Thought I would just jot down a few comments of our first five months - it feels like a lot longer but I think this is positive as we have packed soooo much in.
Every day I look at the beauty around us and we have to remind ourselves that we live here. All my workmates are kiwis & have also stopped taking their surroundings for granted because I go on about it sooo much.

We have a number of beautiful beaches within a short drive including Papamoa, the Mount, Okomora & Waihi - all different - all amazing. We have splashed in waterfalls, kayaked & fished , fished for prawns & experienced traditional Maori hangi & learned some of the language. I have also burned my bottom on the hot beaches!!

The people we have met have ALL been so helpful & friendly.We have accepted many invitations and 'adopted' some older friends who we stayed with as houseguests when we came for a moochie in feb 2009.

I have spent Christmas showing friends from Oz & family where I live & they agree it is amazing. Most of what we have done has been free , picnics etc

My children are settling in more and more and although it was hard for them at first they now have friends & my daughter gives NZ 9/10 - a long way from when we first arrived & it was a 2/10.

I had a job offer before we came & we agreed that first of us to get a job offer would work and the other stay home until we were settled. This worked so well for us because we needed someone to be with the chidren ( aged 12 & 16) & settle them in. The sorting out side of things was like a full time job and it was great to get home from work and have dinner made etc.

My son is very independent & is learning to drive. I rest easier when he is out & he is still inspired to do well at College.He has had a number of part time jobs since the first week we arrived waiting on , cleaning and now working for local butcher. He has played cricket for the school & is looking forward to playing rugby.

My daughter has enjoyed her new school & friends.

Both my children have grown physically & emotionally since being here.

We spend so much more time together as a family which is exactly what we wanted.

We are now both in work and know this will provide a few more treats BUT we have lived on a small income - about a half of what I earned in the UK ! We knew that the wages were lower but didn't come to be millionaires. I enjoy my work , the team I work with are lovely & I can switch off when I get home. OK my hours are longer 40 per week ( I nearly died!) but I was working many many more than that in the UK with the majority unpaid.

What do I miss about the UK - My family -it would be perfect if they were here - but they aren't. I skype them regularly & my mum can now email & use skype !
My girl friends - I miss dearly and miss the gang of friends we had - but they are still there.

I look at the world & my glass is always half full but this is the attitude that got us here . I never wanted to be sat in a chair ten years from now sayng ..if only ..I don't know what will happen in the future ,but for now we are enjoying the present & for us NZ feels like that ...a present we gave ourselves.

Lovely update Bolton1
So good to hear, long may you have a glass half full
B x

Hear Hear Bolton1 and a lovely update. We have been here a few months less than yourselves and we are so very happy too

Totally agree Bolton1 and Numptyhead,
We have been here almost 6 months and are loving our life at the moment.
We miss family but certainly NOT the UK!

Thanks for the lovely update You have a great outlook on life.

Its always the people you leave behind that is/going to be the hardest, absolutley dreading it when we come over.

Keep enjoying

Dewb

Excellent update. You have summed up our feelings on this country perfectly. I will happily have less money here and stay here, than more money and move back to the UK. I have many moments where I look around us and think how glad I am that we took this opportunity and live in this beautiful land. Hope you continue to enjoy the experience Bevissa xx

WOW lovely thread bolton. We will be joining you very soon we are in tauranga so maybe could arrange a meet up with everyone in the area after we get over the jet lag, lol. so not looking forward to that we have 2 children 13 and nearly 16, 2 boys.

Tina. x

Would the local butcher be my son in law by any chance. I have still not heard from you Julie and we arrive next week.

Great update

Having been here just under a week, is so good to know how things are going for those a bit further down the line than us. And yes, like you, we will be earning less but also like you, cutting down on those unpaid hours the UK seems to expect! I read an article which said if you added up the hours and wern't paid for the equivalent amount of time, wouldn't be paid till April

I'll certainly settle for less money, more time with family, and a more beautiful environment!

Hi Bolton1
just to add to your update we are still here in the uk but the good news is ive been shgortlisted for interviews for jobs so far in Rotorua (sorry dont know if that is how you spell it ) west Auckland and North Shore city. Does anyone have knowledge of these or surrounding areas? We have accepted an offer on the house last week, fingers crossed all will go according to plan. Its great to hear that you have settled in well and enjoying the nz lifestyle.