Electrician wanting to move to NZ
Nov 6th 2007, 4:10 pm
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne
Posts: 27
Electrician wanting to move to NZ
My husband has been an electrician for 14 yrs, He has worked on domestic, Commercial and industrial. he is fully qualified and has his inspection & Testing and has his City & Guilds. We are married with a 13 year old daughter and have been looking at moving to NZ for a long time. We are unsure where in NZ to move to, Does anyone have a good idea of what areas we can look at where his trade would be in high demand and is an affordable place to live and good to bring kids up. I have looked into doing the application myself and getting an agent, Has anyone any advice on the best way to go. I have bought many books and magazines and trawled the internet for hours but every time I consider a place to live I see another one and as I have never been there I dont know where would be best 
. Many thanks.
. Many thanks.
Nov 6th 2007, 6:46 pm
#2
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,813
Re: Electrician wanting to move to NZ
We are married with a 13 year old daughter and have been looking at moving to NZ for a long time. We are unsure where in NZ to move to, Does anyone have a good idea of what areas we can look at where his trade would be in high demand and is an affordable place to live and good to bring kids up.
As far as how affordable life goes the only real issue is property as the cost of everything else is fairly much the same nationwide, except for the Chatham Islands which are a hell of a lot more expensive, but your likelihood of moving there is remote to say the least.
I suppose a lot of it has to do with what environment you are comfortable in, be it urban, suburban, exurban or rural. What sort of life (in reason, please) are you looking for --weather, amenities, that sort of thing. Are you into hunting and fishing, cafe culture, mucking about on the beach...
I have looked into doing the application myself and getting an agent, Has anyone any advice on the best way to go. I have bought many books and magazines and trawled the internet for hours but every time I consider a place to live I see another one and as I have never been there I don't know where would be best . Many thanks.
. Many thanks.
Nov 6th 2007, 7:49 pm
#3
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2006
Location: NZ
Posts: 3,366
Re: Electrician wanting to move to NZ
BEV where are you ???? 
She's got loads of info on the Electrical stuff, in the meantime have you done a search on here ??
She's got loads of info on the Electrical stuff, in the meantime have you done a search on here ??
Nov 7th 2007, 12:30 am
#4
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 38,613
Re: Electrician wanting to move to NZ
My husband has been an electrician for 14 yrs, He has worked on domestic, Commercial and industrial. he is fully qualified and has his inspection & Testing and has his City & Guilds. We are married with a 13 year old daughter and have been looking at moving to NZ for a long time. We are unsure where in NZ to move to, Does anyone have a good idea of what areas we can look at where his trade would be in high demand and is an affordable place to live and good to bring kids up. I have looked into doing the application myself and getting an agent, Has anyone any advice on the best way to go. I have bought many books and magazines and trawled the internet for hours but every time I consider a place to live I see another one and as I have never been there I dont know where would be best . Many thanks.
. Many thanks.For the OP and any other Electricians out there looking in , I will post up what I hope will be helpful information.
Last edited by BEVS; Nov 7th 2007 at 12:44 am. Reason: sp.
Nov 7th 2007, 12:47 am
#6
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 38,613
Re: Electrician wanting to move to NZ
These notes were passed on to me by an electrician that came to NZ a while back.
The NZ electrician registration process is:-
1. Submit your City & Guilds (and/or other as applicable) qualifications and a VERY COMPREHENSIVE resume' of your work experience to the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) The address is PO Box 10156 Wellington, New Zealand – attention Mr. Paul McGrail.
More details can be found at www.med.govt.nz/ewrb/ or at www.ewrb.govt.nz. References from employers (i.e. an electrical supervisor or manager) or electrical inspectors (if you are self employed) must be included, to verify your work experience.
If your qualifications are deemed appropriate you will be exempt the NZ (level 4) electrical theory exam. If not, you may complete the theory training in NZ, BUT this may affect your residency application from the UK.
Your work experience is needed to confirm you have sufficient experience to comply with the requirements for obtaining a NZ Electrician Practising Licence. NOTE - work experience is best documented covering similar information to that shown in Schedule 1 of the Electricity Regulations Compilation 2003 – (see attached document). Further information on the Regulations can be found at - www.ess.govt.nz (the Energy Safety Services) web site. The required information can be downloaded free of charge.
