[billb]

First off, we'd like to wish everyone a very happy New Year :cheers and hope you all had a great Christmas!

We first registered here in 2003 ( :confused: ) and it's great to see some familiar tags (timbo, moorf, veronica to name a few)

We visited my sister in Auckland in Feb 2003 and was there for three weeks, taking in Bay of Islands, Cape Reinga, Rotorua and staying at her friend's farm in Mangawai.

Looked into the posibility of upping sticks and moving there, but the EOI system seemed to be very contradictory. Looked at various ways to gain WTR and found that it was possible to get 12 months work experience, so avoiding the EOI.

Well, time moved on and I got involved in other things, so the immediate need diminished. I think the EOI points required at that time was about 160!
The reasons for wanting to go in the first place are still there (but I won't bore you with them, you all know what they are! :laugh )

Biggest problem I see now is age :wah . 53 this year and I believe the cut off age is 55.

Well, is there still hope? (and don't say that there's 2, and slim's left town!)

[StevieD]

Hmmmm........ at the end of the day, the cut off is there for a reason, you are within it, so why not?? Sure you will be fine. Nothing ventured as they say. Happy New Year!

Welcome to the forum anyhow as a posting member.

Steve

[CarolineReid]

It can be done - I am living proof.
I was in a very similar situation, and had to navigate the system without a compass!
Too old for the WTR route - I'm over the 55 cut-off point, and my skills were not on the shortage list, but my daughter and her family already settled there and needing the grandmother touch. So my desire to join them was very high.

I discovered the best route for me was the Temporary Work Visa Route. One can either find a job with an accreddited employer - there is a comprehensive list on the Immigration Website - http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/worktoresidence/caniworkinnz/accreditedemployersrequirements.htm
Or - one can do what I did, find a decent job, interview over telephone and internet (webcam) and with your new employer's support (just a diddy bit of paperwork, and proof that they have tried to fill the position in NZ) apply fo r a temporary work visa.

The maximum length of time you can get the temporary visa for is 3 years, but it is extendable when it expires (another family member's temp visa has been extended in NZ) and the Immigration services do recognise that you are being offered a 'permanent' job.

I was constantly told by the prophets of doom, that I wouldn't get in because I was too old, but it is just not true, I have my Visa, and I'm leaving on January 9th.

The other option is to go to NZ for an extended holiday, and when you get there, look around for a job. It sounds like you've got skills which are in demand, so you shouldn't have too much trouble getting a job offer - which of course would be dependent on you being successful in getting a work permit (the difference from Visa being that you'd apply while in NZ).

Good luck, I'm happy to talk by email if you want more info.

Caroline

[billb]

Thanks for the welcome Steve, Caroline (will e-mail you later Caroline, thank you.)

Was hoping we could possibly go via the Family Quota or the other family route (can't remember what that one is / was now!) but as our mother is still living here, along with another brother and sister, that route was a no-no :wah

Have over 35 years experience as a carpenter, although I "came off the tools" about 12 years ago to concentrate on site management. Would not expect to walk into a management job in NZ and would be prepared to get the tool bag out again! Just can't see any company that would be prepared to take someone on at my age - they wouldn't get much mileage out of me!

Will definately be going over again sometime, just don't know when at the mo.

[gil]

Would not expect to walk into a management job in NZ and would be prepared to get the tool bag out again! Just can't see any company that would be prepared to take someone on at my age - they wouldn't get much mileage out of me!


Hi billb and welcome (back)
If you want this, you can make it happen (you've just heard from Caroline that it IS possible!) and always remember "What you set is what you get" so make sure you ditch the negative expectations and fix some positive ones in place. From the above, you sound flexible, willing and experienced and there is such a shortage of carpenters here, I would imagine an employer-in-need would be very grateful for someone like you...chin up and get to it!
Take care and let us know how you go on,

Gil

[billb]

Hi Gil and thanks for the welcome :nice1

Well, I like to think I'm all those things, but I assumed that an employer would much prefer a younger person with reasonable experience over someone with many years experience but not much mileage left on the clock!

