Ffs Nz!

[Mikkel]

Ok, bear with me for a shortish rant here...

I've come to understand that NZ is lacking skilled workers, mainly due to the fact that wages in NZ are rather low compared to what one can get elsewhere in this globalised world.

Now, don't get me wrong here, I bloody well love the place! The nature is fantastic and >95% of the people are bloody awesome (better than the 90% which seems to be the global average ;) ). Which is why I would like to stay or at least be able to come back and settle down later.

Thus, my partner and I have applied for residency earlier this year. And this is the process: first you file an expression of interest, which cost $400, to have your case evaluated and the cost for the rest of the procedure is at least $2,200 (per person?) - so this lovely bureaucrazy doesn't come for free... Add to that the fact that there's a bit of research and work to be done in filling out the application.

So we did that and sent in the application about 8 weeks ago... And we didn't hear a thing until today. But no, today in the mail we got a letter from Immigration NZ. One of their 'Immigration Officers' had considered our application and she must have had a rather shitty day I think. Anyway, the fact of the matter is that they are:

-Not willing to acknowledge that a danish Ph.D. in Phamachology and 5 years of working experience is an advanced qualification unless we run it past the 'New Zealand Qualification Authority' (NZQA) for evaluation (it's pretty cheap $450 :sarcasm:) and probably only has a processing time of 2 months +/- 4 months. (In comparison, let say you held a bachelor of arts from ZIMBABVE or ROMANIA you'd be home-free no f*cking questions asked).

-Thinking that the University of Otago would employ a post-doc without her meeting the professional criteria (a Ph.D. comparable to the NZ level).

Add to that the fact that the letter was formulated in a rather condescending manner (no matter what you might think of myself, you have to give me that I should at least be able to get that right...).

Anyway, this lovely 'immigration officer' has given us 2 weeks (they just took 8...) to throw a shitload of money at NZQA and get our exam papers (the original copy, mind you) assessed. Just to exemplify how stupid this system is, you have to pay extra and 'tick a box' to get your papers sent back to you ($46), the original paper FFS... If you hold a Masters degree and a Ph.D. you have to pay for BOTH to get them evaluated...

Is it just me, or does this clash with how NZ would like to absorb more skilled immigrants?

Eez 'cos I iz white eezn't it?

[Bren]

Ya hit the nail on the head...its sorta like reverse racisim here....If you are from an ethnic background other than caucasian then the system loves ya, but if you are an average whitie then the system shits on ya!

[Cr1MiNaL]

Its fucking bullshit bro, along with a lot of other things that go down over here... I long for the day when NZ looks around and realises that theres more to the world than Australia... U've just seen 1 problem stick around for a bit longer if you dare... fukin malls shut at 5... nothing open past 9... streets dead after 10pm... the only nightlife is clustered... when uve been to other countries NZ just doesnt cut it. Get what u need and get out is my advise to you.

[Tank]

Eez 'cos I iz white eezn't it?


Hang on - you're white ?

[mstriumph]

:shutup: i didn't know he was ..... white

[P38]

Ok, bear with me for a shortish rant here...

I've come to understand that NZ is lacking skilled workers, mainly due to the fact that wages in NZ are rather low compared to what one can get elsewhere in this globalised world.

Now, don't get me wrong here, I bloody well love the place! The nature is fantastic and >95% of the people are bloody awesome (better than the 90% which seems to be the global average ;) ). Which is why I would like to stay or at least be able to come back and settle down later.

Thus, my partner and I have applied for residency earlier this year. And this is the process: first you file an expression of interest, which cost $400, to have your case evaluated and the cost for the rest of the procedure is at least $2,200 (per person?) - so this lovely bureaucrazy doesn't come for free... Add to that the fact that there's a bit of research and work to be done in filling out the application.

So we did that and sent in the application about 8 weeks ago... And we didn't hear a thing until today. But no, today in the mail we got a letter from Immigration NZ. One of their 'Immigration Officers' had considered our application and she must have had a rather shitty day I think. Anyway, the fact of the matter is that they are:

-Not willing to acknowledge that a danish Ph.D. in Phamachology and 5 years of working experience is an advanced qualification unless we run it past the 'New Zealand Qualification Authority' (NZQA) for evaluation (it's pretty cheap $450 :sarcasm:) and probably only has a processing time of 2 months +/- 4 months. (In comparison, let say you held a bachelor of arts from ZIMBABVE or ROMANIA you'd be home-free no f*cking questions asked).

-Thinking that the University of Otago would employ a post-doc without her meeting the professional criteria (a Ph.D. comparable to the NZ level).

Add to that the fact that the letter was formulated in a rather condescending manner (no matter what you might think of myself, you have to give me that I should at least be able to get that right...).

Anyway, this lovely 'immigration officer' has given us 2 weeks (they just took 8...) to throw a shitload of money at NZQA and get our exam papers (the original copy, mind you) assessed. Just to exemplify how stupid this system is, you have to pay extra and 'tick a box' to get your papers sent back to you ($46), the original paper FFS... If you hold a Masters degree and a Ph.D. you have to pay for BOTH to get them evaluated...

Is it just me, or does this clash with how NZ would like to absorb more skilled immigrants?

Eez 'cos I iz white eezn't it?

Mate ya shoulda applied a couple hundred years ago.:msn-wink:

Was easy to get in then.:yes:

Or maybe you should have traveled here on a false passport, dumped it in the shitter and claimed your $Mill + from legal aid to finance a legal battle to enable you and your family to stay.

Seriously though
I hear your pain..... we are desparately short of trades here in Hawkes Bay. So much so that we regulary advertise overseas.

Our Goverment should make it easy for the people we want/need... instead they make it easy for those that we dont... Achmed Zaoui for instance.

[Cr1MiNaL]

Fuck the government lol Bring on National.

[Number One]

Sounds to me that they consider extensive study and 5 years experience not highly enough rated in terms of how badly NZ needs those particlar skills?

I know lots of 'skilled migrants' that haven't had to jump through those hoops and expenses you describe (these were recent too). Maybe we aren't as hard up here for what it is that you do...

[jrandom]

Our Goverment should make it easy for the people we want/need...


danish Ph.D. in Phamachology

Maybe they don't think we need people with PhDs who can't spell the subject they took them in (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pharmacology)?

:laugh:

Mikkel, how many countries have you emigrated to before? Is NZ's immigration bureaucracy better, worse, or more or less the same as others?

