Getting set up in NZ
Sep 20th 2007, 8:30 am
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Nottingham to Auckland 2008
Posts: 57
Getting set up in NZ
As some of you may, or may not know, we're heading out to Auckland in the spring as I've been offered a job there. We've got 2 monkeys ages 5 months and 3 years and I know its prob getting ahead of ourselves a bit, seeing as the house has just gone on the market and we haven't done anything else 
but we're thinking about the first few weeks after we arrive, and how we're going to do this i.e. where and how to rent a house, childcare for under 5's - what options are there and how do we choose something, buying a car etc.
I was wondering what other peoples experiences of arriving in NZ were like? How did you get set up, what was tough, easy, what do you wish you had/ hadn't done?
We're finding it a bit daunting, particularly the thought of arriving after a 23 hour flight in a city neither of us have ever been to with a baby and a toddler!
but we're thinking about the first few weeks after we arrive, and how we're going to do this i.e. where and how to rent a house, childcare for under 5's - what options are there and how do we choose something, buying a car etc. I was wondering what other peoples experiences of arriving in NZ were like? How did you get set up, what was tough, easy, what do you wish you had/ hadn't done?
We're finding it a bit daunting, particularly the thought of arriving after a 23 hour flight in a city neither of us have ever been to with a baby and a toddler!
Sep 20th 2007, 8:41 pm
#2
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Joined: Sep 2007
Location: SILSDEN, WEST YORKSHIRE
Posts: 174
Re: Getting set up in NZ
As some of you may, or may not know, we're heading out to Auckland in the spring as I've been offered a job there. We've got 2 monkeys ages 5 months and 3 years and I know its prob getting ahead of ourselves a bit, seeing as the house has just gone on the market and we haven't done anything else but we're thinking about the first few weeks after we arrive, and how we're going to do this i.e. where and how to rent a house, childcare for under 5's - what options are there and how do we choose something, buying a car etc.
I was wondering what other peoples experiences of arriving in NZ were like? How did you get set up, what was tough, easy, what do you wish you had/ hadn't done?
We're finding it a bit daunting, particularly the thought of arriving after a 23 hour flight in a city neither of us have ever been to with a baby and a toddler!
but we're thinking about the first few weeks after we arrive, and how we're going to do this i.e. where and how to rent a house, childcare for under 5's - what options are there and how do we choose something, buying a car etc. I was wondering what other peoples experiences of arriving in NZ were like? How did you get set up, what was tough, easy, what do you wish you had/ hadn't done?
We're finding it a bit daunting, particularly the thought of arriving after a 23 hour flight in a city neither of us have ever been to with a baby and a toddler!
I'm glad it's not only me worrying about all of this
Regards Gaynor x
Sep 20th 2007, 9:05 pm
#3
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Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Nottingham to Auckland 2008
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Sep 20th 2007, 9:49 pm
#4
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 34
Re: Getting set up in NZ
As some of you may, or may not know, we're heading out to Auckland in the spring as I've been offered a job there. We've got 2 monkeys ages 5 months and 3 years and I know its prob getting ahead of ourselves a bit, seeing as the house has just gone on the market and we haven't done anything else but we're thinking about the first few weeks after we arrive, and how we're going to do this i.e. where and how to rent a house, childcare for under 5's - what options are there and how do we choose something, buying a car etc.
I was wondering what other peoples experiences of arriving in NZ were like? How did you get set up, what was tough, easy, what do you wish you had/ hadn't done?
We're finding it a bit daunting, particularly the thought of arriving after a 23 hour flight in a city neither of us have ever been to with a baby and a toddler!
but we're thinking about the first few weeks after we arrive, and how we're going to do this i.e. where and how to rent a house, childcare for under 5's - what options are there and how do we choose something, buying a car etc. I was wondering what other peoples experiences of arriving in NZ were like? How did you get set up, what was tough, easy, what do you wish you had/ hadn't done?
We're finding it a bit daunting, particularly the thought of arriving after a 23 hour flight in a city neither of us have ever been to with a baby and a toddler!
I was interested in peoples replies as we are going there in one month, but have all those sort of worries hanging over us. If no-one replies in six weeks, I'll tell you my views!
Amber
Sep 21st 2007, 12:05 am
#5
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,208
Re: Getting set up in NZ
We hired a car initially and then bought one at turners auction, which I understand is in Auckland too.
Childcare is best done after you arrive so that you know where you'll be living and then visit what's available in the area.
Hope this helps?
Sep 21st 2007, 3:20 am
#6
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Joined: Nov 2004
Location: Waitakere City
Posts: 539
Re: Getting set up in NZ
Hi there, where exactly will you be working? That will help you to narrow down "where do we live". Auckland is really in an awful geographic location by having the centre city surrounded by water on a narrow strip of land and therefore, if you can live near work, you can keep clear of the traffic.
