[H & Rick]

How many times did you visit New Zealand before you decided you would like to live there? :confused:

[Albertz]

Just the once here, couldnt afford to do any more, went over in January this year for 3 weeks to visit Hawkes Bay area, secure employment, see areas to live (and where not too), then after we had done that went and done some travelling to see how it differs from one place to the next, went to Taupo, Wellington, Palmerston North & Wanganui.

Quite liked Wanganui but as our job is in Napier we'll be renting there when(IF) we get to NZ

[tigerlily]

Once. We were there for a month in 2000. Loved it. At the time, I didn't think of living there at all, we were on our way around the world and it was the first country we visited. The people stood out as being the so friendly (the only place that I thought the people more friendly was in Jordan).

[gil]

Not been at all yet. OUr PR was granted last November. I appreciate that lots of people think we are bonkers, but we know us and how we are, if you see what I mean and we didn't feel the need to visit first.
Gil
(A small minority!)

[H & Rick]

I'm starting to think we are bonkers too. :yes

We have never been there but have friends out there who keep telling us how good it is.

Like you, we know us and how we are, prehaps it's a Cardiff thing..... :D

[JohnM]

Twice. Just got back from the 2nd trip and decided it was right. Went to both islands. OH, how I wish I were still in my 20's, renting, and didn't have "stuff", I could just pack up and go now! sigh...

[Angie and Mick]

We have been the once, I wanted to check it out before deciding however the OH would have gone with out visiting. Had and insider as well OH sister lives in Wellington. We went to both islands, I preferred the North, however depending on the situation and progress Jobs might decide actual location.

[Angie and Mick]

Sorry I meant I preferred the south.

[Lukas]

That's a good question Bro...even a funny one...I never been there before having my PR stamp on the passport...then I have spend a good part of my income every year traveling across the World...looking for somethnig indeffinite....It make wild...for good and for bad...as I just refused a clerical job. Before giving my final answer to the Ministry Dirctor I have been waching HAKA...because I have needed curage.

[StevieD]

Put us down in the bonkers category :)

[xanctus]

Once hehehe and it was only 2 weeks, not enough in my personal opinion, but within those 2 weeks having a blast time and bad time also (got parking ticket...:@:@).
So at least within 2 weeks we had an amazing experience...:D

[jess]

Once - to Wellington on a reccy trip. I don't think it helped us with the decision - gave us no sense of what it's like to live here. But it did give us a jump start on what the different suburbs are like.

[Debbie]

We are in the bonkers brigade. Not been, but if the house doesn't sell soon OH may have time to pop over for a job hunt.
Debbie

[Diny]

Lots of times over a 15 year period. One thing is for certain, living here is totally different to being here on holiday.

Diny

[dawn]

Great question.

We've been out twice, both times for 6 weels, hubby is a Kiwi though, so I guess I'd be moving even if I hadn't been, the nagging (I REALLY want to go home) was getting too much, roll on 3rd July 2006!

[jubjub]

Put us down in the bonkers category :)

Same here..

[Marie P]

Guess we are in the bonkers catagory too . :nice1

I lived at home with my parents for 23 years ,got married lived in the same house for 17 years .

At the great age of 40 fancied a little change and here we are nearly 6 months in and loving it . :yes

Marie x

[sizzlingbadger]

We're in the bonkers category as well :D

It was just too expensive for us to do a reccy trip in the end. We also felt that if we had come out here for a visit it wouldn't give us the right feel, we would have been in definite holiday mode.

How many people move around in the UK from place to place and don't really do any research ? ?

[Bubbles]

Raving looney, me. :p







Nearly forgot, so's the wife. :D

[Lupin]

We did got NZ before we made this decision, but just because we wanted to go there.

I think there's *nothing* bonkers about moving there without a holiday there first though. I quite admire people who do it that way (have friends in Perth who'd never been to Australia).

