Honest 6 week update
Jul 24th 2010 | 12:52 pm
#1
Thread Starter
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2
Honest 6 week update
Hi everyone
Been following expats for a while now and thought it was about time to post something!
I moved over to Whangarei 10th June and wanted to give people a slightly different perspective on life here - just to show that it is possible to fulfill the dream arriving with nothing.
I had secured a job working as a nurse in Whangarei hospital prior to leaving the UK and was always concerend by peoples posting on here regarding what they felt to be "minimal" salary needed.
The initial two days were spent in Auckland to secure a car purchase (the only disposable income I did have) and a decent second hand 4WD was sourced from trademe and purchased the same day. Activating my BNZ account was straight foward and I found the bank staff to be really helpful. Vodaone contract secured and a trip up the Sky tower to jump off and my time in Auckland was finished. Collected the dog from the airport - again a fairly easy process (Thanks to Golden Arrow)
The drive to Whangarei was lovely, the first house we had initially rented caused problems with my asthma due to the wood. Managed to find another fully furnished rental out of town that had some land and allowed my dog. I moved in after a week of arriving and started my job after 9 nine days in NZ.
I didn't have a house to sell, didn't bring any furniture with me and didn't know a soul.
My job is great with the people being very welcoming and supportive, something I have found all over so far. I have a lovely drive into work that beats the M25 anyday, and on my days off get to explore what I think is a great area. Off to 90 mile beach to stay in a colleagues bach tomorrow, met the All Blacks on their roasdshow, loads of walking, explored Bay of Islands and brought a bed so far.
I just want to let people know that a new life is acheivable over here without a lump sum of money, or a 6 figure salary - of course it makes life easier but theres so much to do thats free here.
Cost of living is equal overall to the UK, but the lifestyle is better in my opinion.
Bye for now
J
Been following expats for a while now and thought it was about time to post something!
I moved over to Whangarei 10th June and wanted to give people a slightly different perspective on life here - just to show that it is possible to fulfill the dream arriving with nothing.
I had secured a job working as a nurse in Whangarei hospital prior to leaving the UK and was always concerend by peoples posting on here regarding what they felt to be "minimal" salary needed.
The initial two days were spent in Auckland to secure a car purchase (the only disposable income I did have) and a decent second hand 4WD was sourced from trademe and purchased the same day. Activating my BNZ account was straight foward and I found the bank staff to be really helpful. Vodaone contract secured and a trip up the Sky tower to jump off and my time in Auckland was finished. Collected the dog from the airport - again a fairly easy process (Thanks to Golden Arrow)
The drive to Whangarei was lovely, the first house we had initially rented caused problems with my asthma due to the wood. Managed to find another fully furnished rental out of town that had some land and allowed my dog. I moved in after a week of arriving and started my job after 9 nine days in NZ.
I didn't have a house to sell, didn't bring any furniture with me and didn't know a soul.
My job is great with the people being very welcoming and supportive, something I have found all over so far. I have a lovely drive into work that beats the M25 anyday, and on my days off get to explore what I think is a great area. Off to 90 mile beach to stay in a colleagues bach tomorrow, met the All Blacks on their roasdshow, loads of walking, explored Bay of Islands and brought a bed so far.
I just want to let people know that a new life is acheivable over here without a lump sum of money, or a 6 figure salary - of course it makes life easier but theres so much to do thats free here.
Cost of living is equal overall to the UK, but the lifestyle is better in my opinion.
Bye for now
J
Jul 25th 2010 | 11:26 am
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 264
From: Auckland
Re: Honest 6 week update
Hi everyone
Been following expats for a while now and thought it was about time to post something!
I moved over to Whangarei 10th June and wanted to give people a slightly different perspective on life here - just to show that it is possible to fulfill the dream arriving with nothing.
I had secured a job working as a nurse in Whangarei hospital prior to leaving the UK and was always concerend by peoples posting on here regarding what they felt to be "minimal" salary needed.
The initial two days were spent in Auckland to secure a car purchase (the only disposable income I did have) and a decent second hand 4WD was sourced from trademe and purchased the same day. Activating my BNZ account was straight foward and I found the bank staff to be really helpful. Vodaone contract secured and a trip up the Sky tower to jump off and my time in Auckland was finished. Collected the dog from the airport - again a fairly easy process (Thanks to Golden Arrow)
The drive to Whangarei was lovely, the first house we had initially rented caused problems with my asthma due to the wood. Managed to find another fully furnished rental out of town that had some land and allowed my dog. I moved in after a week of arriving and started my job after 9 nine days in NZ.
