HelsnLee

Hi all,

Just wanted to introduce myself my oh has been offered a relocation package with his work to nz. We have 2 children 4yr(daughter) and 1yr(son). Feeling nervous but excited! Its still a long way off but wanted to learn as much as possible about our potential new home.
Been reading lots of threads to get info about places to live schools childcare cost of living etc. Never been to NZ but oh company paying for trip out in few months time to decide on location before committing.....Can't wait!!
Helenx

florabundi

Hi Helen, welcome to the forum. You will hopefully find loads of useful info on here. Great news about the relocation...where are you concentrating your search?

HelsnLee

Hi! We are hoping to go to the north island if it is possible but having never been out there....not really sure!
Cant wait to fly out and see....I hear the south can be a wee bit cold coming from the valleys in wales it doesnt bother me lol
My daughter will be starting school over here in september so an area with good schools would be essential if anyone could shed some light for me.
The other question was has anyone taken over their car and is it worthwhile?
All advice is much appreciated...my head is reeling with decisions to make!
Thanks

rachmac

Hi Hels,

Where are you from? I was just looking at photos of Otago (the region I'm heading to), and thinking how much they look like Wales and a little voice at the back of my mind said 'why dont you just move back to wales then?!?' ha ha!!

HelsnLee

Hey, we live about 20 mins from Cardiff. I lived in Cambridge for a few years and u do miss the mountains and greenery of Wales!
Where were u from?
I cant believe you're going so quickly....there are no flies on you! lol
Must help having family out there!
Keep checking inbox to find out when we are flying out to nz....patience is a virtue I don't possess!
you get the momentum you need to be there for September!
Helsx

rachmac

I was about 10- 15 mins east of cardiff

If I was you I'd be hitting the refresh button every few minutes! I'm bad enough as it is, keep checking my inbox for emails from my new employers!

johnht

I believe the locals claim the south is better because it does have four proper seasons

Once you have a short list of areas check the local schools on the Ministry of Education website and also look at their ERO reports (and ask people on here!)

If you have a particular attachment to your car or it is an upmarket or niche european car then it might be worth the couple of thousand pounds to ship it but check the spares situation e.g. is that particular model / engine imported into NZ as the manufacturers tend to offer a much more limited range in NZ.

John.

Luckybird

Welcome Helen and good luck with your plans, hope all goes well
Luckybird

HelsnLee

Thanks John for the sound advice!

I shall definitely be asking people when we have narrowed down a few areas!

Our car isn't upmarket enough or unique to ship and on reflection not worth the cost. My OH company are paying for shipping fees but would probably benefit from selling car prior to move.

Rach, we must be from same area....I currently live in Cwmbran hope ur plans are progressing well!

rachmac

Ha Ha!! My sister lives in Cwmbran, I'm from Newport but moved to Brum for my job. If I'd have known I would've called in for a cuppa, I was in Newport last night!! Small world!

HelsnLee

Ha ha! It is a small world! pop in for a cuppa next time lol!
How are your plans coming along! Mine are very slow still tapping my fingers waiting to hear when we are flying out!
Been having a look at places and I quite like the look of Papamoa ...hope its a possibility!

rachmac

I'll PM you, or this thread could get very long and probably a bit boring for everyone else

Kija

Hi Helen, welcome to the forum

If you want loads and loads of info about New Zealand you've come to the right place, and if you don't find what you're looking for just ask - lots of helpful forumites here

Wishing you the best of luck with your plans