[diforsyth]

I had never been before being granted PR in May 2005. Went out on a quick reccy of the North island for 11 days in March to comply with visa restrictions. I'm now counting down the days until until we will take our one way flight in August. :exit

[Oregonkiwi]

I've always wondered how it goes for people who don't visit first, so I'm glad to read the last few posts and see that it has worked out for you "bonkers" folk. :) It just seems, to me, like such a huge move to make sight unseen, but I understand that we're all different...and I tend to forget that I did move from NZ to California without ever visiting first... (although I had been to the eastern US).

Anyway, to answer the question, my husband has been to NZ for 3 vacations with me (2-3 weeks each) and our 2 year old has been there twice.

[jen]

We went for a 2-week vacation with no thought of moving there. We just went again for a week recce trip to Wellington which decided us on the move (house goes up for sale tomorrow!).

Our criteria for moving were: a city with IT work, big enough to have an arts/music scene, mild winters (no snow) and a lower cost of housing than Santa Barbara so our home equity would get us a good financial start. So the places we considered seriously were the odd combination of Portland Oregon, Raleigh North Carolina, and Wellington NZ. That might make us a little bonkers in our own way :)

[willowshouse]

We went to Auckland for a 6 month holiday (ie no work) just because my husband really wanted to and I was happy to go for the experience (we released some equity to pay for it). It was not our intention to consider moving there at all .. in fact I distinctly remember driving around Auckland saying "I''m not sure I could live here because..."(the lack of black pudding was mentioned). Our kids (8 and 4 at the time ) loved it and we came home happy.. but unsettled. We started considering emigrating within a month and have thought about it for 2 years before deciding that it was the right thing to do for most of the reasons that I have already seen mentioned on this forum .. since when did we become so desperate to 'have stuff'??

Finally after all this deliberation (and the purchase of a larger house, just to see if it made a difference) we have decided to go for it. Our eldest is 11 and will be leaving primary school this summer so it seems a perfect time to go.

In a way it does seem quite scary to make the decision to move to a new country without having been there BUT with the information superhighway we have now .. nothing seems so far away from anything else and if you're going to make the move somewhere, sight unseen - NZ has to be top of the list. Do your own research, read the excellent opinions/experiences on this forum and if you feel it's right - take the plunge!

[Miggy]

We've been twice, I have an aunt an Uncle out there, shes a Brit (been there 15yrs) and he a Kiwi. We love the place and always commented on how it would be a great place to raise kids, and now we have a 3yr old we're looking forward to the move - 3 weeks in to our house sale so fingers crossed we should be in NZ by beginning of July.

[diforsyth]

I think the other way of looking at it is that if you thinking about emigrating then you want to make changes. The hard bit is making yourself change and adapting to inevitable differences in your life and not comparing to what you had before. I'm a firm beleiver in the phrases "wherever you lay your hat, that's your home" and "when in Rome, do as the Romans do" - embrace change, live life to the full and most of all enjoy it along the way. :cheers

[Questor]

More bonkers people here!

We decided after a job came up to "sod it, what's keeping us here?!!"

[Moorf]

Yep, add us to the bonkers crew... had never been here, or Oz, before we came here to live... :D

[Smiler]

OH is in the bonkers queue and would have arrived without visiting.

I had to peer over the cliff edge for while before jumping. We came for 4 weeks and shoved our EOI in the day after we got back.

[gil]

And there was me thinking we were in a tiny, bonkers minority!! :D
Gil

[firstkings]

Add me to the bonkers list.....!

Perhaps we should do a vote thingy

Cheers

David

[zardell]

Add us to the 'Raving Looney Bonkers Brigade'

Mind you, having said that, when we arrive in NZ, we'll have more friends there ready and willing to support us, than we would have if say we had been moving to another part of the UK.

You know who you are............ :nice1

Julie n Steve.

xx

[Kim39]

Class us in the 'bonkers' group, our friends told us we were mad to move to somewhere we had never been before, they where going to Spain and had travelled over several times to check out places to live and work, but guess where they ended up? New Zealand, 7 months before us.

Elaine (Kim 39 OH)

Julie. your room is ready:nice1

[Diny]

Ditto ...... even got the menu planned for your first meal with us - how does fish n chips suit you?

[Nienke]

Minority is getting a majority, add us to the bonkers list as well!