I didn't have a house to sell, didn't bring any furniture with me and didn't know a soul.
My job is great with the people being very welcoming and supportive, something I have found all over so far. I have a lovely drive into work that beats the M25 anyday, and on my days off get to explore what I think is a great area. Off to 90 mile beach to stay in a colleagues bach tomorrow, met the All Blacks on their roasdshow, loads of walking, explored Bay of Islands and brought a bed so far.
I just want to let people know that a new life is acheivable over here without a lump sum of money, or a 6 figure salary - of course it makes life easier but theres so much to do thats free here.
Cost of living is equal overall to the UK, but the lifestyle is better in my opinion.
Bye for now
J
Been following expats for a while now and thought it was about time to post something!
I moved over to Whangarei 10th June and wanted to give people a slightly different perspective on life here - just to show that it is possible to fulfill the dream arriving with nothing.
I had secured a job working as a nurse in Whangarei hospital prior to leaving the UK and was always concerend by peoples posting on here regarding what they felt to be "minimal" salary needed.
The initial two days were spent in Auckland to secure a car purchase (the only disposable income I did have) and a decent second hand 4WD was sourced from trademe and purchased the same day. Activating my BNZ account was straight foward and I found the bank staff to be really helpful. Vodaone contract secured and a trip up the Sky tower to jump off and my time in Auckland was finished. Collected the dog from the airport - again a fairly easy process (Thanks to Golden Arrow)
The drive to Whangarei was lovely, the first house we had initially rented caused problems with my asthma due to the wood. Managed to find another fully furnished rental out of town that had some land and allowed my dog. I moved in after a week of arriving and started my job after 9 nine days in NZ.
I didn't have a house to sell, didn't bring any furniture with me and didn't know a soul.
My job is great with the people being very welcoming and supportive, something I have found all over so far. I have a lovely drive into work that beats the M25 anyday, and on my days off get to explore what I think is a great area. Off to 90 mile beach to stay in a colleagues bach tomorrow, met the All Blacks on their roasdshow, loads of walking, explored Bay of Islands and brought a bed so far.
I just want to let people know that a new life is acheivable over here without a lump sum of money, or a 6 figure salary - of course it makes life easier but theres so much to do thats free here.
Cost of living is equal overall to the UK, but the lifestyle is better in my opinion.
Bye for now
J
Berni
life experience is free!
x
Jul 25th 2010 | 1:18 pm
#3
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,627
From: Rotorua
Re: Honest 6 week update
Hi everyone
Been following expats for a while now and thought it was about time to post something!
I moved over to Whangarei 10th June and wanted to give people a slightly different perspective on life here - just to show that it is possible to fulfill the dream arriving with nothing.
I had secured a job working as a nurse in Whangarei hospital prior to leaving the UK and was always concerend by peoples posting on here regarding what they felt to be "minimal" salary needed.
The initial two days were spent in Auckland to secure a car purchase (the only disposable income I did have) and a decent second hand 4WD was sourced from trademe and purchased the same day. Activating my BNZ account was straight foward and I found the bank staff to be really helpful. Vodaone contract secured and a trip up the Sky tower to jump off and my time in Auckland was finished. Collected the dog from the airport - again a fairly easy process (Thanks to Golden Arrow)
The drive to Whangarei was lovely, the first house we had initially rented caused problems with my asthma due to the wood. Managed to find another fully furnished rental out of town that had some land and allowed my dog. I moved in after a week of arriving and started my job after 9 nine days in NZ.
I didn't have a house to sell, didn't bring any furniture with me and didn't know a soul.
My job is great with the people being very welcoming and supportive, something I have found all over so far. I have a lovely drive into work that beats the M25 anyday, and on my days off get to explore what I think is a great area. Off to 90 mile beach to stay in a colleagues bach tomorrow, met the All Blacks on their roasdshow, loads of walking, explored Bay of Islands and brought a bed so far.
I just want to let people know that a new life is acheivable over here without a lump sum of money, or a 6 figure salary - of course it makes life easier but theres so much to do thats free here.
Cost of living is equal overall to the UK, but the lifestyle is better in my opinion.
Bye for now
J
Been following expats for a while now and thought it was about time to post something!
I moved over to Whangarei 10th June and wanted to give people a slightly different perspective on life here - just to show that it is possible to fulfill the dream arriving with nothing.
I had secured a job working as a nurse in Whangarei hospital prior to leaving the UK and was always concerend by peoples posting on here regarding what they felt to be "minimal" salary needed.