I wouldn't know, I've never tried to leave.

[fridayflash]

crazy man!! when helping an employee of mine get a work visa, i dished up a few 'kia oras' and 'tena koe' in my letter as a bit of cultural leverage.
duno if it helped or not but we were successful.
its a pity to have to stoop to such measures

[jrandom]

fukin malls shut at 5... nothing open past 9... streets dead after 10pm... the only nightlife is clustered... when uve been to other countries NZ just doesnt cut it.

Don't let the door hit your arse on the way out, Apu.

:cool:

[Mom]

Eez 'cos I iz white eezn't it?
among other things...LOL

[Cr1MiNaL]

Don't let the door hit your arse on the way out, Apu.

:cool:

I'm not goin to b the last to turn the lights off, thats for bloody sure... while I'm here I'll make the most of the amazin blonds/brunettes/redheads anyway... gorgeous naughty women everywhere...:buggerd:

[Dave-]

what's her name? address? employee number?

don't worry mike, I'll write a letter of recommendation for ya, my diploma in 3d animation should stir up the office at immigration :D

ah the sucks dude, but I'm so chuffed that you'd want to stay...little ol' NZ...I'm so proud...

[nodrog]

maybe you should have studied something usefull then:bleh:

[jrandom]

while I'm here I'll make the most of the amazin blonds/brunettes/redheads anyway... gorgeous naughty women everywhere...:buggerd:

:apint:

Yeah, there've been known to be one or two around and about, aye...

007XX disagrees with you, though.

[koba]

-Not willing to acknowledge that a danish Ph.D. in Phamachology and 5 years of working experience is an advanced qualification unless we run it past the 'New Zealand Qualification Authority' (NZQA) for evaluation (it's pretty cheap $450 :sarcasm:) and probably only has a processing time of 2 months +/- 4 months. (In comparison, let say you held a bachelor of arts from ZIMBABVE or ROMANIA you'd be home-free no f*cking questions asked).



What is wrong with ZIMBABVE or ROMANIA?

You could just always not immigrate

[Number One]

maybe you should have studied something usefull then:bleh:
:lol:

True dat! Pharmacology? We got enough P brewers here already!

[Coyote]

Fuck the government lol Bring on National.
Yay! Then we'll get more cheap labour from overseas driving our wages further down!

It's like America over here. You really only get 2 choices, and they're both shit and really are 95% on the same side.

[Timber020]

Yay! Then we'll get more cheap labour from overseas driving our wages further down!

It's like America over here. You really only get 2 choices, and they're both shit and really are 95% on the same side.

Thats so true. So far I havent figured how national is much different from what weve got. Key couldnt even give an opinion if NZs involvement in vietnam was wrong. So far uncle Hellun has shown more balls.

Same suck ups, different fuck ups.

[Mikkel]

Fuck the government lol Bring on National.

A nationalistic goverment is probably not going to improve matters now, is it?


Sounds to me that they consider extensive study and 5 years experience not highly enough rated in terms of how badly NZ needs those particlar skills?

I know lots of 'skilled migrants' that haven't had to jump through those hoops and expenses you describe (these were recent too). Maybe we aren't as hard up here for what it is that you do...

Well, both our qualifications are on the list (have a look at it (http://glossary.immigration.govt.nz/NR/rdonlyres/063ECB35-F5D5-44D8-8325-7041A727A9D5/0/1093.pdf) btw - it's a great eye-opener...)


Maybe they don't think we need people with PhDs who can't spell the subject they took them in (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pharmacology)?

:laugh:

Har har har har - damn you've been pretty fucking funny lately haven't you?
Too bad Hitcher got the job before you signed up...

FYI, I don't have a Ph.D. - nor do I have a degree in pharmacology.


maybe you should have studied something usefull then:bleh:

I do hope you're trying to be funny :scratch:


What is wrong with ZIMBABVE or ROMANIA?

You could just always not immigrate

Nothing wrong with neither Zimbabve nor Romania - but I do believe that the standard of education in Denmark is not less than that of either of those countries.

But yes - we could, and we might just do that. Happy now?


True dat! Pharmacology? We got enough P brewers here already!

Fuck P, I'm confident my girlfriend could synthesise something a bit more interesting than that if she wanted. :yes:

[jimbo600]

Mate tell them you drew the mohammad cartoons in your paper and that you fear for your life in Denmark and now you're a refugee.

Also mention that you have no intention of working but will breed for benefit and you'll be a shoe in brother.

[yod]

Its fucking bullshit bro, along with a lot of other things that go down over here... I long for the day when NZ looks around and realises that theres more to the world than Australia... U've just seen 1 problem stick around for a bit longer if you dare... fukin malls shut at 5... nothing open past 9... streets dead after 10pm... the only nightlife is clustered... when uve been to other countries NZ just doesnt cut it. Get what u need and get out is my advise to you.

fuck off any time you like mate

i've been to twenty odd countries and NZ is just as appealing, if not more, than any of them, and it doesnt have anything to do with what time the mall shuts

[Mikkel]

Mate tell them you drew the mohammad cartoons in your paper and that you fear for your life in Denmark and now you're a refugee.

Also mention that you have no intention of working but will breed for benefit and you'll be a shoe in brother.

Not planning any kids just yet - but I did enjoy the cartoons...


i've been to twenty odd countries and NZ is just as appealing, if not more, than any of them, and it doesnt have anything to do with what time the mall shuts

Have to agree there - the time things shut here in NZ is better than most other places I've been to. Bloody luxury to be able to shop until 10 pm :yes:

[yod]

Have to agree there - the time things shut here in NZ is better than most other places I've been to. Bloody luxury to be able to shop until 10 pm :yes:

or spain, everything shuts for 2 hours in the middle of the day

i could handle a midday siesta, might have to talk to the boss about that

[Mikkel]

or spain, everything shuts for 2 hours in the middle of the day

i could handle a midday siesta, might have to talk to the boss about that

Not too bad, when you are aware of the fact. Really sucks on your first day of you holiday and you've forgotten to buy booze before the midday shutdown :rolleyes:

[sinister^]

It's because your white IMO

[peasea]

Ok, bear with me for a shortish rant here...

I've come to understand that NZ is lacking skilled workers, mainly due to the fact that wages in NZ are rather low compared to what one can get elsewhere in this globalised world.

