It's been a year!
Aug 17th 2007, 6:07 am
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: Timaru, NZ
Posts: 484
It's been a year!
Yes - today we celebrate being in NZ for a whole year! 
Where has that time gone? After all the trials and tribulations of getting residency, selling the house, packing up the belongings, and saying goodbye to family and friends, we thought that maybe this year would be much calmer and quieter - no way!
It has been a great year though - we certainly made the right decision to pack up and come to mighty Timaru. After reading some of the threads, I have to say that we've been incredibly lucky because so far all has gone well for us. The children are happy and well settled at school; they have taken up lots of new activities that keep us all busy. I landed on my feet and got a year long teaching contract at a lovely school. The house we have bought has got a big garden that is keeping Nigel very busy - the veggie patch is going to be awesome this year!
There haven't been many low points so far; the major thing is obviously being so far away from family. Less than two weeks after we arrived, Nigel's auntie died. Over the last eight weeks my Mum has endured the deaths of a brother and a sister, which has been really tough for her, and I've felt pretty helpless being all the way over here. Sending cards and chatting on the phone is just not the same as being able to be there. But we knew that there would inevitably be times like that, and our families have all been very supportive of our move. My Mum is coming over for a holiday next January - our first visitor from the UK - and it will be good to have her here.
So, to everyone thinking about making the move, we say "come on over!"
Debbie
Where has that time gone? After all the trials and tribulations of getting residency, selling the house, packing up the belongings, and saying goodbye to family and friends, we thought that maybe this year would be much calmer and quieter - no way!It has been a great year though - we certainly made the right decision to pack up and come to mighty Timaru. After reading some of the threads, I have to say that we've been incredibly lucky because so far all has gone well for us. The children are happy and well settled at school; they have taken up lots of new activities that keep us all busy. I landed on my feet and got a year long teaching contract at a lovely school. The house we have bought has got a big garden that is keeping Nigel very busy - the veggie patch is going to be awesome this year!
There haven't been many low points so far; the major thing is obviously being so far away from family. Less than two weeks after we arrived, Nigel's auntie died. Over the last eight weeks my Mum has endured the deaths of a brother and a sister, which has been really tough for her, and I've felt pretty helpless being all the way over here. Sending cards and chatting on the phone is just not the same as being able to be there. But we knew that there would inevitably be times like that, and our families have all been very supportive of our move. My Mum is coming over for a holiday next January - our first visitor from the UK - and it will be good to have her here.
So, to everyone thinking about making the move, we say "come on over!"
Debbie
Aug 17th 2007, 7:45 am
#2
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2006
Location: NZ
Posts: 3,366
Re: It's been a year!
Yes - today we celebrate being in NZ for a whole year! Where has that time gone? After all the trials and tribulations of getting residency, selling the house, packing up the belongings, and saying goodbye to family and friends, we thought that maybe this year would be much calmer and quieter - no way!
It has been a great year though - we certainly made the right decision to pack up and come to mighty Timaru. After reading some of the threads, I have to say that we've been incredibly lucky because so far all has gone well for us. The children are happy and well settled at school; they have taken up lots of new activities that keep us all busy. I landed on my feet and got a year long teaching contract at a lovely school. The house we have bought has got a big garden that is keeping Nigel very busy - the veggie patch is going to be awesome this year!
There haven't been many low points so far; the major thing is obviously being so far away from family. Less than two weeks after we arrived, Nigel's auntie died. Over the last eight weeks my Mum has endured the deaths of a brother and a sister, which has been really tough for her, and I've felt pretty helpless being all the way over here. Sending cards and chatting on the phone is just not the same as being able to be there. But we knew that there would inevitably be times like that, and our families have all been very supportive of our move. My Mum is coming over for a holiday next January - our first visitor from the UK - and it will be good to have her here.
So, to everyone thinking about making the move, we say "come on over!"
Debbie
Where has that time gone? After all the trials and tribulations of getting residency, selling the house, packing up the belongings, and saying goodbye to family and friends, we thought that maybe this year would be much calmer and quieter - no way!It has been a great year though - we certainly made the right decision to pack up and come to mighty Timaru. After reading some of the threads, I have to say that we've been incredibly lucky because so far all has gone well for us. The children are happy and well settled at school; they have taken up lots of new activities that keep us all busy. I landed on my feet and got a year long teaching contract at a lovely school. The house we have bought has got a big garden that is keeping Nigel very busy - the veggie patch is going to be awesome this year!
There haven't been many low points so far; the major thing is obviously being so far away from family. Less than two weeks after we arrived, Nigel's auntie died. Over the last eight weeks my Mum has endured the deaths of a brother and a sister, which has been really tough for her, and I've felt pretty helpless being all the way over here. Sending cards and chatting on the phone is just not the same as being able to be there. But we knew that there would inevitably be times like that, and our families have all been very supportive of our move. My Mum is coming over for a holiday next January - our first visitor from the UK - and it will be good to have her here.
So, to everyone thinking about making the move, we say "come on over!"
