rab2n

I wish I had found this forum 3 years ago. It could have saved me a lot of time and money!!

I presently live in Nottinghamshire, UK with my husband and 12 year old son. In July/August of this year we were planning to emigrate to NZ on a Long Term Business Visa (husband owns a very small computer shop) but unfortunately house sale fell through in January, just before we were due to lodge our application. We went through an immigration agency as we felt this was too complex to complete on our own (husband doesn't have any qualifications in IT just 5 years experience and 24 years managerial experience in textiles). Don't know whether using an agency was a good move though - was very expensive, have only got half our fees back with the remainder left on account should we wish to pursue this venture in the future!!

However, we are now left in limbo not knowing whether we should pursue this in the future or not. House was on the market for over a year before we got a low offer. Son is at a tricky age for relocating, might be best to wait until he finishes school? Is it true that the education system is behind ours? Husband is a bit concerned after seeing alot of businesses advertising themselves as 100% NZ owned - what does this mean if you are starting out in business - are the locals likely to boycott you because you are from the UK?? Husband is also worried about not getting permanent visa once he has set up business. Agency has told us providing you recruit one local person there's not alot they can do about it.

Any ideas please?? This dream has been ongoing for 3 years now. We have put alot of time and money into it but feel that the house sale falling through has just thrown us completely off schedule.

happynz

Just a quick comment on Kiwis boycotting someone 'cos he/she is not 100% Kiwi -- not true at all. Kiwis love good services and value as much as anyone, never mind the country of origin of the purveyor of service or product.

rab2n

Hi

thanks for your comment - I didn't wish to sound as if I was stating a fact, just asking a question! If it's not a problem and they are happy to shop wherever there is good service, regardless of origin, why do Kiwi shop owners need to advertise themselves as 100% NZ owned on some of their websites?

Thanks
Helen

happynz

I wouldn't take it too much to heart. The 100% Kiwi thing is designed to appeal to the pride that most Kiwis have in this country. It usually refers to goods that are produced in New Zealand, not the people that make or sell these goods. On a practical level, New Zealanders mostly wear clothes made in China, drive second-hand cars from Japan and do their banking in institutions owned by Australians.

As far as immigration goes my experience is that it is not a mysterious process. There are certain boxes you need to tick and if you can do that then NZIS is likely to process your application with a positive result.

Best wishes and good luck.

Boopy

I know a few brits that have their own business & doing well. Life's to short for regrets - go for your dream.

Kippers

I'd say, if you are serious about coming then do it now. Who knows what the NZ immigration policy will be in five years time.

Just a thought on the house.
If this is the sticking point, then you need to pull out all stops in marketing the house and being realistic about price.
Don't tell anyone interested, including any agent, that you are emigrating. They'll hold you over a barrel!



Kip

Charlie Paynter

Hi,

We lived in NZ for 3 odd years, although we returned 6 years ago. However, we found that the education system for our then primary school age eldest was streets ahead of the UK state system and, NZ encourages competitive sport in schools. We lived on the North Shore in Auckland so no doubt there will be a different if you move out to the regions.

Best of luck.

rab2n

Hi

Thanks for all your replies. It has certainly given me something to think about again. Due to the fact that we were suppose to be moving over to NZ this year and it has now all been put on hold I think OH and myself have lost our confidence. The trouble is business isn't that good in UK either at the moment so it just adds to the confusion.

As a matter of interest does anyone live or has anyone set up a business in either Invercargill, Gore, Cromwell or Alexandra. What is the area like? We had hoped to set up an internet cafe/computer repair shop in that sort of area? We have only visited North island so don't have any knowledge of South.

Thanks
Helen

Kippers

What about your husbands textiles experience.
Could he use that to get a job and residency?

Kip

rab2n

We did think about that one about 3 years ago. We contacted a company called NZ Fabrics in Auckland and sent his cv through, but got no response whatsoever? He also applied more recently for a computer technician's job in Auckland doing exactly what he does now, but working for someone else. We were told he didn't match their requirements, even though he has been doing this type of work in his own business for about 5 years now.

happynz

Computer repair and consulting just might be a goer in those areas in the South Island that you mentioned. Internet cafes might be a bit more of a punt, but who knows? The Southland economy is primarily farm and extractive based with some tourism as well. Cromwell and Alexandra are in Central Otago and orchards, vineyards and tourism bring in a lot of money.
Gore and Invercargill are certainly lower priced when it comes to real estate. Invercargill also has a real character as a mayor, Tim Shadbolt. Alexandra and Cromwell have more expensive properties, probably as a result of being relatively close to the high priced resort town of Queenstown.

Kippers

Have you done an EOI (Expression of Interest) on the NZ Immigration web site to see how many points you'd get ?
Just wondered as you said you'd gone through an agency.


Kip

rab2n

Hi

Yes we did have a look at the EOI but husband doesn't have relevant qualifications just business experience so couldn't get enough points. It was at that point that we contacted an Immigration Agent who suggested we try a LTBV but it comes at a price, namely £6,000 including a Business Plan which is prepared by a company in NZ.

Helen

Kippers

Ouch!
Well, you have to go through with it now..............

Edit to say:
Dairy farming is going through a boom at the moment, so might be worth considering regions where dairy farming is prominent.
Traditional dairy farming areas are Waikato, Taranaki and Manawatu. All in North Island.
Small towns in these regions might be worth a look.

Kip

BEVS

With regard to LTBV, I suggest you email and register with a specialist site and forum called BENZ1. Please do this .
This is a specialist site regarding the Long Term Business Visa and will contain a great deal of information and advice on this subject. It's run by a very helpful chap called - wait for it - Ben and another helpful chap posts there called Jamie.
You will find others there that are applying under the LTBV.

You will need to email the site owner to become registered.

For all your other needs , wants and support you need look no further than this wondrous site and its assortment of users.

I did check with admin before posting the link to this site.




I have checked with admin that it is OK to put up this link.