Now, don't get me wrong here, I bloody well love the place! The nature is fantastic and >95% of the people are bloody awesome (better than the 90% which seems to be the global average ;) ). Which is why I would like to stay or at least be able to come back and settle down later.

Thus, my partner and I have applied for residency earlier this year. And this is the process: first you file an expression of interest, which cost $400, to have your case evaluated and the cost for the rest of the procedure is at least $2,200 (per person?) - so this lovely bureaucrazy doesn't come for free... Add to that the fact that there's a bit of research and work to be done in filling out the application.

So we did that and sent in the application about 8 weeks ago... And we didn't hear a thing until today. But no, today in the mail we got a letter from Immigration NZ. One of their 'Immigration Officers' had considered our application and she must have had a rather shitty day I think. Anyway, the fact of the matter is that they are:

-Not willing to acknowledge that a danish Ph.D. in Phamachology and 5 years of working experience is an advanced qualification unless we run it past the 'New Zealand Qualification Authority' (NZQA) for evaluation (it's pretty cheap $450 :sarcasm:) and probably only has a processing time of 2 months +/- 4 months. (In comparison, let say you held a bachelor of arts from ZIMBABVE or ROMANIA you'd be home-free no f*cking questions asked).

-Thinking that the University of Otago would employ a post-doc without her meeting the professional criteria (a Ph.D. comparable to the NZ level).

Add to that the fact that the letter was formulated in a rather condescending manner (no matter what you might think of myself, you have to give me that I should at least be able to get that right...).

Anyway, this lovely 'immigration officer' has given us 2 weeks (they just took 8...) to throw a shitload of money at NZQA and get our exam papers (the original copy, mind you) assessed. Just to exemplify how stupid this system is, you have to pay extra and 'tick a box' to get your papers sent back to you ($46), the original paper FFS... If you hold a Masters degree and a Ph.D. you have to pay for BOTH to get them evaluated...

Is it just me, or does this clash with how NZ would like to absorb more skilled immigrants?

Eez 'cos I iz white eezn't it?

It's coz you is smarter den dem but don't tell 'em dat coz you'll go even further down the pile than you already is.

Mate; you have to live with this shit to understand it and even then you won't. If that doesn't make any sense then you're sure to understand how the system works (or not) in NZ.

Confused? So are we.

The worst possible thing you can be in New Zealand is a hard working, white, middle class heterosexual with morals, more than one vehicle (god forbid a motorcycle) and a penchant for discipline.

NO! You're too good for us, fuck off.

PS: Keep trying, we love you really....and give us lots of money.

[Mikkel]

Mate; you have to live with this shit to understand it and even then you won't. If that doesn't make any sense then you're sure to understand how the system works (or not) in NZ.

Oh, don't get me wrong - you get bureaucrazy everywhere... It's the difference between the politics and the rule of desk-jockeys that is frustrating.


The worst possible thing you can be in New Zealand is a hard working, white, middle class heterosexual with morals, more than one vehicle (god forbid a motorcycle) and a penchant for discipline.

Hard working - sometimes, sometimes not... But yes, working and paying for my own way through life.

White - most certainly, since coming to NZ I haven't dared getting proper tan!

Class - most definately not, I'm a lewd and rude bastard...

Heterosexual - dunno, can only say that so far I've only established that I am not homosexual.

Morals - if you were to trust the forum authority on the matter then no, I have no morals.

Vehicles - between my girlfriend and I we have 6 vehicles, only three petrol powered though.

Discipline - good thing somebody has it, it would get too chaotic otherwise, but I see your point.


All in all I am quite happy with where I am, what I do and how I do it. I'd like to have the option of continuining being so in NZ - with minimum hassles - that is all. If I can't, there are plenty of opportunities out ther - and I am sure my mother would be absolutely stoked if we moved back to Europe permanently... :rolleyes:

[irishlad]

Sorry dude. My advise is to jump through the hoops, its worth it in the end.

In NZ I now have things I never had before.

2 Mortgages & no money!

[peasea]

Oh, don't get me wrong - you get bureaucrazy everywhere... It's the difference between the politics and the rule of desk-jockeys that is frustrating.



Hard working - sometimes, sometimes not... But yes, working and paying for my own way through life.

White - most certainly, since coming to NZ I haven't dared getting proper tan!

Class - most definately not, I'm a lewd and rude bastard...

Heterosexual - dunno, can only say that so far I've only established that I am not homosexual.

Morals - if you were to trust the forum authority on the matter then no, I have no morals.

Vehicles - between my girlfriend and I we have 6 vehicles, only three petrol powered though.

Discipline - good thing somebody has it, it would get too chaotic otherwise, but I see your point.


All in all I am quite happy with where I am, what I do and how I do it. I'd like to have the option of continuining being so in NZ - with minimum hassles - that is all. If I can't, there are plenty of opportunities out ther - and I am sure my mother would be absolutely stoked if we moved back to Europe permanently... :rolleyes:

There are many good places on this earth and NZ is one of them. There are positives and negatives wherever you go but my old man, a well travelled old bastard, straight-up and a worker, reckoned this was a pretty good place to bring up a family. I've followed in his footsteps to a large degree and never had the urge to set up camp anywhere else. Sure I've only seen England, Scotland, Oz, Panama and here but seriously, the way I see it is; NZ is fine, why leave?

Sure, some things are expensive but there is good, flavoursome food everywhere. You won't get that in many countries around the world and I like food.

[Tumbles]

That is amazing. I tihkn you are right in saying that the checking officer must have been having a bad day because I thought we were short of pharmacists? Getting the quals checked by NZQA makes sense. Immigration wouldn't have a shmick what the quality of various degrees from various places is, but making you pay to get them sent back? That is the biggest load of bollocks I've ever heard!!!!!

[fire eyes]

:shutup: She may reconsider her approach if you send her a naughty picture of yourself!

:love:I LOVE NZ .. but its no secret our beloved little country is being turned inside out .. we are not alone in this ...thinking other countries have it better can go either way .. personally I feel the entire planet is going through massive changes with a rapid breakdown in all systems we have come to depend upon as a society .. you don't have to look far to see it happening!

However, Mikkel .. my only encouragment would be .. if you really want to stay and bless our country with your illustrious presence .. do what you have to do and focus on more positive & inspiring things. I do not like it when people in a position of power (or anyone in general for that matter) undervalue others especially when thier skills & experience will only be of benefit.