2. Complete a provisional licence application, which requires the following:-
- A prospective employer in NZ who can sign the Supervision guidelines section of the application
- "Safety tuition training": - a series of one-day courses will be available (in conjunction with NZIS - London) during the year.
- Obtain a copy of the Supervision Guidelines and sign a declaration stating you have read, understood and will comply with the requirements. (I provide this during the training courses)
3. Once 1 & 2 above are completed, and you are in NZ working under your provisional licence, you will need to complete the practical assessment (called stage 3 practical) and the NZ electrical regulations exam. The exams are run in June and November of each year. Course work, including the practical assessment can be done at night school (Polytech) or on block courses.
After all that, you can apply for Registration and a Practising Licence as an electrician. There a few "fish-hooks", such as the provisional licence is only valid for 12 months from the date of issue and it may take longer than that to arrange to move to NZ. The (very helpful) NZIS people and the EWRB can supply more information.
1. Submit your City & Guilds (and/or other as applicable) qualifications and a VERY COMPREHENSIVE resume' of your work experience to the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) The address is PO Box 10156 Wellington, New Zealand – attention Mr. Paul McGrail.
More details can be found at www.med.govt.nz/ewrb/ or at www.ewrb.govt.nz. References from employers (i.e. an electrical supervisor or manager) or electrical inspectors (if you are self employed) must be included, to verify your work experience.
If your qualifications are deemed appropriate you will be exempt the NZ (level 4) electrical theory exam. If not, you may complete the theory training in NZ, BUT this may affect your residency application from the UK.
Your work experience is needed to confirm you have sufficient experience to comply with the requirements for obtaining a NZ Electrician Practising Licence. NOTE - work experience is best documented covering similar information to that shown in Schedule 1 of the Electricity Regulations Compilation 2003 – (see attached document). Further information on the Regulations can be found at - www.ess.govt.nz (the Energy Safety Services) web site. The required information can be downloaded free of charge.
2. Complete a provisional licence application, which requires the following:-
- A prospective employer in NZ who can sign the Supervision guidelines section of the application
- "Safety tuition training": - a series of one-day courses will be available (in conjunction with NZIS - London) during the year.
- Obtain a copy of the Supervision Guidelines and sign a declaration stating you have read, understood and will comply with the requirements. (I provide this during the training courses)
3. Once 1 & 2 above are completed, and you are in NZ working under your provisional licence, you will need to complete the practical assessment (called stage 3 practical) and the NZ electrical regulations exam. The exams are run in June and November of each year. Course work, including the practical assessment can be done at night school (Polytech) or on block courses.
After all that, you can apply for Registration and a Practising Licence as an electrician. There a few "fish-hooks", such as the provisional licence is only valid for 12 months from the date of issue and it may take longer than that to arrange to move to NZ. The (very helpful) NZIS people and the EWRB can supply more information.
Nov 7th 2007, 12:48 am
#7
`
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 38,613
Re: Electrician wanting to move to NZ
These notes are a couple of years old but hopefully are still helpful
Re: how to register as an electrician.
1. A 3 day course for the practical and this involves everything, motors starters, forming pvc conduit, wiring relays etc. somewhere in the region of $400
2. CPR course $70
3. The dreaded regs, he will need the reference books if he doesnt have them or know anyone with them he will have to sit the regs exam cost $80 this is if he is a resident.this is a 3 hour exam.
He can get a job with a years provisional license as long as he has a cpr cert and has passed the practical they will issue him with the temp license.
On top of all this they will need his qualifications which have to be up to city&guilds 1 and 2 and he has to provide certs and also provide proof of experience even down to the wiring.
If he is not up to the EWRB standard he will have to sit a theory exam also on top of all this.
www.ewrb.govt.nz has all the necessary. Exams for regs are twice a year next one being june tell him good luck.
