Thanks thats really useful. Think it is going to be a case or sorting everthing out here then getting ourselves our there to find work. two summers would be nice though!!?!!

Still no luck finding a job but am persevering!!! Is anyone else having this problem or is it just us?
However we have made a desicion that if neither of us has a job by Sep we will go out by the end on Oct. Seems along way away at the moment but time flies! Will use the time to sort everything out this end!!

Jx

It is, I am afraid, a sign of the times. They were saying on the radio today that 1,000 people per week are currently losing their jobs in NZ. If you have jobs in the UK at present, I think it would be foolhardy to risk your current security for what could potentially be a long spell of unemployment. It's winter too, it' miserable, so wait a few more months and I am sure once the spring / summer comes the general economic horizon will look a bit brighter.

It's always been our dream to live in NZ, but the reality is looking slightly less rosy. And being in a position where we may be struggling financially didn't feature in the dream!

It seems to be a misconception that the cost of living in cheaper in NZ!

Think if you're prepared for a bit of a tough time and willing to do whatever to bring in some money you'll prob be ok. It is a worry though.

Hubby and I are going over with no job offer as I (as principle applicant) don't seem to be having much like finding work in NZ from here we thought we'd take a chance... but with 2 small children it's a big gamble. That said we'd rather do it now while kids are small and adaptable than look back and regret not making the move.

I'm sure we'll find temping work, casual work whatever and if not I'll re-train for something - we just wont be fussy what we do at first and hope it'll all falls into place at some point - just important to keep a reign on the finances and not over spend on cars, rent etc. I guess.

The money side of it keeps me awake at night but we have done our research - I'd agree cost of living is not as cheap as people make out - my sister in law lives over there and she's kept us well informed so we'll be stocking up on a few things before making the trip.

It 'so' is, nothing is cheap in NZ - its quite a bit more expensive than the UK because you don't have the large population to support anything, and everything has to be imported. The only thing I've found to be cheap-ish, bizzarly, is sushi - just off the top of my head. Thats not to say you can't get ahead there, you can, but you do have to be aware. The richer you are in the UK the better.

Hi,

This puts things more into perspective for me. You are moving out with your children and its just the two of us and it is our dream to move to NZ and I think we just need to take the leap! We have worked out in NZ before when we were on a working holiday visa - apple picking, cherry picking and cleaning in a hotel, washing cars!!!! and I do have relatives over there so wont be homeless!
Its just so frustrating working all day, coming home applying for jobs online, checking emails again in the morning to finding emails with unsuccessful!!!