Unless of course you have some hidden secret agent past that we do not know about! lol

[Coyote]

Thats so true. So far I havent figured how national is much different from what weve got. Key couldnt even give an opinion if NZs involvement in vietnam was wrong. So far uncle Hellun has shown more balls.

Same suck ups, different fuck ups.
Whoa, shit. When I got a quote notification I thought "oh dear, I've pissed off some nut again...", I really didn't expect anyone to agree with me :wacko:

Key is such an obvious prick saying to whoever he's talking to what they want to hear, and sadly it's working. That's one of the problems of democracy, you give a vote to people that don't know any better.

[MSTRS]

I suspect it's more to do with timing than anything else. The (brown) head of immigration has just been outed as a liar about her quals.
Smells of arse covering...
:spanking:

[Mikkel]

Now guys, this is a not a thread about political ravings - enough of those already. Please stay on topic, cheers :)


I do not like it when people in a position of power (or anyone in general for that matter) undervalue others especially when thier skills & experience will only be of benefit.

I just find the list of countries from which certain degrees are accepted rather ridiculous. And no, that is not to say that one country is better than another... However, none of the scandinavian countries are on the list. Why? I mean scandinavians is quite well know for possessing decent english skills and having a high standard of education. There are no issues with entering the country since these countries have a visa waiver agreement in place.
I suspect it's simply due to the fact that not that many educated scandinavians are moving to NZ, and as such noone has bothered adding said countries to the list...

That combined with the tone of the letter and the message 'You got 2 weeks to sort your shit out - although the bureaucratic wheels will take 2 months to turn. Thanks for calling, don't let the door smack you in the arse on your way out.' (phew, that was hard work, time for the 3rd coffee break today...)
Oh well, we'll have to see what happens. $450 bucks to have someone look at your exam papers (yes, they come in english as well) and give them the thumbsup seems a bit steep - then add $46 to have them send your documents back to you. Multiply that with the number of degrees you hold btw. :rolleyes: Sounds like a bad joke to me honestly!
All this, to be able to work at less than half the salary you could get elsewhere and doing so in a country that is suffering from considerable brain-drain and significant infrastructural issues. When I word it like that I begin to wonder why one should bother. But still, I do want to...


Unless of course you have some hidden secret agent past that we do not know about! lol

Now, that ought to count as additional qualifications I'm sure. Certainly, no one in their right mind would send anyone to spy on NZ...

[007XX]

:apint:
007XX disagrees with you, though.

Tu me connais si bien...:D


All this, to be able to work at less than half the salary you could get elsewhere and doing so in a country that is suffering from considerable brain-drain and significant infrastructural issues. When I word it like that I begin to wonder why one should bother. But still, I do want to...
...

It's not much different from what it was like 14 years ago when I landed here. Admitedly, I didn't have a PhD to offer, but the process wasn't any easier.

During the process of interrogation at the end of a very long drawn out procedure of paperwork back and forth, I was asked very bluntly (and borderline rudely) whether my (then) husband and I were serious about having gotten married or if it was so I could stay in NZ (ex hubby was french born but had NZ citizenship).

By then, my blood was severely boiling, so I sweetly outlined the roundness of my 6 months pregnant tummy, and asked whether being pregnant with his child would do?

As I had been sitting when the guy came in, he hadn't seen that I was pregnant, and so he proceeded to melt into profuse apologies :lol:

The thing is Mikkel (and pardon me for being blunt): you are not going to be able to change the system, so raving on about it is only likely to give you a hernia and bugger all else...

Go through the process or don't, but ultimately, it is your choice...I feel your pain, trust me. I'm going to have to go through it again to get my citizenship, and I do not relish the prospect. I've been delaying it so long because it was so very darn annoying the first time, just for residency.

I'll finish with saying: NZ's system has a lot of crap systems, I agree...but trust me when I say there is way worse out there. Try living under a french government, and you'll think that NZ is a paradise.

[Coyote]

I'm pretty keen to move to Scandinavia myself. So many hot metal chicks :sweatdrop

[Mikkel]

It's not much different from what it was like 14 years ago when I landed here. Admitedly, I didn't have a PhD to offer, but the process wasn't any easier.

During the process of interrogation at the end of a very long drawn out procedure of paperwork back and forth, I was asked very bluntly (and borderline rudely) whether my (then) husband and I were serious about having gotten married or if it was so I could stay in NZ (ex hubby was french born but had NZ citizenship).

By then, my blood was severely boiling, so I sweetly outlined the roundness of my 6 months pregnant tummy, and asked whether being pregnant with his child would do?

As I had been sitting when the guy came in, he hadn't seen that I was pregnant, and so he proceeded to melt into profuse apologies :lol:

It's nice to hear that they have managed to improve their customer service - we haven't been personally insulted yet. :clap:


The thing is Mikkel (and pardon me for being blunt): you are not going to be able to change the system, so raving on about it is only likely to give you a hernia and bugger all else...

Oh, I'm not trying to change a thing - I'm just ranting... I don't think I am the first one who have ever taken that liberty on KB. As for the hernia - I got one of those already. Not too bad, it's the gastroscopy that is nasty :sick:


Go through the process or don't, but ultimately, it is your choice... I feel your pain, trust me. I'm going to have to go through it again to get my citizenship, and I do not relish the prospect. I've been delaying it so long because it was so very darn annoying the first time, just for residency.

That's my point. I wanted to, but now I'm not so sure - and that is a bloody shame TBH.


I'll finish with saying: NZ's system has a lot of crap systems, I agree...but trust me when I say there is way worse out there. Try living under a french government, and you'll think that NZ is a paradise.

Never lived under a french government - but I won't doubt you for a second there. There are things that suck badly in Denmark as well, but the bureaucrazy seemed slightly more efficient. I can not stress this enough - I HATE bureaucrazy with a passion!

[Conquiztador]

I came here over 20 years ago. Had an occupation that was then needed. Got working visa and then applied for residency.

Then I wanted to travel out for a few months, and as I had heard nothing re my permanent residency (after a year of applying)I went to NZ Immigration to fill in an application to get a re-entry working visa. This girl behind the desk, could not have been more then 20, looked at my foreign passport with all the required stamps in it. She then found out that I had applied for residency. And I kid you not: She said:"It will be much easier if I give you the permanent residency now, is that OK?" She then used her stamps etc and I was a permanent resident.