Will need to think seriously (and quickly!) about this if we want it to happen. There's still much to ponder, especially where family are concerned.

To those who have taken the plunge, how did you manage to convince family members who would be left behind, that it was going to be for the best? I imagine it would probably be somewhat easier if you were / are in your 20's - 30's (or maybe not!)

Bill.

[willowshouse]

Firstly, if I were you (and it was at all possible that I would qualify on points) I would do an EOI .. once it's done and you're approved (fingers crossed) there is nothing left to worry about.



To those who have taken the plunge, how did you manage to convince family members who would be left behind, that it was going to be for the best? I imagine it would probably be somewhat easier if you were / are in your 20's - 30's (or maybe not!)


You can't convince them .. you can try and reassure them, you can try and make them feel a little better about it (although I'm not sure it does much good). The people you leave behind mostly would rather you didn't go .. what can you say to that?

My OH has left two grown-up children behind - we have promised them a ticket to NZ every year, and of course we'll go back to England too. We bought my Mum and Dad a laptop with a webcam and now we can see them and talk to them .. that helps. Some friends have been very supportive and good at staying in touch - others, well .. haven't.

At the end of the day (when all's said and done and any other cliche you can add in here....) it's your decision because it's your life. I hope you enjoy it.

Dawn

[billb]

Hi Dawn

You can't convince them .. you can try and reassure them, you can try and make them feel a little better about it (although I'm not sure it does much good). The people you leave behind mostly would rather you didn't go .. what can you say to that?

Exactly, you can't! Well, you all had to go through this at some stage (for those that took the plunge) and we'll just have to bite the bullet like everyone else. Mind you, I don't know if it's best to wait until (hopefully) we get accepted!

Yes, you're right Dawn, it IS our life, but it still doesn't stop us feeling a little selfish and uncaring, although it couldn't be further from the truth.

Will pop over to the NZ website late to check out the EOI form. Probably changed a lot since we last looked at it!

Will come back on here later hopefully and let you know how the points tallied up - it'll either be :raebanana or :wah or :confused: !

Bill.

[Magsnags]

Hey, why not go for it - you don't know till you've tried and if it's not the outcome you were looking for at least you'll not be wondering 'if only' in the future.
We have a similar problem as my husband was recently 40 - but I am 43 and it's looking more likely we'll have to go on me if I can get the qualification I need and they are happy to employ someone in their 40's but one thing I know NZ'rs are lovely friendly and caring and I'm sure are not ageist :) .
Good luck
Maggie

[billb]

Hi Maggie, :)

if it's not the outcome you were looking for at least you'll not be wondering 'if only' in the future.Maggie

Very true, but............(from my post above) "Will come back on here later hopefully and let you know how the points tallied up"

Well, it's not looking too good. Just did a quick calc and the best I can hope for is on the EOI is 105/115 and that's WITH a job offer (which I don't yet have! :wah )

So it looks like I'd be stuck on the waiting list every 2 weeks until my "time" was up. Then I'd have to re-submit (along with a new fee - is that right?) I now remember going through this last time thinking what a great money making idea it was for the NZ Government - keep raking the fees in as folks "drop off" the waiting list!

Hmmmmm, methinks may need to go over there and get the 12 months WE with an accredited employer to gain WTR and circumvent the EOI altogether, or have they closed that route now?

Bill.

[veronica]

hiya, Pete and I came over on a long term working visa as we to are 'old' Pete was 54 and I was 49 when we applied through the business I ran at home. What work does your partner do? any possibilities there. I would think that the best course would be perhaps to rent out your house in the UK for 6 months and up sticks and come out and try and sort if from this end. where in Essex are you from, if its near Colchester then the army base there used to be on the lookout for rented accom.

[billb]

Hi Veronica :)

I remember reading some of your posts when we originally joined the forum in Sept 2004!

Now, what work does my partner do?...................... ah yes, housewife! Don't think there's enough points for that ;)

I think you probably adivised us the same before, but I seem to remember a 3 month visit being mentioned (could be wrong, the old grey matter isn't what it was!) Trouble is, it was difficult enough to tear us away before, and that was only after 3 weeks there, gawd knows what we'd be like after 3 or 6 months :eek:

We're on Canvey Island, so not a million miles away from Colchester. We could probably rent it out to my stepsons! (nah, wouldn't get enough money that way!)

