[bpk]

Hello everybody,

I have recently got a job offer in Napier with a 60K p/a. I am wondering if this salary is enough for my family (me, my wife, 2 small children and one infant) and what kind of lifestyle can we live with this salary?
I have to make up my mind within a short period, so I will highly appreciate any help in this regard.
I have seen that everyone in this form compares life in NZ with UK, but not with any other EU country. Knowing that I am in Germany, could anybody give me a brief comparison between life in Germany and in NZ?


Have a nice day all,

regards.

[Smiler]

Hi bpk

Welcome to the forum :clap:clap

Well I really can't help much more than say welcome, sorry! We're in welly and don't have any rug rats to account for, so budget wise I'm stuck.

Are you planning on renting or buying. Do you have money from the house sale in the EU to do this? If you are able to buy outright or with a small mortgage that may help? What sort of job are you doing and do you know what the going rate is for it?

But there are some people on the forum in Napier and surrounding areas, bob the engineer for one. He has a couple of threads with the price of goods on. If I remember rightly there are also some members in Hasting and Havelock who may be able to help.

Bob is bound to be at the beach this weekend, I know because he posts lovely pics on mondays :laugh:laugh

But hopefully my reply will bump this up for people to see.

Good luck
Deborah

[Moorf]

I wrote a lengthy reply to this post earlier, and then it disappeared and I nearly threw the lappy out the window :mad:

To summarise - it will largely depend on the size of your mortgage and what you perceive as a "decent lifestyle",

On 60k you're going to be getting c. $3300 / month income after tax. A $200k mortgage is approx $1200 / month. After that you've got your usual bills - tel, elec, etc - unfortunately we're another couple with no sprogs so can't really give you an idea of cost of bills etc but ours total about $300/month (including rates/satellite/internet etc) and $200 - 250 / week on groceries seems average for a family even though I manage to spend that for the two of us!!

I am sure others will spot this thread and give you more local details. It really does depend on whether you shop with abandon or if you are a family who likes / has to budget. Although I've gone from "abandon" to "budget" since being here.. a little ;)

Good Luck!


Moorf

[bpk]

Hi Smiler & Moorf

Smiler: Thanks for your responses. I am planning to rent at least for the first period to get know of the region. My field of work is environment.
Moorf: How did you calculate it as 3300 $ after Tax? I have been told by employer that it is about 3700 $ monthly after TaX!!
Could anyone give me a comparison with life in EU (Germany or Holland) cause everyone in the forum talks about UK!

Have a nice weekend

[Moorf]

How did you calculate it as 3300 $ after Tax? I have been told by employer that it is about 3700 $ monthly after TaX!!




I know the roundabout figure because 60k is what hubby started on over a year ago.... it is approx because I can't remember exact figure.

Surely there's somone on here who's on around $60k that could give a more accurate figure...

[ENZ]

Hi Smiler & Moorf
I have been told by employer that it is about 3700 $ monthly after TaX!!


$60,000 per annum, after income tax is deducted, gives $3,776 per month. :)

[jubjub]

Its 3700, give or take $20 either way, according to my little spreadsheet I made to calculate hubbys salary!

[ENZ]

Hmm, yes my first number was a little out, it's $3717.50. :)

[Carol]

I'm on a little bit less than that and get nothing like $3700!!


SOMEONE is stealing my money!!!
:(

[Moorf]

Thanks, I knew you were all out there somewhere.... does that mean we get a tax refund as just checked statements and we definitely didn't get that amount - now wondering if we were on strange tax code at that time as were getting PR sorted?

And paid fortnightly - might that make a difference?

Carol - perhaps we're due some back!! :clap

[Carol]

*gulp*

:cheers

[ENZ]

Less because of ACC or Superannuation contributions perhaps?

[bpk]

Hey Guys
Thanks all for your calculus. Anyway, it does not make a big difference between 3700$ plus or minus 20$
Still the main question waiting for answer!!
I wish to hear about your budget experince.

[Neil,Emma & kids]

hi guys!

i have been looking at plumbing jobs,the wages range from $20-$30 an hour,
working at the lowest $20,& 40 hours a week,what will my monthly wage be after tax?

i dont know what tax you pay etc :no

thanks
neil

[foolsgold99]

Neil, If you earn $20 a hour, 40 hour week, I'd put your monthly income at 3360 before tax. You'll pay 655 a month in take, take home around 2,700 a month, or 640 a week.