2 years ago I befiended a couple with Swedish and Scottish passports (dual citicenships). They had come here as she had been headhunted by the HB District Health Board to fill a position in Psychology that they had no luck in filling here. But she could not work as she had no work permit. And after her papers had been in same process as Mikkels for 8 months they gave up and went back to Scotland. They had been living on what the hubby had managed to get in working in orchards. And on their creditcards. They were by then at their creditcards limits and had no more money. So they had no other option then to leave. And they are not coming back.

Perhaps they should just have done what all others do: started driving taxies!!

[007XX]

That's my point. I wanted to, but now I'm not so sure - and that is a bloody shame TBH.

. I can not stress this enough - I HATE bureaucrazy with a passion!

Oh I hear you loud and clear, trust me. :hug: Hope it'll come right for you guys.

[Morcs]

stop the influx of foreigners i say!

lol

[Mikkel]

I came here over 20 years ago. Had an occupation that was then needed. Got working visa and then applied for residency.

Then I wanted to travel out for a few months, and as I had heard nothing re my permanent residency (after a year of applying)I went to NZ Immigration to fill in an application to get a re-entry working visa. This girl behind the desk, could not have been more then 20, looked at my foreign passport with all the required stamps in it. She then found out that I had applied for residency. And I kid you not: She said:"It will be much easier if I give you the permanent residency now, is that OK?" She then used her stamps etc and I was a permanent resident.

2 years ago I befiended a couple with Swedish and Scottish passports (dual citicenships). They had come here as she had been headhunted by the HB District Health Board to fill a position in Psychology that they had no luck in filling here. But she could not work as she had no work permit. And after her papers had been in same process as Mikkels for 8 months they gave up and went back to Scotland. They had been living on what the hubby had managed to get in working in orchards. And on their creditcards. They were by then at their creditcards limits and had no more money. So they had no other option then to leave. And they are not coming back.

Perhaps they should just have done what all others do: started driving taxies!!

Sad isn't it? :no:


Oh I hear you loud and clear, trust me. :hug: Hope it'll come right for you guys.

Well, I had a call from my girlfriend earlier this morning and it's pushing me further towards the 'Ah, fuck it!' attitude.

She'd been on the phone, first to the 'immigration officer' and then to the NZQA... Apparently the short deadline for getting back to immigration is due to the 'immigration officer' leaving her job soon <_< sound pretty professional to me.

Furthermore, to get her qualifications assessed my girlfriend needs to send in and have the following assessed:

- Her Ph.D. exam papers (english copy provided by the university in Denmark, no worries) - $450
- Her M.Sc. exam papers (english copy provided...) - $450
- HER HIGHSCHOOL EXAM PAPERS (these are not provided in english since they are not considered an international qualification and thus we would need to have an authorised translator translate them into english and put the Kosher-Stamp on them) - $???

And then you have to pay $46 to have your original papers (your property) returned to you after the examination has been completed.

Now, seriously, what the hell does your highschool grades matter when you are seeking entry based on 8 years worth of university qualifications? Is this just ridiculous or what?

The irony of it all is that it's just a formality. Her qualifications are more than up to scratch... It appears, IMHO, to be merely employment therapy for bureaucratic personnel. We pay the money, wait for a ridiculous amount of time and then we can proceed along the road to residency. :sleep:

The processing time is 36 days for NZQA - you can pay another $150 to cut that down to 20 days. When my girlfriend asked about this she was told that these figures were 'of course only approximate guidelines' :gob: I mean WTF! :oi-grr:
Seems like a money machine to me.

[007XX]

Seems like a money machine to me.

And that is exactly what it is.

[jrandom]

It sounds like NZ's immigration processes really are quite pointless and inefficient.

Mikkel, why don't you write to your local MP about it?

Complaining on KB won't actually fix anything, but you'd be amazed at what a sympathetic MP (particularly in an election year) can achieve. After all, that's what our electorate MPs are paid to do - represent us personally to the machinery of Government.

Seriously. Get in touch with him or her ASAP.

[007XX]

It sounds like NZ's immigration processes really are quite pointless and inefficient.

Mikkel, why don't you write to your local MP about it?

Complaining on KB won't actually fix anything, but you'd be amazed at what a sympathetic MP (particularly in an election year) can achieve. After all, that's what our electorate MPs are paid to do - represent us personally to the machinery of Government.

Seriously. Get in touch with him or her ASAP.

Good advice, but he's not a resident (yet)...so he can't vote.

It doesn't make his opinion any lesser in my eyes or yours, but wouldn't it in the eyes of the Pre-election friendly MP?

[jrandom]

Good advice, but he's not a resident (yet)...so he can't vote.

It doesn't make his opinion any lesser in my eyes or yours, but wouldn't it in the eyes of the Pre-election friendly MP?

Well, IMHO, he should ask the MP and see what they think, rather than prejudging the matter.

Certainly it's an issue that concerns the electorate. I think an MP would be well within their brief to advocate on Mikkel's behalf.

[007XX]

Well, IMHO, he should ask the MP and see what they think, rather than prejudging the matter.

Certainly it's an issue that concerns the electorate. I think an MP would be well within their brief to advocate on Mikkel's behalf.

Cool...wasn't being facetious, just wondering.

[Mikkel]

Mikkel, why don't you write to your local MP about it?

Complaining on KB won't actually fix anything, but you'd be amazed at what a sympathetic MP (particularly in an election year) can achieve. After all, that's what our electorate MPs are paid to do - represent us personally to the machinery of Government.

Seriously. Get in touch with him or her ASAP.

Oh, I realise that bitching on KB is not going to get anything done in and off itself. But every now and again someone comes along with a good idea :)

Cheers, I'll look into that. Dunno who my local MP is though - but I know someone who certainly does.

Cheers mate :niceone:


As for voting - I'm not sure if you have to be a resident to do so. We've certainly received a fair share of letters regarding voting and such.

[Maki]

This NZQA is a total scam. If the people in NZ who want to employ you are satisfied with your qualifications, then that should be that.

[SVboy]

Hang in there dude. Be worth it in the long run.

