[MegnFam]

Hello,

I thought I should introduce myself, since I've been lurking about this forum for a couple of months now. My husband and I are seriously considering a move to NZ, but we're not quite 100% yet. The last time we did this, we submitted the EOI, got picked from the pool, then let it lapse. I was the unsure one - not wanting to leave family ties with two tiny children. Now we're waiting for the ITA (already picked from the pool), and my husband isn't 100% certain.

We have been on a short holiday to NZ 2 years ago and have dear friends (also USA expats) in Whakatane. Pros for moving: We love the culture, the fantastic outdoors opportunities, Kiwi values more in line with our own, and think it would be an ideal place to raise children. Cons: Cost of living could prove to be more than here, husband would have to start over in a new job, uncertainties on uprooting 3 and 5 year olds. At this point the pros definitely outweigh the cons.

We would love to be in the Bay of Plenty area or somewhere on the warmer side in a small town, but would probably start out in Christchurch since an IT job would be easier to find there.

I love seeing all your posts -- this is a great group, and have already found lots of helpful information. :)

Megan

[Trigirl]

welcome to the forum megan :cheers

[marcia]

Just wanted to say welcome to the forum - great place specially when you need a shoulder to cry on (just had to say 'seeya' to my mother in law - shes going away for a month and we don't know when/if we will see her again :wah

I think everyone goes through the 'doubts' about if its the right thing to do - but you have to follow your heart and maybe take a chance. I would say the kids are a good age to move, when they get to teens i would say its too old, they've have made good friends by then, at this age they will adjust well to anything new as long as 'you' are with them!

We certainly don't want to sit here in 10 years and say 'what if' - so we're making the leap and just hoping its in the right direction, read all the stuff you can, but at the end of the day each person's life is different, your wants and expections out of life differ, you have to experience it for yourself to see if its the right thing - but having plenty of knowledge at least makes you go in with your eyes wide open!

Good luck! :)

[Diny]

Welcome to the forum. I second everything that Marcia has said.

Weighing up the pros and cons can be a one heck of a tightrope to walk. Don't know about anybody else but everytime I come up with a con I can easily balance it out with a pro - and vice versa.

Nobody said this was an easy move to decide upon, there's no right or wrong answer. It's only natural to have doubts - giving up our comfort zones is a big thing !!

I certainly agree that your children are at an ideal age to make the move, I've always found that the younger they are the easier they adapt.

We always knew that one day we'd come to live in NZ, we 'ummed and arred' about it for nearly 20 years. A year and a half ago we made the move. There have been good times and bad times, and at this stage, although I love this place, I can't see myself being here forever. But one thing is certain, I will NEVER regret uprooting the family and coming over here to give it a go. I have no idea how long we'll be here. Some days I'd be happy to leave on the next flight, other days I'm happy to let my roots go a little deeper ...... but there's no regrets, I shall never be found in my old age, rocking on the porch wondering 'what if'.

My advice - for what it's worth - go for it.

Diny

[jess]

Welcome to the forum MegnFam! Nice to see another east coast girl. Best of luck with your decision and the ITA process! :D

[StevieD]

Teah, welcome guys!!

Steve :nice1

[Bruckner]

Welcome to the forum Meg! We're off to NZ next year with our toddler twins. The forum has been a tremendous help with logistics, advice, support, etc. Really a great group of people here.

Emily

[Moorf]

Welcome!! :cheers

[Smiler]

Welcome to the forum Megan. :cheers:cheers:cheers

[MegnFam]

Thanks all! Now just need to sit back and start the loooooonnnnnnnggggg wait for PR. Can't wait for those dancing bananas!

:) Megan

[willsken]

Hi Megan. Welcome to the forum :cheers