There is no tax free allowance, you pay 19.5% on the first $38,000 a year, 33% from 38k to 60k and 39% on everything above this. Nothing else, no national insurance.

I don't know what your circumstances are, re housing but with a wife and kids to support, living on $20 a hour would be difficult, at the same time as paying a mortgage.

[john & becky]

Neil,
I am also a plumber and will be looking to earn around the same as you if possible. I have worked out that we should be fine as we intend to have either none or a small mortgage. We worked out that without trying to economise we should be able to spend around $500 a week, based on the cost of living calc on the main site. Can i suggest you do the same and see what you come up with, although the general opinion on here seems to be that you can have the lifestyle with a much lower disposable income than we can in the UK. I live on the surrey/sussex border with a £250k mortgage so you can imagine that i need to work hard to have a decent standard of living. The reason for our interest is that i spend no time with our kids and only a little more with becky, something which i hope will change very much for the better even though our cashflow will be significantly different.

On a slightly different tack, have you applied or enquired about any jobs yet? It would seem that we need to register with the government in NZ and sit another set of exams in order to be able to go plumbing, even though i have, like you i assume, done a 4 year apprenticeship and run my own business for years.........................

[treen74]

so............what jobs can one get in Napier for 60K ?

[bpk]

so............what jobs can one get in Napier for 60K ?

I was nominated for a job in Environmental sector!

[treen74]

If you have anymore info on the subject Id appreciate it - My Mrs is undecided between Napier (where her mum and that side of the family live)and Auckland (friends and her dad not too far away).

I know from living in Auckland briefly (during my WHV days) that there is more scope for jobs compared to Napier. Also the fact that house prices in Napier arent too far from what they are in Auckland but jobs I guess arent too well paid there and less common.

Bearing in mind we have a 7 month old and plan to have 2 or 3 more (optimistic I Know), getting a decent job is a must - especially if we only have GBP24K to put towards a house as deposit, wherever it maybe..................

[mechidna]

OK, I have friends in Napier who make about $42-45k and they have a family of four. They seem to be quite happy. I know that he buys all the latest toys and she's far from being kept out of the stores. I would say, in my humble opinion, that you should be okay.

60k is about 20k more than I make right now and we're doing well, but it's only me and my daughter. But then again, she'll be 13 in a couple months and is not cheap by any means.

My opinion, you'll do fine, but others may disagree. I think it really depends on how you want to live.

Michele

[Neil,Emma & kids]

Neil,
I am also a plumber and will be looking to earn around the same as you if possible. I have worked out that we should be fine as we intend to have either none or a small mortgage. We worked out that without trying to economise we should be able to spend around $500 a week, based on the cost of living calc on the main site. Can i suggest you do the same and see what you come up with, although the general opinion on here seems to be that you can have the lifestyle with a much lower disposable income than we can in the UK. I live on the surrey/sussex border with a £250k mortgage so you can imagine that i need to work hard to have a decent standard of living. The reason for our interest is that i spend no time with our kids and only a little more with becky, something which i hope will change very much for the better even though our cashflow will be significantly different.

On a slightly different tack, have you applied or enquired about any jobs yet? It would seem that we need to register with the government in NZ and sit another set of exams in order to be able to go plumbing, even though i have, like you i assume, done a 4 year apprenticeship and run my own business for years.........................

Hi John,
I have registered with the government(so the wife tells me),I have not applied for any jobs recently,I did a few months ago but they were looking for plumbers already in NZ.When & where are you heading down there?
We are hoping to be there early april,going to Auckland :nice1

[john & becky]

Hi John,
I have registered with the government(so the wife tells me),I have not applied for any jobs recently,I did a few months ago but they were looking for plumbers already in NZ.

We are undecided on location nut we are looking at Wairarapa/Hawkes Bay as a possibility. Unfortunately I don't know enough about the areas to make a decision, we were planning on coming over and having a whistle stop tour while trying to find a job.
This is all a bit far off at the moment, i would love to start packing tomorrow but we have only just put our EOI in! :laugh
How did you register and did you have to resit any exams?

[Wannaway]

After tax and employee's ACC levy, an annual salary of $60k should give a monthly (calendar month that it is) take home pay of $3,717.55.

[bob_the_engineer]

Hi bpk

What would I do if I were in your position? I’d be buying aeroplane tickets.