[K&CS]

We'd been once, but not for a reccie though. We came for a friend's wedding over xmas/new year 03/04 and just fell in love with the SI. We had no intention at the time of emigrating because we were really happy where we were and had just bought our 'dream home'. We just felt unsettled when we got back and after a year of deliberating, decided to just go for it. I honestly don't think I could emigrate to a country I hadn't visited before, and although living somewhere is different to holidaying somewhere, I'm so glad I had visited before. Looks like we're in the minority though!

Kate

[wilson182]

another minority vote here, we came over for a month-although OH never went back

[marcia]

We must be in the minority too, we talked about it for ages, and i said I couldn't up sticks and srag 3 kids to the other side of the world without ever having been there.

We went for a month in Jan 2006, and yes it was a holiday/racing trip/interview trip, but at least we got a 'feel' for the country!


I personally couldn't have done it without visiting first, but it also gave me the confidence to say if we have to just pack up and go we will!! (not a normal reaction from me - Mrs everything has to be organised, agreed and sorted down to the last second!!)

[zardell]

Aaaw Elaine, Diny - thankyou..... :nice1

I don't often get a tear in my eye, but............

:cheers

Julie

xx

[femke]

Another one here for the bonkers list, came out oct 2004, sometimes i can't believe we actually did that :eek: but i'm glad we did :laugh

[KD17]

Also part of the totally bonkers brigade !! - never been, don't know anyone there (apart from some of you guys now) we decided to go when Keith & I were looking for somewhere special to get married and me (in my infinite wisdom) said it looks so nice why don't we just go one way - to which he said "Yes" - that's all I needed.... :o I think that puts us in the bonkers category don't you think.

I was a little concerned that we might not have anyone at our wedding, but I'm sure some of you guys would be our bridesmaids :laugh

We will be there in October and still don't know where we're coming to - so we'll just "arrive".

no job offer yet, although are putting some feelers out there, but nothing too serious - got a few months to go yet ;)

Hey! what's life for after all :yes

[H & Rick]

I can't beleive the amount of replies. :nice1

There was me thinking that we were being too impulsive having not been there before...but hey what can I say...life is too short.


Heidi

__________________________________________________ ______________

I plan to live forever......so far so good :D

[Russell & Sharon]

Just the once for 4 weeks in Dec 2005. We had the most fantastic time and loved everywhere we visted. Our boys (aged 3 & 4) loved it. :nice1
We had talked about it for years and have an Uncle and cousins there along with and a couple of good friends.
Having said all that the job offer Russ has is in Gisborne and we have never been there! (a little bonkers maybe) but it looks pretty good and sounds pretty good so lets hope it is. :D
We have sold the house quicker than expected and are hoping to be in Gizzy Sept 06. Everything is crossed.

:cheers

[wanderingoregonian]

I visited for a week with my mum when I was living in Australia, and then went for 3 weeks last year. my OH refuses to go before we move there, says it would ruin the adventure for him :nice1 I know I needed to go, not necessarily to know if it would work for me - more to have motivation to get me through the packing and all!

[willsken]

Can't remember if I answered this one or not, so add me to the bonkers list even though I visited!

We went for 3 weeks last August and did the NI only. Had to visit - No sense of adventure me! :D

[matt]

Just the once. We went in March. Had a good and bad time there. found a job had a good look round, then my son got really sick out there, required hospital. After seeing the way they looked after him we knew NZ was right for us. Sorry UK but this country is finished.

[Lukas]

Just the once. We went in March. Had a good and bad time there. found a job had a good look round, then my son got really sick out there, required hospital. After seeing the way they looked after him we knew NZ was right for us. Sorry UK but this country is finished.


In my view you are fundamentaly WRONG...UK is a great country to live, with professional opportunities you just can dream about from NZ. No trendy beaches in UK? ..no problem with the cost of one two days of work you can enjoy any luxury sea resort in Grece, Croatia, Egipt or Turkey.
Why that country "is finished"?..Why?...
If I can understant someone from India, Pakistan or Philiphines I can hardly understand you

[zardell]

No trendy beaches in UK? ..no problem with the cost of one two days of work you can enjoy any luxury sea resort in Grece, Croatia, Egipt or Turkey.