-----
GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
1. Electrician Registration
1.1 List of Common Certificates
City and Guilds of London Institute - Level 2 Certificate
*Ordinary or Higher National Certificate in Electrical Engineering
*City and Guilds Full Technological Certificate
*City and Guilds Electrician's Certificate
*City and Guilds Electrical Technician's Part 1 Certificate
*City and Guilds Electrical Technicians Part 2 Certificate in Electrical Power Equipment
*City and Guilds Electrical and Electronic Craft Studies Part 2
*City and Guilds Electrical Installation Course 2360 Part 2
*City and Guilds Certificate in Electrical Installation Competencies
*Northern Counties T.E.C Electrical Technicians 2nd Year Certificate
*Welsh Joint Education Committee Electrical Engineering Technicians Part 1 Certificate
*Welsh Joint Education Committee Electrical Technicians Certificate 2nd Year (Intermediate)
*Scottish Technical Educational Council Higher Certificate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
*BTEC (or TEC) Certificates:
National Certificate in Electrical Engineering
Higher National Certificate in Electrical Engineering
Diploma in Electrical Engineering
Higher Diploma in Electrical Engineering
any of these must have a pass in the following subjects:
- Stage II - Electrical and Electronic Applications, or Electrical or Electronic Principles.
- Stage III - Heavy Current Electrical Applications
*BTEC National Certificate in Mining Engineering (Mining and Electrical)
*Scotvec (Scottish Vocational Education Council) Higher Certificate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
The following certificates are not now issued but are still acceptable:
*City and Guilds Intermediate Grade Electrical Engineering Practice AC and DC
*City and Guilds Final Grade Electrical Engineering Practice Parts 1 and 2
*City and Guilds Electrical Installation Work Courses "B" or "C" Certificate
*City and Guilds Intermediate Electrical Technicians Certificate
*City and Guilds Colliery Electrician Craft Certificate.
*City and Guilds Certificate in Electrical Installation Work
*City and Guilds Installation Work Certificate B and C (scheme 236)
*City and Guilds Certificate Part 2, Certificate in Electrical Installation Work
* Listed in Schedule 6 to the Electricity Regulations 1997
1.1.1 Equivalence to New Zealand Requirements
Any certificate exempts the holder from the 3rd stage theory examination requirements.
1.1.2 Registration Requirements
The holder of a certificate must:
(a) Pass the 3rd stage practical assessment or examination.
(b) Pass the regulations examination.
(c) Have documents that show 4 years work experience on (the equivalent of) prescribed electrical work that incorporates the skills in paragraph 1(2) of Clause 1 of Schedule 1 of the Electricity Regulations 1997. The experience can include the period of apprenticeship or training.
(d) Complete the safety instruction requirements of Clause 3 of Schedule 1 of the Electricity Regulations 1997.
1.2 Craftsman Certificate
1.2.1 Description
This certificate is evidence of completion of a training programme prescribed by any approved Industry Training Board. This includes the training for the City and Guilds of London Institute - Level 2 Certificate or equivalent.
1.2.2 Equivalence to New Zealand Requirements
This certificate:
(a) Exempts the holder from the 3rd stage theory examination requirements.
(b) Is evidence of the completion of 4 years work experience that has incorporated the skills in paragraph 1(2) of Clause 1 of Schedule 1 of the Electricity Regulations 1997 where the period of the training programme was 4 or more years.
1.2.3 Registration Requirements
The holder of this certificate must:
(a) Pass the 3rd stage practical assessment or examination.
(b) Pass the regulations examination.
(c) Where the period of the training programme was less than 4 years, have documents that together with the Craftsman Certificate show, at least, 4 years work experience on (the equivalent of) prescribed electrical work.
(d) Complete the safety instruction requirements of Clause 3 of Schedule 1 of the Electricity Regulations 1997.
1. A 3 day course for the practical and this involves everything, motors starters, forming pvc conduit, wiring relays etc. somewhere in the region of $400
2. CPR course $70
3. The dreaded regs, he will need the reference books if he doesnt have them or know anyone with them he will have to sit the regs exam cost $80 this is if he is a resident.this is a 3 hour exam.
He can get a job with a years provisional license as long as he has a cpr cert and has passed the practical they will issue him with the temp license.
On top of all this they will need his qualifications which have to be up to city&guilds 1 and 2 and he has to provide certs and also provide proof of experience even down to the wiring.
If he is not up to the EWRB standard he will have to sit a theory exam also on top of all this.
www.ewrb.govt.nz has all the necessary. Exams for regs are twice a year next one being june tell him good luck.
