Should we move from the UK to Wellington..??

Meredda

Hi all,

Not that we want someone else to make the big decision for us, but we would really appreciate any advice or opinions...

I'm 30, my wife's 29, we have an 18 month old son and are currently trying for another littl'un. We live in a village between Coventry and Rugby in the UK. I build wind farms for a major corporate utility, and have been offered a similar role in Wellington, NZ - though with a much smaller private company.

Now we're not expecting anyone to know much about the wind energy industry's economic outlook in NZ (though any opinions on general attitudes to wind turbines in NZ would be welcome), but we would love to hear your opinions and experiences on making such a massive jump, and whether the risk is really worth it...?

What should we consider when trying to ensure a similar quality of life in NZ as what we currently have in the UK...?

To add spice to the mix, one side's family are distraught at the news we may be soon so far away - any thoughts on this...??

cheers

Dan (& Sally & Rhys) Meredith

dan-ish · Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 10:35 pm Post subject: Opportunity

Hey Dan,

It sounds like a great opportunity for you to try NZ out. Have you been before?

Wellington is a great place and anywhere in New Zealand is a great place to bring up children in my opinion (although I have none yet!). It sure is a big decision though. I think the majority of people on this site are going to say that you should move to NZ as we all want to go!

What does the missus think about it all? You mentioned that the family are distraught. Would it have to happen fairly quickly? Otherwise, your family can be persuaded, maybe by promises of free accomodation in NZ and the fact that NZ is only 24 hours away.

With regards to wind-farms; I don't know very much, but I do know that NZ is keen on all sorts of Sustainable Development, and does its best to use renewable energy sources. They have big hydroelectric plants and make the most of the thermal energy that is abound in lots of NZ. No idea about wind though. Sorry.

I think you should give it a try. Don't forget that if it doesn't work out you can always come back.

Good luck.

Dan-ish Razz

925exile · Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 9:38 am Post subject:

Hi Dan, the decision you face can only be made by you. My wife and I had a dificult time in reaching our final decision to come to NZ. Although we both knew in our hearts that it was what we wanted, we were leaving family, many friends and 2 careers that we had worked hard for. For us it was a scarey but exciting prospect. Ultimatley we went with the Philosiphy that you can look before you leap, but dont look for too long. There are many reasons to stay with what you know but sometimes you have to take a chance and besides have you ever met anyone that has been to NZ and not been impressed? in terms of your work I know that there are big issues in the Cantebury region at the moment over the future of power generation but is a local/national debate you could check www.nzherald.co.nz for some news........regards & good luck