Boopy

We've averaged on temps of 14 - 16c in Wellington - beats the UK winters. Where about in NZ did you visit. Christchurch got up to 22c yesterday.

Robbo2

ok, so maybe it's not as cold as the UK, but I was waking to frosts every morning whilst in Christchurch and I haven't seen one of them since I left the UK almost 2 years ago, so it was cold by my standards!!
I loved all the places we went to: Auckland, Rotorua, (although a bit smelly!)Nelson and Hanmer. Didn't get any further South than Christchurch as had to come home.

Tiawamutu

I'd love to go to New Zealand sometime

paulb

Im there now....its pi**ing down

annqldau

Is that not what you expect from NZ bit like living in Tasmania?

Is it fun though?

Gill and Rob

Hello
Where in NZ are you? Long way from Stanley and Ch -Le St !!!

Gill

paulb

Back in Mornington now. Had a great time. Stayed with friends in Pukekohe for 3 nights, kids were all happy together. Then went off to Rotorua for 3 nights. Great fun. Spent a day up some big hill playing on the Luge (go karts)....what a laugh!! Did a lot of messing around in swimming pools with the kids. It does smell a bit....all those hot springs and sulphur. The Mrs said the smell reminded her of something....cant think what she means
Went to Lake Taupo for a day and returned via Mt Manganui (sp) and Tauranga (sp) on the Bay of Plenty which were beautiful, as was so much of the countryside.

All in all a good time was had. We met friends from our home town in England who were on a reccy, so plenty of ale and wine was downed

Back to work now !!

paulb

Gill

Just noticed you live in Rotorua....bugger!

We could have all met up for a beer....didnt realise.

We liked the place...well worth the visit...stayed at the Sudima Hotel next to the lake and near the Polynesian baths. $100 a night for a family room...kids eat free at brekky too...bargain

Gill and Rob

Hello
Yes, been in Rotorua for just over 4 years. We have annual passes for the luge, so it's a frequent afternoon out for us.
Glad you enjoyed the place. We live over on the west side so don't have any smell. As it is the smell is only "piped" in for the likes of you visitors

Gill

annqldau

Sounds good, think QLD must have those sulphur springs as well!!!

tiredwithtwins

i could do with a good holiday to clear my head ... ooops, forgot just had one!

well, since my last post our visa journey has gone t##s up yet again!!!!
with the changes coming in on 1st sept, my oh has to sit an ielts test to get the 25 points we need to pass the points test. unfortunately hes not the academic type and doesnt feel confident he would pass it so its back to square one.

we are debating going on a temp visa with me getting a job through an agency so we can be out there next summer then applying for pr once i satisfy the specific work exp rule so, im starting back at work as near to full time as i can, and it looks like it will be another year before we can apply now seeing as i havent been working regularly for the last couple of years


jeeeez, if we ever get a visa it will be a bluddy miracle!!

sue x

annqldau

You should get extra points for perseverance if nothing else...good luck.

txmogga

Hi everyone,
Here is my update:
Feb 05: phone interview (Australia-Texas)
July 05: moved on 457 visa
Aug 05: started work
July 06: became permanent resident
Feb 07: bought a house
Have been at my job 2 years now and happy there. Once all the immigration drama was sorted, the other biggest challenge was getting used to right hand drive car. Driving "on the other side" isn't that hard but the inside of the car is reversed for me. I have finally stopped turning on the wipers to indicate! Settled into my house nicely and quite chuffed I am only 1km from the water. All is good!
txmogga

annqldau

I still do the wipers thing 2 years later so there's no hope on that subject.

Robbo2

And it gets worse.........if like me, you drive two cars: one being manual and one an automatic!!! I'll leave the rest to your imagination!