WhatToDo82

So we are still moving forwards, all be it very slowly.

Part of the delay is money. I've estimated around £10-£12k to make the move, so we need the next 2.5 years to save.

Part of the delay is my eldest's GCSEs. He will finish those mid 2016, and although I gather they are not really relevant for NZ, we need the time to save anyway so he may as well finish them.

A new, big part of the delay is Parental Consent for my youngest. His dad (also my eldest's dad) seems to be being a pillock. He has no contact what so ever with the kids, not even so much as a birthday card. Hasn't done for over 4 years. Yet he is refusing requests for parental consent for taking the little one over there to live.

I am seeing one solicitor tomorrow, and two more next week. Then I will have to choose a solicitor and start the expensive proceedings.

I have to do it, it's likely to be costly, it may mean we can't afford a container for our furniture at the end of the day. No matter, we can start a simple life where we all want to be, and gradually replace everything bit by bit. Sleeping bags and plastic chairs all round

I, and my eldest, are finding the wait really frustrating. If we had the money and consent we'd be off right away. Work shouldn't be an issue as I'm a midwife and very flexible where we will arrive. I figure we will take a year to settle before we find an area we want to fix ourselves into anyway

MrsFychan

well I hope things work out. Hopefully midwife will still be on the list in 2 yrs time. At least you can get things sorted with the father legally so you both know where you stand on matters

pippalonghorn

Hi. Going through the process of emigrating can be stressful enough. It sounds as if you have a lot on you're plate at the moment. At least you have set a time scale to get things sorted. I wish you the best of luck.

gazmac

I am an RN, My colleague came from Hull to Auckland's CMDHB they offered him a $6k relocation package and waited a year for him to make the move. If you can secure a job offer through one of the DHB's before you come they may take on a % of your overall moving costs - just a thought.

WhatToDo82

Oooh. That's an idea. Wonder if I could still get something like that through the agency, hmm.

lisamct

Tonix dont organise this for you but most, if not all DHB's have a relocation package they offer overseas employees.
Be aware though that most have a 'tie in' period attached to them and if you leave the DHB within a certain amount of time (mine and anyone elses I've known of) has been 2 years, leave before this and you have to pay all or a percentage of it back.

WhatToDo82

Aah. So am I better off finding my own job rather than going through Tonix then? Apart from the tie in period, which is no biggy since I was expecting to be in the same place for at least the first year anyway.

lisamct

I guess its kinda up to you. Tonix wont find you jobs that aren't already available to apply for directly so its just whether you want to shop around yourself or not.

WhatToDo82

I can definitely see a benefit to the potential relocation package, but also the support with cv, applications, visa and accommodation available through Tonix. Tricky choice I guess.

lisamct

You'd get a relocation package through the DHB whether you get a job with the help of Tonix or not so that's not a reason not to use them (I got my first job through Tonix and negotiated my relocation package directly with the DHB)

What Tonix offers may have changed from when I used them and again I'll reiterate that I found them really helpful with what they did assist me with but, they didn't offer any real assistance with visas or CV's or accommodation.

Pretty much everything is real easy to do yourself anyway.
My first lot of accommodation was arranged through the DHB directly (they'd paid for my first 3 weeks rent/motel bills and found me somewhere to stay), from memory Tonix didn't have any input into that part.

CV's are exactly the same as in the UK (as far as midwifery is concerned, other professions seem to need to you drastically alter your CV format)

Long term accommodation you really dont want to arrange until you get here (houses can be VERY different to how they seem online) so its only a few weeks when you first land that need arranged.

Visa's are up to you in reality Tonix cant give you advice as they arent registered advisors so legally they cant help.

gazmac

Counties bonded me for a year. Same with my colleague

If left within 6 months I had to pay it all back, after that it reduced, they were really helpful and supportive throughout and I only move from Tauranga.

gazmac

http://www.health.govt.nz/new-zealan...board-websites

I would have a look at the individual DHBs, The application forms are fairly straight forward and usually require a CV and Cover Letter to be uploaded.

I would always suggest going strainght to a DHB.

lipgloss1968

Hi There
We are also in the same position regarding getting consent from my ex to take the children out of the country.
We have taken legal advice from a great solicitor who specialising in this field and she has basically said that if he refuses and it goes to court if it not about what my ex wants, the emphasis is on the children's 'wishes and feelings'.
To quote her she said 'not a court in the land would deny a court order'
Due to the fact that he hardly see's the children and they want to go.
As long as you have evidence of where you are going to live, schools, financial stability he can't stop you.
Just thought I would give you some encouragement as I know how you are feeling.
Let me know how you get on at your sols

WhatToDo82

Indeed, the idiot has claimed he wants to seek advice about his options from CAB

I have given him until Monday and then the solicitors get involved, they've all agreed he hasn't a leg to stand on!

On the plus side we're good to go in January money wise now as my mum has offered to lend the rest to us Just need the legal mess sorted!

marooned5

Just curious - do you have 2 kids under 16, but the father is only refusing consent for one of the kids? Does the older one not need the consent (due to age?) or does the father only care about the youngest?