Sep 21st 2007, 3:47 am
#7
Jen
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Northshore
Posts: 52
Re: Getting set up in NZ
As some of you may, or may not know, we're heading out to Auckland in the spring as I've been offered a job there. We've got 2 monkeys ages 5 months and 3 years and I know its prob getting ahead of ourselves a bit, seeing as the house has just gone on the market and we haven't done anything else but we're thinking about the first few weeks after we arrive, and how we're going to do this i.e. where and how to rent a house, childcare for under 5's - what options are there and how do we choose something, buying a car etc.
I was wondering what other peoples experiences of arriving in NZ were like? How did you get set up, what was tough, easy, what do you wish you had/ hadn't done?
We're finding it a bit daunting, particularly the thought of arriving after a 23 hour flight in a city neither of us have ever been to with a baby and a toddler!
but we're thinking about the first few weeks after we arrive, and how we're going to do this i.e. where and how to rent a house, childcare for under 5's - what options are there and how do we choose something, buying a car etc. I was wondering what other peoples experiences of arriving in NZ were like? How did you get set up, what was tough, easy, what do you wish you had/ hadn't done?
We're finding it a bit daunting, particularly the thought of arriving after a 23 hour flight in a city neither of us have ever been to with a baby and a toddler!
Sep 21st 2007, 4:16 am
#8
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2006
Location: Staffordshire
Posts: 23
Re: Getting set up in NZ
Hi there!
Thought I'd share our experience with you as we arrived two days ago so are in the process of setting up!
All aspects related to work were sorted along the way, and I applied for a tax number from the UK which was waiting for me when we arrived.
We flew via Los Angeles and had a blast of Disney en-route. Fantastic, not only did we have a great time, we got over most of our jetlag. I guess that we didn't really experience the most of Disney beacuse of the jet lag as we only made one procession in the evening, and slept through the fireworks!! It was a great distraction to us, and helped us with the whole leaving friends and family thing.
We arrived in Auckland on Wednesday morning at 0530, and had cleared by 0630. We picked up our rental car keys from the info desk with no problems ( i think we paid $25 for the privelege), but we arrived in Orewa at 0800 hours!
We have rented a car from Jucy rentals for one week, at a total cost of $300. It's a high mileage car that is cheap and cheerful but is absolutely fine. Our eight suitcases just about fitted in the boot!!
We contacted local schools on our arrival, and had appointments two hours later! We have looked around the local schools, made a decision and registration was very simple. A form, consent for dental and health checks and some more dollars. There is a list of stationary to buy. But the whole process was made very easy by helpful and informative reception staff and a wilingness of the Principal to meet you and show us around the schools.
We have rented a house owned by resettleme nz, which is an absolute beauty. Everthing you need whilst your container arrives. They also offer their services to help, but we were keen on doing this ourselves, but if time is short they can help you out.
We have bought a car today, a Japanese import which has cost us $16,995. Again a very easy process.The car dealer was happy to let us drive it away, in fact he wasn't that bothered when he got the payment!!
Our next task is to find a longer term rental property and then we will be sorted.
Our experience has been of people willing to help, genuinely friendly and very simple. So enjoy your very exciting time, "she'll be right"!
Thought I'd share our experience with you as we arrived two days ago so are in the process of setting up!
All aspects related to work were sorted along the way, and I applied for a tax number from the UK which was waiting for me when we arrived.
We flew via Los Angeles and had a blast of Disney en-route. Fantastic, not only did we have a great time, we got over most of our jetlag. I guess that we didn't really experience the most of Disney beacuse of the jet lag as we only made one procession in the evening, and slept through the fireworks!! It was a great distraction to us, and helped us with the whole leaving friends and family thing.
We arrived in Auckland on Wednesday morning at 0530, and had cleared by 0630. We picked up our rental car keys from the info desk with no problems ( i think we paid $25 for the privelege), but we arrived in Orewa at 0800 hours!
We have rented a car from Jucy rentals for one week, at a total cost of $300. It's a high mileage car that is cheap and cheerful but is absolutely fine. Our eight suitcases just about fitted in the boot!!
We contacted local schools on our arrival, and had appointments two hours later! We have looked around the local schools, made a decision and registration was very simple. A form, consent for dental and health checks and some more dollars. There is a list of stationary to buy. But the whole process was made very easy by helpful and informative reception staff and a wilingness of the Principal to meet you and show us around the schools.
We have rented a house owned by resettleme nz, which is an absolute beauty. Everthing you need whilst your container arrives. They also offer their services to help, but we were keen on doing this ourselves, but if time is short they can help you out.
We have bought a car today, a Japanese import which has cost us $16,995. Again a very easy process.The car dealer was happy to let us drive it away, in fact he wasn't that bothered when he got the payment!!
