one month in....
Nov 9th 2009, 7:53 am
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Norwich, Uk (sigh)
Posts: 396
one month in....
Well we have been here for a month now and so far so good. Its been a bit of a shock to the system but we may just be getting sorted!!! We found a nice house to rent, close to work and good schools, have brought an old car, finally got phone and internet sorted and just waiting for the container to arrive so home can look like a home!!! We thought we had done plenty of research but have had a shock with regard to the cost of some things 
Second hand cars are so much more expensive than we imagined, internet and phone is about 3 times UK prices and of course the lousy exchange rate hasn't helped. We have had to leave as much money as possible in the UK until things improve.
On the positive side, the weather has shown moments of promise
The views in the Bays are stunning and everyone we have met have been so helpful and friendly. So not what you get back in Blighty!! Daughter has settled straight into school and made loads of friends. My work mates seem really nice although after 8 weeks off its been a tad difficult to get up in the morning. So far I wouldn't change a thing and apart from missing the people we left behind I am not missing the UK and have no desire to go back!!!
For those starting out on this journey, please research well so there are no shocks waiting for you, be prepared for lovely people and lovely scenery and hopefully soon, lovely weather......Bevissa
Second hand cars are so much more expensive than we imagined, internet and phone is about 3 times UK prices and of course the lousy exchange rate hasn't helped. We have had to leave as much money as possible in the UK until things improve.On the positive side, the weather has shown moments of promise
The views in the Bays are stunning and everyone we have met have been so helpful and friendly. So not what you get back in Blighty!! Daughter has settled straight into school and made loads of friends. My work mates seem really nice although after 8 weeks off its been a tad difficult to get up in the morning. So far I wouldn't change a thing and apart from missing the people we left behind I am not missing the UK and have no desire to go back!!! For those starting out on this journey, please research well so there are no shocks waiting for you, be prepared for lovely people and lovely scenery and hopefully soon, lovely weather......Bevissa
Nov 9th 2009, 8:19 am
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 54
Re: one month in....
We are a week behind you, Bevissa, and like you are settling in well. We had to spend a week in Auckland before heading down to our new home in Invercargill, so we've only had two weeks to set up home so far.
I researched my ass off, if you'll pardon the expression
, and the cost of stuff still floored me. $1000 for a dehumidifier
, $450 for a poxy little fan heater 
, and why is meat so expensive when we pass it in the field next to our house evey day! Oh, and rawhide dog chews - packs of 6 for $14 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I actually made lists of what we'd need to buy to keep us going til the container got here
(yes, I am that anal) but you just can't plan for everything. Our rental is great, but is basically a traditional Kiwi shed, so we've had to buy lined curtains and draught insulation. I had no idea how much wood and coal would cost for our Yunca - bits and pieces keep adding up. My store won't be open til Christmas week, so no wage as yet either.
Still, we love it
. Our dogs love it too - the space, the smells, the sleeping in our bed cos it's chuffin freezing 
So I'd agree - newbies: plan and research... but expect stuff to shock the hell out of you anyway, bring everything you can cram into a container, then just go with the flow and enjoy it
I researched my ass off, if you'll pardon the expression
, and the cost of stuff still floored me. $1000 for a dehumidifier, $450 for a poxy little fan heater , and why is meat so expensive when we pass it in the field next to our house evey day! Oh, and rawhide dog chews - packs of 6 for $14 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I actually made lists of what we'd need to buy to keep us going til the container got here
(yes, I am that anal) but you just can't plan for everything. Our rental is great, but is basically a traditional Kiwi shed, so we've had to buy lined curtains and draught insulation. I had no idea how much wood and coal would cost for our Yunca - bits and pieces keep adding up. My store won't be open til Christmas week, so no wage as yet either.Still, we love it
. Our dogs love it too - the space, the smells, the sleeping in our bed cos it's chuffin freezing So I'd agree - newbies: plan and research... but expect stuff to shock the hell out of you anyway, bring everything you can cram into a container, then just go with the flow and enjoy it
Nov 9th 2009, 8:24 am
#3
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,298
Re: one month in....
