[PaulJ]

Hi,

Thought I would post an update for the group. My visa expires on 24th, and was originally planning to move to Christchurch at this time, and have been experiencing problems with stress. I contact NZIS to see if I could extend visa, but it is not possible.

Have been fighting with decision for past few weeks to make rece trip to activate visa, or just let my visa expire. After deciding not to go, I panicked on Monday and booked the flights. I know that sounds like easy decision to make; its just with the stress, I finding difficulty deciding over simple mundane things.

Anyway, I hope the trip will help me to ultimatly decide if New Zealand is right thing for me to do. I thought I had that decision cracked when I started the process four years ago; a lot has happened since then and have been living in limbo for past couple of years, winding down my life in UK.

For the trip, I want to check out areas I have been thinking of settling Rangiora, and Banks Peninsula. Do a few touristy things with trips to other area I had considerred like Nelson, and Napier. My main concerns for the move are quality of housing (construction, damp, heating) and cost of living. Will go shopping, view some homes, and visit some building sites to check some of this out. Not sure how I can check out damp and heating now approaching summer, does anyone have any ideas?

If possible, I would very much like to meet up with other forum members, in or around Christchurch to discuss your experiences; please pm me if you would like to meet up. I don't know if there are any get-togethers planned for the forum when I am there from 21st Nov to 8 Dec ?

Need to start getting accomodation, car rental sorted out for the trip, and advice or recomendation would be appreciated. Looking to stay first night or two close to the airport so don't have to worry about finding place after long flight. After then, I would like to stay near Christchurch, Rangiora, or Banks Peninsula. Would like to sort some kind of accomodation that would be close as possible to living here, like how some private homes are rented out in florida.

Regards,
Paul.

[Trigirl]

good for you paul - hope the trip goes well

[marcia]

|Good idea going out and doing the reccy trip and activating your visa - after all the hassle it takes to get it in the first place you are as well keeping your options open by doing this!

Good luck - hope all goes well!

[Hannah]

Paul, i agree with Marcia, going to NZ for a recce is a good idea. It keeps your options open and gives you sound basis for your final decision to move to NZ. We've done 2 recce's (due to my Mr Failsafe hubby) - one for 5 weeks (3 yrs ago) and a 6 month stay (Nov 05 - May 06). We're going over now knowing it's the right thing to do. Also we are aware that if we don't spend at least a couple of years in NZ to qualify for our IRRV then our application for residence will have been pointless. However, i don't intend to return to the UK in the short term!

I guess you will be even more stressed now, planning for your trip to NZ, but think of it as positive stress - it's self induced stress that you are in control of, and i think thats very different from external stress that you do not have control of. The planning and the doing part of our trips to NZ were stressful, but in a good way - we often said 'what on earth are we doing to ourselves' but in the long term its made the decision to return to NZ much easier, and i believe it will be far less stressful.

good luck Paul. I'm not in C'Church, but lots of forum members are and they are a hospitable bunch who will be happy to help i'm sure.

Good luck. When do you fly out?

hannah

[PaulJ]

Hi,

Thanks for all the kind words and good wishes, I feel much better about the decision to go for the trip.


I think thats very different from external stress that you do not have control of. The planning and the doing part of our trips to NZ were stressful, but in a good way.


Yes I know what you mean, I have had to try and deal with both this year, and the kinds of stress feel very different. Had another bombshell explode in my personal life Yesterday; this year has been like walking through a minefield.

I am aware my posts have sounded very negative, and hope that has not put off too many of you from reading them. It has helped writing things down, and getting my feelings out in the open.


Good luck. When do you fly out?


Thanks, I fly out on the 19th and return to UK on 8th, that gives me about two and a half weeks in Christchurch. My flight is open ended, so can extend that if I want to. Sorting out accomodation at the moment, and hope to meet up with a few members on the board when I am out there.

Regards,
Paul.

[ellenmelon]

thats great news, i hope you enjoy christchurch.
in my opinion, you wont have too much of a problem with damp in christchurch as it is fairly dry compared to other cities.the winters are more icey than rainy (having lived in ireland i can safely say they are a lot more bearable) so you might find it chilly but nothing major.if you're really worried, go with a newer home which might be better insulated etc.

banks peninsula is a lovely part of canterbury and many people commute over (there is a ferry from diamond harbour which is on the "other" side of the peninsula from chch and there are buses into town).rangiora is handy to christchurch but gives you the country feel so you get the best of both worlds.

cost of living wise..shop wisely and you'll be ok. go to fruit and vegie shops which often have cheaper produce and specials (the funky pumpkin and raeward fresh being two off the top of my head), avoid the "expensive" supermarkets (new world being one..) and head for pak n save (its basic but i think its good) and there is a bulk foods chain called binn inn which is still around i think. the library is cheap/free to join and the central city one is really really good and you wont have to buy books/dvds/mags.

christchurch public transport is pretty good i reckon. get a metro card (similar to a oyster card used in london) for discounts on fares. petrol is pricey and with such a good service you can get around the city no problem. www.metroinfo.org.nz has more info about buses etc on it.

when you get here, give yourself a couple of days to acquaint yourself with everything and dont put yourself under too much pressure to look at houses/areas etc unless you felt the need, so as not to get too stressed out.list the things you really want to achieve/do during your trip if that helps sort in your head all the things that are flying around with trying to decide whether to move or not!

anyway, thats just what i think about christchurch! ignore if you find it irelevent :)

good luck with everything!