I spent a very short spell working in Germany, comparing the three, UK Germany and New Zealand I think lifestyle on a budget goes like this:

1st place goes to New Zealand
2nd Place goes to Germany
UK is a long way behind!

There are many many opportunities for cheap family entertainment here. A stroll around a wonderful vineyard will cost you the price of a glass of wine.
A popular and beautiful beach that has a safety patrol is free, and you have to take lunch with you because there are no shops.
Breathtaking walks, free
Great parks / playgrounds, free
Outdoor gas BBQ facilities $1
All day swimming in a heated Lido is a few dollars.
February is the big tourist month here. Lots to do, much of this is free.
Fish and chips are extremely cheap and much better than the UK (had to add that because it’s a personal favourite)
Christmas Party in the local park free, BBQ for the children, free (I’ve seen a 3ft tall lad eat 10 sausage sizzles :laugh )

The only thing I don’t understand about Hawkes Bay is why everyone isn’t living here! (ok so I’m biased, I simply love the place).

I guess you already understand that on 60k with a family to support you won’t have money to burn, you probably won’t be able to buy a big house or drive a brand new car, the thing is how many families can? The flip-side of the coin is fewer families are prepared to spend their time supporting such a lifestyle here, so you will be in good company.

If you do decide to come and live here I hope that you receive the same wonderfully warm reception that I received in Germany, despite the fact that I can’t speak German, I couldn’t have been made to feel more welcome.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following is a little long but I hope it’s helpful.

I can honestly say that if I wanted to bring up children I would do it here.

Your post does say you intent to rent. I’m currently renting a 3 bed house $960 a month. The rented house is ok, but to give you an idea of the standard, this was the only house we could find that would accept two big dogs. The house is old but the neighbourhood is nice.

Contact these people http://www.propertybrokers.co.nz they are very helpful. Explain to them that you have a family to accommodate and you don’t have a large budget. I’ve found them to be honest, I’m sure they will try and find affordable accommodation for you. (I’d expect $250 -$350 a week and a bond of around $800).

The neighbourhood called Greenmeadows in Napier is less expensive to rent houses in, but is a good neighbourhood. Another neighbourhood is Taradale, this is a bit more expensive, it’s next to Greenmeadows and is similar in many ways.

A place called Hastings is often cheaper for renting houses. You can easily commute to Napier from there. The town centre is nice, I like the place, but it strikes me as a place that you have to know well before you can rent there (a few rough neighbourhoods, and quite honestly as an introduction to the area IMHO too big a risk to take). I simply don’t know it well enough I guess.

The houses are usually unfurnished, but in NZ, much like the UK, a kitchen is included.

The only thing that I have found particularly expensive here in NZ is the cost of borrowing money. If you intend to buy a house, this will be a problem

Nice house, I’d budget at around $350,000, if you borrowed the entire amount, then you could expect to make monthly repayments of around $2587 per month in the current climate. (We’ve just taken out a house loan and I re-scaled it to $350k)

Onto the budget, having only been here a few months (and being in a different situation to you) I can’t tell you much I’m afraid, but I can give you a few ideas about where to look.

I spent $135 on electricity for one month (I’m guilty of being a little wasteful at times) :uhoh
I found the tax system to be open and fair
Fruit, Veg, meat, fish, wine, beer, cars, car fuel and car service costs I think are inexpensive. Here is a link to an intermediately priced grocery store that will give you some figures.
http://www.woolworths.co.nz/
(you can get groceries for a little less than this, but it’s a good indicator ) expect to eat seasonal foods.

Household items can be bought from here, very cheap but beware of quality on some items.
http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/

German cars are very expensive here, having left my Mercedes behind in the UK, I found the cost of them a little shocking, you will find inexpensive Japanese cars, many of which you may not have seen before.

This company is good, if you are prepared to wait a few weeks he will also import a car to your requirements (Japanese) and give you a discount compared to the forecourt price. They won’t negotiate much on forecourt price, (the car I bought from there was $2500 less than I’ve seen anywhere else to date). They will however give you the warranty at cost if you’re cheeky enough.
http://www.carbarn.co.nz/

Very cheap cars can be bought from the auction www.hawkesbayauctions.co.nz but don’t buy at the weekend, go to the midweek auction.

Well I guess if you can cover rent, food and travel you have it cracked, the lifestyle here is basically free.