We are a week behind you, Bevissa, and like you are settling in well. We had to spend a week in Auckland before heading down to our new home in Invercargill, so we've only had two weeks to set up home so far.
I researched my ass off, if you'll pardon the expression , and the cost of stuff still floored me. $1000 for a dehumidifier, $450 for a poxy little fan heater , and why is meat so expensive when we pass it in the field next to our house evey day! Oh, and rawhide dog chews - packs of 6 for $14 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I actually made lists of what we'd need to buy to keep us going til the container got here (yes, I am that anal) but you just can't plan for everything. Our rental is great, but is basically a traditional Kiwi shed, so we've had to buy lined curtains and draught insulation. I had no idea how much wood and coal would cost for our Yunca - bits and pieces keep adding up. My store won't be open til Christmas week, so no wage as yet either.
Still, we love it . Our dogs love it too - the space, the smells, the sleeping in our bed cos it's chuffin freezing
So I'd agree - newbies: plan and research... but expect stuff to shock the hell out of you anyway, bring everything you can cram into a container, then just go with the flow and enjoy it
I researched my ass off, if you'll pardon the expression
, and the cost of stuff still floored me. $1000 for a dehumidifier, $450 for a poxy little fan heater , and why is meat so expensive when we pass it in the field next to our house evey day! Oh, and rawhide dog chews - packs of 6 for $14 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I actually made lists of what we'd need to buy to keep us going til the container got here
(yes, I am that anal) but you just can't plan for everything. Our rental is great, but is basically a traditional Kiwi shed, so we've had to buy lined curtains and draught insulation. I had no idea how much wood and coal would cost for our Yunca - bits and pieces keep adding up. My store won't be open til Christmas week, so no wage as yet either.Still, we love it
. Our dogs love it too - the space, the smells, the sleeping in our bed cos it's chuffin freezing So I'd agree - newbies: plan and research... but expect stuff to shock the hell out of you anyway, bring everything you can cram into a container, then just go with the flow and enjoy it
Nov 9th 2009, 8:42 am
#4
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Joined: Mar 2009
Location: Tamaki Makau Rau
Posts: 778
Re: one month in....
I bought a consumer recommended de hunidifier for $260...reduced from 400. Recommend delonghi ones but don't have to be too flash
However in Invers you might need a hardcore one as they are designed to work at their optimum at ~20 Degrees
Makes sure that you get one that can tolerate low temps
Golden Rule
As anyone who's been here more than half a year will tell you
NEVER buy anything full price at briscoes!
as they WILL have a sale within the next fortnight...guaranteed
Shop around for internet and phone and ask for a deal...tell them what the others are offering
Cars...well I bought mine at an auction and you can get some good deals there. Much less security I guess but bargains to be had
Good Luck and welcome.....Bevissa....aren't you the (now ex) norfolk person????
There aren't too many of us here
However in Invers you might need a hardcore one as they are designed to work at their optimum at ~20 Degrees
Makes sure that you get one that can tolerate low temps
Golden Rule
As anyone who's been here more than half a year will tell you
NEVER buy anything full price at briscoes!
as they WILL have a sale within the next fortnight...guaranteed
Shop around for internet and phone and ask for a deal...tell them what the others are offering
Cars...well I bought mine at an auction and you can get some good deals there. Much less security I guess but bargains to be had
Good Luck and welcome.....Bevissa....aren't you the (now ex) norfolk person????
There aren't too many of us here
Nov 9th 2009, 8:45 am
#5
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 54
Re: one month in....
Am watching a Mitsi dehumidifier now, but it's in Dunedin, a bit of a trek ...
Nov 9th 2009, 10:48 am
#6
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 613
Re: one month in....
