Al poochino

So, eight years after the family decided against moving to NZ, they've decided that now is the time. I'm now a midwife and have been almost guaranteed a job so we hit the EOI number needed to be considered.
In reality we are hoping to make the move in around 18 months time once the daughter has finished college.
I'm sure I'll have lots of questions along the way but for starters, is there a minimum amount of money we should be aiming to take with us?

simonsi

The brand-new Govt has stated they will be reducing immigration so don't assume the EOI criteria will stay as they are now...

Justcol

Bring as much money as you can
I arrived with $350k 9 years ago and managed ok

Al poochino

There was a lot of talk when I was there during the post election wait. As much as I'd love to apply now, without a job offer, we would fall just below the 160 points and daughter is adamant she wants to finish college first. I'll just have to keep everything crossed that it doesn't make it impossible.

Al poochino

Thanks Justcol. We wouldn't have that much but are aiming for $100k providing the housing market stays stable over here.

chocolate cake

That would be good start, providing you avoid Auckland.

Justcol

Bear in mind a mortgage here requires a 20% deposit and houses are expensive.

Al poochino

We are looking at Southland so hoping that will be a help towards setting ourselves up. Budgeting is in full effect to try and boost that amount.

escapedtonz

Managed ok on $350k

escapedtonz

We arrived in Wellington with $80k and spent maybe $50-60k in the first couple years setting ourselves up without many issues.
Without that initial set up fund it would have been a real struggle.

simonsi

I arrived with $10k, family of 5 and a job for the wife (theatre nurse), managed ok - been here 7yrs now...

Al poochino

That's good to know! I'm currently surrounded by spreadsheets trying to budget for the next 12 months!

Does anyone know if there is room for salary negotiation when applying for jobs? I know nz doesn't have a banding system like the uk so wouldn't want to start on the bottom rung having nearly 5 years experience by the time we plan to move. Also be interested to hear if anyone employed by a LHB has had help with relocation costs. A long shot but you never know!

simonsi

Our experience was with a private medical provider, in-country help but no relocation costs negotiable. DHB's may differ, probably depends on how in-shortage the role is at the time.

Al poochino

I guess it's worth a try. I'm lucky that I have family in nz that can help out with setting up, just hope that it all falls into place and I can get a job in the same area.

Bo-Jangles

If you're a midwife going into the public health system there definitely is banding as part of the collective agreement and therefore salary is most likely not negotiable, but maybe some leeway in the banding (I have no idea how that works)

https://www.midwife.org.nz/meras-meca

I think most midwives however work on a private / partnership basis as new mother's get to choose their lead maternity carer and that can be private or public.

https://www.midwife.org.nz/women-in-...r-lmc-services