Til

Hi

We are a family of 4 and are going through the process of emigrating. My worry is money - we don't have savings and there isn't a huge amount in our house. How much do we need to go over there with? I am a primary teacher and my OH a systems manager so would hope we are employable.

Has anyone done it, with children, on hardly anything?

Thanks
Til

P2L

Our Rough costs to date;

Interview visit to NZ (10days) £3,000
Police Checks £20
Medicals 2 adults, 3 kids £810
X rays 2 adults 1 Child £175
EOI £100
ITA £525
Migrant levy £410
Removals £3,700
One way tickets, 3 adults 2 kids approx £2,600
Estate agent fees £2,200
Deposit for rental $1,200

TOTAL = :scared: :scared: :scared:

Unless you have some surplus cash to begin with I personally think its a hard process to undertake, but I know people on here have done it without anything and been ok. Think if you're single or childless it's easier to do

dash1965

The best advice is 'Do loads of research'. The process is time consuming, relatively stressful at times, and frustrating.

There are plenty of resources on the internet and these forum to give you all the help you need.

If you are straightforward in terms of no complicated family relationships issues, medical conditions or criminal records, then don't bother with an agent. They promise the earth and you still do most of the work yourself.

My mate was charged £4000 for a family of 4!! We are a childless couple (sounds sad writing it like that! ) we have done everything ourselves (well the wife did most of it) Kev and Sarahs costs are pretty standard.

We have a job offer to go to and are going to live in Auckland which is the most expensive part on NZ. We plan to take about £80,000 and we're a little hesitant as to then think about coming back to the UK would be very difficult. We do plan on making this a permanent move though and it would need a huge issue of living there that would make us return. We're pretty resilient people and we've lived in a few countries before and used to travel and seperation from family and friends.

If you choose to live elsewhere then you will probably find it easier without a pool of cash but it won't be easy until you get established.

Just do the maths. Check every minute cost from salaries, rent, food, commuting expenses, internet and telephone and don't forget the little luxuries like travel as you will want to see the country too.

Good luck

planty

Hi Til!
Planty's OH here. I'm a primary teacher, and my experience of finding work here (SI) is this:
it appears that if you're a secondary school teacher with a specialism in say Sciences or Maths, it's relatively easy to find work. Primary schools advertising posts will receive literally hundreds of applications, so you have to be the applicant who 'stands out' as having an area of expertise that the school needs. I spent last term doing Relief teaching (supply work), which was great because I got to know a few of the local schools and it got my face and name known (in a good way !); I now have a short term contract with a school for this year based largely on recommendations from schools that I did relief work in.
Obviously, finding work will depend on where you base yourself. For instance, I have heard that it is easier to find work in Aukland, but really difficult to get permanent posts in Christchurch.
Hope this helps - I'm not trying to put you off in any way! I have really enjoyed working in the schools here, and I have found the staffs that I have encountered to be supportive and friendly.

planty

I forgot to say that I got a fair bit of relief work; schools seem to be on the lookout for reliable relief teachers, so it is a good first step - if you can afford to do it. Obviously, it's not a regular wage, so it makes budgeting difficult!

Joshlin

if you're looking for guidance on a budget, here's ours for you to mull over.
we are a family of 4 in chch,

mortgage ($140,000): $507 per fortnight
food (on a budget): $200 per week average
electric: $90 per month
gas (instant hot water): $80 per 2 months + $90 per year rental of bottles
wood (log burner) $180 per delivery, 3-4 deliveries per year
petrol (2 cars) $65 per week
insurance (2 cars, contents, buildings) $1300 per year
rates ($390,000 house) $1700 per year
childcare (2, full time, incl meals) $315 per week.
phone incl broadband $120 per month

NZIS recommend you need about $4000 per month to live on and you need to allow up to 6 months without an income for safety's sake and I would say that's about right, although people do manage on less and get employment quicker (my hubby got a job as a mechanic in 2 weeks, I got a job in healthcare in 3 months). The more you can bring with you the lower things like mortgages can be and the bigger your comfort cushion will be!!
if I can help with anything else just shout.
Vicki