British Expats - 3 Years and 4 months report....

British Expats (https://britishexpats.com/forum/)

- NZ Update (https://britishexpats.com/forum/nz-update-146/)

- - 3 Years and 4 months report.... (https://britishexpats.com/forum/nz-update-146/3-years-4-months-report-688021/)

3 Years and 4 months report....

Blimey...
Just logged in to the website and realised I hadn't been on since May 2008!!:huh: Where the hell did that time go?
So I thought I'd put some thoughts down to those still planning to come over, those already over and those who have been here a lot longer and can compare notes.
Quick summary (From UK)
Applied ............... July 2006
PR approved......... Feb 2007
Recce Trip............ Feb 2007
Full move with PR... June 2007

Moved to Gulf Harbour (North of Auckland) with Teresa and 2 cats and been used to moving around having spent 22 years in the Air Force so just like another posting really (without guns).:blink:

Settled in quickly with jobs and house (Bought too soon as crash just after!) but still had a nice house and good friends in (PommieParoa to those in the know!) or (Whangaparaoa).

Met some great friends (Annie and Dave, Pete and Karen, Niccy and Ron etc...) Wednesday Nights down at Pacific Bar for Quiz night hosted by the extremely funny Fran and Debbie (who really should have his own Quiz show on the telly) As a scouser he had the mickie taken with his pronunciatin of Book (pronounced by Fran as 'Boook') and Film was 'Filem' and the occiasional Kiwi questions kept the very few locals happy. But great nights if you are in the area.

So my update after nearly 3 1/2 years:

Due to an offer of work I had the option of re-locating to Wellington in July this year, and with such a good offer on the table, it was too good to turn down. Managed to sell the house after 3 days!! No building report required, Unconditional Immediately, and cash buyer!:eek: All my christmas's at once.

Sad though as we had to leave friends behind and it felt like almost starting again.

Moved to Paraparaumu to rent for a year to get a feel for the area. Teresa got 4 interviews and got 6 job offers (long story!!) but told that there was a 'talent' gap in Wellington:confused: But well paid and happy.

Still a bit slow in meeting new friends as the dynamics of the area are a bit different to Gulf Harbour. Plenty of contact at work but still haven't found the best night life/options in Paraparam yet... Early Days.:rolleyes:

Overall view of emigrating:

We can honestly say we have both never regretted it. There are of course things we both miss but overall we have settled into Kiwi life very well and love the opportunities it gives us. No kids helps I suppose with the lack of stress that can bring but we are very content with life here. I have been back to UK on about 5 occasions, mainly business which has helped me stay in touch with family and friends.

My Dad died last year, no notice just a phone call on Saturday morning from the Nurse who was trying to track me down. Thought he had heatburn but died of an anurism. Only just got in touch with him just after we emigrated having lost touch for 15 years!! Still I managed to meet up with him a few times to re-build that Father/Son thing so was a bit sad at the time. That was the only time I felt isolated as I knew that even with some notice I would not have made it back to the UK in Time. (He died 5 hours after his pains started).

So onwards.... and more to explore in the Wellington region. Friends coming over in November for 3 weeks and a chance to show off our new homeland and we are back in Gulf Harbour for a Party (Ron and Niccys) later this month.
(Can't wait!!)

So good luck to all planning to come over :fingerscrossed:
And keep smiling to those already here... :thumbup:

And if anyone fancies a beer in Paraparam.. PM me (we don't have 2 heads, not stalkers and we are clean!):D

Cheers

Dave