-----
GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
1. Electrician Registration
1.1 List of Common Certificates
City and Guilds of London Institute - Level 2 Certificate
*Ordinary or Higher National Certificate in Electrical Engineering
*City and Guilds Full Technological Certificate
*City and Guilds Electrician's Certificate
*City and Guilds Electrical Technician's Part 1 Certificate
*City and Guilds Electrical Technicians Part 2 Certificate in Electrical Power Equipment
*City and Guilds Electrical and Electronic Craft Studies Part 2
*City and Guilds Electrical Installation Course 2360 Part 2
*City and Guilds Certificate in Electrical Installation Competencies
*Northern Counties T.E.C Electrical Technicians 2nd Year Certificate
*Welsh Joint Education Committee Electrical Engineering Technicians Part 1 Certificate
*Welsh Joint Education Committee Electrical Technicians Certificate 2nd Year (Intermediate)
*Scottish Technical Educational Council Higher Certificate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
*BTEC (or TEC) Certificates:
National Certificate in Electrical Engineering
Higher National Certificate in Electrical Engineering
Diploma in Electrical Engineering
Higher Diploma in Electrical Engineering
any of these must have a pass in the following subjects:
- Stage II - Electrical and Electronic Applications, or Electrical or Electronic Principles.
- Stage III - Heavy Current Electrical Applications
*BTEC National Certificate in Mining Engineering (Mining and Electrical)
*Scotvec (Scottish Vocational Education Council) Higher Certificate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
The following certificates are not now issued but are still acceptable:
*City and Guilds Intermediate Grade Electrical Engineering Practice AC and DC
*City and Guilds Final Grade Electrical Engineering Practice Parts 1 and 2
*City and Guilds Electrical Installation Work Courses "B" or "C" Certificate
*City and Guilds Intermediate Electrical Technicians Certificate
*City and Guilds Colliery Electrician Craft Certificate.
*City and Guilds Certificate in Electrical Installation Work
*City and Guilds Installation Work Certificate B and C (scheme 236)
*City and Guilds Certificate Part 2, Certificate in Electrical Installation Work
* Listed in Schedule 6 to the Electricity Regulations 1997
1.1.1 Equivalence to New Zealand Requirements
Any certificate exempts the holder from the 3rd stage theory examination requirements.
1.1.2 Registration Requirements
The holder of a certificate must:
(a) Pass the 3rd stage practical assessment or examination.
(b) Pass the regulations examination.
(c) Have documents that show 4 years work experience on (the equivalent of) prescribed electrical work that incorporates the skills in paragraph 1(2) of Clause 1 of Schedule 1 of the Electricity Regulations 1997. The experience can include the period of apprenticeship or training.
(d) Complete the safety instruction requirements of Clause 3 of Schedule 1 of the Electricity Regulations 1997.
1.2 Craftsman Certificate
1.2.1 Description
This certificate is evidence of completion of a training programme prescribed by any approved Industry Training Board. This includes the training for the City and Guilds of London Institute - Level 2 Certificate or equivalent.
1.2.2 Equivalence to New Zealand Requirements
This certificate:
(a) Exempts the holder from the 3rd stage theory examination requirements.
(b) Is evidence of the completion of 4 years work experience that has incorporated the skills in paragraph 1(2) of Clause 1 of Schedule 1 of the Electricity Regulations 1997 where the period of the training programme was 4 or more years.
1.2.3 Registration Requirements
The holder of this certificate must:
(a) Pass the 3rd stage practical assessment or examination.
(b) Pass the regulations examination.
(c) Where the period of the training programme was less than 4 years, have documents that together with the Craftsman Certificate show, at least, 4 years work experience on (the equivalent of) prescribed electrical work.
(d) Complete the safety instruction requirements of Clause 3 of Schedule 1 of the Electricity Regulations 1997.
Nov 7th 2007, 12:52 am
#8
`
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 38,613
Re: Electrician wanting to move to NZ
Kev and Sarah kindly put this post up abut the Prelim. H&S course which is run in London.
Dear Applicant,
Please find the following news item that might be of interest to you. It can also be viewed on our local website www.immigration.govt.nz/london under News Items:
Electrical Safety Tuition Courses for NZ Registration
Nick Chandler of Chandler Consulting Limited will be returning to London during the week of 29th May to run more electrical safety tuition courses. The one-day courses will begin on Tuesday 29th May and run until Friday 1st June.
