Query for Ex-UK Armed Forces
Sep 19th 2011, 9:50 pm
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28
Query for Ex-UK Armed Forces
Hiya
My husband is in the Royal Navy and in the process of applying to both the RNZN and the RAN as we are interested in both New Zealand and Australia (outdoor way of life is the appeal). However, the work he does is rather specialist and the chances are that he may not be successful in transferring. His 16 year point is coming up and although he is full career, I would like him to PVR as I don't like living in the UK (having been living in Canada when we met, and having had a marvellous outdoor lifestyle.)
If he doesn't get a transfer, we are considering applying for a visa to move to one or the other. We have been on holiday to New Zealand, but not Australia (for background).
Are there any ex-UK Armed Forces personnel who have made the move across and gone into civvy street in New Zealand (or Australia if any are lurking here!) and could offer any advice or thoughts about how easy or difficult it might be. My husband is an officer and went straight into the RN, so has never worked in civvy street. I'm now a full time mum so would not be looking to work for 2 or 3 years as I have two little boys under the age of 3.
Alternatively, are there any ex RN people here who have moved into the RNZN or the RAN who could give an opinion as to what they are like as employers versus the RN?
Any thoughts would be most appreciated!
Carolyn
My husband is in the Royal Navy and in the process of applying to both the RNZN and the RAN as we are interested in both New Zealand and Australia (outdoor way of life is the appeal). However, the work he does is rather specialist and the chances are that he may not be successful in transferring. His 16 year point is coming up and although he is full career, I would like him to PVR as I don't like living in the UK (having been living in Canada when we met, and having had a marvellous outdoor lifestyle.)
If he doesn't get a transfer, we are considering applying for a visa to move to one or the other. We have been on holiday to New Zealand, but not Australia (for background).
Are there any ex-UK Armed Forces personnel who have made the move across and gone into civvy street in New Zealand (or Australia if any are lurking here!) and could offer any advice or thoughts about how easy or difficult it might be. My husband is an officer and went straight into the RN, so has never worked in civvy street. I'm now a full time mum so would not be looking to work for 2 or 3 years as I have two little boys under the age of 3.
Alternatively, are there any ex RN people here who have moved into the RNZN or the RAN who could give an opinion as to what they are like as employers versus the RN?
Any thoughts would be most appreciated!
Carolyn
Sep 20th 2011, 7:53 am
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2010
Location: Cyberia
Posts: 173
Re: Query for Ex-UK Armed Forces
AFAIK the transfer across is fairly straightforward......IF they are recruiting.
You could try looking at the respective Navy's websites, or ask on the Rum Ration, which is a RN site where someone may have done the move.
Alternatively, he could try to improve his qualifications and join the RAF, RAAF or RNZAF
You could try looking at the respective Navy's websites, or ask on the Rum Ration, which is a RN site where someone may have done the move.
Alternatively, he could try to improve his qualifications and join the RAF, RAAF or RNZAF
Sep 20th 2011, 12:11 pm
#3
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2010
Location: Waikanae NZ
Posts: 138
Re: Query for Ex-UK Armed Forces
Carolyn
Unfortunately the NZ military are reducing and making redundancies in some of the senior ranks. I know of both Army and Air Force officers who received redundancy letters in the last six months but I am unsure about the RNZN.
I am ex RN and know of a few guys who have made the transition to civilian life here in NZ. I moved into civilian life way before I arrived here but I have a colleague who transferred from RN to RNZAF then into civi street who might be of help.
What is your Partners job role and quals in the RN? What are you looking to do if there are no military jobs? Feel free to PM if you would prefer.
Personally the family love it here and have found the experience of living in a less crowded country with good values to be rewarding. The Kiwi's have accepted us and we have had no problems with being Poms, but you need to be forward and give as good as you get.
Personally i am unsure why Leithier thinks your OH needs to improve his qualification to get in the RNZAF or RAAf or RAF as we all know the RN is the senior service!!
Good luck with your plans I hope you are successful in the transfer
Stuart
Unfortunately the NZ military are reducing and making redundancies in some of the senior ranks. I know of both Army and Air Force officers who received redundancy letters in the last six months but I am unsure about the RNZN.
I am ex RN and know of a few guys who have made the transition to civilian life here in NZ. I moved into civilian life way before I arrived here but I have a colleague who transferred from RN to RNZAF then into civi street who might be of help.