[Katman]

The immigration officer is a friend of mine. :msn-wink:

[criticmbs]

Its fucking bullshit bro, along with a lot of other things that go down over here... I long for the day when NZ looks around and realises that theres more to the world than Australia... U've just seen 1 problem stick around for a bit longer if you dare... fukin malls shut at 5... nothing open past 9... streets dead after 10pm... the only nightlife is clustered... when uve been to other countries NZ just doesnt cut it. Get what u need and get out is my advise to you.


i FULLY agree with you on this one mate. I spent 3 weeks in Greece during the summer last year and thier shops close at 1pm in the avo (perfect for an afternoon at the beach) and open again at 6pm and just CRANK all night long! During the week the night life is amazing and during the weekend these people honestly DONT sleep...its just a constant party every week. what a life. makes NZ look soo boring and lazy.

[Tank]

i FULLY agree with you on this one mate. I spent 3 weeks in Greece during the summer last year and thier shops close at 1pm in the avo (perfect for an afternoon at the beach) and open again at 6pm and just CRANK all night long! During the week the night life is amazing and during the weekend these people honestly DONT sleep...its just a constant party every week. what a life. makes NZ look soo boring and lazy.

You do know that this is the typical view of someone on holiday, at a holiday or 'party' town. Its like saying Ibeza is representative of normal life in Spain.

The majority of Greece this is not the case - if you get out where the locals live.

Anyway - it never cease to amaze me how people complain about the shopping / night life as the basis of the quality of living in a country.

[Mikkel]

The immigration officer is a friend of mine. :msn-wink:

I'd believe that - the day I believe you had friends... :msn-wink:


This NZQA is a total scam. If the people in NZ who want to employ you are satisfied with your qualifications, then that should be that.

You'd think so. Seems to me that NZQA is a money machine and not much else.


i FULLY agree with you on this one mate. I spent 3 weeks in Greece during the summer last year and thier shops close at 1pm in the avo (perfect for an afternoon at the beach) and open again at 6pm and just CRANK all night long! During the week the night life is amazing and during the weekend these people honestly DONT sleep...its just a constant party every week. what a life. makes NZ look soo boring and lazy.

Guys, let's leave shopping hours out of this - it has nothing to do with the thread topic. Thanks.

[Katman]

Guys, let's leave shopping hours out of this - it has nothing to do with the thread topic. Thanks.

You sound like a moderator. :msn-wink:

[SPman]

Perhaps they just don't like Danes!

Some years ago, the son of a friend of ours, who had been living and working in Denmark for 10 yrs, decided he wanted to come back to NZ and settle down, with his Danish wife and 2 kids. Giving up trying to sort things out in Denmark,he came back to Auckland, leaving his family for, he thought, a week, to tidy up the, assumed, minor beauracratic hassles - it took 6 months, before his wife and kids could come over, and that was only after he finally went to his local MP to throw a bomb up immigrations arse! Immigration were convinced it was a "marriage of convenience", so she could sneak into NZ!!!! After 7 yrs marriage and 2 kids!!!!
Immigration!
Most of them appear to come across as retarded fuckwits, jealous of anyone smarter than them, and determined to make everyones life an utter misery, if at all possible, to make up for their puny, proscribed little lives!

And we won't even start on the NZQA!!!!

[Mikkel]

Some years ago, the son of a friend of ours, who had been living and working in Denmark for 10 yrs, decided he wanted to come back to NZ and settle down, with his Danish wife and 2 kids. Giving up trying to sort things out in Denmark,he came back to Auckland, leaving his family for, he thought, a week, to tidy up the, assumed, minor beauracratic hassles - it took 6 months, before his wife and kids could come over, and that was only after he finally went to his local MP to throw a bomb up immigrations arse! Immigration were convinced it was a "marriage of convenience", so she could sneak into NZ!!!! After 7 yrs marriage and 2 kids!!!!

If you don't know anything about Denmark then I'm afraid that the greatest irony in that story is lost... To this day I honestly believe that best social security you can have - not counting a 2 billion dollar bankroll - is a Danish citizenship, and I'm certainly not going to cancel my membership. I'd like to settle down to work and live in NZ - but if shit really hits the fan DK is a good plan B :yes:

A marriage of convenience... :rolleyes: To be fair, the immigration authorities in Denmark would be likely to have caused them the same trouble though - only just with the roles reversed. :angry2:

[mstriumph]

many moons ago was head-hunted into NZ from South Africa
no problems with either residency or citizenship
................. heck - mebbe the beaurocrates didn't view me as a threat :confused: but i didn't get anything other than help and politeness.

NZ is a great place and i'd be back there like a shot if it were practicable .... don't knock it!:love:

[Mikkel]

many moons ago was head-hunted into NZ from South Africa
no problems with either residency or citizenship
................. heck - mebbe the beaurocrates didn't view me as a threat :confused: but i didn't get anything other than help and politeness.

Don't know how long ago that would have been. But our experience echos that of others we know, who have applied lately.


NZ is a great place and i'd be back there like a shot if it were practicable .... don't knock it!:love:

You're preaching to the choir (isn't that how the saying goes?) - I wouldn't be applying in the first place if I didn't agree with that :no:
Sometimes however, the bureaucrazy can become a bit too much.

[Forest]

Immigration!
Most of them appear to come across as retarded fuckwits, jealous of anyone smarter than them, and determined to make everyones life an utter misery, if at all possible, to make up for their puny, proscribed little lives!

And we won't even start on the NZQA!!!!

Mikkel - what SPman says is true.

NZ is a great country, but it is run by losers and fuckwits. I don't just mean the Government, I'm talking about public & civil service.

Your journey through immigration will be painful and difficult. Despite the fact that the country desperately needs qualified immigrants like you and your girlfriend.

[Mikkel]

Your journey through immigration will be painful and difficult. Despite the fact that the country desperately needs qualified immigrants like you and your girlfriend.

