what to do first

lesly · Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2003 12:07 am Post subject: what to do first

Hi everyone, I'm probably the only Belgian, don't know why, I'm probably
the smartest one in the country, because me and my husband, together with our two children, want to spread our wings and leave this hellhole!
Nice One

The question is, what do we do first. My husband Michel is allready trying to get a job in NZ, but we have a house, 2 children who go to school here(who speak Dutch) , a dog, 2 cars, where do we start ? It would really be a dream come true, but we have so little information.
Thanks for replying.

rodders · Valued Member Joined: 25 Nov 2003 Posts: 134

all the facts are here.

http://www.immigration.govt.nz/

i think you need to get a job and then apply for residence. getting the job is probably the hardest part. maybe if you have enough points you won't need a job. then sell the house, sell the cars, sell the dog (or find out about quarantine), sell the kids Mr. Green

and go.

lesly · Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2003 9:43 pm Post subject:

Sell the kids too? O.k. great, 2 for the price of 1. Clapping

Thanks for the advice!!!

karltsmith · Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2003 9:21 pm Post subject:

Hi Lesly,

I recommend the following course of events.

1. because of the impending changes to the immigration system wait until December 15th when the new rules are due to come out. Download as much information as you can from the NZIS website.

2. The biggest problems your children will face from an integration point of view is not speaking english so try to start them off in some classes before you go....I don't know their ages but the earlier they start the better.

3. Find jobs!!!! This will greatly enhance your chances of making a successful application.

4. Sell the house and liquidise your assets get rid of all those things you are hoarding in the loft and garden shed....you know what I mean! Register with a foreign exchange broker who will give you better exchange rates than any bank and decide what you think is a fair exchange rate (exchage rates are not good at the moment and are set to get worse from a migration point of view because of a strengthening NZ$).

5. Try to establish contact with other Belgians who have settled in NZ for a Belgian perspective on the country...their must be at least one surely!!!!

6. Enter the pool (even without jobs who knows you might get lucky)!

7. Buy flight tickets as far in advance as possible..they will be cheaper in the low or shoulder season.

8. Some animals can go but need to be quarantined, check out the NZ customs web site for further info.

9. Go to airport, cry profusely and hug loved ones, say good by and make sure you have plenty of tissues handy.

10. Get on plane and be re-born in NZ.

11. Enjoy the rest of your life!!!!!! Nice One