Lukas.

I have read a lot of your previous posts with interest and passed on making a written opinion on this forum, but it has to be said, this latest comment of yours takes the biscuit.

I have no idea how you could possibly perceive that one or two days U.K pay for an average working class person could possibly purchase a flight to Greece, Croatia, Egypt or Turkey, let alone to be able to stay in a luxury sea resort when one arrived.

Maybe you could enlighten me, or at least give me your source of information ?

Julie

xx

[Lukas]

I haven't meant 5 stars hotels...however you can stay a weekend in Grece or Turkey in a 3 star hotel...with 180 euros...transport been included with budget or charter planes. I know people who went 4 days...transport + decent accomodation with as less as 90 euros.

[Lukas]

...I mean luxury resorts compared with the backpakers I a often saying in Auckland , Christchrch ...and so one...I like them...however...

[zardell]

I haven't meant 5 stars hotels...however you can stay a weekend in Grece or Turkey in a 3 star hotel...with 180 euros...transport been included with budget or charter planes. I know people who went 4 days...transport + decent accomodation with as less as 90 euros.



Really ? ....well, tell me how to book it and I'll do it too.

Julie

xx

[Lukas]

Are you single Julie? :-)

[zardell]

Are you single Julie? :-)


What has that got to do with your perception that the UK is a great country in which to live ?

Julie

xx

[Debbie P.]

I think its important to remember that we're all moving different reasons. Lukas, we COULD all go on holiday in Greece, Turkey etc, but maybe we're not looking for trendy beaches etc.

The point that Matt and others are trying to make is that, for the amount of tax we UK taxpayers pay, the health, education and other services are c**p - and many of us are fed up with it! That doesn't mean we think NZ is going to offer us paradise, but maybe we're just sick of being good little citizens and paying our taxes for nothing. Maybe we just want to travel and see what else is out there.

It's pointless comparing the way UK people feel with people in Pakistan, India, whatever. What are you saying - that we should count our blessings just because we happen to live in the UK? Yes, we know we're lucky compared to some, but NO country is perfect, and we've got as much right as anyone else to try something different.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that on an emigration forum, no one has the right to question someone else's motives for moving. Let's all accept each other's reasons without criticism.

[zardell]

Lukas, we COULD all go on holiday in Greece, Turkey etc, but maybe we're not looking for trendy beaches etc.

Yes, we know we're lucky compared to some, but NO country is perfect, and we've got as much right as anyone else to try something different.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that on an emigration forum, no one has the right to question someone else's motives for moving. Let's all accept each other's reasons without criticism.



Couldn't agree more Debbie.

No matter how much research one puts into investigating another country, I don't think that we would really get to know that country until we have lived in it.......walk the walk, then talk the talk so to speak.

And then, lets face it, we could only talk about our own experiences and feelings and so the debate goes on.

I know when I've lived abroad in the past I've found that to be true.

Julie

xx

[Malin]

After looking in the dictionary I found out that we are bonkers, too :laugh !

[gil]

Malin
:laugh:laugh
Gil

[NannyOgg]

We have been twice for a month each time.
House sold, notice handed in, tickets book ! We are gone already :raebanana

[Almaasi]

Nah. I'm only 12 years old. No-one has been before in out family. It's pot-luck really. We're going in Summer. August. This is my first post, by the way.

[Simon & Emily]

You can add us to the stark raving mad pile as well :D .

We've never been to visit, and can't really afford to when you look at unpaid time off work, taking the children out of school, flights, hotels, meals out, sight-seeing etc etc. We'd rather put the money towards a rental/ living when we get there. I know some people would view that as foolhardy, in that it would be better to spend a little to avoid an expensive mistake later on, but we'll cross that bridge when and if we ever get to it.

