simonsi

Didnt mean to criticise we ended up with a couple of things having to happen out of sequence leading to leaps of faith but all good. Just wish we had done it sooner!

AndyEvs

In answer to the headline question I don't think any of us can actually answer it! It seems that you have your hearts set on emigrating (to NZ or elsewhere). Most of us here that have made the move would probably agree that we would not want to be sat in the UK, years from now, wondering what would have happened. For some people it's a huge success, for others it just doesn't work. For us, we sit somewhere in the middle of those 2 extremes. I'm afraid you won't know if it is the right thing for you until you do it. Good luck.

Snap Shot

I agree Andy. I would have wondered (maybe ?) what it would have been like if we had stayed in Britain and not emigrated. Or, relocated as my kiwi husband likes to call it.

All it's confirmed to me is that NZ is as predictably 'pants' as I always knew it would be ! I don't find NZ to be that different than Britain, but plenty do. I thought I didn't like NZ, I've come to realise I probably just didn't like Auckland. It's got a big city vibe which is good but unless you can anchor yourself somewhere and get a life, it's pretty pointless. I still view Auckland as, 'ok to visit' (even better to leave) even now. Outside central Auckland it's just screeds and screeds of meaningless suburbs. Same as any other city I suppose. North Shore just means Sister in Law to me ! Nuff said.

You never know, it might just work I said to myself. I also didn't want to miss out should it have worked. Oh well, we seem to have cobbled something together. Does that mean it's worked ?

I'm still out of work and the rain is pouring down outside. Seems a long way to come just for that. I could claim unemployment benefit in Britain as an individual. Here in NZ it seems to be a different kettle of fish I believe.

Steve88

Sorry to hear things aren't working out like you'd hoped.....sounds like it's a difficult time for you at the moment.....all the best for the future x

Steve88

Hi DougandZoe,
Real nice to hear that things have worked out so well for you and you've settled in OK. Anyway I don't know if you can help but I've been trying to find out how much can a sparky (domestic/house-basher) expect to earn in or around Christchurch at the mo?
Alot of the jobs advertised simply say 'good rates of pay' etc. Some of the salaries/hourly rates I have seen are massively different! Its been my experience back here in the UK that what sparky's are ACTUALLY earning is often more than what is officially advertised, maybe its the same there?
I thought I'd ask a plumber as here in the UK they often earn similar to sparks. (We usually earn slightly more, but then we are worth slightly more!
cheers, Steve

Choccie

Oh Snapshot I know exactly how you feel ! I too am sitting here still unable to find work and wondering what we are actually gaining from being here.

We did have a great (if very expensive and very hard work) couple of years on a 40 acre block which I know we could never have done in UK.

Still hoping to be away by early next year.

BEVS

Yes. SMC would be the better way to go . Even if you gained a job offer SMC would still be the better way to go. How many points do you feel you would have?

Steve88

.....140

We feel very lucky that we have this opportunity to "give it a go" although we still have a few concerns.... i.e. will we be able to survive on our income considering the cost of living....e.t.c.

Lots more researching to be done before making any final decisions methinks.......

BEVS

My OH is a time served plumber / gasfitter. We are not in Christchurch but up in the Nelson area. Been here over 8 years.
Trade wages up here vary from around $22 to maybe $28 ph for a fully qualified tradesman. Christchurch may offer a wee bit more.

Rates of pay are very much kept schtum here. Rates may vary from one employee to another even though they have the same quals and experience. The employer will want you at the cheapest rate he can get so don't be too shy to try for that extra $ when it comes to taking up employment.

Steve88

Thanks for the insight, it always helps to have a realistic idea of what's what!! It may take me (Becky) a longer to find work initially so just trying to find out as much as possible to make sure we will be OK financially in the early days.....

Persephone

A couple of points that you may or may not know:

You would need a job offer if you wanted to go for a WTR visa.

As a sparky you do need to be registered with the appropriate body, I believe it is one of those occupations where you cannot be registered fully without having a job offer in place and having worked in NZ. This does mean that if you apply under the SMC you will probably not get residency straight off. You are more likely to receive a Job Search Visa instead. This means you are issued with a 9m work visa and have up to 6m to arrive in NZ.
At least with 140pts it is an automatic draw from the pool

Steve88

It's a minefield this immigration lark isn't it!!? I thought I read somewhere that if your profession is on the Long term shortage list you may not need to be issued with a job search visa......

Steve88

Whatever we do will not be without it's risks...... but the way we see it is it will an adventure full of new experiences and challenges.....even if it doesn't work out!

scottishstacey

Thats probably the best way to think, i have a bad habit of overthinking things and worrying. Sounds like you've got a good attitude! Best of luck

Steve88

Thanks, you too! I (Becky) don't think it's a bad thing to be concerned about certain issues.... (if you asked Steve he'd tell you I am the worst for worrying!) It's better to be in the know as much as possible before making any decisions..... It's a huge step to take and can feel quite daunting at times but it's something we've been thinking about for a long time but hopefully our reasons for going are enough to outweigh any downsides!