British Expats

British Expats (https://britishexpats.com/forum/)

- New Zealand (https://britishexpats.com/forum/new-zealand-83/)

- - Hello! (https://britishexpats.com/forum/new-zealand-83/hello-783148/)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synky (Post 10474255)

Don't talk to me about childcare costs!

Question - I saw that 3 year olds get 20 hrs free kindergarten, do you know if you have to be in the country for a set period of time to get this or if you can right away with a work visa. Thanks?

P.s. hello benandtan!

Hi, you get the 20hrs straight away ... we had a 3 year old when we arrived 3 years ago and got the free 20hrs - the other 10 or so hours were $4 an hour so even at the crummy exchange rate it was only £20 ($40) for a week :-)

Thank the heavens! With 2 year old twins that is good to know.

.. good stuff .. I ought to say though (after reading you question again) that we had permanent residence when we arrived, a work visa may be different.. I don't know

Anyone know? Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catchafire (Post 10474099)

I would question if Auckland would be the right location for you to have all these factors available, without having huge amounts if money. The weather in particular can be very variable.

Places to consider

Nelson/Marlborough
Tauranga
Whakatane
Gisborne
Dunedin

Thanks for the info Catchafire. I'll make sure I check those areas out

Quote:

Originally Posted by krisby (Post 10474226)

If you have decided on the area you want to live in you need to find out the primary job sectors available if you need to retrain. No point training to be an database administrator and living in Christchurch when they need tradesman and engineers.
So find out from family that is already there what the local job market is like, look on seek or trademe and get ideas then perhaps tailor your re-training towards that.

Thanks for the advice :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synky (Post 10474814)

Anyone know? Thanks.

Blimey, at risk of hijacking the OP - I've looked at this and it's as clear as mud, no real mention so far of visa/residency to qualify.

I'll ask my OH when I get home to see if she knows anything.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom1983 (Post 10474112)

Where are you working at the moment? Yes NZ has a lot of beautiful scenery but Cornwall, Devon and areas of Scotland are lovely. So is the south of England and areas around the national parks.

True enough, there is no doubt there are some vast beautiful areas of the UK - but even though North Somerset isn't all that far from Devon or Cornwall getting down there and back again on that 'Spine Road' or whatever they call it down there is not fun, even less fun with kids.

Also, the parts of Scotland that are beautiful are miles away from anywhere. Whilst most of New Zealand is remote, you don't have to go far even from the Auckland to get some scenery.

Just one quick example; for me there's nothing in any town or city in the UK that compares to popping over to Takapuna beach of an afternoon and looking out to Rangitoto.

Whilst a remote areas of NZ are spectacular in a lot of urban New Zealand you can be amongst beautiful scenery quickly and be home again for tea without the need for making a massive trip of it in terms of cost and time off work.

Most Aucklanders could head out to the Hillary Trail within 45 mins. There are few comparisions in the UK from getting from a town or city to do something like the Hillary Trail. There are many from the towns and cities in New Zealand.

Though, I did once play Rugby with a lad who told me this;

"When I got to New Zealand I was awestruck by the scenery. After a few months, I got bored of turning around another corner and saying - wow".

You have to laugh at that with a sense of agreement!! :rofl:

PS Sorry to bleat on about Auckland, just using it as an example being the major city. I use that term 'major' loosely.

I beg to differ! Big hills can be seen from my window and I'm 10 mins on the train to Glasgow city centre!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synky (Post 10475925)

I beg to differ! Big hills can be seen from my window and I'm 10 mins on the train to Glasgow city centre!

we' 're spoiled in Scotland ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by benandtan (Post 10474047)

We are attracted to being able to do outdoor things with the kids without it raining constantly, the low crime rates, more laid back, beautiful scenery etc :)

Crime rates in New Zealand are not low.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catchafire (Post 10474099)

I agree. Auckland has at least double the amount of rain than London.

Quote:

Originally Posted by theghostofdustybin (Post 10474104)

it was a perfectly sensible question. You spend a lot of time at work so having a job you don't like in the sun isn't likely to make you happy, no matter what the view out of your bedroom window is like. If like me you spent last winter in a different city living in a motel due to work commitments you may understand just how long the winters can be here.

I have no intention of telling the OP what is best for them or, from memory ever have in the past, with anyone.

Yup, again, I agree. Good jobs are much more important than scenery (to me at least). Simply because you spend so much time working.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Assanah (Post 10476222)

Crime rates in New Zealand are not low.

This is true I looked into yesterday after hearing yet another murder.
Seems NZ is ahead of UK in total crimes victims and 44% higher for rape, and higher for suicide in all ages
NZ was second and UK 3rd

http://www.nationmaster.com/compare/...-Kingdom/Crime

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrsFychan (Post 10476285)

Those NZ suicide stats are bloody shocking. I wonder why?