What is your Partners job role and quals in the RN? What are you looking to do if there are no military jobs? Feel free to PM if you would prefer.
Personally the family love it here and have found the experience of living in a less crowded country with good values to be rewarding. The Kiwi's have accepted us and we have had no problems with being Poms, but you need to be forward and give as good as you get.
Personally i am unsure why Leithier thinks your OH needs to improve his qualification to get in the RNZAF or RAAf or RAF as we all know the RN is the senior service!!
Good luck with your plans I hope you are successful in the transfer
Stuart
Sep 21st 2011, 10:05 pm
#5
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28
Re: Query for Ex-UK Armed Forces
Carolyn
Unfortunately the NZ military are reducing and making redundancies in some of the senior ranks. I know of both Army and Air Force officers who received redundancy letters in the last six months but I am unsure about the RNZN.
I am ex RN and know of a few guys who have made the transition to civilian life here in NZ. I moved into civilian life way before I arrived here but I have a colleague who transferred from RN to RNZAF then into civi street who might be of help.
What is your Partners job role and quals in the RN? What are you looking to do if there are no military jobs? Feel free to PM if you would prefer.
Personally the family love it here and have found the experience of living in a less crowded country with good values to be rewarding. The Kiwi's have accepted us and we have had no problems with being Poms, but you need to be forward and give as good as you get.
Personally i am unsure why Leithier thinks your OH needs to improve his qualification to get in the RNZAF or RAAf or RAF as we all know the RN is the senior service!!
Good luck with your plans I hope you are successful in the transfer
Stuart
Unfortunately the NZ military are reducing and making redundancies in some of the senior ranks. I know of both Army and Air Force officers who received redundancy letters in the last six months but I am unsure about the RNZN.
I am ex RN and know of a few guys who have made the transition to civilian life here in NZ. I moved into civilian life way before I arrived here but I have a colleague who transferred from RN to RNZAF then into civi street who might be of help.
What is your Partners job role and quals in the RN? What are you looking to do if there are no military jobs? Feel free to PM if you would prefer.
Personally the family love it here and have found the experience of living in a less crowded country with good values to be rewarding. The Kiwi's have accepted us and we have had no problems with being Poms, but you need to be forward and give as good as you get.
Personally i am unsure why Leithier thinks your OH needs to improve his qualification to get in the RNZAF or RAAf or RAF as we all know the RN is the senior service!!
Good luck with your plans I hope you are successful in the transfer
Stuart
Thanks for this. My husband and I would very much like to have a chat with you about your experiences. I haven't yet got 3 posts so can't PM you until I have, so I am going to post this twice so it counts!
Thanks
Carolyn
Dec 2nd 2011, 6:22 am
#6
Just Joined
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1
Re: Query for Ex-UK Armed Forces
Hi there,
We transferred from RN to RNZN in 2004. It was a fairly painless process. RNZN is going through similar cost cutting measures as the RN, shedding some people whilst being desperately short in other categories. Your prospects would depend on your hubbie's specialisation. If your hubby is ME or a GLX there are some good opportunities in the RNZN. We've recently made redundant some GLS though so not so flash in that area. The Kiwi Navy is a fair employer but doesn't have the same "cradle to grave" care as the RN that I remember - although this may have changed now though given the reports I get to see! Overall, we are glad we are here but I would really, really recommend a good visit here before you take the plunge; a holiday here that makes you decide it's not for you is a lot cheaper than being a yoyo pom!
Happy to provide more info if you need it.
P
We transferred from RN to RNZN in 2004. It was a fairly painless process. RNZN is going through similar cost cutting measures as the RN, shedding some people whilst being desperately short in other categories. Your prospects would depend on your hubbie's specialisation. If your hubby is ME or a GLX there are some good opportunities in the RNZN. We've recently made redundant some GLS though so not so flash in that area. The Kiwi Navy is a fair employer but doesn't have the same "cradle to grave" care as the RN that I remember - although this may have changed now though given the reports I get to see! Overall, we are glad we are here but I would really, really recommend a good visit here before you take the plunge; a holiday here that makes you decide it's not for you is a lot cheaper than being a yoyo pom!
Happy to provide more info if you need it.
P
