[boonkien]

Hi everyone, I am new to this community. I am from Singapore and have lodged my ITA on 22nd Feb 06. Been reading and following some of the interesting threads.

I must say this is a vibrant community with a great lively exchange of information. I especially enjoy the bantering :D . Many thanks to the administrator and moderators (like Moorf and Woz) and helpful senior members like Carol and Diny etc. As I read along, I found all of my queries answered.

I will be bringing my family for a recce trip to Welly in June. Hope to see some of the you on this trip. Why NZ/Welly you ask? Singapore is already a city state, after almost 4 decades of city dwelling, I think we want a change. The only concern is leaving my 72 yr-old Mum-i-l. My wife is coming to terms with this.

Has anyone been to Singapore at all? Feel free to ask me anything about this tourist friendly tiny country, may be you can do some wonderful shopping when you stop over on transit enroute to NZ.

Boon

[Smiler]

Hi Boon

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c75/smiler127/emoticons/welcome38gk.gif to the forum.

I'm sure you will find Wellington a refreshing change from Singapore city living. We haven't been to S'pore YET although it is on our wish list. :D

It is hard leaving any family but easy to keep up communications and this for me does make it so much easier, and I hope it will for your wife too.

Look forward to seeing you here in Welly and if you have any questions just ask away.

[Mexican in NZ]

Hi Boon!
Welcome to the Forum :cheers
I just want to tell you that you won't regret at all the move. I am from mex and also I had lived in USA so I can Definately tell you that New Zealand is just a wonderful country.
About your mother i believe she will be happy to know you and your family are happy, and i can bet you will be. My mom moved to USA from mexico and i know how hard it can be (my mom is the fav daughter for my grandma) my grandpa died recently and it was a hard decition, but it was completely worth it. Now, mom and dad are again together, and things are working super for them. I moved here last year,and it was also hardfor me and for the entire family having me moved so far away from them, but i do not regreat it.
New Zealand is a very safe place to live, people here are so friendly and in addition is just a BEAUTIFUL country.
I hope everything works just fine and tell your wife that she can buy some cheap calling cards so she can be in constant contact with mother, hehe ;)
God Bless,
Adriana

[voth30]

Hi Boon Kien,

Welcome to the forum.

It is good to have a recce trip before making the real actual move and know what to expect. We actually bring 60kg of our luggage during our recce trip and one of our good friend kept it for us so that we actually bring less during the real move.

Vincent

[Diny]

Hi Boon - welcome to the forum! Having been to both Singapore and Wellington (both great cities) I think you'll be knocked over by the differences. In my VERY humble opinion, I think Wellington manages to keep hold of that small town feel whilst holding city status. We're about 2 hours north of welly in a small village called Ashhurst. Palmerston North is our nearest metropolis - again, a place with a rural town feel and city status.

Good luck for your recce trip - keep us posted.

Diny

[boonkien]

Thanks guys for your warm welcome. My wife will definitely consider the use of cheap calling cards mentioned by Adriana.

With your postive feedback about NZ, can't wait for our trip with the kids (2, both under 12). Will keep you posted when our dates confirmed, meanwhile better get some windbreakers ready for them. Take care.