Under starter's orders....
Sep 23rd 2007, 2:02 pm
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Macclesfield, Cheshire
Posts: 10
Under starter's orders....
Hi All,
Helen and Ian here. We've been lurking in the wings for some time now and we now find ourselves on the starting blocks to change our whole lives. We've been interested in moving somewhere different for a long time, but that had mainly involved moving to Wales from where we live, a move of at least 100 miles
However, when we got thinking about why we want to move and what we'd like, we started to widen our thoughts and eventually settled on NZ as an option. This was mainly due to the overall impression that we had of the place, the more relaxed approach to life, as well as the opportunities for outdoor living and good times. All this said without ever having been to the place - unlike Wales
So, Ian's work is very niche, and a company in NZ just happen to be looking for someone in that niche, and the opportunity is being seized. Obviously you don't move half way around the world without first going there, so that is yet to be planned, but we set to go where we've never gone before - and we can't wait.
We look forward to talking with you all and thanks for all the hints and tips read from the forum so far.
Cheers
Helen and Ian (HandI - geddit?)
Helen and Ian here. We've been lurking in the wings for some time now and we now find ourselves on the starting blocks to change our whole lives. We've been interested in moving somewhere different for a long time, but that had mainly involved moving to Wales from where we live, a move of at least 100 miles
However, when we got thinking about why we want to move and what we'd like, we started to widen our thoughts and eventually settled on NZ as an option. This was mainly due to the overall impression that we had of the place, the more relaxed approach to life, as well as the opportunities for outdoor living and good times. All this said without ever having been to the place - unlike Wales So, Ian's work is very niche, and a company in NZ just happen to be looking for someone in that niche, and the opportunity is being seized. Obviously you don't move half way around the world without first going there, so that is yet to be planned, but we set to go where we've never gone before - and we can't wait.
We look forward to talking with you all and thanks for all the hints and tips read from the forum so far.
Cheers
Helen and Ian (HandI - geddit?)
Sep 23rd 2007, 3:14 pm
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: SILSDEN, WEST YORKSHIRE
Posts: 174
Re: Under starter's orders....
Hi All,
Helen and Ian here. We've been lurking in the wings for some time now and we now find ourselves on the starting blocks to change our whole lives. We've been interested in moving somewhere different for a long time, but that had mainly involved moving to Wales from where we live, a move of at least 100 miles However, when we got thinking about why we want to move and what we'd like, we started to widen our thoughts and eventually settled on NZ as an option. This was mainly due to the overall impression that we had of the place, the more relaxed approach to life, as well as the opportunities for outdoor living and good times. All this said without ever having been to the place - unlike Wales
So, Ian's work is very niche, and a company in NZ just happen to be looking for someone in that niche, and the opportunity is being seized. Obviously you don't move half way around the world without first going there, so that is yet to be planned, but we set to go where we've never gone before - and we can't wait.
We look forward to talking with you all and thanks for all the hints and tips read from the forum so far.
Cheers
Helen and Ian (HandI - geddit?)
Helen and Ian here. We've been lurking in the wings for some time now and we now find ourselves on the starting blocks to change our whole lives. We've been interested in moving somewhere different for a long time, but that had mainly involved moving to Wales from where we live, a move of at least 100 miles
However, when we got thinking about why we want to move and what we'd like, we started to widen our thoughts and eventually settled on NZ as an option. This was mainly due to the overall impression that we had of the place, the more relaxed approach to life, as well as the opportunities for outdoor living and good times. All this said without ever having been to the place - unlike Wales So, Ian's work is very niche, and a company in NZ just happen to be looking for someone in that niche, and the opportunity is being seized. Obviously you don't move half way around the world without first going there, so that is yet to be planned, but we set to go where we've never gone before - and we can't wait.
We look forward to talking with you all and thanks for all the hints and tips read from the forum so far.
Cheers
Helen and Ian (HandI - geddit?)
Welcome to our little world!! NZ is a big differance to sunny Wales. When are you hoping to go? You said that obviously you don't move half way round the world without visiting first but that's exactly what we are doing along with many others on here!!
We have priced up a recce for 4 people and what it would cost could pay our shipping, flights etc so we thought what the hell lets just go!!
Regards Gaynor x
Sep 23rd 2007, 3:59 pm
#3
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Macclesfield, Cheshire
Posts: 10
Re: Under starter's orders....