Debbie
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY PLANTY
Its always great to hear a happy ending, I hope thats us in another 8 months time
Aug 17th 2007, 8:12 am
#3
NZ ways is best ways :0)
Joined: Oct 2006
Location: Christchurch, NZ
Posts: 1,109
Re: It's been a year!
Happy 1 year anniversary Planty Crew! Congratulations, and well done on making the move, seeing the hard times through, and reaping the benefits.
Chuffed to bits for you!
Chuffed to bits for you!
Aug 17th 2007, 9:05 am
#5
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Joined: May 2005
Location: our own home, chch
Posts: 812
Re: It's been a year!
Well done guys-certainly has gone fast. We WILL get down your way soon and have a look at the veggie patch.
Lee & Vicki
Lee & Vicki
Aug 17th 2007, 9:40 am
#6
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Joined: Apr 2005
Location: Beachlands, East Auckland
Posts: 2,957
Re: It's been a year!
Sounds like you are doing well here. I hope the next year is just as good for you! 
Aug 17th 2007, 4:02 pm
#7
Cornish Lass
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Papamoa Beach
Posts: 405
Re: It's been a year!
Hi Planty,
your first year done and it all sounds as if its going great, Well-done to you all, keep it up.
I long for the day I can give a post to say the same, maybe oneday.
your first year done and it all sounds as if its going great, Well-done to you all, keep it up.
I long for the day I can give a post to say the same, maybe oneday.
Aug 17th 2007, 9:27 pm
#8
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Blenheim, NZ
Posts: 1,504
Re: It's been a year!
I remember following your posts from UK, cos I had applied for a job in Timaru.
Glad to hear everything is going well & that you're all settled.
Glad to hear everything is going well & that you're all settled.
Aug 17th 2007, 9:37 pm
#9
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,208
Re: It's been a year!
Yes - today we celebrate being in NZ for a whole year! Where has that time gone? After all the trials and tribulations of getting residency, selling the house, packing up the belongings, and saying goodbye to family and friends, we thought that maybe this year would be much calmer and quieter - no way!
It has been a great year though - we certainly made the right decision to pack up and come to mighty Timaru. After reading some of the threads, I have to say that we've been incredibly lucky because so far all has gone well for us. The children are happy and well settled at school; they have taken up lots of new activities that keep us all busy. I landed on my feet and got a year long teaching contract at a lovely school. The house we have bought has got a big garden that is keeping Nigel very busy - the veggie patch is going to be awesome this year!
There haven't been many low points so far; the major thing is obviously being so far away from family. Less than two weeks after we arrived, Nigel's auntie died. Over the last eight weeks my Mum has endured the deaths of a brother and a sister, which has been really tough for her, and I've felt pretty helpless being all the way over here. Sending cards and chatting on the phone is just not the same as being able to be there. But we knew that there would inevitably be times like that, and our families have all been very supportive of our move. My Mum is coming over for a holiday next January - our first visitor from the UK - and it will be good to have her here.
So, to everyone thinking about making the move, we say "come on over!"
Debbie
Where has that time gone? After all the trials and tribulations of getting residency, selling the house, packing up the belongings, and saying goodbye to family and friends, we thought that maybe this year would be much calmer and quieter - no way!It has been a great year though - we certainly made the right decision to pack up and come to mighty Timaru. After reading some of the threads, I have to say that we've been incredibly lucky because so far all has gone well for us. The children are happy and well settled at school; they have taken up lots of new activities that keep us all busy. I landed on my feet and got a year long teaching contract at a lovely school. The house we have bought has got a big garden that is keeping Nigel very busy - the veggie patch is going to be awesome this year!
There haven't been many low points so far; the major thing is obviously being so far away from family. Less than two weeks after we arrived, Nigel's auntie died. Over the last eight weeks my Mum has endured the deaths of a brother and a sister, which has been really tough for her, and I've felt pretty helpless being all the way over here. Sending cards and chatting on the phone is just not the same as being able to be there. But we knew that there would inevitably be times like that, and our families have all been very supportive of our move. My Mum is coming over for a holiday next January - our first visitor from the UK - and it will be good to have her here.
So, to everyone thinking about making the move, we say "come on over!"
Debbie
Aug 19th 2007, 12:03 pm
#10
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 89
Re: It's been a year!
Yes - today we celebrate being in NZ for a whole year! Where has that time gone? After all the trials and tribulations of getting residency, selling the house, packing up the belongings, and saying goodbye to family and friends, we thought that maybe this year would be much calmer and quieter - no way!
It has been a great year though - we certainly made the right decision to pack up and come to mighty Timaru. After reading some of the threads, I have to say that we've been incredibly lucky because so far all has gone well for us. The children are happy and well settled at school; they have taken up lots of new activities that keep us all busy. I landed on my feet and got a year long teaching contract at a lovely school. The house we have bought has got a big garden that is keeping Nigel very busy - the veggie patch is going to be awesome this year!
