[tigerlily]

I am very excited at the prospects of moving, but I really wish there was a company out there to help with the awful arrival transition. Like someone to pick you and your stuff up at the airport, give you the key to your rental, have some nice food waiting in your fridge? Any of you want to start this business, I will surely be your customer in a couple of years!

[Timbo]

Tigerlily. I do remember seeing details of a company calling themselves "On Arrival". I will try to find details and post them here.

[Yogi]

Kiwi does this but only in ChCh.

Yogi.

[kiwi]

I worked for on arrival for a year..they had 2 customers both went to chch so I did them. They charged $4000 and I felt like I was totally ripping off those 2 customers...(I got $700 the company creamed the rest in)

There are now about 8 companies in chch...competing but I am the only local! they (all women) were all born overseas and came here as immigrants 2 yrs ago and have started up 'relocation' companies.

[Timbo]

Thanks for posting that Kiwi. $ 4000 is a lot for what they were offering, from memory. I cant find the details at the mo, but seem to recall that they were or indeed are, a sister co. to a uk based visa agent. If this is the case, I think I have 1st hand experience of the agent. All I will say at this stage is that I am awaiting a date for the court hearing.

[Diny]

Tigerlily

I understand that alot of folk have jumped on this bandwagon and new 'arrival' companies are cropping up all over the place.

Although having everything sorted and ready for your arrival would be pure bliss, with plenty of forward planning and calling in the occasional favour from folks you meet via this forum, there's nothing you can't really do yourself. $4000 is alot of money !!!!!

There's plenty of us who will be scattered north, south, east and west of NZ, I'm sure when 'your time comes' there would be somebody in the general vicinity who would be willing to meet you at the airport and drive you to your motel etc. As far as lining up rentals etc ..... tricky area - what might be a palace to one person may well be considered a complete dive by another.

In theory your idea is a very good one. In practice I reckon it could be a potential mine field.

Diny

[kiwi]

timbo...good luck with court!

yes you are right..they are 'alliances' but only on their web sites, it is up to you who you eventually go with.

It is a hard one to help/not feel used if someone from here wants to be picked up etc and taken to some accomm etc.
Otherwise the only other way is to pay the big money (it is 3500 plus gst) and have it all laid on.

I think what people really need is knowing they can ring someone when they get here (like tanya/helen/sue had etc) and ask really dumb questions like what day is rubbish day etc? it is that sort of support that is worth more than any money/chocolate.

where is the nearest doctor...my kid has a fever from the plane etc

Good luck and I hope you find someone ...or start one up like all the other people on the estate!

Nic

[tigerlily]

I'm sure it won't be so bad (or as bad as paying $4000 would be). I'm the mother of two year old twins, so going to the grocery seems an adventure, let alone going overseas. It's not enough to stop me, but it is enough to make me worry over the details. Always seems easier to focus on the small things instead of the big ones. Thanks

[toots]

Hey, if anyone is arriving and coming up to the North Shore give me a call, or if you've got any questions about the area I'll see if I can help you with them.

we've been here since June and are getting to know the place reasonably well.

Just ask. :nice1