Hi Helen and Ian
Welcome to our little world!! NZ is a big differance to sunny Wales. When are you hoping to go? You said that obviously you don't move half way round the world without visiting first but that's exactly what we are doing along with many others on here!!
We have priced up a recce for 4 people and what it would cost could pay our shipping, flights etc so we thought what the hell lets just go!!
Regards Gaynor x
Welcome to our little world!! NZ is a big differance to sunny Wales. When are you hoping to go? You said that obviously you don't move half way round the world without visiting first but that's exactly what we are doing along with many others on here!!
We have priced up a recce for 4 people and what it would cost could pay our shipping, flights etc so we thought what the hell lets just go!!
Regards Gaynor x
thanks for the welcome!
The work offer we're looking into is in Auckland. Our preference was for the North Island, and we would ideally prefer to be at the North of the North, but we'll have to save that for a day where we have a residence visa and its much easier to get around - without being dependent on a specific employer.
Wales and NZ are similar in some ways - the scenery can be stunning, the weather in a world of it's own and both countries are Rugby mad - so not that different.
We would like to live in reasonable commuting distance of Auckland, but not too close. Part of the appeal of NZ is being close to beaches and mountains and all the leisure pursuits they bring. We don't come from a big city, so living close to the city could also have appeal. I know you say that some people make the plunge without making the visit first - but that sounds scary - there would be so many questions about where to live, what commuting is like, local facilities that we'd have. In fact the whole thing about timings and arranging everything is just such a minefield. It's one of the things that we're looking for tips on as we move forward.
From what we've seen so far, the Hibiscus coast/Whangaparoa area seems to give the best balance of access to the city, yet it's distant enough to give the rural feel. There's a daily ferry into the city, which I would catch rather than drive (well with his dodgy sea legs he might do it on the calmer days -
) What about you - have you got any preferred destination? If so, what is it about that place that appeals?
If all goes according to plan, we'd be looking at a pretty quick move. My visa will be sponsored (A Talent visa I think it's called - sounds like I should be on the stage!) so it's then just a case of doing the recce, selling up, packing our life into crates, getting our dogs fully certified, and then jumping on the plane and away we go - it all sounds so straightforward???
When are you hoping to make the move - and what makes you want to go?
Regards
Ian.
Sep 23rd 2007, 4:14 pm
#4
s3r3
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Palmerston North
Posts: 24
Re: Under starter's orders....
Hi All,
Helen and Ian here. We've been lurking in the wings for some time now and we now find ourselves on the starting blocks to change our whole lives. We've been interested in moving somewhere different for a long time, but that had mainly involved moving to Wales from where we live, a move of at least 100 miles However, when we got thinking about why we want to move and what we'd like, we started to widen our thoughts and eventually settled on NZ as an option. This was mainly due to the overall impression that we had of the place, the more relaxed approach to life, as well as the opportunities for outdoor living and good times. All this said without ever having been to the place - unlike Wales
So, Ian's work is very niche, and a company in NZ just happen to be looking for someone in that niche, and the opportunity is being seized. Obviously you don't move half way around the world without first going there, so that is yet to be planned, but we set to go where we've never gone before - and we can't wait.
We look forward to talking with you all and thanks for all the hints and tips read from the forum so far.
Cheers
Helen and Ian (HandI - geddit?)
Helen and Ian here. We've been lurking in the wings for some time now and we now find ourselves on the starting blocks to change our whole lives. We've been interested in moving somewhere different for a long time, but that had mainly involved moving to Wales from where we live, a move of at least 100 miles
However, when we got thinking about why we want to move and what we'd like, we started to widen our thoughts and eventually settled on NZ as an option. This was mainly due to the overall impression that we had of the place, the more relaxed approach to life, as well as the opportunities for outdoor living and good times. All this said without ever having been to the place - unlike Wales So, Ian's work is very niche, and a company in NZ just happen to be looking for someone in that niche, and the opportunity is being seized. Obviously you don't move half way around the world without first going there, so that is yet to be planned, but we set to go where we've never gone before - and we can't wait.
We look forward to talking with you all and thanks for all the hints and tips read from the forum so far.
Cheers
Helen and Ian (HandI - geddit?)
Well me & my hubby are making the move without having been there too - sometimes you have to take chances!!! Good Luck with it all though sure it'll be worth it!!
Sep 23rd 2007, 4:37 pm
#5
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Macclesfield, Cheshire
Posts: 10
Re: Under starter's orders....
