kiwidollie
27th March 2006, 08:32 PM
Hi everyone and I am a happy bunny today! We've finally got our broadband connected and working and can finally communicate with the outside world again from the comfort of our own home! (Well almost).
We arrived in NZ on 26th February and have loved every minute so far!
For the first week we stayed in the Airport Gold Motel which was very nice, very comfortable and had a great pool which the kids loved. Neil's job is based in Takanini so the first thing we did was suss out where that was and then we set about looking around the areas within easy driving distance. We decided we really liked the look and the atmosphere in Pukekohe which is about 40 mins South of Auckland. We found a nice rental in a good area near to schools for both children but as it wouldn't be available until 18th March we moved into the Park View Motel until then. The people at the Motel could not have been nicer or more helpful - it was a real pleasure to stay there.
We got sorted out with cars really easily too. Neil bought a nice little Audi A3 and I've had a Nissan Terrano so that we can fit all the camping equipment, kids and dog etc in so we can head off exploring when we get time. There are so many cars for sale here and it's a pleasure to shop around and test drive them - the salesmen are not pushy at all and are happy to let you disappear of into the distance with their vehicles for a good test drive with just a copy of your drivers license! We were told to just bring it back when we were ready!
We got the kids into school fairly quickly as they were both in a hurry to meet people and they were starting to get on each others nerves. They're at different schools - one at High School and one at Intermediate so that's helped them to go their separate ways a bit and they're back on good terms again thank goodness!
Neil has started work and is enjoying himself even though the work is much harder than in the UK. A HGV Driver in the UK just drives the load from A to B - here you have to load the lorry drive it to destination and then unload it and those big lorries hold a hell of a lot of stuff. He says he can feel his muscles coming back to life at last!
I saw an advert for a Receptionist at the local GP's surgery in the local paper on Friday so rang up for an application form. I ended up speaking to one of the Drs who invited me in for an interview at 5pm that afternoon. The surgery is just round the corner from where we live, the people seem lovely and the surgery is in a really gorgeous old villa - I loved it as soon as I walked in. The interview lasted and hour and a quarter, I had a psych test and a long questionnaire to fill in as well and was shattered when it was all over!
I'm glad to say that I got a phone call this morning offering me the job! I'm so chuffed I can't tell you. I'm in for training on Thursday and Friday and then start properly on Monday.
We have been met with nothing but positive, friendly attitudes from everyone we've met so far. We had a long wait to get here, stress and aggro over selling the house. It nearly broke my heart to say goodbye to my Mum, Dad and 4 sisters but I really think it is where we are meant to be.
For everyone still in the UK enduring the roller coaster ride that is the immigration process all I can say is stick with it - it is so worth the time and trouble. If you feel it's something you want to do and are struggling with obstacles and doubts I just want to tell you to go for it.
A bit thank you to everyone on here who has supported us either directly or indirectly. We couldn't have done it without you and if I can help with any questions or advise or whatever then don't hesitate to give me a shout.
Good luck to you all and hold tight to your dreams - they can come true you know.
A very very happy Kiwidollie (Alison) and family
We arrived in NZ on 26th February and have loved every minute so far!
For the first week we stayed in the Airport Gold Motel which was very nice, very comfortable and had a great pool which the kids loved. Neil's job is based in Takanini so the first thing we did was suss out where that was and then we set about looking around the areas within easy driving distance. We decided we really liked the look and the atmosphere in Pukekohe which is about 40 mins South of Auckland. We found a nice rental in a good area near to schools for both children but as it wouldn't be available until 18th March we moved into the Park View Motel until then. The people at the Motel could not have been nicer or more helpful - it was a real pleasure to stay there.
We got sorted out with cars really easily too. Neil bought a nice little Audi A3 and I've had a Nissan Terrano so that we can fit all the camping equipment, kids and dog etc in so we can head off exploring when we get time. There are so many cars for sale here and it's a pleasure to shop around and test drive them - the salesmen are not pushy at all and are happy to let you disappear of into the distance with their vehicles for a good test drive with just a copy of your drivers license! We were told to just bring it back when we were ready!
We got the kids into school fairly quickly as they were both in a hurry to meet people and they were starting to get on each others nerves. They're at different schools - one at High School and one at Intermediate so that's helped them to go their separate ways a bit and they're back on good terms again thank goodness!
Neil has started work and is enjoying himself even though the work is much harder than in the UK. A HGV Driver in the UK just drives the load from A to B - here you have to load the lorry drive it to destination and then unload it and those big lorries hold a hell of a lot of stuff. He says he can feel his muscles coming back to life at last!
I saw an advert for a Receptionist at the local GP's surgery in the local paper on Friday so rang up for an application form. I ended up speaking to one of the Drs who invited me in for an interview at 5pm that afternoon. The surgery is just round the corner from where we live, the people seem lovely and the surgery is in a really gorgeous old villa - I loved it as soon as I walked in. The interview lasted and hour and a quarter, I had a psych test and a long questionnaire to fill in as well and was shattered when it was all over!
I'm glad to say that I got a phone call this morning offering me the job! I'm so chuffed I can't tell you. I'm in for training on Thursday and Friday and then start properly on Monday.
We have been met with nothing but positive, friendly attitudes from everyone we've met so far. We had a long wait to get here, stress and aggro over selling the house. It nearly broke my heart to say goodbye to my Mum, Dad and 4 sisters but I really think it is where we are meant to be.
For everyone still in the UK enduring the roller coaster ride that is the immigration process all I can say is stick with it - it is so worth the time and trouble. If you feel it's something you want to do and are struggling with obstacles and doubts I just want to tell you to go for it.
A bit thank you to everyone on here who has supported us either directly or indirectly. We couldn't have done it without you and if I can help with any questions or advise or whatever then don't hesitate to give me a shout.
Good luck to you all and hold tight to your dreams - they can come true you know.
A very very happy Kiwidollie (Alison) and family