[Natasha]

Hiya I am a new member. My boyfriend and I plan to move out to NZ early 2008. We haven't started the process yet but plan to put in our EIO jan 2007. I was wondering how much cash we need to have in the bank for proof of funds etc. My boyfriend will be looking for jobs in land surveying/GIS and I hope to work in the media as a children's tv presenter or as a particpation trainer. Any pointers on the best areas to live? At the moment we think Auckland, but are open to suggestions.

[gil]

Hi Natasha ,me again! I've just seen this post, which answers the interrogation I posted under the Wales Meet thread!
Can you explain what you mean by a participaton trainer? I've not come across the term before.
Gil

[Natasha]

Hey Gil

Thanks for answering. My work involves training aroung childrens rights and young people's involvement. I'm not sure that that is a great explanation. Mainly I train and facilitate young people and people who work with young people.

I hope this makes a bit of sense!

[Smiler]

Hi Natasha

Welcome to the forum. :cheers

I'm not sure but I don't think you have to have a specific amount, just say you have enought to support yourselves and if you are on a tourist visa, then a ticket out.

But are you coming via PR?

Deborah

[Natasha]

We are looking for citizenship eventually. So I guess for the moment we will be seeking residency? Not really sure what you call it but we are definately moving to stay in NZ forever.

Thanks for the welcome Deborah.

[tigerlily]

Natasha,

I've seen plenty of jobs for your boyfriend, all over the country (check out seek.co.nz), so if he can secure a job offer before you apply for PR (permenant residence) you will speed through the process. If you are living together, then you can apply as a couple, even if you are not married, just do save all your utility bills or rental agreement in both names. They even make us old married types prove that we are living together!

It's worth a visit to check out different parts of the country and make sure that it's for you.

i joined this forum (and made the decision to go to NZ) a year ago in November. We applied for PR a year later, and now are in the process of gathering information for our ITA (invitation to apply). We hope to go to NZ next January. That's a long wait too! Hang in there.

Welcome!!!!
Keep the questions coming...

[Moorf]

Welcome Natasha :cheers

Re funds, I couldn't find the original page which had immigration funding requirements, but I did find the following snippet which might help.

http://www.immigration.govt.nz/nzopportunities/williqualify/faqs/money.htm

[Natasha]

Thanks both Moorf and Tigerlily. The information has been very helpful. I myself have now written a quick email to the children's commissioner outlining the work I would like to do.

Wanted to ask about families in New Zealand. We kinda plan to start trying for a family as soon as we hit NZ. Should we wait and see how we adjust to life in NZ? Is it easy to work as a part time mother? Very confusing to think about all this. We haven't even started applying yet!

[smitjo]

Natasha,
We applied for residency over a year ago now and were given our residence visa in October 05. We didn't need to provide anything regarding proof of funds. We chose to apply for our visa first and then look for jobs once we knew if we had got in or not!
GOOD LUCK - sounds as though you guys are/were in a similar boat to us!

Jo & Alex

[Natasha]

Thanks Jo and Alex.

Your process sounds smooth. I hope ours is as smooth.

Hopefully we will see you out there sometime!!

Natasha

[tigerlily]

If you arrive with PR, having a family should be covered by the national health care system that all citizens and perminant residents are covered by. Without PR, you would need to buy private insurance to cover births, well baby checks, etc.

I think Sal on this board had her baby soon after arriving and now has her own little kiwi!

I think a lot of moms would like to work part time, but it's hard to find jobs that are part time. Perhaps you could find something since you are so specialized. You will certainly be able to make new friends after having a new baby, other moms are always happy to chat (I assume it's the same in NZ as in America on that).

Having a baby is a big change (stressful) in your relationship, and so is moving to another country. If I were in your position I would either come with the baby in tow, or wait 6 months to start trying, just to give my partner and I time to get into the new groove.