I'm sure it will be worth it, and maybe once we've spoken with more people who've made the move without a visit we'll feel different. But it just seems a strange thing to us to up-sticks and move to a country that we've never been to. I don't think that we will have any issues with NZ or the Kiwi's in fact from the Kiwi's that I've known and from our research so far, I think we'll get on just fine. It's more of a where to live worry.
We have additional complication because we are taking dogs. So we can't just check into a hotel for a week or two until we've found somewhere to rent/buy. We need to have a good feel for the right location from the start, so that we can move in - dogs and all - as soon as possible. NZ doesn't seem to have the love of dogs like we do in the UK, and that's fine but we just need to be mindful of the fact and plan accordingly.
Thanks for your support - when are you planning to make the move and to where?
Ian.
Sep 23rd 2007, 5:54 pm
#6
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: SILSDEN, WEST YORKSHIRE
Posts: 174
Re: Under starter's orders....
Hi Gaynor,
thanks for the welcome!
The work offer we're looking into is in Auckland. Our preference was for the North Island, and we would ideally prefer to be at the North of the North, but we'll have to save that for a day where we have a residence visa and its much easier to get around - without being dependent on a specific employer.
Wales and NZ are similar in some ways - the scenery can be stunning, the weather in a world of it's own and both countries are Rugby mad - so not that different.
We would like to live in reasonable commuting distance of Auckland, but not too close. Part of the appeal of NZ is being close to beaches and mountains and all the leisure pursuits they bring. We don't come from a big city, so living close to the city could also have appeal. I know you say that some people make the plunge without making the visit first - but that sounds scary - there would be so many questions about where to live, what commuting is like, local facilities that we'd have. In fact the whole thing about timings and arranging everything is just such a minefield. It's one of the things that we're looking for tips on as we move forward.
From what we've seen so far, the Hibiscus coast/Whangaparoa area seems to give the best balance of access to the city, yet it's distant enough to give the rural feel. There's a daily ferry into the city, which I would catch rather than drive (well with his dodgy sea legs he might do it on the calmer days -)
What about you - have you got any preferred destination? If so, what is it about that place that appeals?
If all goes according to plan, we'd be looking at a pretty quick move. My visa will be sponsored (A Talent visa I think it's called - sounds like I should be on the stage!) so it's then just a case of doing the recce, selling up, packing our life into crates, getting our dogs fully certified, and then jumping on the plane and away we go - it all sounds so straightforward???
When are you hoping to make the move - and what makes you want to go?
Regards
Ian.
thanks for the welcome!
The work offer we're looking into is in Auckland. Our preference was for the North Island, and we would ideally prefer to be at the North of the North, but we'll have to save that for a day where we have a residence visa and its much easier to get around - without being dependent on a specific employer.
Wales and NZ are similar in some ways - the scenery can be stunning, the weather in a world of it's own and both countries are Rugby mad - so not that different.
We would like to live in reasonable commuting distance of Auckland, but not too close. Part of the appeal of NZ is being close to beaches and mountains and all the leisure pursuits they bring. We don't come from a big city, so living close to the city could also have appeal. I know you say that some people make the plunge without making the visit first - but that sounds scary - there would be so many questions about where to live, what commuting is like, local facilities that we'd have. In fact the whole thing about timings and arranging everything is just such a minefield. It's one of the things that we're looking for tips on as we move forward.
From what we've seen so far, the Hibiscus coast/Whangaparoa area seems to give the best balance of access to the city, yet it's distant enough to give the rural feel. There's a daily ferry into the city, which I would catch rather than drive (well with his dodgy sea legs he might do it on the calmer days -
) What about you - have you got any preferred destination? If so, what is it about that place that appeals?
If all goes according to plan, we'd be looking at a pretty quick move. My visa will be sponsored (A Talent visa I think it's called - sounds like I should be on the stage!) so it's then just a case of doing the recce, selling up, packing our life into crates, getting our dogs fully certified, and then jumping on the plane and away we go - it all sounds so straightforward???
When are you hoping to make the move - and what makes you want to go?
Regards
Ian.
You sound so well organised, I know Wales is a beautiful place as my mum is from there and my brother and his family live there!! We are hoping to go in 2 years, I know it sounds ages away but with everything we have to do it'll take that long!But wish it was now :curse:
I'm a nurse and my husband is an IT specialist aso we are also within the wanted category but feel we have so much to do and can't just go on a talent visa! We have 2 daughters so the timing has to be right for them too.
