spid

Should be there now!

rebecca_brew

Got it thanks, I cant figure out how to answser though so will just post here

Hubby is propulsion tech (sooty)
We have just submitted our application also for yesterdays board sitting so are waiting for a (hopefully) letter with an interview time.
My bro-in-law lives in wellington and also an aunt who we visited just before xmas so have seen the houses (they are cold even in summer!!)
quarters are exactly the same so know what were in for there.
Glad to hear they will pay as i'm not sure hubbys gratuity is going to go far as he will be leaving at his 12 yr point so only about 11grand uk money.
I keep getting excited about the process and then feeling quite sick!
We don't have any kids and no plans to have them so that should make the move easier. Do you have kids, how do they feel about it??
I think that covers everything but I can't quite remember everything you said.
I guess my main concern is the whole thing of getting there as we are so early on in the process it's all stretching out ahead of us.
Do you know what the acceptance rates are, reading through this forum last night it doesn't seem like they turn too many people down to join the nzaf?
Thanks for your time Becky xx

nicolac

Hi Becky How did you get on with any information? We too are in the RAF and are currently posted in Cyprus and have also just started to make enquiries about transferring or enlisting with either Canadian or New Zealand Air Force. Any information you can share would be great, we have not yet decided which country we should aim for, we only know it won't be the UK!!

rebecca_brew

Hi there

This is the pm i was sent (spid I hope you don't mind my putting it in the forum)
Hi there Becky,

Firstly welcome to the forum - we too have started our journey down this route. Hubby is RAF and just put in an application. What trade is your hubby?

Basically we have been told that all visa, flights and removal costs will be covered - keep reciepts and then claim back (they don't pay for pets). You don't get guidance through the visa processas far as i am aware but you will have a job offer so shouldn't have a problem and this orum is great for advice and help (don't bother with consultants as they are a waste of money). DOn't think having family helps unless you go in on a different visa.

Basically wages are low and the cost of living is not quite so low so you will be a bit worse off but have a better life style. Be aware quarters are small and generally only heated in the living area by a log burner, but are cheap. SHould we get in Hubby will be taking a pay cut of around 40% and the cost of living is about 25% less (so we have been lead to believe) but . . . we can afford a house which we can't here. ANd they will be a different life and a different adventure waiting.

Do you have kids? How far down the line of deciding are you?

I'll post this now and let you read. ANy more questipons feel free to ask.

Hope thats of some use, it was to me!

rebecca_brew

If nothing else I think i'm gonna make some new friends here, what an active forum!

spid

Eeek, look at all those spelling errors! Note to self - read through before posting!

nicolac

Thanks for responding so quickly. We have visited Canada so know what to expect there but neither my husband or I have been to New Zealand and it is a trip we will do when he returns from Detachment in Basra in June. My husband has contacted recruitment in both Canada and New Zealand but before we look into any further I don't know if you can answer the following? My husband's family come from Jamaica and therefore we are a mixed race family. I'm assuming that there are not many black people in New Zealand, obviously there are maori's and do you know whether we are likely to encounter many problems ? Sorry to bring up but weighing heavily on mind especially with having mixed race children.

rebecca_brew

I wouldn't worry, my brother-in-law who lives there is white but loads of his friends and work mates are of samoan and fijian (sorry bout spelling) races also lots of chinese and i did see a few black people, not as predominant but definitely there and the thing to remember is that NZ is very multicultural and welcoming (well I found it that way) that it should be fine for you and your kiddies. I'm sorry I can't give a better answer but I hope it helps!

rebecca_brew

forgot to say I met quite a few mixed race families who were of samoan and english backgrounds, one guy said it was the way things were going and thay it is more and more accepted by the older folk. The youngsters don't seem to care either way where you are from as long as you provide a BBQ and a few Tui's (local beer!)

spid

Hi Nicola,

If you want to know anything else - PM me and i'll do my best.

rebecca_brew

Whew, have finally finished having a good look through the forums and my head is spinning! We are so early on in this yet I already feel so overwhelmed, is it the same for everyone else?? I have a rough idea of what it's like to live away from home as I am born and bred on the Isle of man and living in UK but the more I read about it the more scared of the distance I become.
Anywhoo does everyone feel so invested in the idea of NZ or am I running before I can walk, the thought of hubby not being offered an NZAF interview is more than I can bear already

spid

Oh yes. Very overwhelming - and such a steep learning curve but lots of people ready to help and a refeshing honesty as well. Don't wear those tinted glasses keep your eyes wide open and keep a sense of adventure about you. Do read the 'negative' threads too as they provide a great insight and keep you 'real'.

Not so invested yet - will be disappointed if don't get through but will also investigate other options. Are you going to any of the expos?

rebecca_brew

Expos...where are they? When?? Must have missed some threads,Hubby is about to go away (again) so not sure we would make it to any expos at the moment.
I guess we are invested as we already love the country and have family there, inc a 2yr old nephew who we adore!

spid

there's one in Edinburgh in late Feb
One in London early April
One in Leeds mid April a
and i've a vague incling of one Manchester way? (someone will be able to correct me) there is a thread somewhere - quite recent - entitled expos

rebecca_brew

thanks, just pre-registered for the London one, hopefully hubby will be home by then