Wishing you every success bpk, Kind Regards, Bob.

One other thing, if you do come here, only go in the water if the locals are in it!

[Neil,Emma & kids]

We are undecided on location nut we are looking at Wairarapa/Hawkes Bay as a possibility. Unfortunately I don't know enough about the areas to make a decision, we were planning on coming over and having a whistle stop tour while trying to find a job.
This is all a bit far off at the moment, i would love to start packing tomorrow but we have only just put our EOI in! :laugh
How did you register and did you have to resit any exams?


To register you have to get copies of your certificates,get them signed by a solicitor & send them off(we used a company).Once they get certified you then get registered wirh the plumbing & gas board.
You do not have to sit any exams until you get there ! :(

Like I said we should be out there in april,I will still be on the forum,if you want to get in touch nearer the time,I'll see if I can help in anyway! ;)

Good luck
Neil

[willsken]

What a great post Bob. That was a very interesting read.

We will be coming over to Hawkes Bay to live in September (all going well). We will be about 40 mins drive from Napier. I agree with what you said about "why more people don't go there". It's a beautiful place and I can't wait to start my new life there.

[Albertz]

Couldnt agree more Willsken, I was there in January for my OH to find employment (which she did)to advance our chances, and ive got to say I was well impressed with Hawkes Bay, I preferred Napier to Hastings and dont think I could afford Havelock North, we've narrowed down our area to Taradale where the schools are highly recommended, only down side is the house prices seem a bit steep compared to other areas of the North Island we visited but hey ho.
So as of today EOI is in and now were on the wait to see when (if) we get any reply from immigration. :clap

[bpk]

Thanks a lot Bob. It is a great post though some missing points.
Hi bpk

What would I do if I were in your position? I’d be buying aeroplane tickets.

This made me feel comfort.

I spent a very short spell working in Germany, comparing the three, UK Germany and New Zealand I think lifestyle on a budget goes like this:

1st place goes to New Zealand
2nd Place goes to Germany
UK is a long way behind!

I am trying to convince myself with what you said. The in NZ is about 2/3 of
that in Germany, although the living cost is almost the same.

There are many many opportunities for cheap family entertainment here. A stroll around a wonderful vineyard will cost you the price of a glass of wine.
A popular and beautiful beach that has a safety patrol is free, and you have to take lunch with you because there are no shops.
Breathtaking walks, free
Great parks / playgrounds, free
Outdoor gas BBQ facilities $1
All day swimming in a heated Lido is a few dollars.

So the kids can enjoy there

February is the big tourist month here. Lots to do, much of this is free.
Fish and chips are extremely cheap and much better than the UK (had to add that because it’s a personal favourite)
Christmas Party in the local park free, BBQ for the children, free (I’ve seen a 3ft tall lad eat 10 sausage sizzles :laugh )

I am fond of FISH. Is there good fich speices there? and how expensive are they?

The only thing I don’t understand about Hawkes Bay is why everyone isn’t living here! (ok so I’m biased, I simply love the place).

Do not worry. It will be over-populated soon!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following is a little long but I hope it’s helpful.

I can honestly say that if I wanted to bring up children I would do it here.

That is the main reason why I am thinking of moving there

Your post does say you intent to rent. I’m currently renting a 3 bed house $960 a month. The rented house is ok, but to give you an idea of the standard, this was the only house we could find that would accept two big dogs. The house is old but the neighbourhood is nice.

Contact these people http://www.propertybrokers.co.nz they are very helpful. Explain to them that you have a family to accommodate and you don’t have a large budget. I’ve found them to be honest, I’m sure they will try and find affordable accommodation for you. (I’d expect $250 -$350 a week and a bond of around $800).

Thanks a lot for the Info. around 1K per month is Ok ro rent such a house (plus or minus $100). Are there gardens assoiciated with houses? It is too important for me to have a garden for kids to play.

The neighbourhood called Greenmeadows in Napier is less expensive to rent houses in, but is a good neighbourhood. Another neighbourhood is Taradale, this is a bit more expensive, it’s next to Greenmeadows and is similar in many ways.

A place called Hastings is often cheaper for renting houses. You can easily commute to Napier from there. The town centre is nice, I like the place, but it strikes me as a place that you have to know well before you can rent there (a few rough neighbourhoods, and quite honestly as an introduction to the area IMHO too big a risk to take). I simply don’t know it well enough I guess.


