Hello!!

Belinda · Posted: Sat Jun 26, 2004 9:10 pm Post subject: Hello!!

Hello everyone, Have just joined the forum and hope you guys can give me help cos boy do I need it!!!

After much humming and ahhhing we have finally made the decision that we'd like to come live in NZ but don't know where to start the process. There seems to be such a lot of organising to do. Both hubby and I work long hours over here in the UK and it seems sometimes that we only have time to work eat and sleep. Has anyone used one those agencys that sort out the application for you? If so, what did you think? how much do they charge?
This is a great forum by the way and have been reading lots of useful stuff but have only got through the tip of the iceberg. Never seem to have much time. Can't wait to get out of this rat race, please, please tell me that it's slower living over in NZ fingers crossed

In fact any info on what it's like living over there at all, both good and bad would be greatly appreciated.
One of my main questions is what sort of house could we expect to get with a budget of $200,000- $250,000 have been on estate agent sites to get a rough idea but many don't give the price, they just say 'auction' or 'unpriced at present' Obviously we will start out renting but ultimately would want to buy.
Thanks Belinda

Timbo · Posted: Sat Jun 26, 2004 10:44 pm Post subject:

Hi Belinda, and welcome to our (cyber) world. I know just how you are feeling at the mo. We were the same a year ago. There are so many avenues to explore, you really need to spend a while going through this forum and checking out links. Suggest first port of call should be NZIS govt. web site to find out what your options are with regard to different visa types etc.
We are using a visa agent in London to help with a quite complex business visa, but you can do it yourself and save a lot of money (about £3000 in our case). It really is personal choice, as it does not make any difference when you lodge an application whether you filled out the forms or Cherie Blair did them for you.
Post a few details about your jobs etc. and ask specific questions. There will be someone out there with the answer.
Good luck. Tim fingers crossed

Moorf · Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 1:36 am Post subject:

Hi Belinda - join the throng!!

You will love this site - so much info.

First thing to do is figure out which route is best for you guys to get in - business? work to residence? EOI (Expression of Interest) etc... or if you prefer you could do what some of us are doing and "just do it" !!

Whichever way you choose - good luck - and keep the questions coming - there's no such thing as a silly question here

Moorf

Belinda · Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 2:06 am Post subject:

Thanks for the welcome. Yes you're right this is a fabulous site, have spent much of the day looking through old posts and have gathered so much information. I have just this minute finished reading the thread that mentioned the work to residency program and am about to look up some info on that.
It appears that job offers are like gold dust, my hubby is thinking of going over on holiday and finding work then applying for residency. The last time he worked there it was all so easy. He saw a job in our local paper for coach builders in NZ, applied, got the job and the company sorted out the rest and flew him over. Do you know how long you have to work over there before being able to apply for residency?
Oh and thanks for saying 'there's no such thing as a silly question' It's put me right at ease. Honestly 'I know nothing!' as Manuel from fawlty towers would say.

Everything is a maze! Actually I'm on a bit of a downer now I've realised how hard it is to get into NZ. Been reading about some of the obstacles people on here have had to overcome to achieve their dream. We want to leave Blighty so bad. Sad

Timbo · Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 2:23 am Post subject:

Dont get a downer on it yet Belinda, its early days. If you have not yet been there, try nzis web site and do a dry run to see if you could qualify to express an interest.

www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant

Belinda · Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 3:13 am Post subject:

Yes Tim, thanks for the link I went straight there the minute you told me about it. Unless we have a job offer then we don't qualify.
The thing is although we are both fairly intelligent, we've only got 1 o'level between us. (and that's mine! LOL) My Hubby has 20 yrs skilled work experience and although he served an appenticeship many many years ago, has no paper evidence of it.
I work as a classroom assistant in a college and am about to do NVQ3 (if I get a place) but if we are upping and moving sticks then I won't be completing it. (Not that having that would make a difference.)
Looks as if one of us would have to get a degree but we are early 40's and time is running out for us.
Are there any other options for us to look into? What about if we were to set up a new business or buy a franchise?

