Construction in Christchurch??
Aug 1st 2012, 7:21 am
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 46
Construction in Christchurch??
Hi, I am currently in Australia but if I fail in getting sponsored I am thinking of coming over to Christchurch on a WHV and look for sponsorship there. Can anybody tell me what the construction scene is there/likely to be in a years time, I am a fully qualified brickie with 8 years experience.
Aug 2nd 2012, 5:44 am
#2
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Joined: Jun 2012
Location: Christchurch
Posts: 5
Re: Construction in Christchurch??
You would honestly be better off staying in Aus and working as a brickie.
The wages are better in Aus and the living conditions are better too.
This is a comment from a news article posted this week regarding an Irish Builder in Christchurch who was racially bullied and had to quit his job.
The comment is written by a Brickie from the UK living in NZ.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/new...Irish-wins-13k
The wages are better in Aus and the living conditions are better too.
This is a comment from a news article posted this week regarding an Irish Builder in Christchurch who was racially bullied and had to quit his job.
The comment is written by a Brickie from the UK living in NZ.
U.K. Brickie #19 02:23 pm Aug 02 2012
As a pom I wish I could escape but stuck here sadly. I just don't work anymore cause of the what they call banter and low wages you get as an immigrant, they say it doesn’t go on but it does even down to wage rates you get and they still will deny it.. I live off my Half Kiwi wife and look after the house now. I don't get depressed about it I just make sure all my close friends are all European and Australian and at week end we take the Mickey out of the kiwis and love it. What’s sad about these stories is that most Kiwis are in denial and won’t admit it doesn’t go on, but there are several ways you can be racist and abusive in the workplace, very subtle ways and from my experience it happens all the time.Even my wife has had a taste of it.
As a pom I wish I could escape but stuck here sadly. I just don't work anymore cause of the what they call banter and low wages you get as an immigrant, they say it doesn’t go on but it does even down to wage rates you get and they still will deny it.. I live off my Half Kiwi wife and look after the house now. I don't get depressed about it I just make sure all my close friends are all European and Australian and at week end we take the Mickey out of the kiwis and love it. What’s sad about these stories is that most Kiwis are in denial and won’t admit it doesn’t go on, but there are several ways you can be racist and abusive in the workplace, very subtle ways and from my experience it happens all the time.Even my wife has had a taste of it.
Aug 2nd 2012, 7:59 am
#3
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Joined: Dec 2006
Location: From Essex to Christchurch.
Posts: 578
Re: Construction in Christchurch??
Hello Steve, Im not in ChCh myself at the moment but im sure i will end up there. I reckon in a years time construction companies will have a good idea of what they will build and who they will need, if not sooner.. Id suggest you keep an eye on the job agency sites etc and see how the required employment ramps up. They will need a ton of Brickies so you'l do fine. The trick will be to time it right so you can name your price.. Good luck mate.
Gary.
Gary.
Aug 3rd 2012, 12:46 am
#4
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Joined: Jul 2007
Location: Christchurch at last!
Posts: 1,149
Re: Construction in Christchurch??
My OH is a carpenter and has been working in ChCh since Oct 2010. It is fair to say that the 'boom' has yet to materialize. The firm he works for had cut hours to 40 per week, in order to keep all current staff. They are optimistic of things picking up, with several projects in the pipeline. However, we shall see1
On the plus side, his hourly rate is more than what he earned in the UK and he has faced no problems with being a Brit - in fact, several of them took him under their wing and really helped him out on his arrival and continue to do so.
Best thing would be to contact companies direct, I think and see what their situation is.
On the plus side, his hourly rate is more than what he earned in the UK and he has faced no problems with being a Brit - in fact, several of them took him under their wing and really helped him out on his arrival and continue to do so.
Best thing would be to contact companies direct, I think and see what their situation is.
Aug 3rd 2012, 4:18 am
#5
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Joined: Aug 2011
Location: Christchurch via Scotland
Posts: 46
Re: Construction in Christchurch??
A lot of demolition to be done before the major building will start, in the Red Zone anyway. A lot of smaller make safe jobs and retaining walls etc underway in the likes of Lyttelton but for large construction projects I would say at least a year away.
Aug 3rd 2012, 11:00 pm
#6
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Joined: Feb 2008
Location: Bucharest - Romania
Posts: 74
Re: Construction in Christchurch??
Steve, if you're already an australian permanent resident you are allowed to come and work in NZ without any other kind of visa. Just show your visa at the airport and they'll stamp your passport with a NZ permanent visa. The reverse does not hold true.
Aug 4th 2012, 1:37 am
#7
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Joined: Mar 2009
Location: just lovin' Levin
Posts: 748
Re: Construction in Christchurch??
I tried to get a foot hold in CC for quite a while. The best I could get was a promise of 40 hrs but the rate was no better than anywhere else and it was on a 'as needed' contract.
A very good mate (painter/dec) is subbing and getting $33 PH but once again it's as needed. Some weeks he's lucky to get a days work!
And the cost of rentals!!!!!
A very good mate (painter/dec) is subbing and getting $33 PH but once again it's as needed. Some weeks he's lucky to get a days work!
And the cost of rentals!!!!!
Aug 4th 2012, 2:20 am
#8
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,838
Re: Construction in Christchurch??
I tried to get a foot hold in CC for quite a while. The best I could get was a promise of 40 hrs but the rate was no better than anywhere else and it was on a 'as needed' contract.
A very good mate (painter/dec) is subbing and getting $33 PH but once again it's as needed. Some weeks he's lucky to get a days work!
And the cost of rentals!!!!!
A very good mate (painter/dec) is subbing and getting $33 PH but once again it's as needed. Some weeks he's lucky to get a days work!
And the cost of rentals!!!!!
Aug 4th 2012, 2:29 am
#9
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Joined: Jan 2012
Location: St Albans, Christchurch
Posts: 586
Re: Construction in Christchurch??
$33 is better than what's on the A board outside Manpower on Riccarton road. They are advertising for carpenters and builders at $30 an hour.
Aug 4th 2012, 2:49 am
#10
Who loves you, baby?
Joined: Mar 2009
Location: just lovin' Levin
Posts: 748
Re: Construction in Christchurch??
So if you think $33 is good - then go for it