You are ther first person complaining about neighbourhoods in NZ. I have learnd that Kiwis are very friendly?

The houses are usually unfurnished, but in NZ, much like the UK, a kitchen is included.

Great! at least you have something. In Germany, you will never find even a lamp in the house!

The only thing that I have found particularly expensive here in NZ is the cost of borrowing money. If you intend to buy a house, this will be a problem

I think it is the case everywhere. But for the time being, I am not planning to do so

Nice house, I’d budget at around $350,000, if you borrowed the entire amount, then you could expect to make monthly repayments of around $2587 per month in the current climate. (We’ve just taken out a house loan and I re-scaled it to $350k)

Onto the budget, having only been here a few months (and being in a different situation to you) I can’t tell you much I’m afraid, but I can give you a few ideas about where to look.

I spent $135 on electricity for one month (I’m guilty of being a little wasteful at times) :uhoh
I found the tax system to be open and fair
Fruit, Veg, meat, fish, wine, beer, cars, car fuel and car service costs I think are inexpensive. Here is a link to an intermediately priced grocery store that will give you some figures.
http://www.woolworths.co.nz/
(you can get groceries for a little less than this, but it’s a good indicator ) expect to eat seasonal foods.

Household items can be bought from here, very cheap but beware of quality on some items.
http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/

German cars are very expensive here, having left my Mercedes behind in the UK, I found the cost of them a little shocking, you will find inexpensive Japanese cars, many of which you may not have seen before.

This company is good, if you are prepared to wait a few weeks he will also import a car to your requirements (Japanese) and give you a discount compared to the forecourt price. They won’t negotiate much on forecourt price, (the car I bought from there was $2500 less than I’ve seen anywhere else to date). They will however give you the warranty at cost if you’re cheeky enough.
http://www.carbarn.co.nz/

Very cheap cars can be bought from the auction www.hawkesbayauctions.co.nz but don’t buy at the weekend, go to the midweek auction.


Thanks for the links and info.

Well I guess if you can cover rent, food and travel you have it cracked, the lifestyle here is basically free.

Wishing you every success bpk, Kind Regards, Bob.

One other thing, if you do come here, only go in the water if the locals are in it!

Thanks a lot. Is swimming so dangeous down there??

One thing I think still to talk about: Health care system in NZ. Here in Germany, one pays for health insurance a monthly amount based on the income, then one does not need to pay for hospital or private clincs. The medicine is free for children up to 15 and the adults have to pay only 5%.

Maybe you can talk about the system in NZ. With many thanks,

have a nice day/night,

[foolsgold99]

You are ther first person complaining about neighbourhoods in NZ. I have learnd that Kiwis are very friendly?

NZ like anywhere else in the world has "bad" neighbourhoods, areas of shocking quality housing, with major social and economic problems, like high unemployment, drugs, alochol, violence, poor education and property crime.

You don't want to live in one of these places, be careful

[zardell]

Marvellous post Bob - thank you.

Julie

xx

[bpk]

NZ like anywhere else in the world has "bad" neighbourhoods, areas of shocking quality housing, with major social and economic problems, like high unemployment, drugs, alochol, violence, poor education and property crime.

You don't want to live in one of these places, be careful


Thank you for explanation. But I thought that such things can exist only in large cities such NY in US or Cologne in Germany and not in small towns like Napier or Hasting. Anyway, in all cases one should be aware when renting a property and should check the neighbourhoods.

Regards

[bob_the_engineer]

Thanks bpk, Zardell, Willsken & Albertz for your kind comments about my last post, hopefully see you all here soon :) .


Hi Bpk, I thought I try to answer some of your questions (hope it’s helpful)

“I am fond of FISH. Is there good fish speices there? and how expensive are they?”

I too like to eat fish, there is a wide range of fish, some I hadn’t heard of before, are available here, others (like mackerel, seem to be uncommon). The giant green lip muscles seem to be available almost everywhere. Oysters can be bought even in the fast-food shops. A new favourite since arriving in NZ is blue nose, a sweet deep sea fish, not available everywhere but a must when it’s caught. Muscles are kept fresh/live in showers even in the supermarkets.

I think the fish I’ve seen/tried are Gurnard, Terakihi, Groper, Kahawai, Salmon, Snapper, Flounder squid, shrimp, prawn scallops. Something that I haven’t tried yet (but often seen on sale) is surimi, I think this is a minced and pressed Pollack, not sure, looks ok but I haven’t tried it. This may seem silly but this is probably because it reminds me of crab, which I don’t really like.