The initial two days were spent in Auckland to secure a car purchase (the only disposable income I did have) and a decent second hand 4WD was sourced from trademe and purchased the same day. Activating my BNZ account was straight foward and I found the bank staff to be really helpful. Vodaone contract secured and a trip up the Sky tower to jump off and my time in Auckland was finished. Collected the dog from the airport - again a fairly easy process (Thanks to Golden Arrow)
The drive to Whangarei was lovely, the first house we had initially rented caused problems with my asthma due to the wood. Managed to find another fully furnished rental out of town that had some land and allowed my dog. I moved in after a week of arriving and started my job after 9 nine days in NZ.
I didn't have a house to sell, didn't bring any furniture with me and didn't know a soul.
My job is great with the people being very welcoming and supportive, something I have found all over so far. I have a lovely drive into work that beats the M25 anyday, and on my days off get to explore what I think is a great area. Off to 90 mile beach to stay in a colleagues bach tomorrow, met the All Blacks on their roasdshow, loads of walking, explored Bay of Islands and brought a bed so far.
I just want to let people know that a new life is acheivable over here without a lump sum of money, or a 6 figure salary - of course it makes life easier but theres so much to do thats free here.
Cost of living is equal overall to the UK, but the lifestyle is better in my opinion.
Bye for now
J
Lovely balanced post
Also a nurse and agree with the comments that the cost of living is equal overall to the UK, but the lifestyle is better.
Jul 25th 2010 | 6:51 pm
#4
BE Enthusiast
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 493
From: Mission Bay, Auckland yay!
Re: Honest 6 week update
Hi everyone
Been following expats for a while now and thought it was about time to post something!
I moved over to Whangarei 10th June and wanted to give people a slightly different perspective on life here - just to show that it is possible to fulfill the dream arriving with nothing.
I had secured a job working as a nurse in Whangarei hospital prior to leaving the UK and was always concerend by peoples posting on here regarding what they felt to be "minimal" salary needed.
The initial two days were spent in Auckland to secure a car purchase (the only disposable income I did have) and a decent second hand 4WD was sourced from trademe and purchased the same day. Activating my BNZ account was straight foward and I found the bank staff to be really helpful. Vodaone contract secured and a trip up the Sky tower to jump off and my time in Auckland was finished. Collected the dog from the airport - again a fairly easy process (Thanks to Golden Arrow)
The drive to Whangarei was lovely, the first house we had initially rented caused problems with my asthma due to the wood. Managed to find another fully furnished rental out of town that had some land and allowed my dog. I moved in after a week of arriving and started my job after 9 nine days in NZ.
I didn't have a house to sell, didn't bring any furniture with me and didn't know a soul.
My job is great with the people being very welcoming and supportive, something I have found all over so far. I have a lovely drive into work that beats the M25 anyday, and on my days off get to explore what I think is a great area. Off to 90 mile beach to stay in a colleagues bach tomorrow, met the All Blacks on their roasdshow, loads of walking, explored Bay of Islands and brought a bed so far.
I just want to let people know that a new life is acheivable over here without a lump sum of money, or a 6 figure salary - of course it makes life easier but theres so much to do thats free here.
Cost of living is equal overall to the UK, but the lifestyle is better in my opinion.
Bye for now
J
Been following expats for a while now and thought it was about time to post something!
I moved over to Whangarei 10th June and wanted to give people a slightly different perspective on life here - just to show that it is possible to fulfill the dream arriving with nothing.
I had secured a job working as a nurse in Whangarei hospital prior to leaving the UK and was always concerend by peoples posting on here regarding what they felt to be "minimal" salary needed.
The initial two days were spent in Auckland to secure a car purchase (the only disposable income I did have) and a decent second hand 4WD was sourced from trademe and purchased the same day. Activating my BNZ account was straight foward and I found the bank staff to be really helpful. Vodaone contract secured and a trip up the Sky tower to jump off and my time in Auckland was finished. Collected the dog from the airport - again a fairly easy process (Thanks to Golden Arrow)
The drive to Whangarei was lovely, the first house we had initially rented caused problems with my asthma due to the wood. Managed to find another fully furnished rental out of town that had some land and allowed my dog. I moved in after a week of arriving and started my job after 9 nine days in NZ.
I didn't have a house to sell, didn't bring any furniture with me and didn't know a soul.
