Ceh29

Hi All,

New to online forums in general so be gentle!

Having done my 22 years and due to leave in the middle of next year I'd love to start a new life with my family in NZ and am wondering if there's anybody in the same place as me, or perhaps who's already done the move?

I'm an avionics engineer, which I know is a trade the RNZAF is always looking for, and would love to hear your thoughts. We've done lots of research into the country, cost of moving and living out there, but some first hand knowledge would be great!

Thanks in advance!

escapedtonz

Hey,
Ironically I'm here at work with 2 x ex RNZAF engineers
They've advised the following :-
In the first instance have a look at NZ Defence Careers recruitment website here - https://www.defencecareers.mil.nz/home/how-to-join/ and more specifically for you, here - https://www.defencecareers.mil.nz/re...as-applicants/
This is all subject to your skills and experience - i.e. what you have been working on over those 22 years - jets, helicopters etc. Have you got navigation and/or radio/comms experience etc. This will all determine where you can go in the defence forces here.
Location wise for RNZAF there are only 3 options - Auckland, Ohakea (just South of Bulls) or Blenheim although Blenheim is mainly a training base so unless you want to get in to avionics engineer training that location is unlikely to be an option.
Another unlikely option is Defence House in Wellington but this is for office based staff so may not be your thing.
If you do come the transfer route from the RAF to RNZAF or another of NZ's defence forces the visa process should be pretty easy going as they are all accredited employers already approved by Immigration to offer skilled jobs to people from overseas and they'll have a good grip on the type of visas you will apply for etc. The downside is you will have to spend a minimum period of time in their employment - minimum 2 years most likely before you can go elsewhere if you so wish.

Other options are down civi street. Have a look at Air New Zealand which is our National and International airline, Airwork Holdings Ltd, South Pacific Avionics and last but not least Airbus New Zealand. Should be lots of demand for avionics engineers through all of these avenues.

Good luck.

Ceh29

Thanks escapedtonz, the return of service is fine, expecting that.

Chances are it'd be Auckland - I'm currently Airbus A400M, previously Hercs, Harrier and Pumas (although less experience on the latter).

I'm going to submit my initial application now. I know they don't have my rank (Chief Tech) so that'll be one query but will see what they say.

inkedneonurse

Ceh29

That's right, I don't dig in, I check in

nikkijane88

Ceh29

Thanks nikkijane88, unfortunately it's a no to me, not recruiting at my rank, but told to check back in six months or so.......I had been advised that this could be an issue.
So now am stuck. I'm not sure how to approach the civvy industry without actually being out in NZ.....
This is a move we're determined to make so am prepared to put in as much effort as it takes but it seems, not being licensed, I'm going to have issues ☹

inkedneonurse

Bobogib

Do you have any other qualifications? Or do you want to stay in the aircraft world?

I was a Sootie before I commissioned (don't hate me), but before I joined the RAF I was a Car Mechanic. It is this qualification that is getting me across to NZ.

Have a look on sites such as TradeMe and Seek NZ to see what is out there.

There is an Engine build and repair center at Christchurch Airport, I know it's not your core trade but I would have thought they would need AV/Leckies for some testing, worth a look maybe.

Then there are the airports and airliners, don't know for sure but I would imagine the setup will be the same as the UK, unlicensed people doing he work that gets signed of by the licensed engineer.

Ceh29

Thanks bobogib will check them out. Fingers crossed!

cym

I'm in Ohakea and you'll walk right in. RNZAF love pomy's. Apply and come and enjoy the life

Ceh29

Hi cym, tried but failed sadly - not wanting my rank at the moment. I'll see if anything changes over the next few months though. We'll be getting to NZ one way or another!

Bobogib

​​​​​​​Did you get anywhere with the airlines/airports?

Ceh29

Bobogib - tried the engine centre and had Skype interview.......now waiting. Very laid back approach to it all over there! Thank you for the tip, much appreciated!

cym

Ceh
that's really sad to read. I know we have a 'No new civilians' recruitment policy at the moment, but there are two intakes next year.....not the normal three.
We're about to go through the painful DARS process so if you already have that then you'd be gold!
Keep plugging at them. I didn't work for the RAF back in the UK, but my brother did, and there's a world of difference between our (NZ) and the UK's defence forces....but that's not to say working here isn't fun. I think it is.
There's a lot of pome's here from all the arms of the defence force back home and they all seem to enjoy it.