The fish used in fast food shops seem to be mainly Gurnard,, Terakihi, Oysters, Muscles and occasionally snapper (I really like deep fried snapper in batter, but when in Greece I had snapper cage cooked on a BBQ and it was fantastic, the Greeks do this with sea bass too which is also lovely)

Seafood is commonly eaten here, and not expensive. On the subject let me tell you about a recent conversation I had with a kiwi, this was one of the many occasions when I’ve found myself chatting away to a complete stranger (the kiwis are really friendly). He was a retired fisherman, he told me about an Englishman he used to work with in NZ. He said the Englishman was a great fisherman but added “well he would be, he had to make a living fishing those waters, you’d have to be good, no bloody fish there!” from this I guess we have more fish here.


“Are there gardens associated with houses? It is important for me to have a garden for kids to play.”

I think it would be difficult to find a home without a garden here. I’m not completely sure about this but I think a section (standard plot size) is around ¼ acre. It is very very common for a section to be split into two and a second house built on the land. I have a house with a full section, but I use this for my two large dogs (no children) and because we wanted a small swimming pool. The neighbour with children have a half section and frequently cook/eat outdoors. The children play there but not all the time. I see children playing in the local parks/beach/skate board place, much more frequently than I see neighbouring children playing in their own gardens.


“You are the first person complaining about neighbourhoods in NZ. I have learned that Kiwis are very friendly?”

I haven’t had a bad experience in NZ (had a few in the UK). My comment was based on newspaper stories, on things like brawls in the street. I vividly recall a story about a poor chap who was hit with a hammer by some thug while working in his shop in Hastings. The truth of the matter is that as a new arrival you initially need a quick overview, simply because you have so many decisions to make. I thought that it would be better to tell you that I’ve seen some problems there, simply because its easy to avoid an area until you have time to make your own mind up.

“Is swimming so dangerous down there?”

Unquestionably yes, if your not careful, this is mainly because of rip tides.

You can’t swim off the main beach in Napier itself, the rip tides are dangerous.
I’ve been in water up to my waist and been lifted off my feet by a passing wave, great fun but I wouldn’t swim on the beach in Napier city centre.
My advice is to learn (if you don’t already know) what a rip tide looks like and what to do if you are caught in one.
The surrounding beaches slope very gently, are patrolled and are quite safe, you must pay attention to any warning flags and if you have children keep them inside the patrolled areas. Sorry if this sounds dramatic but you obviously can’t be too careful with your children.

There don’t seem to be many advertised dangers from creatures, although a guy did end up with a six inch deep wound in his groin a few weeks ago. He was walking his dog in shallow water, slipped on something, stood back up (unfortunately on a 2m wide stingray he’d just slipped on) and it stung him.
Placid creatures, but I guess if you kick them, then insist on standing on them the may just sting you!

The unfortunate man was ok.


Health care system in NZ

Most Kiwis don’t have health insurance. If you are critically ill you will be taken care of, nobody is going to leave you to die because your not insured!

What is called point of access care isn’t free, for example if you need to see a GP, you will be charged for a consultation (currently $50 I think).
If you need medicine I think there is a prescription charge, much like the UK.
Some drugs are approved for prescription, some aren’t. for example if you needed a pain killer you would be prescribed one, if you insisted on an unapproved painkiller (like Tramadol), you would have to pay an additional $1 per pill.

Best Wishes Bob

[StevieD]

Stuck in the groin by a sting ray - OUCH, that sounds so painful!!

[bpk]

Most Kiwis don’t have health insurance. If you are critically ill you will be taken care of, nobody is going to leave you to die because your not insured!

What is called point of access care isn’t free, for example if you need to see a GP, you will be charged for a consultation (currently $50 I think).
If you need medicine I think there is a prescription charge, much like the UK.
Some drugs are approved for prescription, some aren’t. for example if you needed a pain killer you would be prescribed one, if you insisted on an unapproved painkiller (like Tramadol), you would have to pay an additional $1 per pill.

Best Wishes Bob

Thank you Bob for Fish details. It seems that beaches are more dangerous than one expect.
Anyway, I think $50 for each doctor visit is much, is'nt it? Is that also the case with children?
If one have health insurance, is it applied to private clinics too or only to hospitals?