Guess we'll have to have a look at this SM thing then :2thumbsup

...I have to admit, I have a thing for black leather. :D

[Forest]

Guess we'll have to have a look at this SM thing then :2thumbsup

...I have to admit, I have a thing for black leather. :D

Don't know about S & M, but if you're into humiliation then I guess you'll enjoy the process you're about to go through. :)

[Cr1MiNaL]

i FULLY agree with you on this one mate. I spent 3 weeks in Greece during the summer last year and thier shops close at 1pm in the avo (perfect for an afternoon at the beach) and open again at 6pm and just CRANK all night long! During the week the night life is amazing and during the weekend these people honestly DONT sleep...its just a constant party every week. what a life. makes NZ look soo boring and lazy.

with a population of like 5 mil its no wonder theres no market for anything here, grow some balls guys n get some f*in women pregnant, Ill come back in 20 years to check on yaz :rofl:

looks like uve been around mate... Ive had the privilege of visiting every country in the world (except for the ones where ice clads the surface of the waters) and NZ IMHO sucks big black hairy balls compared to many... but hey I'm here for a reason and once I've got what I need cyaz fools who will never know any better.:bye:Yod ur included yea... now im going to fuck off ok:angry:

[yod]

looks like uve been around mate... Ive had the privilege of visiting every country in the world (except for the ones where ice clads the surface of the waters) and NZ IMHO sucks big black hairy balls compared to many... but hey I'm here for a reason and once I've got what I need cyaz fools who will never know any better.:bye:Yod ur included yea... now im going to fuck off ok:angry:

ooo look

a young fella making sweeping generalisations

:yawn:

[Cr1MiNaL]

ooo look

a young fella making sweeping generalisations

:yawn:


ahhan coz I'm a young fella I don't know any better aye?

[martybabe]

Guess we'll have to have a look at this SM thing then :2thumbsup

...I have to admit, I have a thing for black leather. :D

sympathise and empathise dude. The health service jumped at the chance to employ the wife, desperate shortage of nurses, and I have an income whether I work or not so no problems, ticked all the boxes. 10 months of solid hassle and thousands of dollars before we actually made it here.

None stop returned applications, proof of this,proof of that, how about send us proof that you and your wife are in a committed relationship, wtf, I sent em a photo with us both grinning like twats,good enough apparently, six medicals.

Every time ya ring up,on premium rate, ya get some plank that refutes what the previous plank said.

Get here fall in love with the country and now like you gotta do it all again to get residency, all previous proof of qualifications, medicals, registrations void, back to square one and thousands of dollars to find again.

The country's Worth it in the end though mate,It's my home now,I'm just going to have to play the' look how awkward we can make your transition to NZ 'game one more time. stick at it Mikkel, Don't be beaten by the crazy red tape. :niceone:

[yod]

ahhan coz I'm a young fella I don't know any better aye?

you said it

you've been to every country on the world?

when was this?

and wtf is ahhan??

[Tumbles]

many moons ago was head-hunted into NZ from South Africa
no problems with either residency or citizenship
................. heck - mebbe the beaurocrates didn't view me as a threat :confused: but i didn't get anything other than help and politeness.

NZ is a great place and i'd be back there like a shot if it were practicable .... don't knock it!:love:

I can't back this up with any facts, but I would anticipate that immigration would have some sort of pecking order like:

1. Taleban (jokes)
2. Aussies
3. Islanders
4. Brits
5. Rest of Commonwealth
6. Rest of world.

So if you are from Denmark, you need an astro physics doctarate, South Africa a degree, and Tonga, a pair of jandals (apologies if that offends anyone).

[Conquiztador]

It sounds like NZ's immigration processes really are quite pointless and inefficient.

Mikkel, why don't you write to your local MP about it?

Complaining on KB won't actually fix anything, but you'd be amazed at what a sympathetic MP (particularly in an election year) can achieve. After all, that's what our electorate MPs are paid to do - represent us personally to the machinery of Government.

Seriously. Get in touch with him or her ASAP.

I gave the couple I wrote about earlier (so go back and read then!!) the same advise after I spoke to our MP here. After a discussion with him they came back with the following information: Yes he was more then happy to help them, but they needed to understand that any publicity would most probably result in their applications being scrutinized very closely, and things that did not matter would be brought up in the daylight. (Most of us have some skeletons somewhere...) If they were prepared for this, then he would go ahead. After some consideration they decided that they did not want to become frontpage news in the local paper as this would not help their careers in any way.

[Conquiztador]

At work we are at the moment trying to find qualified Early Childhood Educators. NZ hs a very short supply of them at this moment, With todays advertising our ads are seen all over the world and we get many enquiries from other countries. I always reply in similar fashion: Please contact me again when you have attained a NZ qualification. You can do this by submitting your current qualifications to...

In 1 1/2 years we have had none of them coming back. Not sure if they did not go that far or if it became too tricky.

What I would recommend for anyone planning to emigrate and wanting to work in their trade as per their current qualifications: Have them done BEFORE you turn up.

[Mikkel]

Don't know about S & M, but if you're into humiliation then I guess you'll enjoy the process you're about to go through. :)

I honestly think I'm more of an S guy than an M guy TBH :mellow:


with a population of like 5 mil its no wonder theres no market for anything here, grow some balls guys n get some f*in women pregnant, Ill come back in 20 years to check on yaz :rofl:

It's not about the population size, it's not about the shopping hours. This is about NZ saying we need people with *these skills* and then making life hard for them when they show up and say 'nice place, I'd like to stay'.


Get here fall in love with the country and now like you gotta do it all again to get residency, all previous proof of qualifications, medicals, registrations void, back to square one and thousands of dollars to find again.

The country's Worth it in the end though mate,It's my home now,I'm just going to have to play the' look how awkward we can make your transition to NZ 'game one more time. stick at it Mikkel, Don't be beaten by the crazy red tape. :niceone:

Yes, it is quite absurd isn't it? Nah, we're not going to get beaten by the red tape - but we might say 'fuck it, not worth the hassle' and that is unfortunate. But for now we'll play along.


So if you are from Denmark, you need an astro physics doctarate, South Africa a degree, and Tonga, a pair of jandals (apologies if that offends anyone).

Not quite astro physics - something a bit more applicable I believe - but I am working on my doctorate here. It was very easy getting a scholarship - because too many people who qualify to do the PhD choose to go abroad to work instead of hanging around in NZ and get a higher degree. As such there is a desperate lack of qualified applicants for these scholarships. (But no, I didn't go to NZ to do a PhD - I'm doing a PhD to go to NZ... plenty of scholarships back home as well).

My girlfriend already have her PhD in pharmacy (I hope I spelled it correctly this time around) and she has several years of working experience working for Novo Nordisk which is a pretty highly regarded company in the business as it is. She's awesome, seriously! :love: I am stoked that I managed to drag her down here and quite frankly ImmigrationNZ should be as stoked that she's applying for residency as her boss is that she is working for him. I'd post some pictures to support my case - but I have been expressly forbidden against posting pictures of her on the internet :blip:


I gave the couple I wrote about earlier (so go back and read then!!) the same advise after I spoke to our MP here. After a discussion with him they came back with the following information: Yes he was more then happy to help them, but they needed to understand that any publicity would most probably result in their applications being scrutinized very closely, and things that did not matter would be brought up in the daylight. (Most of us have some skeletons somewhere...) If they were prepared for this, then he would go ahead. After some consideration they decided that they did not want to become frontpage news in the local paper as this would not help their careers in any way.