Safety tuition courses run for approximately 8 hours and are required for electricians, electrical, electronic and refrigeration service persons, line mechanics and cable jointers who wish to obtain a New Zealand Electrical Provisional Licence and who are applying for residency.
Course Content:
Introduction
Briefing on New Zealand Electricity Regulations and Electricity Supply Systems (TNCS multiple earthed neutral)
Requirements for Provisional Licences and for obtaining an Electrical Practising Licence
Supervision Guidelines for Provisional Licences (and completion of documentation)
Safe Work Practices (relevant to electrical work)
Basic First Aid (relevant to electrical work)
CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation)
Testing to Ensure Safety (including electrical certificate of compliance)
Issue of Certificates (Electrical Workers Registration Board Safety Training Card EWLG 632 & 632A)
General information and questions (as required)
A CD containing the current versions of the Electricity Act, Electricity Regulations, and Codes of practice, previous exam papers and other documentation will be supplied.
Further information can be obtained from Nick, via email - [email protected]
Your contact details have not been shared with Chandler Consulting so please contact them directly if you wish to attend the training course.
Please do not respond to INZ regarding this email.
Please find the following news item that might be of interest to you. It can also be viewed on our local website www.immigration.govt.nz/london under News Items:
Electrical Safety Tuition Courses for NZ Registration
Nick Chandler of Chandler Consulting Limited will be returning to London during the week of 29th May to run more electrical safety tuition courses. The one-day courses will begin on Tuesday 29th May and run until Friday 1st June.
Safety tuition courses run for approximately 8 hours and are required for electricians, electrical, electronic and refrigeration service persons, line mechanics and cable jointers who wish to obtain a New Zealand Electrical Provisional Licence and who are applying for residency.
Course Content:
Introduction
Briefing on New Zealand Electricity Regulations and Electricity Supply Systems (TNCS multiple earthed neutral)
Requirements for Provisional Licences and for obtaining an Electrical Practising Licence
Supervision Guidelines for Provisional Licences (and completion of documentation)
Safe Work Practices (relevant to electrical work)
Basic First Aid (relevant to electrical work)
CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation)
Testing to Ensure Safety (including electrical certificate of compliance)
Issue of Certificates (Electrical Workers Registration Board Safety Training Card EWLG 632 & 632A)
General information and questions (as required)
A CD containing the current versions of the Electricity Act, Electricity Regulations, and Codes of practice, previous exam papers and other documentation will be supplied.
Further information can be obtained from Nick, via email - [email protected]
Your contact details have not been shared with Chandler Consulting so please contact them directly if you wish to attend the training course.
Please do not respond to INZ regarding this email.
Nov 7th 2007, 12:55 am
#9
`
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 38,613
Re: Electrician wanting to move to NZ
To conclude.
Electrician is on the Long Term Shortages list. They are wanted all over New Zealand so you will have no problem at all finding a job.
As for where to live, that really rather depends on what you want from a place or a country. NZ is a diverse country and all areas are good for one reason or another.
Post up what you hope to gain from a move to another country.
NZ is a good place to bring up kids IMO.
Electrician is on the Long Term Shortages list. They are wanted all over New Zealand so you will have no problem at all finding a job.
As for where to live, that really rather depends on what you want from a place or a country. NZ is a diverse country and all areas are good for one reason or another.
Post up what you hope to gain from a move to another country.
NZ is a good place to bring up kids IMO.
Nov 7th 2007, 3:39 am
#10
Account Closed
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 647
Re: Electrician wanting to move to NZ
Just as an addition, good sparkies are hard to find here, but..
Don't think that because of that the wages will be fantastic, but the country is!!
Don't think that because of that the wages will be fantastic, but the country is!!
Nov 7th 2007, 4:55 am
#11
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Lake Taupo
Posts: 11
Re: Electrician wanting to move to NZ
Hi Markf,
I've read a lot of the info on this forum post, and as an Electrician working in NZ I can verify most of it is relevant and correct.
A couple of observations:
You mention using an Agent . . . I have experience of other people doing this, and paying ridiculous amounts of money for work you can do yourself. What exactly are you hoping that an agent will do for you, that you're not able to do for yourself?