Our next task is to find a longer term rental property and then we will be sorted.
Our experience has been of people willing to help, genuinely friendly and very simple. So enjoy your very exciting time, "she'll be right"!
Sep 21st 2007, 8:03 am
#9
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Nottingham to Auckland 2008
Posts: 57
Re: Getting set up in NZ
We've both done a bit of travelling before, and my partner lived in Africa while he was with the VSO. But doing it with kids is a whole different prospect
Sep 21st 2007, 8:07 am
#10
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Nottingham to Auckland 2008
Posts: 57
Re: Getting set up in NZ
Hi there, where exactly will you be working? That will help you to narrow down "where do we live". Auckland is really in an awful geographic location by having the centre city surrounded by water on a narrow strip of land and therefore, if you can live near work, you can keep clear of the traffic.
Well this is part of the stress, in that I don't know yet! They're in the process of allocating me to an area, and there's about 10 offices in and around Auckland and it could be any one! I'm hoping for North Shore, but it could be central. I understand the traffic is bad, although at the moment it takes me an hour to travel 7 miles to work, it can't be worse than that!
Sep 21st 2007, 8:58 am
#11
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Joined: Jan 2007
Location: Hawkes Bay
Posts: 1,303
Re: Getting set up in NZ
Well this is part of the stress, in that I don't know yet! They're in the process of allocating me to an area, and there's about 10 offices in and around Auckland and it could be any one! I'm hoping for North Shore, but it could be central. I understand the traffic is bad, although at the moment it takes me an hour to travel 7 miles to work, it can't be worse than that!
Sep 21st 2007, 9:30 am
#12
you dewty owld maan!
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: is practically perfect in every way
Posts: 5,565
Re: Getting set up in NZ
Hi there!
Thought I'd share our experience with you as we arrived two days ago so are in the process of setting up!
All aspects related to work were sorted along the way, and I applied for a tax number from the UK which was waiting for me when we arrived.
We flew via Los Angeles and had a blast of Disney en-route. Fantastic, not only did we have a great time, we got over most of our jetlag. I guess that we didn't really experience the most of Disney beacuse of the jet lag as we only made one procession in the evening, and slept through the fireworks!! It was a great distraction to us, and helped us with the whole leaving friends and family thing.
We arrived in Auckland on Wednesday morning at 0530, and had cleared by 0630. We picked up our rental car keys from the info desk with no problems ( i think we paid $25 for the privelege), but we arrived in Orewa at 0800 hours!
We have rented a car from Jucy rentals for one week, at a total cost of $300. It's a high mileage car that is cheap and cheerful but is absolutely fine. Our eight suitcases just about fitted in the boot!!
We contacted local schools on our arrival, and had appointments two hours later! We have looked around the local schools, made a decision and registration was very simple. A form, consent for dental and health checks and some more dollars. There is a list of stationary to buy. But the whole process was made very easy by helpful and informative reception staff and a wilingness of the Principal to meet you and show us around the schools.
We have rented a house owned by resettleme nz, which is an absolute beauty. Everthing you need whilst your container arrives. They also offer their services to help, but we were keen on doing this ourselves, but if time is short they can help you out.
We have bought a car today, a Japanese import which has cost us $16,995. Again a very easy process.The car dealer was happy to let us drive it away, in fact he wasn't that bothered when he got the payment!!
Our next task is to find a longer term rental property and then we will be sorted.
Our experience has been of people willing to help, genuinely friendly and very simple. So enjoy your very exciting time, "she'll be right"!
Thought I'd share our experience with you as we arrived two days ago so are in the process of setting up!
All aspects related to work were sorted along the way, and I applied for a tax number from the UK which was waiting for me when we arrived.
We flew via Los Angeles and had a blast of Disney en-route. Fantastic, not only did we have a great time, we got over most of our jetlag. I guess that we didn't really experience the most of Disney beacuse of the jet lag as we only made one procession in the evening, and slept through the fireworks!! It was a great distraction to us, and helped us with the whole leaving friends and family thing.
We arrived in Auckland on Wednesday morning at 0530, and had cleared by 0630. We picked up our rental car keys from the info desk with no problems ( i think we paid $25 for the privelege), but we arrived in Orewa at 0800 hours!
We have rented a car from Jucy rentals for one week, at a total cost of $300. It's a high mileage car that is cheap and cheerful but is absolutely fine. Our eight suitcases just about fitted in the boot!!
We contacted local schools on our arrival, and had appointments two hours later! We have looked around the local schools, made a decision and registration was very simple. A form, consent for dental and health checks and some more dollars. There is a list of stationary to buy. But the whole process was made very easy by helpful and informative reception staff and a wilingness of the Principal to meet you and show us around the schools.
