Bobbie

Well after 5 lovely years in Australia, we are moving to New Zealand!

My partner has work in Hamilton so we are on the move again. I'm looking for work as a Midwife, as well as organising a container to move the house and an agent to move the dog!! Phew! So much to organise at both ends.

My partner is a Kiwi so he is familiar with NZ life. I'm looking forward to a change but not so sure about the weather. It'll still beat the UK though i'm sure!

I'm applying for Citizenship for myself and my son before we leave Australia as i'm a little confused re. RRV's and my rights when it comes to returning to Australia (as this is the long term plan).

Any advice or offers of meet ups would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers, Bobbie

Persephone

Hi Bobbie
Just wanted to say welcome to the NZ forum!
I haven't even visited Hamilton and am not a midwife so cannot help you much on that front.
Obviously if you become an Australian citizen then you'll have no need for a visa.
All the best, hope to see you in here again!
P

davros1984

Hi Bobbie,

You've made a very sensible choice. Hamilton might not be the most glamourous of towns, but its a functional town and is far more affordable than the 3 towns/cities that are bigger than it.

In fact I'm very jealous of your choice - getting to move to Chiefs country.There are some very pretty places and towns dotted around Hamilton that you might prefer - but I would avoid Huntly and the north-west approach into the Tron.

The weather is still pretty good, I've been down there the past 2 weekend and it was equally as warm as Auckland.

Do let us/me know how you get on.

Good luck!

keeny

Hi Bobbie

We've been in Hamilton 4 years and I do love living here. It's not got the best rep, think most people find it too boring. Depends what you want to get out of living in Hamilton! I have a kiwi friend who has lived in various places around NZ, all of the big cities and she was never more happy than in Hamilton and decided to put down roots and buy a house here.
I'l try to help with any questions on Hamilton if you like, and happy to meet once you get here. Met lots of lovely people from this forum and some have become my closest friends

Sarah

Bobbie

Thanks for the replies. And Sarah, I will definitely be keen to meet up once we are organised.
My partner is now back on his home turf and I can't wait to join him!!
Now researching areas that we might like to settle and schools for my son. Wishing I could just click my fingers and have everything done

pippalonghorn

Hi bobbie

Bet you have lists coming out of your ears! . Good luck with your move.

Hokey-pokey

Im sure you'll enjoy Hamilton. There are some interesting out of the way places to visit within an hours drive. You'll need your skates on at the hospital. Maternity is very very busy with loads of acutely ill women and babies. I'm sure you already know it is a large regional hospital so expect lots of transfers from Gisborne, Rotorua etc. My best piece of advice would be to learn pronunciation of maori. You will be in contact with many maori women and their families. Correct pronunciation will endear you to them.
Of course you might decide to work outside the hospital too. All the best with your move.

oxforddoc

Hi Bobbie,

I am doctor who migrated from UK to Hamilton a year ago. I have absolutely no regrets at all. It is a lovely laid back city. It has pretty much everything you need. Shopping, restaurants and importantly good schools. I have found it to be tidier than most British cities. I am yet to come across any localities with broken windows or graffiti. The housing is cheaper than other cities too.

It certainly won't be on anyone's tourist itinerary but there are loads of places within easy driving distance to go to. Waikato hospital is one of the largest hospitals in the asia pacific region and I am sure you will find a job here quite easily. It is a tertiary referral centre with all the major specialties including neurology, cardiothoracic and renal services.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if there is anything I can help you with.
Wish you and your family all the best with your move.

Pippab

Hi Bobbie, I moved to Hamilton from the UK, been here for 6 mths now, it's a lovely town, I too work at the Waikatio hospital I radiology. If you fancy meeting up when your settled please message me, good luck with everything. Pip.x

Pothy

Hi Bobbie

I am moving to Hamilton from Taupo and have two rescue dogs and will be living right next door to a dog friendly park. So if you fancy a walking companion let me know. There are probably a lot worse places to live than Hamilton, I have moved here to be closer to my family, but I hate humidity so know that the summers are going to be hard! Let me know once you had landed! Good luck with the move.