? Good luck anyway we wont be far behind you
Paul,Bev And Kids :cheers

[kiwidebs]

Karen and Rich

Fab news Guys. Can't wait to hear your posts from the 'other side'. Safe journeys.

Debs, Mark, Gemma and Cameron

[gil]

Fantastic news!! Well done!
Hope we won't be TOO far behind you,

Gil

[Karen and Rich Matthews]

Thank you,

Dreams do can true! We're shipping the cats out to Welly but the way that things have suddenly happened they'll be travelling out after us on the 18th Jan in the good hands of animal airlines from Heathrow. They've charged us £845 all included which for two furry ickle boys is well worth the expense.

PSS have charged us £1644 for a third of a 20ft container and say that it'll be with us in 10 to 12 weeks.

I've also been scanning the net for rentals in Welly and think I may have found the one, but we'll update you on that if it works out.

Karen has signed up to a few Teaching Agencies in Welly and one of them, can't remember which one now, sounds really positive, but nothing firm as of yet. I too have signed up for a couple of agencies but will have to wait till I get to NZ before I can put my application in for NZ Police (I've just been given a career break from Kent Police whilst I go out to Welly, hehe). They said it should take about 3 months for the whole process before I start, in the meantime I was hoping to get a civvi job in the Police but jobs in that field seem a little slim.

Still I'm getting the feeling that employers want to put a name to a face so we might not get anything until we get to NZ to attend interviews. So far www.stuff.co.nz has been the invaluable source of info on jobs..but if any of you guys have other sites let me know.

By the way, when we do get to Welly, we will do a full update and least to say that there'll be a friendly welcome from us anyone who wants to get together in Welly when they arrive.

Good luck to all!!!!!!!

Rich and Karen

[kiwidollie]

Wish you all the best for your new life in New Zealand.

Hope things run smoothly for you.

Alison

[Smiler]

Brilliant news Guys :clap :clap


Let us know when you arrive, we've got a meet on the 21st or 22nd. :D



Deborah

[Karen and Rich Matthews]

Wow,

count us in!!!

K and R :D

Brilliant news Guys :clap :clap


Let us know when you arrive, we've got a meet on the 21st or 22nd. :D



Deborah

[Sarah & Alex]

Congratulations ... Good look in your new life!!!

(I'm feeling really jealous now ... I want to be moving too - can you pack me in your suit case??)

[Smiler]

Here you go, info's here, http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=5120



Let us know if you are coming or need a lift.

D

[Mildred]

Hey Rich

Are you going to get the job to send you a copy of The Relay each month just so you can keep up to date on how many new powers the Community Wardens have been given ha ha ha

[Mildred]

Karen and Richard

Thinking about you today. Have a very safe journey and a happy and exciting new life. Don't forget to let us know how you get on - the good and the bad!

Take care

Frances

[Karen and Rich Matthews]

Wow, it's all so surreal. From leaving Heathrow and having a stress about how much we had left to pack into RELLY heavy suitcases to sitting in an internet cafe.

Had a great stop over in Singapore and we'd recommend it to all, just to take stock, sllep in a bed and rest......from there we went via Sydney to WEllington. All airports had showers soit's worth taking towel or two.

Wellington is not what we expected, appaered very American, but to be honest we don't really have our Welly feet yet. Hoping to get a rental prperty today- mad sessson son the phone before we left were of no use....

Will let you know how we get on...

cats arrive on the 22nd.......

[G&K]

Welcome to Wellington - you will love it here i'm sure !

This place is up for rent near us - which is in a great spot

http://www.harcourts.co.nz/listing/details.do?rul=%2Fsearch%2Fprocess.do%3Fpg%3D1%26t s%3D83322419%26qst%3Dmarine%2Bparade&id=305935

Good luck with finding somewhere if it doesn't suit you...

[Smiler]

Hi Karen and Rich

Glad to hear you arrived. You'll soon get your wellies on, don't worry. The first week or so is a bit of a blobby blur.

You coming to the meet on Sunday?

Deborah

[Karen and Rich Matthews]

Hi all,

Super quick email, moved into Churton Park just north opf Welly, gorgeous views and life is much better, full update when we finally get internet at home. Hope you're all well out there!!!

K and R xxx