Bevissa, glad you like the North Shore. We do too. There is a good car auction place there and we got our car at auction. Have you been to Milford Shopping Centre yet? In a lovely position just yards from the beach.
Nov 9th 2009, 5:35 pm
#7
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2009
Location: Beachlands, Auckland
Posts: 211
Re: one month in....
We are a week behind you, Bevissa, and like you are settling in well. We had to spend a week in Auckland before heading down to our new home in Invercargill, so we've only had two weeks to set up home so far.
I researched my ass off, if you'll pardon the expression , and the cost of stuff still floored me. $1000 for a dehumidifier, $450 for a poxy little fan heater , and why is meat so expensive when we pass it in the field next to our house evey day! Oh, and rawhide dog chews - packs of 6 for $14 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I actually made lists of what we'd need to buy to keep us going til the container got here (yes, I am that anal) but you just can't plan for everything. Our rental is great, but is basically a traditional Kiwi shed, so we've had to buy lined curtains and draught insulation. I had no idea how much wood and coal would cost for our Yunca - bits and pieces keep adding up. My store won't be open til Christmas week, so no wage as yet either.
Still, we love it . Our dogs love it too - the space, the smells, the sleeping in our bed cos it's chuffin freezing
So I'd agree - newbies: plan and research... but expect stuff to shock the hell out of you anyway, bring everything you can cram into a container, then just go with the flow and enjoy it
I researched my ass off, if you'll pardon the expression
, and the cost of stuff still floored me. $1000 for a dehumidifier, $450 for a poxy little fan heater , and why is meat so expensive when we pass it in the field next to our house evey day! Oh, and rawhide dog chews - packs of 6 for $14 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I actually made lists of what we'd need to buy to keep us going til the container got here
(yes, I am that anal) but you just can't plan for everything. Our rental is great, but is basically a traditional Kiwi shed, so we've had to buy lined curtains and draught insulation. I had no idea how much wood and coal would cost for our Yunca - bits and pieces keep adding up. My store won't be open til Christmas week, so no wage as yet either.Still, we love it
. Our dogs love it too - the space, the smells, the sleeping in our bed cos it's chuffin freezing So I'd agree - newbies: plan and research... but expect stuff to shock the hell out of you anyway, bring everything you can cram into a container, then just go with the flow and enjoy it
), as planning on sending stuff in advance of our container.Any chance?
Nov 9th 2009, 5:36 pm
#8
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2009
Location: Beachlands, Auckland
Posts: 211
Re: one month in....
Well we have been here for a month now and so far so good. Its been a bit of a shock to the system but we may just be getting sorted!!! We found a nice house to rent, close to work and good schools, have brought an old car, finally got phone and internet sorted and just waiting for the container to arrive so home can look like a home!!! We thought we had done plenty of research but have had a shock with regard to the cost of some things Second hand cars are so much more expensive than we imagined, internet and phone is about 3 times UK prices and of course the lousy exchange rate hasn't helped. We have had to leave as much money as possible in the UK until things improve.
On the positive side, the weather has shown moments of promise The views in the Bays are stunning and everyone we have met have been so helpful and friendly. So not what you get back in Blighty!! Daughter has settled straight into school and made loads of friends. My work mates seem really nice although after 8 weeks off its been a tad difficult to get up in the morning. So far I wouldn't change a thing and apart from missing the people we left behind I am not missing the UK and have no desire to go back!!!
For those starting out on this journey, please research well so there are no shocks waiting for you, be prepared for lovely people and lovely scenery and hopefully soon, lovely weather......Bevissa
Second hand cars are so much more expensive than we imagined, internet and phone is about 3 times UK prices and of course the lousy exchange rate hasn't helped. We have had to leave as much money as possible in the UK until things improve.On the positive side, the weather has shown moments of promise
The views in the Bays are stunning and everyone we have met have been so helpful and friendly. So not what you get back in Blighty!! Daughter has settled straight into school and made loads of friends. My work mates seem really nice although after 8 weeks off its been a tad difficult to get up in the morning. So far I wouldn't change a thing and apart from missing the people we left behind I am not missing the UK and have no desire to go back!!! For those starting out on this journey, please research well so there are no shocks waiting for you, be prepared for lovely people and lovely scenery and hopefully soon, lovely weather......Bevissa
Can't believe you've been there a month already - seems like only yesterday when you were posting your leaving message!