We're not 100% sure where we want to be as like you we live in the country and want to remein in a rural area. We're willing to commute as long as we get our little piece of happiness as the city life doesn't appeal to us at all
I'm sure that any questions that you may have will be answered or have been answered on here so keep logging in!!
Speak soon Gaynor x
Sep 23rd 2007, 5:56 pm
#7
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: SILSDEN, WEST YORKSHIRE
Posts: 174
Sep 23rd 2007, 5:58 pm
#8
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: SILSDEN, WEST YORKSHIRE
Posts: 174
Re: Under starter's orders....
Thanks s3r3,
I'm sure it will be worth it, and maybe once we've spoken with more people who've made the move without a visit we'll feel different. But it just seems a strange thing to us to up-sticks and move to a country that we've never been to. I don't think that we will have any issues with NZ or the Kiwi's in fact from the Kiwi's that I've known and from our research so far, I think we'll get on just fine. It's more of a where to live worry.
We have additional complication because we are taking dogs. So we can't just check into a hotel for a week or two until we've found somewhere to rent/buy. We need to have a good feel for the right location from the start, so that we can move in - dogs and all - as soon as possible. NZ doesn't seem to have the love of dogs like we do in the UK, and that's fine but we just need to be mindful of the fact and plan accordingly.
Thanks for your support - when are you planning to make the move and to where?
Ian.
I'm sure it will be worth it, and maybe once we've spoken with more people who've made the move without a visit we'll feel different. But it just seems a strange thing to us to up-sticks and move to a country that we've never been to. I don't think that we will have any issues with NZ or the Kiwi's in fact from the Kiwi's that I've known and from our research so far, I think we'll get on just fine. It's more of a where to live worry.
We have additional complication because we are taking dogs. So we can't just check into a hotel for a week or two until we've found somewhere to rent/buy. We need to have a good feel for the right location from the start, so that we can move in - dogs and all - as soon as possible. NZ doesn't seem to have the love of dogs like we do in the UK, and that's fine but we just need to be mindful of the fact and plan accordingly.
Thanks for your support - when are you planning to make the move and to where?
Ian.
Sep 24th 2007, 2:03 am
#9
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,285
Re: Under starter's orders....
Seriously if you are emigrating without a recce, if at all possible, move and rent first and only sell up in UK when you can be a bit more sure you have made the right decision.
Sep 24th 2007, 8:19 am
#10
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2007
Location: Cramlington,Northumberland
Posts: 218
Re: Under starter's orders....
hi handi
we are also going to move out there without being first, like gaynor, we priced it all up for doing a recce etc and decided we are just going to go, we have done a lot of research on the net etc but the advice that people have given me has helped so much
sorry, i am kirstie and husband is paul, we are in the middle of completing all our paperwork at the moment and we are taking our 2 cats with us, paul is a maintenance electrician.
good luck with everything
with regards
kirstie
we are also going to move out there without being first, like gaynor, we priced it all up for doing a recce etc and decided we are just going to go, we have done a lot of research on the net etc but the advice that people have given me has helped so much
sorry, i am kirstie and husband is paul, we are in the middle of completing all our paperwork at the moment and we are taking our 2 cats with us, paul is a maintenance electrician.
good luck with everything
with regards
kirstie
Sep 24th 2007, 6:52 pm
#11
s3r3
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Palmerston North
Posts: 24
Re: Under starter's orders....
Thanks s3r3,
I'm sure it will be worth it, and maybe once we've spoken with more people who've made the move without a visit we'll feel different. But it just seems a strange thing to us to up-sticks and move to a country that we've never been to. I don't think that we will have any issues with NZ or the Kiwi's in fact from the Kiwi's that I've known and from our research so far, I think we'll get on just fine. It's more of a where to live worry.
We have additional complication because we are taking dogs. So we can't just check into a hotel for a week or two until we've found somewhere to rent/buy. We need to have a good feel for the right location from the start, so that we can move in - dogs and all - as soon as possible. NZ doesn't seem to have the love of dogs like we do in the UK, and that's fine but we just need to be mindful of the fact and plan accordingly.
Thanks for your support - when are you planning to make the move and to where?
Ian.
I'm sure it will be worth it, and maybe once we've spoken with more people who've made the move without a visit we'll feel different. But it just seems a strange thing to us to up-sticks and move to a country that we've never been to. I don't think that we will have any issues with NZ or the Kiwi's in fact from the Kiwi's that I've known and from our research so far, I think we'll get on just fine. It's more of a where to live worry.