Not that I'm against agents, but my brother moved to Melbourne several years ago, and used an agent in the UK. It took him nearly four years to get through all the paperwork with the agent helping him, and several thousand pounds! Now he's actually living there, he can't understand why everything took so long. In the early 1990's, I decided to visit NZ for the first time, loved it, returned to the UK, came back out for a holiday in 1992, and then after completing all the immigration paperwork, moved here in 1995. I'm an electrician too, and had absolutely no problem finding myself work. Even though we'd visited NZ before moving here, I was determined to do it all myself, and did so with relatively little problems. The longest time for anything to process was my NZQA assesment, where the dept. in Wellington asseses your C&G qualifications, and compares them to the equivalent NZ qualifications to see how/if you fit in.
At this time I can tell you, NZ is absolutely crying out for just about ANY tradespeople, your husband won't have a problem meeting the criteria. My advice, save yourself thousands of pound's, do a little bit of homework, and make the application yourself. There's plenty of other things here you can spend money on without throwing it away like that.
Now one other piece of info your husband may find useful. NZ electrical work is nothing like it is in the UK. I worked on all kinds of electrics for over 15 years in the UK, house wiring, industrial, commercial, panel wiring, broadcast etc. etc. When we lived in Auckland, I worked in many if these fields - the only work which came close by comparison was industrial/Panel wiring.
Houses here are generally timber framed, many are built above the ground on posts, and in winter time, scrambling around "UNDER" one of these houses in the cold and wet, is absolutely awful! In the summer, the sun here is overpowering if you're working in it directly. Many guys remove shirts etc., but we have a high risk of skin cancer because of the suns' intensity. Working in an attic, in fibreglass insulation, in the height of the summer months, can be among the most uncomfortable working conditions you'll ever experience! I have almost passed out doing this in the past.
On the positive side, I'm currently working in an electrically related field of work, but nothing to do with House, or Building wiring. If your husband is as good as you mention, it won't be long before he's in a job as a supervisor etc. Good supervision here tends to be few and far between, but don't expect the British ways to work here - things are definitely different.
The country is green, generally clean, shopping can be restrictive if you're used to the variety of a large UK city, clothes prices are high by comparison, and so too are utility bills such as electricity, gas and phone/internet. Power cuts are the norm here, and getting a decent service on a car is restricted to the BMW garages (or places of that caliber). Wages are MUCH MUCH lower than he'll be used to in the UK, but that's offset by the lifestyle you'll adapt here. The way to go is to get up and running in a business of your own, and invest wisely to make those bucks! Starting a business here is generally painless, and can be very rewarding if you do your homework first! Houses can be cold in winter, as NZ houses generally do not have central heating, but many are heated by a single free standing fire in the lounge area. This is starting to change with the introduction of "Heat Pumps" but after doing some research on these, they seem to be (despite what the manufacturers claim) quite expensive to run. Underfloor heating is another form of heating, but again with electricity prices the way they are, this too can be expensive. I've managed to find a company in the South Island, run by a couple of English guys, who specialise in "real" central heating installations - I'll be using them when we build our house soon!
Now that I'm used to all of this, I'd never move back - but as a first timer coming to NZ, you need to have your eyes wide open and accept that this is a country in it's own right, and has it's own traditions and peculiarities. Dentists here charge like a wounded bull - my checkup (yesterday) cost me $165.00 - and after trying three dentists recently, this appears to be normal!
I finish by reassuring you, this is "THE" place to bring up the children, you'll just have to ensure you have adequate finances in place for your retirement and ill health if you're unfortunate enough to suffer this.
Let me know if I can help further.
I've read a lot of the info on this forum post, and as an Electrician working in NZ I can verify most of it is relevant and correct.
A couple of observations:
You mention using an Agent . . . I have experience of other people doing this, and paying ridiculous amounts of money for work you can do yourself. What exactly are you hoping that an agent will do for you, that you're not able to do for yourself?
Not that I'm against agents, but my brother moved to Melbourne several years ago, and used an agent in the UK. It took him nearly four years to get through all the paperwork with the agent helping him, and several thousand pounds! Now he's actually living there, he can't understand why everything took so long. In the early 1990's, I decided to visit NZ for the first time, loved it, returned to the UK, came back out for a holiday in 1992, and then after completing all the immigration paperwork, moved here in 1995. I'm an electrician too, and had absolutely no problem finding myself work. Even though we'd visited NZ before moving here, I was determined to do it all myself, and did so with relatively little problems. The longest time for anything to process was my NZQA assesment, where the dept. in Wellington asseses your C&G qualifications, and compares them to the equivalent NZ qualifications to see how/if you fit in.
