Whats Timaru like? (any nurses?)
 

Hi all

Looking like Timaru is going to be the best option for us, but whats it like to live in the region? (I don't want to hear all the negative points!)

We are a couple with a dog and I'll be hopefully working in the local hospital. We all love the outdoors and sports, so hopefully there will be plenty for us to do.

Thanks

Rebecca

Re: Whats Timaru like? (any nurses?)
 

It's around 40,000 people. It has plenty of outdoor sports. There is a smallish beach at Caroline Bay and they're doing up the foreshore at the moment - lots of sailing, windsurfing, kayaking. There are several skifields about 1 1/2 - 2 hours drive. The night life is not exactly pumping, but there are restaurants and bars. Christchurch is the nearest large city - about 2 hours north if you want a bit more choice of shops, or a show. Dunedin is about 2 1/2 hours south - a good day out. Mt Cook is possible for a day trip. Lake Tekapo is about 1 1/2 hours drive and has a pretty lake, an observatory, some nice walks, outdoor ice-skating rink and a new hotpool complex. There are plenty of bushwalks, cycle events etc. We get the occasional seal on the rocks near the beach and penguins nesting in the rocks, but Moeraki lighthouse is a good place to get up close and personal with a variety of wildlife and stunning scenery.

Dogs are allowed on the beach at Caroline Bay between April and September, but banned at other times. However, there are stony beaches to the north and south that are pretty deserted and you can walk your dog there. The Scenic Reserve is also a place I walk my dog off the lead. Dogs, except guide dogs, aren't allowed in the business district or shops, but out of town places often don't mind you sitting at an outside table with a dog.

The hospital is a mix of new and old buildings, but quite nice inside. I have a friend who works there and she seems to like it. Like any hospital there are sometimes staffing problems and protocol problems, but it's a nice small town hospital.

Re: Whats Timaru like? (any nurses?)
 

Thanks Kiwinow

It sounds great

Re: Whats Timaru like? (any nurses?)
 

It's an OK little town. If you do a search you'll find a bit more about Timaru on here, as there's a few expats that live here.

I know you don't want a lot of drawbacks so I'll just give you a few- it can be a bit quiet if you're used to city life, and there is limited shopping choice. We have had a stunning summer this year, up until February anyway, but often our summers can be mild and then the sea is too cold to swim without a wetsuit if you're over 15. However, if you're outdoorsy people I think you'll probably like it.

Re: Whats Timaru like? (any nurses?)
 

Winter
Ave. Min. 1 deg c
Ave Max 10 deg c

Summer
Ave. Min. 11 deg
Ave. Max. 21 deg

22 inches rain per annum

Overall thats pretty similar to much of the SE of England, (total rainfalls a little bit less than London)

Re: Whats Timaru like? (any nurses?)
 

http://www.timaru.govt.nz/index.asp?...m/default.aspx

Click on the above link and it will give you the live webcams of all around Timaru. Just got back from a weekend there visiting my sister and the weather was absolutely georgeous this weekend. Went in the spa pool Sat and gazed at the clear sky and stars at night and had a bbq and it was as if summer had returned. I love going down there and the close proximity to the southern lakes etc. My sister has lived there 43 years and so it must be good!!:):):)

Re: Whats Timaru like? (any nurses?)
 

Hi i am also moving to Timaru were my partner has a job,i have four children is it a good place for kid's?? also what is the job situation like there?? i would love to get a part time job..do you think this would be acheivable...thanks.

Re: Whats Timaru like? (any nurses?)
 

If your partner has work that's a good start. Where is he going to work?

What sort of work would you be looking for? Do you have any skills?
If not, you may find it difficult, but often it's who you know not what you know. Let it be known that you want work and it may come your way. There certainly isn't much in the papers at the moment and I've been trying to get a more challenging job with more hours for years.

Still, the minimum wage is now $12.50 per hour now, even for teens, and there is occasionally shop work that comes up.


You should also get a family tax credit, calculated on your income and number of kids, unless your type of visa doesn't allow for that.

Re: Whats Timaru like? (any nurses?)
 

Our children love living here in Timaru; there are a huge range of sports clubs and plenty of events at the weekends. Saying that, none of our children are teenagers, so I can't say for certain that that age group is well catered for.

As for the job situation, just like everywhere the recession is having an impact. Over the last couple of weeks there have been at least two companies laying off staff; Timaru isn't huge, so finding alternative employment isn't going to be easy for those poor people.

Re: Whats Timaru like? (any nurses?)
 

Gives you a flavour...

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/ar...bjectid=167892

http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/759602