There haven't been many low points so far; the major thing is obviously being so far away from family. Less than two weeks after we arrived, Nigel's auntie died. Over the last eight weeks my Mum has endured the deaths of a brother and a sister, which has been really tough for her, and I've felt pretty helpless being all the way over here. Sending cards and chatting on the phone is just not the same as being able to be there. But we knew that there would inevitably be times like that, and our families have all been very supportive of our move. My Mum is coming over for a holiday next January - our first visitor from the UK - and it will be good to have her here.
So, to everyone thinking about making the move, we say "come on over!"
Debbie
Where has that time gone? After all the trials and tribulations of getting residency, selling the house, packing up the belongings, and saying goodbye to family and friends, we thought that maybe this year would be much calmer and quieter - no way!It has been a great year though - we certainly made the right decision to pack up and come to mighty Timaru. After reading some of the threads, I have to say that we've been incredibly lucky because so far all has gone well for us. The children are happy and well settled at school; they have taken up lots of new activities that keep us all busy. I landed on my feet and got a year long teaching contract at a lovely school. The house we have bought has got a big garden that is keeping Nigel very busy - the veggie patch is going to be awesome this year!
There haven't been many low points so far; the major thing is obviously being so far away from family. Less than two weeks after we arrived, Nigel's auntie died. Over the last eight weeks my Mum has endured the deaths of a brother and a sister, which has been really tough for her, and I've felt pretty helpless being all the way over here. Sending cards and chatting on the phone is just not the same as being able to be there. But we knew that there would inevitably be times like that, and our families have all been very supportive of our move. My Mum is coming over for a holiday next January - our first visitor from the UK - and it will be good to have her here.
So, to everyone thinking about making the move, we say "come on over!"
Debbie
I looked on the map and your on south island how is it compared to he north island in respect to the weather and work opportunities. Did it take you long from start to finish with the application etc . any info debbie would help. thanks . Linda
Aug 20th 2007, 7:58 am
#11
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Joined: Jun 2005
Location: Timaru, NZ
Posts: 484
Re: It's been a year!
Hi Debbie, we want to move out most of the men in our family are working in construction. Im a bit nervous about moving but know its got to be done.
I looked on the map and your on south island how is it compared to he north island in respect to the weather and work opportunities. Did it take you long from start to finish with the application etc . any info debbie would help. thanks . Linda
I looked on the map and your on south island how is it compared to he north island in respect to the weather and work opportunities. Did it take you long from start to finish with the application etc . any info debbie would help. thanks . Linda
Can't tell you anything about the North Island I'm afraid - we haven't ventured that far yet, although it's on out "to do" list!! We didn't do a recce first; we did lots of research, talked to lots of people (particularly on this site), and in the end we just felt that Timaru would be the place for us. So far, we haven't been disappointed!
Going for PR was all sorted in about a year; selling the house in the UK was the bit that took the longest, and gave us the most stress :curse:
I'm no expert, but it looks to me like people in construction are always in demand. Check with Wiz'n'Ton - he's much more knowledgeable than me!
It's a big leap, Linda, but we're glad we did it, and I'm sure that you'll enjoy whichever bit of NZ you decide to call home!
Best wishes,
Debbie.
Aug 20th 2007, 9:05 pm
#12
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Joined: Jul 2006
Location: Porirua,NZ
Posts: 3,275
Re: It's been a year!
Congrats to you all!!
Aug 20th 2007, 9:09 pm
#13
Happy in Wellington
Joined: Mar 2005
Location: Tawa, Wellington, Aotearoa
Posts: 2,286
Aug 20th 2007, 9:27 pm
#14
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 57
Re: It's been a year!
Congratulations on your first NZ anniversary in Timaru
Hubby and I wanted to go to Timaru as we had visited there on holiday and I had the opportunity of job in the hospital.However after doing loads of research and having my heart set on the place, we learned job opportunities for OH would be miniscule.
Now were off to Tauranga as soon as our visas come through,not Timaru but at least it begins with T
Hubby and I wanted to go to Timaru as we had visited there on holiday and I had the opportunity of job in the hospital.However after doing loads of research and having my heart set on the place, we learned job opportunities for OH would be miniscule.
Now were off to Tauranga as soon as our visas come through,not Timaru but at least it begins with T
Dec 27th 2007, 10:38 pm
#15
Just Joined
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 12
Re: It's been a year!
Hi Planty,
I have just joined the forum. My family and I are hoping to move to Timaru in Feb. Would love to know what schools you would recommend in and around Timaru. My children are aged 6 and 4. Am I right in thinking that they can't start school until their 5th birthday.
Have been going through moments of excitement and panic, but have to say after reading your threads feel a lot better!!! Glad all your experiences have been good. Oh yeah one last request from the children is their a swimming pool in Timaru? Thanks for your help.
I have just joined the forum. My family and I are hoping to move to Timaru in Feb. Would love to know what schools you would recommend in and around Timaru. My children are aged 6 and 4. Am I right in thinking that they can't start school until their 5th birthday.
Have been going through moments of excitement and panic, but have to say after reading your threads feel a lot better!!! Glad all your experiences have been good. Oh yeah one last request from the children is their a swimming pool in Timaru? Thanks for your help.