We're not far behind you now - flying out 12th Jan!
Nov 9th 2009, 5:37 pm
#9
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2009
Location: Beachlands, Auckland
Posts: 211
Re: one month in....
Why do you need a dehumidifier? (haven't one in UK so just wondering if one is necessary in NZ?)
Nov 9th 2009, 6:48 pm
#10
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 54
Re: one month in....
. I used one in the UK when we lived in a damp flat with condensation problems, but I found it so useful for raising the ambient temperature in winter, and drying clothes, that I've used one ever since. They are particularly relevant over here, tho.
My shopping list had a lot of stuff on it for our dogs' day-to-day needs - probably not relevant for you? I will dig it out and edit it, and PM you
Last edited by Pinkkat75; Nov 9th 2009 at 6:48 pm. Reason: shocking spelling
Nov 9th 2009, 7:01 pm
#11
Joined: May 2009
Location: Welly UK to Welly NZ to Welly UK
Posts: 2,227
Re: one month in....
Well we have been here for a month now and so far so good. Its been a bit of a shock to the system but we may just be getting sorted!!! We found a nice house to rent, close to work and good schools, have brought an old car, finally got phone and internet sorted and just waiting for the container to arrive so home can look like a home!!! We thought we had done plenty of research but have had a shock with regard to the cost of some things Second hand cars are so much more expensive than we imagined, internet and phone is about 3 times UK prices and of course the lousy exchange rate hasn't helped. We have had to leave as much money as possible in the UK until things improve.
On the positive side, the weather has shown moments of promise The views in the Bays are stunning and everyone we have met have been so helpful and friendly. So not what you get back in Blighty!! Daughter has settled straight into school and made loads of friends. My work mates seem really nice although after 8 weeks off its been a tad difficult to get up in the morning. So far I wouldn't change a thing and apart from missing the people we left behind I am not missing the UK and have no desire to go back!!!
For those starting out on this journey, please research well so there are no shocks waiting for you, be prepared for lovely people and lovely scenery and hopefully soon, lovely weather......Bevissa
Second hand cars are so much more expensive than we imagined, internet and phone is about 3 times UK prices and of course the lousy exchange rate hasn't helped. We have had to leave as much money as possible in the UK until things improve.On the positive side, the weather has shown moments of promise
The views in the Bays are stunning and everyone we have met have been so helpful and friendly. So not what you get back in Blighty!! Daughter has settled straight into school and made loads of friends. My work mates seem really nice although after 8 weeks off its been a tad difficult to get up in the morning. So far I wouldn't change a thing and apart from missing the people we left behind I am not missing the UK and have no desire to go back!!! For those starting out on this journey, please research well so there are no shocks waiting for you, be prepared for lovely people and lovely scenery and hopefully soon, lovely weather......Bevissa
B x
Nov 9th 2009, 7:04 pm
#12
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2009
Location: Beachlands, Auckland
Posts: 211
Re: one month in....
Depends where you're headed in NZ - do a "dehumidifier" search on this forum and you'll find a load of reasons. Traditional NZ housing at the bottom of the South Island definitely requires a dehumidifier .
I used one in the UK when we lived in a damp flat with condensation problems, but I found it so useful for raising the ambient temperature in winter, and drying clothes, that I've used one ever since. They are particularly relevant over here, tho.
My shopping list had a lot of stuff on it for our dogs' day-to-day needs - probably not relevant for you? I will dig it out and edit it, and PM you
. I used one in the UK when we lived in a damp flat with condensation problems, but I found it so useful for raising the ambient temperature in winter, and drying clothes, that I've used one ever since. They are particularly relevant over here, tho.