Can just immagine a battalion living in our bungalow :laugh

Glad to see everything worked out for you and Pete, you must be loving it!
(Wonder if Timbo managed to finally get there?)

Bill

[billb]

Have just e-mailed a few agencies and a construction company with my CV.

Will keep you posted...................... ;)


Bill

[billb]

Well, not such a good response so far, just one system generated e-mail! :wah

Will try again!

Bill.

[billb]

Well, things have changed somewhat since I last posted.
Have been busy with our website and eBay and it now looks like I'll miss the boat re getting to NZ before the age limit kicks in :(

Have not had any time to post on here, still busy doing my *day job* lol!

Just seen Timbo's post (now Oldtimbo!) and would love to get in touch with him again - we posted quite a bit way back when and he gave us lots of good advice.

Will pop off to catch up on all the latest news and gossip - good luck to all those who are nervously awaiting the results of the latest EOI and we envy those who have finally made it to godzone :exit

Bill.

[Timbo]

stranger, hope you are well.
I often wonder where you got to my friend. As you may have seen, we made it here by jumping in at the deep end. I.E sell house.buy plane ticket.hold on tight.
So far, so good. I will PM you and fill in some blanks.:cheers

[billb]

Howdy-doody Timbo!
I'm at work at the moment (Russell Square, Central London) so wo't be able to access my e-mails until I get home this evening ('bout 6:30)

Can't wait to catch up with all your news mate, hope you and Sarah are both fine.

Chat later,
Bill.

[Jo Jo]

Hi Bill,

No useful advice to offer, I'm afraid, but just wanted to say hello as I see you're from Essex (as am I). My grandad helped evacuate people from Canvey during the floods of '53.

So hello!

Jo Jo

[billb]

Hi Jo Jo,
Wasn't here at that time, but Pam was born on the island and her mum remembers it vividly!

It was an awful time, if the pictures I've seen are anything to go by.

Whereabouts in Essex are you?

I moved here about 3&1/2 years ago after 17 years in Epping, long story!

Bill.

[jaycee]

Hi Bill, I don't really have a lot of advice to give either ; this is just another of those 'it's a small world' posts :)

My father's family are from Epping - my grandfather farmed at Ladderstile Farm, near Bell Common. They moved to Ivy Chimneys when they retired, and the M25 was built across the land after that. Anyway, I have many great memories of that area, walking in the forest, building dams, bought my first record from the electrical shop in Epping High Street. I was born and brought up at Theydon Bois and lived there until I was in my early twenties. I probably left just as you moved in - about 20 years ago - I'm not exactly a young un' either!

I wish I had thought of emigrating when I was younger, as I do think it gives you some advantages - such as having less to leave behind, and getting more points! I do worry about employment prospects, but I think in your case experience and skills would win out. Good luck!

[billb]

this is just another of those 'it's a small world' posts :)

Hi jaycee,
lol, yup & it's getting smaller!

Bell Common was less than a 10 minute walk away from me. Used to take the dog for a run over there. Did you know that Rod Stewart has a place at Copped Hall? He built a football pitch there which the locals didn't object to - until he wanted to install floodlights! Met him in Epping town on a number of occasions, usually at Poppies tea shop.

Like I said, I lived there for about 17 years until my I split from my (now) ex-wife. I loved the area and wouldn't mind still living there. But I've moved on, re-married and decided to come to Canvey to live as Pam's Mum and one of her sisters still live here and they're not in the best of health.

Still travel back there most Sundays in the summer as I still play for Epping Town Cricket Club (26th year with them this year!) and if we're playing at home, that's an 80 mile round trip!
In fact I still go to the dentist there (that reminds me, I've got an appointment with him on Monday week!)

Yes, I wish I'd tohught of emigrating to NZ years ago, but then I wouldn't have met Pam, so as I said in another post, I'd rather be here with her than than to have been in NZ without her!

