moomooandy

So update: job in Mount Maunganui fell through at the last moment and so we're going for a job in Te Awamutu instead. Anyone got any comments about the area and suitability for 2 small people aged 5 & 8 yo

Justcol

Its a nice little town but it is a "little" town. Quite rural and farm / dairy based.
Has a very good indoor pool, some nice gardens, a big new Pak n Save, a couple
of ok bars and a great little cinema thats just like they used to be in the days before the multiplex.
Housing is very affordable, a house in T,A would cost around 25% more in the next nearest town (cambridge)
T,A is handy for Hamilton, walks up Pirongia, trips to lake Karapiro, and theres a cool dirt speedway at kihi kihi where they race cars.


Oh and it has some great public loos, I know cos i did the refit on them

moomooandy

Thanks for that. Do you know of any off roading nearby? I think I found something on the internet nearby. Interview done - and now we wait!

scrubbedexpat094

Best of luck with that, let's hope you get some good news soon. I have a friend who lives at KihiKihi, she loves it down there. I've never been so I can't help you. Hopefully Justcol or someone else will know the answer to your question.

bourbon-biscuit

I like TA. I don't really like the pool because I don't like indoor pools in general, but if you do I'm sure it'll be a bonus. It has a nice mix of independent shops and the ones you kind of need (Mitre 10, Pakn'Save etc). It's in a neat location geographically as you can enjoy Pirongia and Waitomo, as well as access Hamilton easily. Cinema is cute, dining and coffee are decent. Will have all the clubs and hobbies your little ones need and housing is pretty cheap.

Downsides- lower decile schools than more well-favoured expat locations (mixed bag this, so may or may not be a downside depending on what you're looking for), bit down at heel feeling in places.

Robbie2010

Mt Pirongia 10k from T.A.

http://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&rct...zkTKJYvn9dTvJg

Justcol

Off roading 4x4 or bike trails or mountain bikes?

Have a look on www.silverbullet.co.nz thats the site for bike off roading and i think
there'll be links to 4x4 stuff aswell.
throughout the years there are always local charity trail rides and 4x4 events advertised locally. I couldnt tell you where
as its not my buzz but a quick shuffle on t'internet will get you some results

moomooandy

Thanks for all the comments it off roading 4x4 style that we're interested in, used to have a beloved Suzuki Vitara that we had to sell as too much to export, sad sad day!
Here's another question though - we're desperately looking for accomodation before the furniture arrives too. But not having any luck at all on Harcourts, Trade Me, LJ Hooker, Professionals, Bayleys etc. Just nothing to find furnished. As always any help gratefully received

Robbie2010

I doubt you'll find anything furnished.

We spent about 3 months on airbeds and camping chairs(+stuff from the Wharehouse) while we waited for our stuff.

You can rent furniture though.

Justcol

Try http://www.findahomenz.co.nz/ they are based in Cambridge but do a wider area
don't just look online, get in touch through email or phone they ofetn have lots of other stuff
that isn't listed or know some who might have what you need, same goes for all the other agents you've listed

moomooandy

Visa clearance at last! Te Awamutu here we come in 4 weeks time! Two questions for anyone that's out there. 1. What's cheaper in NZ than the UK & 2. Is anyone interested or know someone who may be interested in meeting up with their kids after we land. My girls are 5 & 8 years old and it would be great if they had met some other children before their first day at TAPS. Thanks

j19fmm

Can't help with the above, but just wanted to say I was very impressed with the primary school when I visited a while back. Lovely staff and respectful children. Good luck with the move