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Migrating to NZ ?

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JF
  1/20/2003 08:26 EST

My Wife and I (40-ish) and our 2 young children are thinking of moving to NZ.

We would love to hear from similar families who have made the move and are willing to share their experiences.

such as;

how well were you accepted into the community ?

did the kids settle well into school ?

is the crime rate as low as we hear ?

is standard of living better than UK ?

Anyone who can throw any light on the usual worries of relocating,
please do. It would be very much appreciated as we have no family or friends who know anything about NZ.

We have read numerous books, articles, etc. But you can't beat the real experience of first hand advice.

Thank You.

DC
  2/5/2003 22:34 EST

Okay, I'll have a say. My family and I came back here in August and still haven't felt welcome or settled. Although as a Pom you will find numerous fellow British expats to help make it easier. I know the Brits I have spoken to are still amazed at how much food and other daily living items cost. New Zealand also has rampant short-mans complex. Make sure you NEVER say anything negative about the place even if all the Kiwis present are having a bloody massive bitch session about the place: you are not allowed to express anything but wonder and awe at the place. In short, come for a visit, it's a nice place to holiday in but they really don't want you moving here. We're going back as we've had enough xenophobia for a lifetime thank you.

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ejhahn
  2/11/2003 20:33 EST

Read the Nov. 2002 article in the "Articles & Library" section by Jeff????. Should answer most of your questions.

Ed Hahn

geordie
  2/12/2003 15:04 EST

Hi there, we are also a 40 ish couple who are looking to migrate to New Zealand. We find the myriad of information confusing. We dont know if it would be better to try to get a job before we go out there or wait until we are there? What are your thoughts? Gary, my partner's, trade is Horticulture, and there seems to be a lot of vacancies in this field out there. Also where to live? the descriptions on most web sites tend to be painted for the tourists, but we found a web site for real estate that gives profiles of the suburbs such as unemployment rates, high wage earners etc. But we are still not sure!! We are toying with either Nelson or Marlborough on South Island or Hawkes Bay and Wiarapu on the North. How about you? it would be good to exchange info and tips if possible.

Kiwikim
  6/30/2003 18:28 EST

I would have to agree with "DC". Everyone comes to NZ on holiday and have impression that kiwis are extremely friendly etc., which most tourist places are very friendly when they are taking your money. But Kiwis really don't want you to settle there. I lived in NZ for five years and they are very xenophobic. It is tough. It is expensive. Part of the problem is the government immigration plan which has flooded country with immigrants from Asia which in general do not integrate with NZ community. Almost 700,000 from Asia in last seven years which is a big strain on a country which was 3.2 million. Almost a quarter of population is suddenly different! They don't allocate places from different countries to insure a diverse and integrated population; ie, 100,000 from China, 100,000 from America, etc. Then they find out that a lot of the immigrants that came in from China submitted fraudulent applications, but immigration was too busy to follow through. The government also does great things like invite that refugee boat (which Australia wouldn't let in) with immigrants from Jakarta and most turn out to be HIV positive and they drain the health system which kiwis have paid into so deary all their lives and endanger lives of kiwis which has had very little HIV until immigration from Africa, etc. Also long history of people coming from islands and the day they are flying in to country their relatives are at the dole office holding place in line for them so they can sign up for dole the day they arrive...so no wonder they hate outsiders. No explanation as to why they hate Americans and Brits unless they just fear overall us competing for jobs etc.

Kiwikim
  7/1/2003 13:06 EST

Immigration requirements changed as of 2 July...better check it out.
It is hard to adjust to life in NZ. It is great to visit, but kiwis are a little resentful of outsiders. Build a network of your countrymen for support. It is also very expensive. Everything is double the cost. Bring lots of your favorite things with you.
If I had to do it over again, I wouldn't be an expat. Life at home never feels the same again, and you won't quite fit in in NZ ever. You will always be an outsider to the people here.

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jbstu
  7/12/2004 03:52 EST

Our family is also considering a move to NZ. We have similar questions and concerns. We are considering a temp. move to Auckland area to complete graduate work. We would like to stay abreast of insight you gain in your search for information. Feel free to contact us: [email protected]

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