Take care jaycee and if I remember to take my camera next time, I'll rustle up a few pics for you :nice1

Bill.

[billb]

tohught = thought!

Bill.

[Jo Jo]

Hi Jo Jo,
Wasn't here at that time, but Pam was born on the island and her mum remembers it vividly!

It was an awful time, if the pictures I've seen are anything to go by.

Whereabouts in Essex are you?

I moved here about 3&1/2 years ago after 17 years in Epping, long story!

Bill.


Hi Bill,

I don't live in Essex anymore - I moved to London 18 years ago - but I grew up in a village near Maldon, and went to school in Colchester. My dad's family are from near Southend; after the war my grandad was in the TA and that's how he came to be involved in rescuing people off Canvey.

Jo Jo

[billb]

Hi Jo Jo,

Pam has a sister living in Maldon!
She read your post with interest and and wanted to know your grandads name - she said that her mum might know the name!

Bill.

[Jo Jo]

LOL - small world. I'll PM my grandad's name.

[billb]

Thanks Jo Jo:cheers

Bill.

[willsken]

We first registered here in 2003 ( :confused: ) and it's great to see some familiar tags (timbo, moorf, veronica to name a few)



Hi Bill welcome back! Great to see you are posting this time! :yes (Assuming you were BillB last time!!)

Reasons I can think for going home have already be raised. Family. I miss mine a lot more than I thought I would. Strange really because I didn't see that much of them in the UK. It's just that they are so far away. We use Skype and phone a lot but knowing there is such a great distance between us is strange. They are coming to visit soon and I can't wait to be honest. Knowing they will be able to picture us in our home when we talk is going to be great. I think anyone who has a lot of contact with family and are really close to them must find the whole experience so hard. I would understand if it drove them to going back. :yes

[billb]

Hi Nicola and thanks for the welcome (back!) yup, still the same billb :laugh

Hi Bill welcome back! Great to see you are posting this time! (Assuming you were BillB last time!!)

Reasons I can think for going home have already be raised. Family. I miss mine a lot more than I thought I would. Strange really because I didn't see that much of them in the UK. It's just that they are so far away. We use Skype and phone a lot but knowing there is such a great distance between us is strange. They are coming to visit soon and I can't wait to be honest. Knowing they will be able to picture us in our home when we talk is going to be great. I think anyone who has a lot of contact with family and are really close to them must find the whole experience so hard. I would understand if it drove them to going back.

Well, family for me (my mother, brother and sister in the UK) isn't a pull, sad to say, but true. I'm only close to my sister in Auckland now.
But for Pam, it's the complete opposite and we will need to factor in at least one return visit per year into our costs. It's great that your folks will be coming out to see you :raebanana. Hopefully, they, and you, won't feel so *cut off* after their visit, and they will hopefully realise that you made the break for all the right reasons.

As I mentioned, if I don't get a job offer in the three months that we'll be in NZ, then hopefully I can still look back and be thankful for a fantastic holiday! OK, not the same as living in NZ and there are bound to be many moments for self-doubt, it's a natural reaction and only to be expected, especially at times of stress! But it's good to know there are some wonderful folk on this forum, (many I remember from way back!) who are still giving great advice and support, even those who have moved back to where they came before trying out NZ for themselves - we thank you all! :nice1

Other than the family *thing* how are you finding it in general? Better / worse than expected, any *surprises*?

Good to chat again Nicola and we hope it's all going well for you :yes

Bill.

[willsken]

TBH it’s better than I though. Money is more of an issue than I assumed it would be but as we are both working things are fine. We are both very happy here and our children are thriving. That's not to say there aren't some things we miss, because we do. It's just what we have gained as a family, far out weights what we have left behind. So at this very early stage I give NZ the thumbs up for us. :yes

[billb]

Glad it seems to be working out for you all ok Nicola. I'm so grateful that we wouldn't have children in tow - it must be extremely difficult if there was a problem with them settling in, and, for families with children, moving to NZ to try to give them a better quality of life, must be heartbreaking to have to return. I don't envy those folk one bit :no

Bill.