We have rented a house owned by resettleme nz, which is an absolute beauty. Everthing you need whilst your container arrives. They also offer their services to help, but we were keen on doing this ourselves, but if time is short they can help you out.
We have bought a car today, a Japanese import which has cost us $16,995. Again a very easy process.The car dealer was happy to let us drive it away, in fact he wasn't that bothered when he got the payment!!
Our next task is to find a longer term rental property and then we will be sorted.
Our experience has been of people willing to help, genuinely friendly and very simple. So enjoy your very exciting time, "she'll be right"!
Sep 21st 2007, 9:34 am
#13
you dewty owld maan!
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: is practically perfect in every way
Posts: 5,565
Re: Getting set up in NZ
Well this is part of the stress, in that I don't know yet! They're in the process of allocating me to an area, and there's about 10 offices in and around Auckland and it could be any one! I'm hoping for North Shore, but it could be central. I understand the traffic is bad, although at the moment it takes me an hour to travel 7 miles to work, it can't be worse than that!
Sep 21st 2007, 9:43 am
#14
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Banks Peninsula, SI, NZ
Posts: 373
Re: Getting set up in NZ
As some of you may, or may not know, we're heading out to Auckland in the spring as I've been offered a job there. We've got 2 monkeys ages 5 months and 3 years and I know its prob getting ahead of ourselves a bit, seeing as the house has just gone on the market and we haven't done anything else but we're thinking about the first few weeks after we arrive, and how we're going to do this i.e. where and how to rent a house, childcare for under 5's - what options are there and how do we choose something, buying a car etc.
I was wondering what other peoples experiences of arriving in NZ were like? How did you get set up, what was tough, easy, what do you wish you had/ hadn't done?
We're finding it a bit daunting, particularly the thought of arriving after a 23 hour flight in a city neither of us have ever been to with a baby and a toddler!
but we're thinking about the first few weeks after we arrive, and how we're going to do this i.e. where and how to rent a house, childcare for under 5's - what options are there and how do we choose something, buying a car etc. I was wondering what other peoples experiences of arriving in NZ were like? How did you get set up, what was tough, easy, what do you wish you had/ hadn't done?
We're finding it a bit daunting, particularly the thought of arriving after a 23 hour flight in a city neither of us have ever been to with a baby and a toddler!
1: Make sure you have somewhere nice to stay for the first couple of weeks.
2: Try not to start work straight away. It may sound like it is all doable now, but come the time you will widh you had a breather.
3: Be fussy about where you rent (nice-ness) if that is your intial plan. You have to live there and if this becomes an issue, it will add to your overal negativity.
4: Get involved in local clubs/ community activities.
5: Once you have an IRD number and bank account, the rest will fall into place.
6: Don't live with dread - you will have bad times and just know that worst case, you can all go back to what and where you were.
7: Don't loose track of why you moved.
8: Don't feed on negativity on forums like this. Find your own way. You will question the move and all you need it to read a post in the 'Returning to Uk' thread and you will spiral into negative teritory!
9: Take a deep breath through the nose and breath out slowly thought the mouth - Relax...
Sep 21st 2007, 9:50 am
#15
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: SILSDEN, WEST YORKSHIRE
Posts: 174
Re: Getting set up in NZ
1: Make sure you have somewhere nice to stay for the first couple of weeks.
2: Try not to start work straight away. It may sound like it is all doable now, but come the time you will widh you had a breather.
3: Be fussy about where you rent (nice-ness) if that is your intial plan. You have to live there and if this becomes an issue, it will add to your overal negativity.
4: Get involved in local clubs/ community activities.
5: Once you have an IRD number and bank account, the rest will fall into place.
6: Don't live with dread - you will have bad times and just know that worst case, you can all go back to what and where you were.
7: Don't loose track of why you moved.
8: Don't feed on negativity on forums like this. Find your own way. You will question the move and all you need it to read a post in the 'Returning to Uk' thread and you will spiral into negative teritory!
9: Take a deep breath through the nose and breath out slowly thought the mouth - Relax...
2: Try not to start work straight away. It may sound like it is all doable now, but come the time you will widh you had a breather.
3: Be fussy about where you rent (nice-ness) if that is your intial plan. You have to live there and if this becomes an issue, it will add to your overal negativity.
4: Get involved in local clubs/ community activities.
5: Once you have an IRD number and bank account, the rest will fall into place.
6: Don't live with dread - you will have bad times and just know that worst case, you can all go back to what and where you were.
7: Don't loose track of why you moved.
8: Don't feed on negativity on forums like this. Find your own way. You will question the move and all you need it to read a post in the 'Returning to Uk' thread and you will spiral into negative teritory!
9: Take a deep breath through the nose and breath out slowly thought the mouth - Relax...
and asked my OH if we were doing the right thing? But like he said "Everyone is different, have didn't expectations and want different things from life!!" so we are being very open minded with everything.