[shakyle2906]

Anyone know how i go about searching for schools for my little one ?

He is 4.5 years old and i believe they dont start school over in NZ till their 5

What is the procedure for registering them into school ?


Also, here in Neath, we have two places that you can take little ones to (indoor) where they can play on bouncy castles, climbing frames, etc - is there anything like that in NZ ? Reason I ask is that hubby will be starting work as soon as we get out there, whereas i cant until little one start school, so would be nice to find somewhere to take him

We will be moving to Hawkes Bay

Sharon

[gil]

Hi Sharon,
As you are not "Known" by the authorities over here, you will have to go and announce yourself to your school, I think. The school depends on where you live, as they are "zoned" i.e. in a catchment area that is adhered to pretty strictly, unless you go privately. (And property prices reflect the "good" school zones!!)
http://www.tki.org.nz/e/schools/index.php this will help you locate a school in your area, although you will have to check with the school website or ask by email regarding their exact zone.
The usual good practice applies here too, visit the school, check them out and ask questions until you are happy. We found school very willing and open.
I'm not sure about primary schools, but if you have PR, you will pay local student prices and the kids can attend without any extra visas. If not, you will need an international student visa and pay international fees. All schools require a "student contribution" and bear in mind you also pay for uniforms (very costly and again, rather strict) and stationery.

Sorry no infor on Wacky Warehouse type places as my youngest is now 9! Good luck, I'm sure someone will know,

Gil
x

[willsken]

Once you find somewhere to live just turn up at the local school and ask to register your son for school. You will need to take passports to prove PR. They are quite strict on this one. Have you any idea exactly where in Hawke's Bay you are heading...... I can recommend a lovely little town!! :D :laugh

[eternalkiwi]

If you or your husband has work permit/visas, your children do need student visas, though they pay local student prices.
I would also recommend visiting schools before selecting one, though the ERO (Education Review Office) has reports on audits that also give you some ideas.

Schools are increasingly introducing Enrollment Zones as a way of limiting the number of students they guarantee places to, though not all schools (particularly primary) currently have these.

We do have some indoor activity places in different parts of NZ including some franchises. Not sure if this is the right type of thing but one franchise called Lollipops may be similar to what you are thinking of.

Shawn

[willsken]

http://www.tki.org.nz/e/schools/

Have a look at this link and go by area. :nice1

Remember the higher the rating the better. 1 is the lowest and 10 is the highest. Not a direct reflection on the quality of the school just the socio economic makeup of the catchment area.

[shakyle2906]

If you or your husband has work permit/visas, your children do need student visas, though they pay local student prices.
I would also recommend visiting schools before selecting one, though the ERO (Education Review Office) has reports on audits that also give you some ideas.

Schools are increasingly introducing Enrollment Zones as a way of limiting the number of students they guarantee places to, though not all schools (particularly primary) currently have these.

We do have some indoor activity places in different parts of NZ including some franchises. Not sure if this is the right type of thing but one franchise called Lollipops may be similar to what you are thinking of.

Shawn


Prob is -have you a link ?
Heading for HAwkes Bay
Sharon

[shakyle2906]

Once you find somewhere to live just turn up at the local school and ask to register your son for school. You will need to take passports to prove PR. They are quite strict on this one. Have you any idea exactly where in Hawke's Bay you are heading...... I can recommend a lovely little town!! :D :laugh



Hi Nic

We've corresepnded before!
If you could recommend somewhere. Hubby has job offer in Hastings, but we've heard not so nice to settle down in. Suggestions have been Clive, Havelock North ??

Sharon
:roll

[Carol]

We have just been for a weekend in a bach in Clive - it was lovely - and not too far from either Hastings or Napier.

I told the owner we would "spread the word" re her bach as we enjoyed it so much (and they have just finished doing it up)

So here you go:
http://seasideretreat.co.nz/

You could always have a recce there to see if you like it first
Good luck!

Carol

[willsken]

Hi Nic

We've corresepnded before!


I remember! :D

Sharon it depends on what you are looking for. We didn't want Hastings. Far too big for us as we wanted the small town. Clive is lovely and so is Haverlock North. It depends on your budget really and how far OH is willing to travel. HN we found to be expensive and we didn't want the huge mortgage. I don't know the prices in Clive but look at this link for some idea. There are a few lovely towns (read villages) outside Hastings. I love being in Waipuk (40 min drive) but it isn’t for everyone.


http://www.realestate.co.nz/