[caristiona]

Hi, new to the forum and thinking about emigrating to New Zealand. Have a job lined up if we decide to go, but there are still a lot to consider. We have 3 kids and it is the thought of uprooting them from what they know.

I have heard a lot of good and bad about New Zealand, not so much bad as just little niggles that are different from here. Any perspectives on the place would be very much appreciated.

Thanks

[willsken]

I think this is one I will leave to the people lucky enough to have already made the move.

Just wanted to say welcome to the forum! :nice1

[zardell]

I think this is one I will leave to the people lucky enough to have already made the move.

Just wanted to say welcome to the forum! :nice1


Ditto.....WELCOME to the forum.

If there is anything specific...just ask, or sometimes its better to use the forum search facility as this saves you having to wait for an answer to your post.

Julie

xx

[Diny]

Well I'm here but wouldn't like to start on a pro/con list because the lists are different for everybody. Maybe the specific questions are a better idea. Whatever query you have - whatever info you need, somebody here will have an answer/opinion.

Life in NZ offers different things to different people, as far as uprooting your kids are concerned ..... some say life/opportunities for our young ones is so much better here, others (myself included) think it's either on a par or a step backwards. Everybody to their own. The only way to really find out is to give it a go ..... a huge gamble but a fulfilling experience, whatever the outcome.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Diny

[willsken]

I think you have to look at what has been said by Diny. We all want different things and we all come from different lives in the UK.

What area do you live in, what are your school catchment areas like, do you feel safe where you live, walking around at night, are you happy to leave your door unlocked when you are in/out of the house? Look at your reasons for wanting to go... :)

[caristiona]

Hi

Thanks for all that. I suppose I would like to go for a better quality of life, I live in Dundee, which is not the worst place to live in normally. The school catchment area is not the best but may improve. I do not think that my husband is too keen at the moment and I would hate to get out there and have him miserable. I have read a few threads from a few people who found it was not for them.

Are there any midwives on the forum?

[Vanessa]

Hi and welcome! I was wondering how old your kids are? And why your husband isn't too keen yet? Mine was the same, but then two of his work mates did it last year and they love it. Eventually he went to see for himself last March and now we're going to live there in August!
I have had the same worries about uprooting my eldest (she's nearly 14) but like others on this forum, I feel we have to give it a go rather than staying put and wondering what it would have been like!
Vanessa :)

[jonSE]

Good - well you've read all about that, scenery, people are friendlier and more polite etc etc.

Bad - The North Island in particular is damp, in fact is lukewarm and wet in the winter. To mis quote Adrian Cronauer (Good morning Vietnam) "Thats nearly good if you are with a lady, but not so good when you're in NZ and the curtains go mouldy and the bed is damp in the morning.

Seriously it's a good place to live but you need to choose your "accomodation" carefully and you should research how much your job will pay here in NZ. There is a much greater differential between low paid and middle income here than in the UK.

[wobbler]

Hi,
I too have asked similar questions about NZ but it is difficult for people to answer as it is all a matter of opinion. Specific questions seem easier to get answers although hearing other peoples opinions is always usefull.

I kind of came to the conclusion the only way to be decide is try it - either by visiting or coming for a longer stay. We are looking to come for a 4 weeks next year to try and make our own opinions.

[KD17]

I also agree with Diny, it is all a matter of perception and what you want out of life for you & your family.

I think you also need to take a look at why you want to move and what you want to get from NZ, and if you could achieve that, as we all want different things.

We've spent time reading the NZ Herald and whatever we can on NZ to try to get the reality of it, as well as the mine of information from this forum.

One thing we have picked up is that this is not the land of milk & honey, salaries are not that great, & unless you are a particular type of person you are not going to find your fortune here, but you could live happily ever after if you accept NZ as it is & for what it is (or is that my rose tinted specs :o )

We have never been to NZ or anywhere near it, but welcome our new journey with an open mind and an open heart.

Good luck

Keith & Debby

[caristiona]

Hi there

The input is really great. I know that we will have to visit first but that will probably be next year.