My shopping list had a lot of stuff on it for our dogs' day-to-day needs - probably not relevant for you? I will dig it out and edit it, and PM you
Nov 9th 2009, 7:05 pm
#13
Joined: May 2009
Location: Welly UK to Welly NZ to Welly UK
Posts: 2,227
Re: one month in....
We are a week behind you, Bevissa, and like you are settling in well. We had to spend a week in Auckland before heading down to our new home in Invercargill, so we've only had two weeks to set up home so far.
I researched my ass off, if you'll pardon the expression , and the cost of stuff still floored me. $1000 for a dehumidifier, $450 for a poxy little fan heater , and why is meat so expensive when we pass it in the field next to our house evey day! Oh, and rawhide dog chews - packs of 6 for $14 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I actually made lists of what we'd need to buy to keep us going til the container got here (yes, I am that anal) but you just can't plan for everything. Our rental is great, but is basically a traditional Kiwi shed, so we've had to buy lined curtains and draught insulation. I had no idea how much wood and coal would cost for our Yunca - bits and pieces keep adding up. My store won't be open til Christmas week, so no wage as yet either.
Still, we love it . Our dogs love it too - the space, the smells, the sleeping in our bed cos it's chuffin freezing
So I'd agree - newbies: plan and research... but expect stuff to shock the hell out of you anyway, bring everything you can cram into a container, then just go with the flow and enjoy it
I researched my ass off, if you'll pardon the expression
, and the cost of stuff still floored me. $1000 for a dehumidifier, $450 for a poxy little fan heater , and why is meat so expensive when we pass it in the field next to our house evey day! Oh, and rawhide dog chews - packs of 6 for $14 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I actually made lists of what we'd need to buy to keep us going til the container got here
(yes, I am that anal) but you just can't plan for everything. Our rental is great, but is basically a traditional Kiwi shed, so we've had to buy lined curtains and draught insulation. I had no idea how much wood and coal would cost for our Yunca - bits and pieces keep adding up. My store won't be open til Christmas week, so no wage as yet either.Still, we love it
. Our dogs love it too - the space, the smells, the sleeping in our bed cos it's chuffin freezing So I'd agree - newbies: plan and research... but expect stuff to shock the hell out of you anyway, bring everything you can cram into a container, then just go with the flow and enjoy it
Enjoy!!
Nov 9th 2009, 7:06 pm
#14
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 54
Re: one month in....
Search on the forum, see what comes up. Might depend on the type of house you end up in
Nov 9th 2009, 7:36 pm
#15
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Feilding
Posts: 294
Re: one month in....
Hi Bevissa!
glad you arrived ok, and are enjoying the Kiwi way, we are still in Norwich and you have definitely gone to a better place.
we went to asda last week and OMG :curse:! it is hell on earth! you know what i mean???? it was jammed packed with probably the entire population of NZ! they ram the trolleys at you, and kids are screaming, people pushing past you, and thats just the car park!
and as for the traffic, dont get me started, such selfish drivers and just the sheer volume is horrendous.
we so cant bear it, and are just wishing the days away till we come for a visit for a whole month in may!
so just remember how bad, full and crammed Norwich is, and i think anywhere is better!
Anna
glad you arrived ok, and are enjoying the Kiwi way, we are still in Norwich and you have definitely gone to a better place.
we went to asda last week and OMG :curse:! it is hell on earth! you know what i mean???? it was jammed packed with probably the entire population of NZ! they ram the trolleys at you, and kids are screaming, people pushing past you, and thats just the car park!
and as for the traffic, dont get me started, such selfish drivers and just the sheer volume is horrendous.
we so cant bear it, and are just wishing the days away till we come for a visit for a whole month in may!
so just remember how bad, full and crammed Norwich is, and i think anywhere is better!
Anna