[kimandgareth]

Hi all

We're planning on settling in Welly, a decision that was led partly by the job market (we're both in IT), but we suddenly wondered if there is anywhere else other than Welly and Auckland that also has a growing IT workforce?

All thoughts much appreciated :D

[StevieD]

Good question!! Will watch with interest. There is some work on the south island, but yes, it is mainly welly/Auck.

[mwongho]

I have seen job ads for North Shore and Christchurch. What IT work do you do?

[kimandgareth]

I have seen job ads for North Shore and Christchurch. What IT work do you do?

Hello :)

Gareth is a network engineer with experience in all sorts from backup solutions to VMWare, networks, servers etc etc and I'm an IT project manager/resource planner.

In fairness we have only looked properly for relevant jobs in Auck/Welly and there seem to be a fair few we could go for, but it would be nicer to have even more choice of course on where we could setup home.

Thanks in advance for all the advice :nice1

[mwongho]

My plan is to get a job offer in any city in order to apply for a work visa , then move to city of choice.

[Anita & Marco]

Hi Mwongho,

Don't tell that to the employer / recruiter !!!!!
Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who do it the way you describe and that is making life very hard for others. Employers are a bit reluctant to hire newcomers, because often they only stay as long as they need and then they need to start there process of hiring a new employee again.

Needless to say, that I am not impressed by your post. Nevertheless, good luck and hopefully you find a very nice 'temporary' job where you will stay for a longer time.

Cheers,
Anita

[Avalon]

Hello :)

Gareth is a network engineer with experience in all sorts from backup solutions to VMWare, networks, servers etc etc and I'm an IT project manager/resource planner.

In fairness we have only looked properly for relevant jobs in Auck/Welly and there seem to be a fair few we could go for, but it would be nicer to have even more choice of course on where we could setup home.

Thanks in advance for all the advice :nice1
Im afraid most of the iT jobs really are in welly or auckland. Thats not to say you cant get It work elsewhere - Christchurch for example has a fair base of jobs - but for the best choice its Welly Or auckland - and I would suggest spending most of your effort looking there.

Welly is a fantastic base from which to get to know the country. Its kinda in the middle (depending on how you look at it I guess :D ) and while living here its quite easy to explore the rest of the country. You wouldnt have to stay here forever - but either city would be a good place to start, build a life and then find somewhere to settle later. (Im with anita on the short term aspect of this - Im thinking several years - then move on if you want).

Do make sure your CV is right for the NZ market. It seems to be really important for the IT market - especially for the higher paid jobs. Angela may be able to help with that - if I remember rightly she was offering to help with Cv's a while ago. My hubby may be able to help as well - PM me if you think it will.

Also - yell if you are coming to welly on your trip - happy to buy you a coffee and welcome you both here :D

[Big Puku]

don't rule out Christchurch - active IT community and there were quite a few opportunities when I last looked...

There's always regional IT offices too, take Gen-i - who have offices in Nelson, Tauranga, Invacargill etc etc - guess it depends on how much your skills are in demand and how hard you look - and whether you mind working for a smaller organisation?


Matt

[Moorf]

Yep, lots of work in Chch - not so much on the networking / security side or in large corporations as they're mainly based in Welly / Auckland - but lots of development / software jobs - hubby is a s/ware developer.

[kimandgareth]

Thats great, thanks all :D

I have to say that we're pretty much set on Welly - what everyone says about it makes it sound perfect for us and just the kind of life-style we're looking for. Its already a home from home and we're not even there yet - not that we're too keen to move or anything! :laugh One thing we're even more sure of is that we want to pick somewhere and stay there - we have plans to start a family and we want to settle somewhere and make it home, so there will be no temp approach for us. NZ will be our new home and we want a real base for that, not to hop around from town to town.

Thank you so much for the offer of CV help Avalon, you're a star. I'll be in touch later in the year as we get closer to making the move for good. All your finance advice on here has been invaluable to us in working out how much money we think we'll need to come down with :)


Thanks for the CHC mention Moorf and Puka - we're flying in to CHC to kick off our research mission so we'll see what we think of the place.

Can't wait for the NZ timezone - right now its the start of our workday but in NZ all you guys are at home, now thats not fair!! :laugh

[mwongho]

Hi Anita & Marco,

I think you have miss understood me. I'm not planning to get an offer, get visa then leave. I'd stay with the employer for at least a year, while exploring other cities before deciding on a city to settle in.

[craddweb]

[QUOTE=kimandgareth;113266]Thats great, thanks all :D

Thanks for the CHC mention Moorf and Puka - we're flying in to CHC to kick off our research mission so we'll see what we think of the place.

Hi Kim and Gareth

I'd put in another vote for ChCh! Hubby was in network management and everybody said go to Auckland or Welly but we fancied Christchurch so came for an 11day reccy last year and left with 3 offers! The offer he took up has been fab and he is really enjoying work here. A step up from what he was doing in the UK so challenging and stretching but fullfilling and njoyable at the same time.

If you want to meet up and chat when you are here, feel free to get in touch.