Emily

[edmundt]

Went for a 3 months budget holiday (spent NZ$16K, all inclusive) in 1999 when my 2 kids were 4 & 5 years old. Loved the place. Lived on fond memories for 5 years & went back again in 2003 for 1.5 months holiday (also spent NZ$16K, with 3 kids). Still love the place but the pull factors in Singapore was just too great for us to migrant. Very low tax (Zero in our case), good government, education, health care, safety, blah, blah, blah...while the push factors of space & pace in NZ kept nagging at us all these while.

Then, late last year, OH realised that if we don't do anything now, perhaps we will never make the move ever, & we'll just live a simple, comfortable, but unadventurous life for the rest of our lives (mid life restlessness?). So, the pursue of our dream started rolling & now, we've just gone for our interview 2 weeks ago, awaiting for the final 'verdict', PR or WTR.

[katandbob]

What has that got to do with your perception that the UK is a great country in which to live ?

Julie

xx

yes Julie, wonder why he asked that?...I am not one to bicker but I am sorry Lukas, If you think NZ is that bad what are you doing there?

and why shouldnt we be fed up with this country....its only a good place to be if your from another country! .............as another thread has pointed out....

when you have paid taxes all your life, to find out that if you want your kid to go to a UK University (and since he was born and raised there its his Right to want to go there).....Just because He has travelled with his parents to another country (because he is a minor) He has to pay International fees!!

but an assylum seeker gets it for FREE!!..................you have my answer for saying the UK has had it...

And as to the Holiday PLEESE............yep you may be able to fly on a bucket plane (easyjet for instance) and get cheap accomodation.....

but the average UK to Europe holiday costs around £399 for a week, then theres the food and spending money.....We used to end up paying £2 to 3 grand in total for a family of 5 to go to spain or the canaries...........and that was budget holidays!

and the average wage in our area now...for a skilled welder is £6 to £10 if your lucky and hour!....excess workforce from abroad have reduced the rate drastically.

SO YES I agree with Julie...................give us the magic formula for a holiday on 90 euros!

And if your so big on the UK why are you not here?........your welcome to it!

enuf said....off to cool down......

Kat :o

[Smiler]

:clap:clap:clap Kat



Almaasi, Welcome to the forum. You snuck in there with your 1st post. :nice1

Where are you and your family heading for in NZ and what are you looking forward to most?

[Carol]

We arrived here 10 years ago on 1st June. 2 kids in tow aged 7 and 4.

Had never set foot in the place before.

We didn't have the money to get home - even if we'd wanted to - (and I did for a LONG time!!) which made things interesting....
Didn't have the internet - Hubby did have a brother and sister-in-law here - in Auckland but that was it.

Would I do it again like that?
NEVER....but only because I have got older and wiser and much better planned!

[Oregonkiwi]

And if you're so big on the UK why are you not here?

I've been wanting to ask Lukas the same thing. :laugh

[pieeater]

We didn't visit before we migrated,we just couldn't justify the cost and also firmly believe that you really need to live and work in a country amongst the 'natives' so to speak to make any worthwhile conclusions. Our ages early 40s' and childrens ages at the time of 10 and 6 made it a now or never decision,also N.Z.was growing quickly economically 5 years ago and we had jobs virtually guaranteed.We wouldn't have done it any other way.

[willsken]

I've been wanting to ask Lukas the same thing. :laugh


Sorry Lucas... Have to agree with Kat and Julie on this one.... if you'r born and bred in the UK you get shafted on every possible level! (that is if you are a hardworking middle of the road family!!!) Makes me sick quite frankly.

[Sarah & Alex]

We visited once for a few months during a year long round the world trip a few years ago. As soon as we returned to the UK we decided that we want to live there permenantly. Hopefully we'll be back there for good in a few months time!!!

[Jerry]

Up to now I have not been there – just did some reading and lots of internet research.

/Jerry

[NoelMC]

Been twice, once for 3 weeks in jan 2004 and again for 3 weeks in feb 2005, havnt gone over in 2006 as we are saving to go over for good in 2007

Noel

[pinkpiggy]

We visited just the once in April this year for a month. Travelled around boths islands. My favourite places are Napier (mainly for the Art Deco) and Christchurch - which is where we would like to end up...jobs permitting.