Hi, hoping someone might have time to answer our questions We have been in NZ for just under 2 years and although we enjoy it, the wages and cost of living is dire. Any mechanics out there? What would be a ball park wage for a full time mechanic, please? Anyone else made this move and what have you found better/worse? We are considering Perth, Adelaide or Melbourne. Many thanks

Do you have a visa for Australia?

Thanks for replying, we have not started the process as yet. Before we left the UK we were offered many jobs for hubby in Australia as mechanics were in demand. (I wanted to move to NZ!) We have a permanent visa for NZ so we understand we will have to go through the whole process again. At this time just trying to work out if we will be better off than in NZ. We are a family of 4 who had a very comfortable existence in Scotland and now nothing goes in the trolley unless it is on special!

I do think salaries are better here than NZ, and relative costs therefore cheaper but that is just from reading posts on the forums.

I'm not a mechanic though so can't give you any figures but do see sponsorship still being offered for that occupation - latest ones were WA and NSW. Salaries would also depend on where you work

I moved out from NZ to Australia. Was a PR in NZ and went through the re-application process again for Aus. To be honest I came out for the money. The downside is the sacrifice to give up a normal life to work away. Most of my friends are fifo or ex-fifo so they understand if we don't see each other for months. Not sure if either place is for me to be honest, sometimes I feel like I'm just plodding along...

Hi, not a mechanic, but I understand the wages are $30 - $70 per hour dependent on specialisation, skill level for qualified.

We used to live in NZ, (wife is a Kiwi), we have found Melbourne to offer a better lifestyle than NZ mainly because we can actually afford to live the lifestyle!!! We've been here almost 7 years and have no intentions of moving. Melbourne's a great city with lots going on, great beaches and bay for summer, good skiing in winter, the weather is very good compared to UK and NZ.

HTH

BB

Thanks for the replies. Further investigation required! We love living in NZ but love doesn't pay the bills