Hmmm, I don't think we have any skeletons in the closet actually. Might be worth a go! Sorry if that sounds boring.

[terbang]

I've done the residency thing in UK, Switzerland and Saudi. They all make NZ immigration look like guardian angels. Public servants the world over, its their toy box, their game and you are the one that wants to play, not them. Jump through their silly hoops, quack their quack, pay some fees and "Inshallah" you will eventually get your residency. Bitching, taking short cuts, or telling em how much they need you doesn't work, just get the boxes ticked. Right or wrong, that's the way things are and I'm sure you ain't the first or the last Danish immigrant looking for residency in NZ.

[Forest]

So if you are from Denmark, you need an astro physics doctarate, South Africa a degree, and Tonga, a pair of jandals (apologies if that offends anyone).

Nah. One jandal is enough to satisfy the entry requirements.

[scracha]

Ok, bear with me for a shortish rant here...


Yeah buddy, it's a steaming pile of shit and the NZIS are fuckin glorified tax collectors. Once you arrive here you'll have to probably endure yet another police check (as if the first two weren't good enough) to get professional registration. They'll then try and dumb down your qualifications. For example, if you have a PHD, they'll say it's the equivalent of NSZA level whatever and it equates to an MSC from the Uni of Otago or something dumb. This from the same cheeky bastards who run second rate universities that are too scared to be compared to other international unis.

Tell them you're from one of the islands and offer to do the gardening in their holiday home or something.

[mstriumph]

I can't back this up with any facts, but I would anticipate that immigration would have some sort of pecking order like:

1. Taleban (jokes)
2. Aussies
3. Islanders
4. Brits
5. Rest of Commonwealth
6. Rest of world.

So if you are from Denmark, you need an astro physics doctarate, South Africa a degree, and Tonga, a pair of jandals (apologies if that offends anyone).

as i remember it, i DID have to have my jandals verified ........ :( - hey - mebbe they weren't as trusting as i thought :baby:

[jrandom]

One jandal...

One jandal to rule them all
One jandal to find them.

The Jandal giveth, and the Jandal taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Jandal.

[avgas]

Haha mate - welcome to the dark side of the moon.
No, NZ doesnt want skilled migrants. This was proven to me in the 3 year mission of mine to keep the G/F in the country.
Because she had an NZ B.Comm in Economics she basically had to apply for ONLY jobs that were to the same level of requirement. Yet our jandal wearing friends (or even her if she was lazy enough not to get educated) could stay here working in Mc'D's.
Consider yourself lucky if you get to go down the legal route, we ended up spending 10s or $$$$'s trying every conceivable path for her to stay.
Yet if i married her and not been respectful to the system that also would have worked also.
:angry2::angry2::angry2::angry2::angry2::angry2::a ngry2:
It was one of the "This country is FUCKED" situations for me. So far i have had 15 of these, im sick of it and i want out (started applying overseas last night).
Oh and if you dont like it - go complain to "Hon" Tuariki Delamere. You can find him at his IMMAGRATION "COMPANY" (Delamere Associates) that he set up when he rigged the rules. :angry2:
Or mabey you could just find the $100,000 that gives you instant access to this place.
:angry2:
dammit you have started me again.........i need to go cool off somewhere.
Stew

[avgas]

stop the influx of foreigners i say!

lol
but we have to import good meat these dayshttp://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000ILKI30.09._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[Mikkel]

Haha mate - welcome to the dark side of the moon.
No, NZ doesnt want skilled migrants. This was proven to me in the 3 year mission of mine to keep the G/F in the country.
Because she had an NZ B.Comm in Economics she basically had to apply for ONLY jobs that were to the same level of requirement. Yet our jandal wearing friends (or even her if she was lazy enough not to get educated) could stay here working in Mc'D's.
Consider yourself lucky if you get to go down the legal route, we ended up spending 10s or $$$$'s trying every conceivable path for her to stay.
Yet if i married her and not been respectful to the system that also would have worked also.
:angry2::angry2::angry2::angry2::angry2::angry2::a ngry2:
It was one of the "This country is FUCKED" situations for me. So far i have had 15 of these, im sick of it and i want out (started applying overseas last night).
Oh and if you dont like it - go complain to "Hon" Tuariki Delamere. You can find him at his IMMAGRATION "COMPANY" (Delamere Associates) that he set up when he rigged the rules. :angry2:
Or mabey you could just find the $100,000 that gives you instant access to this place.
:angry2:
dammit you have started me again.........i need to go cool off somewhere.
Stew

Blimey, I can understand with YOU are pissed off! :angry2:

Anyway, we'll try and play it by the book and see if we can the assessment done in time.

[hdus001]

I've done the residency thing in UK, Switzerland and Saudi. They all make NZ immigration look like guardian angels. Public servants the world over, its their toy box, their game and you are the one that wants to play, not them. Jump through their silly hoops, quack their quack, pay some fees and "Inshallah" you will eventually get your residency. Bitching, taking short cuts, or telling em how much they need you doesn't work, just get the boxes ticked. Right or wrong, that's the way things are and I'm sure you ain't the first or the last Danish immigrant looking for residency in NZ.

Absolutely. NZ is one of the least bureaucratic countries I've been to. And a lot more immigrant-friendly than many other countries. Methinks its just ur case-officer. Some are nice and reasonable. Some are not.

[Bloody Mad Woman (BMW)]

Good luck ya gonna need alot of patience and tolerance. Crikey you meet one of the basics for a NZer - you sure can drink alot of grog!! lol

[hellkat]

So I've not read this thread in its entirety, only the first page, and then jumped to the last.

I'm sure the immigration peeps will give me grief about whichever of me blokies I wanted to bring over (none are particularly skilled and definitely hardly very desirable types, except to me, LOL) ... but they are poms (does that help?) :oi-grr:

:laugh:

[hellkat]

And marriage is Owwwwwwwwwtta da Question!

[Mikkel]

you sure can drink alot of grog!! lol

I resent that! :angry2: It wasn't stale water diluted with rum... nor the other way around! ;)