Quantum Mechanic

I'm about to meet up with prospective future employer (Telecom NZ) in October for some opportunities they're advertising. They've got roles in the above areas, so from a person (hoping) to leave Scotland (Edinburgh) behind, where is the best place to go ? OH + 2 kids under 5 will be coming.

I won't miss the weather, and would like somewhere sunnier but saying that I'm not phased by a little rain and wind given our climate in Scotland

I love scenery, the beach, lazy days with the kids and want them to enjoy a more outdoor lifestyle (as do I tbh).

We could probably stretch to a 3-4 bed house given the prices compared to Edinburgh. Commuting not really a problem but I don't fancy anything more than 30 mins if I could.

Any suggestions from people who have made the move ?

happynz

Howzit QM,

Gonna work for the Devil, eh? Telecom needs help, mate. I hope you can help turn around this beast of a company. Uh, anyway, my beef with Telecom isn't what you came on these boards for.

Auckland -- You will have a longer commute unless you are cashed up and can spend more for an inner suburb like Epsom, Remuera, Grey Lynn, Parnell and the like. Auckland is wetter than Wellington or Christhurch, but it's also generally warmer.

Wellington -- A bit windy at times, but has good transport links (well, compared to Auckland's not brilliant system). Gorgeous city overlooking a huge bay. The bush is easily enough accessible and there are nice beaches, but don't expect tropical beaches.

Christchurch -- Flat except for those who live up on the Port Hills. Easy commute. Easy to get to beaches and ski-fields. The city has incredible gardens.

So yeah, Quantum Mechanic, I'm sure others here on this forum will chime in with the pluses and minuses of the various metro areas.

Good luck and best wishes.

Avid

If you move from Edinburgh to Wellington you'll hardly notice the difference.

Capital city with a tiny population. You can do the 'touristy' stuff in a day. Pleasant city centre surrounded by a drugs epidemic.

Home from home!

happynz

Really?

ned

Avid

Actually the drugs epidemic is everywhere in New Zealand, isn't it?

But nobody talks about it much.

So that's ok then

Avid

Actually, Wellington is more like Glasgow in it's mid 1980's 'city of culture' phase. It's certainly more 'Scottish' than Auckland.

But from what I've heard it's non stop caber-tossing down in Dunedin, once again proving the old maxim "The further away from Scotland, the more Scottish the Scots become".

danny.f

Drugs are definitely accessible anywhere. But to say there's an epidemic sounds to me like you've found some yourself.
East Porirua,and places in the Hutt-defo got probs there. But epidemic?

Avid

Don't read the papers?

The 'P' epidemic is everywhere!

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0308/S00011.htm

and

http://investigatemagazine.com/oct03meth.htm

Wilma & co

Have a look at the areas our way - Tawa, Papakowhai, Whitby, Plimmerton. It's a 20-30 min commute into Wellington (probably more in the rush hour, but there is a regular rail service too). Good facilities, lovely beaches and loads of ex-pats.........perhaps that is a reason to look elsewhere!
Good luck!!

Boopy

I'll second that.

Boopy

If you want to get drugs - you can get them - anywhere in the world.
Unlike UK, I don't know of dealers hanging around primary school gates here to get the younger ones hooked.

Ted Logan

Wellington is nice, but better still do your research on the cities. Than ask questions from that.

Everyone will say that where they live is the best (see the Porirua mob for that one) so best to ask questions relating to well you want to settle.

happynz has given a good overview for you.

Bellasmum

Auckland -- You will have a longer commute unless you are cashed up and can spend more for an inner suburb like Epsom, Remuera, Grey Lynn, Parnell and the like. Auckland is wetter than Wellington or Christhurch, but it's also generally warmer.

Wellington -- A bit windy at times, but has good transport links (well, compared to Auckland's not brilliant system). Gorgeous city overlooking a huge bay. The bush is easily enough accessible and there are nice beaches, but don't expect tropical beaches.

Christchurch -- Flat except for those who live up on the Port Hills. Easy commute. Easy to get to beaches and ski-fields. The city has incredible gardens.

Shame Auckland doesn't have any beaches (especially tropical ones) gardens or bushes

happynz

Auckland does not have tropical beaches. I'm not buying that. Beaches, yes. Tropical, no.

OK, OK, Auckland does have gardens and easily accessible bush.