Re: 9 months in - Advice!
 

Many thanks, will definitely look at the links

Re: 9 months in - Advice!
 

Catcha is lovely . A very innovative fella who, together with his wife and children have really settled well and made an enjoyable life for themselves a few hours from me here in NZ

So is Justcol in his own way. He has been through the mill a bit and come out the other side. He likes to play tough. Just send him big kissies or waggle like this at him. Attachment 128614

Both know it is not all plain sailing. Both have made good lives here.

Re: 9 months in - Advice!
 

I can understand your concerns and empathise fully as I felt exactly the same way. We were more or less the same age as you when we moved to NZ and I think at that age you do start thinking more about the later years, possible health issues, retirement income etc. I knew within the first few months that NZ was not right for me although my husband was much happier there. We very nearly headed back to UK after a few months but decided to stick it out and try harder to settle for the sake of our son who we felt would have a better future in NZ. As it turns out we stayed for twelve years and those first few years caused some major stress and mental health issues. We are back in UK now and I can honestly say that I wish we had returned when we first thought about it all those years ago as I feel so much time has been wasted worrying and wondering what if..and missing the diversity that UK offers. NZ is a truly beautiful country and it was an experience but I think if it's just beautiful scenery you want, live back in the UK where you can earn a decent living and feel some kind of financial and social security, and maybe take more holidays in Europe...that is our intention.

Re: 9 months in - Advice!
 

Thank you for your response. We are taking each day as it comes, looking into possible solutions to our problems and will see how we feel in the coming months.
It's such an expensive move that we want to give it our best and try to make the right decision for us all, but I totally hear what you're saying. We've had the exact same conversation! 😬

Re: 9 months in - Advice!
 

A mate of mine and his Mrs work for a company (MSD or Merck Sharpe & Dohme) in Upper Hutt, Wellington that utilizes radioactive rods in an equipment sterilization facility. The rods are held in a tank of water, as you'd expect and lifted out to frazzle the life out of anything when equipment to be sterilized passes through.....what could possibly go wrong aye!!! :eek:
Mates Mrs is the one who got the big job there that brought them over to NZ. My mate is working there temporary while he's doing a PhD at Wellington Uni.
Apparently great pay and great t's&c's and they've absolutely bent over backwards and sideways to help them out. Gave my mate a temporary job on decent pay when he was looking for work during his Uni studies and agreed flexible working as they have 3 kids plus huge pay rise to keep her from going to Fonterra yada yada.
May be an option ?

Re: 9 months in - Advice!
 

Thanks for this info! It's really helpful and definitely a positive to look into. We will check out the company and see whether hubby has anything to offer them! Fingers crossed! 👍🏼😄

Re: 9 months in - Advice!
 

Try the pulpmills here as they use radiation-based level gauges. Every worker and contractor needs training when first on-site. Now I see why you're worried about sick leave!

Re: 9 months in - Advice!
 

Awesome thanks, we’ll definitely look into this!
And at least by glowing in the dark we save on electric bills! 😂

Re: 9 months in - Advice!
 

No Statutory Sick Pay ? What do people do for income when they get sick ?

Re: 9 months in - Advice!
 

Probably the same as in Australia, apply for a new credit card, beg off your friends, if you have any, and go hungry.

Re: 9 months in - Advice!
 

Time for you guys to read up on the Welfare State. Bismarck had the idea and it was pinched by Lloyd George. The 1945 Pommy Labour Government did a lot. Time for you guys to catch up !

Re: 9 months in - Advice!
 

Absolutely! I just don’t understand the lack of investment in people!

Re: 9 months in - Advice!
 

This explains it.

Use holiday time . Borrow from the following year. Unpaid leave. Use savings , take a loan or borrow somehow.

The recommendation is that one has the equivalent of 3 months income stashed for such times.

Re: 9 months in - Advice!
 

NZ did have a pretty good welfare system in years gone by, but various Governments have implemented radical 'reforms' and managed to cut large chunks out of that: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_of_all_Budgets

NZ is pretty hard-ass and people are resentful of providing help for the poor or the sick folks that have fallen on hard times.

Re: 9 months in - Advice!
 

Not in any place I've ever lived in NZ.
The Brits and kiwis I know down here are the friendliest, most helpful, generous
and caring people I have ever known.

Maybe some folk are just mixing with the wrong people...!!