Timbo · Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 3:25 am Post subject:

Hi again Belinda. We too are early 40`s and are in much the same boat. No paper quals. not even an o`level between us. I am self employed as a decorator here in Surrey so we are applying via the long term business visa scheme. To acheive this, you must have relative experience in a business for at least two years. Franchises are an option, in fact that is the way we are hoping to go. But again, you really need the background. If both you and hubby are and have been employees, it is unlikely that buying or seeting up new business would be a suitable option. There are variables on this one, but it is fairly complex, and all at the disrcretion of NZIS case officers. Have you checked out the occupational shortage list to see if hubby is on it? There are regional variations to look out for. For instance, his skills may only be in demand in one or two locations. Keep digging. fingers crossed

Moorf · Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 3:35 am Post subject:

Oh Belinda - we've been up and down too - and even now are flights are booked for Sept we get "off" days when we wonder what the hell we are doing - BUT - life is too short for "what ifs" and we are both mid 30's, no kids, no ties and good professions (IT & Marketing) - we sold up in April and are living in our other property (a flat that we usually rent out).

We have never been to NZ but our family has and we have friends out there ... we have NO doubt that we shall fit in and make friends, if the people on the board are anything to go by - we already have 2 parties to go to when we get there!!

We are going for 6 months and if we end up back here in March then at least we've had a go, had a great holiday AND missed britians miserable winter Laughing

Keep your chin up Nice One

and help keep ours up too ! Yes

Moorf

Belinda · Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 4:07 am Post subject:

Well thanks all, at least there is hope.

We used to have our own business Timbo, would that count as the experience they require? The reason we chucked it in was not because it wasn't sucessful but because Steve (hubs) wasn't enjoying it. He had diversified into too many trades and kept getting work he disliked. (plumbing) Also struggled to get decent reliable workers. Looking back he should have just advertised himself as a just carpenter/joiner, (which he enjoys) instead he was a jack of all trades but when you are first setting up, you know how it is, you just want the work-any work. He could start it up again tomorrow as we still get calls even after winding it up 4 years ago.

So Moorf, are you going out for 6 mths and hoping to get work so you can do the work to residence program? Good luck and I hope it all goes great for you both.

Moorf · Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 4:23 am Post subject:

Yep Belinda - we're going on a visitors visa - will take 3 months out to check around NZ and surrounding islands (see Fiji / Tonga thread Laughing

) etc so that we don't look like we are just going there for jobs.. we shall then look around for jobs etc whilst there and apply in NZ if we get a job offer....

Nice One

Belinda · Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 5:26 am Post subject:

Hope you have a great time and it all works out for you. fingers crossed

Wish we could do that but we have 2 kids to think about, schooling etc.
Does anyone know if non resident kids can get into school on a visitors visa?

Moorf · Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 5:39 am Post subject:

I believe you can place the children in an international school but this will incur fees.

We don't have kids so I am not too well versed in this area!

Moorf

Lisa. · Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 5:50 am Post subject:

Hi Belinda
Welcolme to the community, i' can't help thinking ive seen coach building on an osl somewhere, i'm going to try and find it, then get back to you, the kids can go to school if you get work permits, don't worry we all have to find our route, you'l find yours Yes

Lisa

Tara Sage · Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 6:05 am Post subject:

Hi Belinda

Welcome, my husband is a carpenter and has done coachbuilding in the past. We are actually going 22nd July, but it has taken us a long time to get this far.

Dan has a job in CHCH to go to, but at one stage he was advised about a coachbuilder in Ashburton, that was happy to take on immigrants send me a pm if you want info.

We have used a consultant based in NZ to help sort our visa's he mainly does the donkey work but it has taken pressure off us and will submit an eoi when we arrive and also help us with our PR application.

Don't give up its a long hard process a total emotional rollercoaster, but if it's what you want you will find a way and make it work.

Belinda · Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 6:09 am Post subject:

Oh thanks Lisa! Razz

you are all so helpful and friendly. I checked out NZIS site for wanted skills, didn't notice coach building but apparently there is a shortage of cabinet makers in the Canterbury area so will check that out when I get more time. (at least he's multi-skilled)
Do you know, I've been on this site nearly all day reading up. Kids keep coming in to check that I'm still alive LOL and to tell me they are hungry AGAIN!! so I suppose I'll get no rest until they've been fed. Bad Mummy!! Nutcase

I'll check back in tomorrow when I can, thanks for all the welcomes and help so far.
Belinda