My job is great with the people being very welcoming and supportive, something I have found all over so far. I have a lovely drive into work that beats the M25 anyday, and on my days off get to explore what I think is a great area. Off to 90 mile beach to stay in a colleagues bach tomorrow, met the All Blacks on their roasdshow, loads of walking, explored Bay of Islands and brought a bed so far.
I just want to let people know that a new life is acheivable over here without a lump sum of money, or a 6 figure salary - of course it makes life easier but theres so much to do thats free here.
Cost of living is equal overall to the UK, but the lifestyle is better in my opinion.
Bye for now
J
Jul 25th 2010 | 8:32 pm
#5
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 145
From: Worcestershire
Re: Honest 6 week update
Nice update glad your enjoying yourself.. you do realise your going to be classed as a 'Happyclapper' by the doom merchants
Interesting to see that you compare the cost of living equivalent to the uk. There are squillions of posts regarding rip off NZ but if thats how it feels to you then im pleased. Im sure those will be along to quote the price of apples etc
Interesting to see that you compare the cost of living equivalent to the uk. There are squillions of posts regarding rip off NZ but if thats how it feels to you then im pleased. Im sure those will be along to quote the price of apples etc
Jul 25th 2010 | 10:04 pm
#6
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,227
From: Welly UK to Welly NZ to Welly UK
Re: Honest 6 week update
Hi there....well done you!! so good to see a post from someone who's dream is living up to expectations.
I'm also a nurse but didn't come over to a job, infact, I didn't transfer my registration.....wanted to give nursing a rest after a long stint
We came home about 2 mths ago for no other reason than my home sickness made us re-examine our future and realise that either we'd made the move too late or maybe too early?
Agree that the cost of living is overall similar to UK....somethings cheaper, some things dearer. There is a good life to be had in NZ, you're proof that a positive attitude, adaptability and realistic expectations will stand you in good stead.
Good luck....oh and by the way really envious that you did the sky tower jump...OH wasn't too keen for me to do it, maybe if I increased my life insurance he might be persuaded to let me do it on our next visit
B x
so good to see a post from someone who's dream is living up to expectations.I'm also a nurse but didn't come over to a job, infact, I didn't transfer my registration.....wanted to give nursing a rest after a long stint
We came home about 2 mths ago for no other reason than my home sickness made us re-examine our future and realise that either we'd made the move too late or maybe too early? Agree that the cost of living is overall similar to UK....somethings cheaper, some things dearer. There is a good life to be had in NZ, you're proof that a positive attitude, adaptability and realistic expectations will stand you in good stead. Good luck....oh and by the way really envious that you did the sky tower jump...OH wasn't too keen for me to do it, maybe if I increased my life insurance he might be persuaded to let me do it on our next visit
B x
Jul 26th 2010 | 2:49 am
#7
Scorchy legs
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,069
From: Kapiti coast
Re: Honest 6 week update
great post good for you, thanks for taking the time to post.Will reassure many people making the move (myself included).
Keep enjoying
Dewb
Jul 26th 2010 | 6:49 am
#8
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,264
From: Pakaraka
Re: Honest 6 week update
Nice one, hope everything goes from strength to strength
Jul 26th 2010 | 9:25 pm
#9
Thread Starter
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2
Re: Honest 6 week update
Thanks for your comments everyone.
I'm sure there will eventually be some doom and gloom added by somebody on here.
Regardless of prices I still find a lot of stuff the same price to the UK and for everything I ind for less theres something for that costs more.
My job is certainly less stressful than the UK, and it seems to be the general concensus from other British nurses I have met.
We love it here so far and hope that eventually it will feel like home - it wasn't easy to begin with and of course we both had some doubts but together we got through the hard times (so far anyway) and look foward to the future in NZ.
x
I'm sure there will eventually be some doom and gloom added by somebody on here.
Regardless of prices I still find a lot of stuff the same price to the UK and for everything I ind for less theres something for that costs more.
My job is certainly less stressful than the UK, and it seems to be the general concensus from other British nurses I have met.
We love it here so far and hope that eventually it will feel like home - it wasn't easy to begin with and of course we both had some doubts but together we got through the hard times (so far anyway) and look foward to the future in NZ.
x
Jul 31st 2010 | 6:47 am
#10
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 294
From: Feilding
Re: Honest 6 week update
I am really glad your happy!
it is an inspiration to others (& us) that you have settled in well, and it has just convinced me that it is the right thing to do.
stay happy!
Anna
it is an inspiration to others (& us) that you have settled in well, and it has just convinced me that it is the right thing to do.
stay happy!
Anna