[Avalon]

I know this is kinda off topic here - because though I love Napier I dont live there and cant really help.

However - in a few months theres gonna be a GREAT pizza restuarant/cafe opening up in Havelock North, called Pipi. Cos they are moving from Greytown :wah so my fav coffee shop is going to be no more.

Thier chocolate cake is the BEST i have ever had! Nad the people who run it are lovely!

[femke]

Looking forward to that, at the moment have to go to hastings for a good hells pizza. :laugh

[bpk]

Hello guys,

Anyone have an idea if Dish- Sattelite can recieve any TV programs in NZ?

[dabbi]

Hi folks

I am a German geezer too. With reference to the plumbers both John and Neil, I am in a similar position. I lived in London due to having been unemployed in Germany. My UK employer sent me to an ACS course in order to get my UK qualifikation. Having sit and passed the exams I am Corgi registered now, however that didn`t help me whatsoever in terms of NZ registration.
NZQA assessment was compared to Level 4 NZ standard and every thing was fine with reference to my PR application, I had my NZIS interview and that`s it.
My case officer asked me to provide a letter from the NZ Gas board stating that I am eligible to become NZ registered working under NZ supervision.

I sent all my documents (again) to Wellington, waited, sent them a couple of emails, rang them, .....nothing. Really a pain in the ass. Stuck in the final steps only because I wait for this letter.

Did you encounter the same problems?

Cheers, Dabbi

[Carol]

Thank you for explanation. But I thought that such things can exist only in large cities such NY in US or Cologne in Germany and not in small towns like Napier or Hasting. Anyway, in all cases one should be aware when renting a property and should check the neighbourhoods.

Regards


Not at all.
The last place we lived in was "lovely".


Beautiful walkways, small shopping centre, 4 excellent schools within a 4km radius, good sun and close to a magnificent harbour and the beach.


And less less than a km away from one of the poorest areas in NZ and home to a particularly g ang ure.


If you didn't realise........ and rented a house in the "wrong" part you'd have made a HUGE mistake.

:uhoh

[bevsere]

You cannot 'register' as a plumber with the Plumbing,Gasfitting and Drainlaying Board of New Zealand.
What you will be doing is
1]Applying to have your UK quals assessed by the PGDB to see whether they will let you sit their registration exams.
2] Once you have ajob with a plumbing company, you will be applying for your Limited License to allow you to legally work within the plumbing trade. That Limited License must be countersigned by the Crafstsman plumber that will be signing off all your work.

Wages Plumbers = Anywhere from $17 per hour to $25 max - unless perhaps Auckland region.
May increase by a couple of dollars once Registered as a Craftsman.

[bevsere]

Hi folks

I am a German geezer too. With reference to the plumbers both John and Neil, I am in a similar position. I lived in London due to having been unemployed in Germany. My UK employer sent me to an ACS course in order to get my UK qualifikation. Having sit and passed the exams I am Corgi registered now, however that didn`t help me whatsoever in terms of NZ registration.
NZQA assessment was compared to Level 4 NZ standard and every thing was fine with reference to my PR application, I had my NZIS interview and that`s it.
My case officer asked me to provide a letter from the NZ Gas board stating that I am eligible to become NZ registered working under NZ supervision.

I sent all my documents (again) to Wellington, waited, sent them a couple of emails, rang them, .....nothing. Really a pain in the ass. Stuck in the final steps only because I wait for this letter.

Did you encounter the same problems?

Cheers, Dabbi

This is typical PGDB. They are extremely slow on this front. Keep lobbying to receive your letter. NZIS do need it.
If your qualifications have been assessed by the PGDB to level 4, then all you await is a letter to state you are eligible to sit the registration exam .
What I find puzzling, is that NZQA were involved.
Assessment of plumbing and gasfitting qualifications are nothing to do with NZQA.
If you have something in writing from the PGDB of NZ which states that you are eligible to sit the registration exams with just an ACS course and a CORGI registration number, I would be very very pleased to see a copy.

Others have been told that they need an apprenticeship PLUS CORGI reg to sit the gas registration.

You may be able to help a few out here

[dabbi]

Hi everybody,

what happened is, in order to submit the application to the NZIS for PR I need to get my German and UK qualifications assessed by NZQA, they only confirmed comparability to NZ Level of plumbing. That seems to be worth nothing now though it was not cheap, incl fasttrack-fee.