At this time I can tell you, NZ is absolutely crying out for just about ANY tradespeople, your husband won't have a problem meeting the criteria. My advice, save yourself thousands of pound's, do a little bit of homework, and make the application yourself. There's plenty of other things here you can spend money on without throwing it away like that.
Now one other piece of info your husband may find useful. NZ electrical work is nothing like it is in the UK. I worked on all kinds of electrics for over 15 years in the UK, house wiring, industrial, commercial, panel wiring, broadcast etc. etc. When we lived in Auckland, I worked in many if these fields - the only work which came close by comparison was industrial/Panel wiring.
Houses here are generally timber framed, many are built above the ground on posts, and in winter time, scrambling around "UNDER" one of these houses in the cold and wet, is absolutely awful! In the summer, the sun here is overpowering if you're working in it directly. Many guys remove shirts etc., but we have a high risk of skin cancer because of the suns' intensity. Working in an attic, in fibreglass insulation, in the height of the summer months, can be among the most uncomfortable working conditions you'll ever experience! I have almost passed out doing this in the past.
On the positive side, I'm currently working in an electrically related field of work, but nothing to do with House, or Building wiring. If your husband is as good as you mention, it won't be long before he's in a job as a supervisor etc. Good supervision here tends to be few and far between, but don't expect the British ways to work here - things are definitely different.
The country is green, generally clean, shopping can be restrictive if you're used to the variety of a large UK city, clothes prices are high by comparison, and so too are utility bills such as electricity, gas and phone/internet. Power cuts are the norm here, and getting a decent service on a car is restricted to the BMW garages (or places of that caliber). Wages are MUCH MUCH lower than he'll be used to in the UK, but that's offset by the lifestyle you'll adapt here. The way to go is to get up and running in a business of your own, and invest wisely to make those bucks! Starting a business here is generally painless, and can be very rewarding if you do your homework first! Houses can be cold in winter, as NZ houses generally do not have central heating, but many are heated by a single free standing fire in the lounge area. This is starting to change with the introduction of "Heat Pumps" but after doing some research on these, they seem to be (despite what the manufacturers claim) quite expensive to run. Underfloor heating is another form of heating, but again with electricity prices the way they are, this too can be expensive. I've managed to find a company in the South Island, run by a couple of English guys, who specialise in "real" central heating installations - I'll be using them when we build our house soon!
Now that I'm used to all of this, I'd never move back - but as a first timer coming to NZ, you need to have your eyes wide open and accept that this is a country in it's own right, and has it's own traditions and peculiarities. Dentists here charge like a wounded bull - my checkup (yesterday) cost me $165.00 - and after trying three dentists recently, this appears to be normal!
I finish by reassuring you, this is "THE" place to bring up the children, you'll just have to ensure you have adequate finances in place for your retirement and ill health if you're unfortunate enough to suffer this.
Let me know if I can help further.
Nov 7th 2007, 9:03 am
#12
Account Closed
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 52
Re: Electrician wanting to move to NZ
As Steve has said above, many aspects of NZ wiring are so different from our UK methods. Been a Sparkie for 16yrs in Uk and since working here in Wellington for 4mths i still feel like the companies apprentice. I work in the field of UPS systems and backup supplies to data centres, so thankfully dont get too involved in wiring of houses, although done 1-2 extra points in a house.
I noticed from the kiwi's that if i suggest drilling a 25mm hole through a concrete floor for some cables they all look aghast as if its impossible and find another way! LOL probably because they are so used to timber walls and floors etc.
As has been said, finding work as a sparkie seems to be easy going, i had no lack of offers and interviews when i was job hunting 4mths ago.
I am actually due to take my Regulations course and exam in 2 weeks, with the 3days of practical assements after that. So i will post here about how it was etc after. Not exactly looking forward to it, as i gather they ask you to wire up different types of motors etc, something i havent done since my apprenticeship in 1991.. LOL
Feel free to ask any sparkie questions, although sounds like Steve has been here longer than I.
I noticed from the kiwi's that if i suggest drilling a 25mm hole through a concrete floor for some cables they all look aghast as if its impossible and find another way! LOL probably because they are so used to timber walls and floors etc.
