[migratory birds]

Great list all of you keep going! Positive and full of resources!

I am a licensed naturopathic/homeopathic physician (not, yet, a regulated profession in NZ as it is in Australia, Canada and the US). Also trained as a midwife but haven't practiced since the expansion of family 8 yrs ago. Will be seeking work in health care or education (vacancy leads appreciated!).

Interested in moving to NZ for a milder winter clime (although a SUNNY snowy winter would be acceptable - it's too grey here!), quality of life. Interests include: photography, fishing, tramping, backpacking and camping, birdwatching, arts, spending quality time with friends, music study (violin), gardening (perennials and fruit production), Quakerism.

Recently approved for Permanant Residency...now figuring out logistics! Pre-move/early arrival tips appreciated!! Once visa approval granted, how did you organize your move?

Did anyone keep their home before moving - and ultimately sell? Or move back after a time in NZ?

If you sold your home before you moved, when did you put it on the market in relation to your move? Did you wait to sell before you moved? Did you move with your house still on the market? Did you house sell quickly - before you were ready to move?

Are there any smaller, racially/ethnically diverse towns with innovative educational institutions, good bookstores, a great public library and a rich arts community? (OK, maybe I'm asking too much!)

For those who moved without a pre-scouting trip to secure housing, where did you land? How were those first few weeks/months?

________________________
ITA Dec 05/submitted Apr 06
PR approval Nov 06
Move date...TBD!

[tigerlily]

Have you looked at Nelson? It was a reputation for being somewhat alternative. Also sunny. I know there are some Friends in NZ, you might search for a meeting.

i think the housing market has been flat for a long while in the Uk, so many have delayed their trips as they needed the funds from the house in order to set up in NZ. You might look at renting, but crunch the numbers carefully- with the exchange rate, we found that what we could rent our house for would not cover a similar rental in Welly (nor any other large city).

Another place you might like is Waiheke Island- it's close to everything in Auckland, but seems a bit more "natural" for lack of a better word. But the ferry is quite expensive, so if a commute is needed it might be better to be on the mainland.

[Tate6]

Where exactly are you from? I am from Minong, WI. About 50 miles directly south of Superior. So great to hear you got PR!! Congrats!!

Terry