We have additional complication because we are taking dogs. So we can't just check into a hotel for a week or two until we've found somewhere to rent/buy. We need to have a good feel for the right location from the start, so that we can move in - dogs and all - as soon as possible. NZ doesn't seem to have the love of dogs like we do in the UK, and that's fine but we just need to be mindful of the fact and plan accordingly.
Thanks for your support - when are you planning to make the move and to where?
Ian.
We're off to Palmerston North area hopefully before Xmas - all depends on the dreaded visa application, although it hasn't been too bad, alittle stressful at times........... Good luck!!
Sam
Sep 25th 2007, 2:41 am
#12
Account Closed
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 647
Re: Under starter's orders....
We came with no planning, no organisation and very little knowledge. Still love the place. Whats the worst that can happen. You don't like it and you go back to the UK where everyone will be pleased to see you and you've had an adventure on the way!
Sep 25th 2007, 7:05 am
#13
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: SILSDEN, WEST YORKSHIRE
Posts: 174
Re: Under starter's orders....
our friends moved to Christchurch 3 years ago and they said it was the best thing that they had ever done for both them and their children. Not to say that everyone settles in but you have to go open minded and think of it as a big adventure. I'm enjoying the planning, being on this forum, chatting to everyone, finding loads of info out and just looking forward to our new lives!!!
Sep 26th 2007, 4:30 am
#14
Jen
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Northshore
Posts: 52
Re: Under starter's orders....
Hi All,
Helen and Ian here. We've been lurking in the wings for some time now and we now find ourselves on the starting blocks to change our whole lives. We've been interested in moving somewhere different for a long time, but that had mainly involved moving to Wales from where we live, a move of at least 100 miles However, when we got thinking about why we want to move and what we'd like, we started to widen our thoughts and eventually settled on NZ as an option. This was mainly due to the overall impression that we had of the place, the more relaxed approach to life, as well as the opportunities for outdoor living and good times. All this said without ever having been to the place - unlike Wales
So, Ian's work is very niche, and a company in NZ just happen to be looking for someone in that niche, and the opportunity is being seized. Obviously you don't move half way around the world without first going there, so that is yet to be planned, but we set to go where we've never gone before - and we can't wait.
We look forward to talking with you all and thanks for all the hints and tips read from the forum so far.
Cheers
Helen and Ian (HandI - geddit?)
Helen and Ian here. We've been lurking in the wings for some time now and we now find ourselves on the starting blocks to change our whole lives. We've been interested in moving somewhere different for a long time, but that had mainly involved moving to Wales from where we live, a move of at least 100 miles
However, when we got thinking about why we want to move and what we'd like, we started to widen our thoughts and eventually settled on NZ as an option. This was mainly due to the overall impression that we had of the place, the more relaxed approach to life, as well as the opportunities for outdoor living and good times. All this said without ever having been to the place - unlike Wales So, Ian's work is very niche, and a company in NZ just happen to be looking for someone in that niche, and the opportunity is being seized. Obviously you don't move half way around the world without first going there, so that is yet to be planned, but we set to go where we've never gone before - and we can't wait.
We look forward to talking with you all and thanks for all the hints and tips read from the forum so far.
Cheers
Helen and Ian (HandI - geddit?)
My parner and I moved here 9 weeks ago without ever been before - from my boyfriend getting his job offer to us getting here took 6 weeks so it all happened very quickly. We are on the Northshore in Auckland (10 mins walk to beach) and it is great, i love it. No regrets. Jen
Sep 26th 2007, 8:03 am
#15
Just Joined
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: upper hutt
Posts: 21
Re: Under starter's orders....
Hi there - I am new to this site, i normally use one of the other sites. thought i would have a look on here and see how different it is.
We have been in NZ for almost 5 months now and we are loving it all. I had never been to NZ before we moved out here and I tell you the is no way we are going back to the UK.
We are both settled in our jobs and my son who is 17 has just started working full time. We have such a better family/work ratio.
Would you believe one thing I am missing is BINGO.
We are living in Upper Hutt, Wellington have yet to see any more of the island as yet, but plan to start looking around soon.
We have been in NZ for almost 5 months now and we are loving it all. I had never been to NZ before we moved out here and I tell you the is no way we are going back to the UK.
We are both settled in our jobs and my son who is 17 has just started working full time. We have such a better family/work ratio.
Would you believe one thing I am missing is BINGO.
We are living in Upper Hutt, Wellington have yet to see any more of the island as yet, but plan to start looking around soon.