I thought that is the only thing NZIS requires to grant a visa. But it turned out to be not enough, I need this letter from the gas board stating my eligebility to work under NZ supervision. Maybe after providing this letter, which costs me another NZD 300,- I can go ahead. I just hope that they don`t ask me to provide a letter from the pope or HRH Queen Elisabeth confirming another stupid thing.

NZ gas board told me it will take some 6 to 8 weeks to issue this letter... :wah

Cheers, Dabbi :

[bevsere]

Hi Dabbi.

That is about the right timescale unfortunately.

The place you have sent your qualifications is the Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board of New Zealand.

From November to January is an extremely busy time of year for them.
The annual registration exams happen in November. Exam results were issued last weekend.

Your $300 is for the PGDB to assess your qualifications Dabbi. That is what is happening right now. What you will receive back, hopefully from this ,is a letter which states that the PGDB will recognise your qualifications to some degree but that you will be required to sit the PGDB registration exams and do a practical test of workmanship in order to be consider a qualified plumber /gasfitter in New Zealand. [NZ equivalent of level 4].

The PGDB have their own criteria against which they assess overseas qualifications and work experience.
I am assuming you have completed the application form and sent off your certified certificates, plus proof of work experience and apprenticeship / or course work along with your $300 fee.

Yes - I know you said you had them assessed by NZQA but that was a complete waste of time and money for you. When it comes to plumbing or gasfitting ONLY the PGDB are able to assess your qualifications. No one else

I wish I had seen any of your earlier posts suggesting you have your quals assessed by NZQA . I could have saved you time and money. Sorry.

The PGDB are part of a government body, Dabbi, not just a trade board. They are resonsible for all aspects regarding plumbing and gasfitting in New Zealand. NZQA having absolutely nothing to do with it. The PGDB are responsible for consumer Health and Safety, they adminster and/or monitor the Registration Exams,the licenses to pratice your trade , the Training organisations

The assessment you are having done now by PGDB [ which is what you are calling the Gas Board] is the only one that is acceptable for you to be allowed to work in New Zealand at your trade . The PGDB assessment that you are now having done is the only one acceptable to NZIS.

Once you are in New Zealand Dabbi, and you have a job offer, you and your employer will then have to apply for your first PGDB license to allow you to work as a plumber . There is only one license you would be allowed to have.
It is called a Limited License.
This allows you to work in New Zealand under supervision. This is not what you have applied for at the moment. You cannot have this license without a job offer . The Limited License application will be signed by yourself and also by the Plumber/Gasfitter who is to supervise your work.

I do hope your PGDB assessment comes back positive Dabbi.#

I can say that NZIS will accept a letter from the PGDB.

edited to add.....

If you get back a response from the PGDB to say all is OK on the strength of the ACS course and a CORGI registration, then I would be very pleased to see a copy of this letter Dabbi.

Out of interest , what did you send off with your apllication to the PGDB please ?

[dabbi]

@ beserve

Hi mate,

I sent to the pgdb everything required such as (copies) my german trade certificates, the appropriate translations, Corgi card, front and reverse, ACS card, copy of passport, appl. form and list of experience.

I am afraid you are right that NZQA was another waste of time and money but when I read the guide prior to submitting my application I always understood that NZQA was the only way of getting my things assessed.

I read the guide really a few times and yet thorougly as to ensure that I don`t forget anything but it was nowhere mentioned to contact pgdb. Well sometimes we probably do have to learn from mistakes and I will keep you informed about any progress.

I opt to fly to NZ, bay of plenty preferably Tauranga area in April , so I will keep fingers crossed that all my papers have been sorted out by then because I am going to sort out some job interviews. :nice1

Take care, Dabbi

BTW, why do you know so much about this particular topic ??

[Lukas]

In Napier the average income after tax is about 20k ...so you are supossed to manage well with 60k. Diary products are more expensive than in Germany...the properties, for rent or buy of course not.

[bpk]

In Napier the average income after tax is about 20k ...so you are supossed to manage well with 60k. Diary products are more expensive than in Germany...the properties, for rent or buy of course not.


Thanks a lot Lukas for your contribution

What kind of things in NZ do you think are more expensive than Germany? for example, I have heard that elctronic devices are much more expensive than Germany! is it true? what things do you advise me to take with from Germany (of course other than clothes)?