As has been said, finding work as a sparkie seems to be easy going, i had no lack of offers and interviews when i was job hunting 4mths ago.
I am actually due to take my Regulations course and exam in 2 weeks, with the 3days of practical assements after that. So i will post here about how it was etc after. Not exactly looking forward to it, as i gather they ask you to wire up different types of motors etc, something i havent done since my apprenticeship in 1991.. LOL
Feel free to ask any sparkie questions, although sounds like Steve has been here longer than I.
Nov 7th 2007, 9:37 am
#13
Banned
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 52
Re: Electrician wanting to move to NZ
Steevg - What a great post. Nice mix of the positive, the painfully true and good advice.
Nov 7th 2007, 5:41 pm
#14
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Lake Taupo
Posts: 11
Re: Electrician wanting to move to NZ
Thanks for the feedback guys, and yes I've been out here on and off since 1995, so am very familiar with all aspects of working in the trade and general living.
As I mentioned, I wouldn't move back now for anything, I live in a remarkably beautiful part of New Zealand, right in the middle of the North Island, Lake Taupo, and it's paradise (for me) everyday. My problem is that variety of work is limited here due to our remoteness, but at this time I can put up with this because of our surroundings.
I find that many kiwi's who talk and post on forums, do so from a biased point of view, and that's fine. This was one of the main things I liked about NZ - their absolute patriotism - I missed that from the old days in the UK - and I too have adopted the same attitude now - so the All Blacks missed out on the world cup - there's always next time! But things are not cheap here, and I find that Kiwi's all to quickly see this country in a different light simply because many have either not been oversea's to live at all, or it's been a while since doing so!
One example - I had a lady tell me (in 1996), that all the petrol stations here in NZ were now the first to open on Sundays and people could now get their groceries at these stations! She was genuine in her opinion, but when I told her we'd been doing this in the UK since the early 70's, she all but called me a liar!
A friend of mine (at work) was asked what he thought of NZ after coming here from a 3rd world country . . . . . . he's from Capetown (!!!!!).
So all I'm saying is that apart fromthe work issue's you'll face as a new immigrant (and yes that's what you'll be), there are socio-economic issues you'll need to take into account, and that can be a little disdaunting in the first few months, even years.
. . . .. But in my opinion, it's all worth it!
If there's anything else specific you guys need to ask, I'll be happy to give my (hopefully unbiased) opinion.
Have a great week ahead!
Steve
As I mentioned, I wouldn't move back now for anything, I live in a remarkably beautiful part of New Zealand, right in the middle of the North Island, Lake Taupo, and it's paradise (for me) everyday. My problem is that variety of work is limited here due to our remoteness, but at this time I can put up with this because of our surroundings.
I find that many kiwi's who talk and post on forums, do so from a biased point of view, and that's fine. This was one of the main things I liked about NZ - their absolute patriotism - I missed that from the old days in the UK - and I too have adopted the same attitude now - so the All Blacks missed out on the world cup - there's always next time! But things are not cheap here, and I find that Kiwi's all to quickly see this country in a different light simply because many have either not been oversea's to live at all, or it's been a while since doing so!
One example - I had a lady tell me (in 1996), that all the petrol stations here in NZ were now the first to open on Sundays and people could now get their groceries at these stations! She was genuine in her opinion, but when I told her we'd been doing this in the UK since the early 70's, she all but called me a liar!
A friend of mine (at work) was asked what he thought of NZ after coming here from a 3rd world country . . . . . . he's from Capetown (!!!!!).
So all I'm saying is that apart fromthe work issue's you'll face as a new immigrant (and yes that's what you'll be), there are socio-economic issues you'll need to take into account, and that can be a little disdaunting in the first few months, even years.
. . . .. But in my opinion, it's all worth it!
If there's anything else specific you guys need to ask, I'll be happy to give my (hopefully unbiased) opinion.
Have a great week ahead!
Steve
Nov 7th 2007, 7:38 pm
#15
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2007
Location: Poole...at the moment
Posts: 53
Re: Electrician wanting to move to NZ
Sorry to hijack, question to Steevg. I'm not trained as a sparkie, but I do electro-mechanical maintenance at the moment. Are there many machine maintenance jobs going in NZ or is it mainly house wiring type work there? Cheers Bert.