uk to nz

[NC]

As for work i dont think that would be a problem, i am a joiner to trade and would hope to find a job befor we moved out.

Hey Nick,

New Zealand is currently SCREAMING out for Joiners.
I work for a Joinery Company in Wellington as an apprentice Joiner, we advertised for 5 weeks in the news papers around NZ and we had 2 call backs. And even then we got 2 German guys who are only here for 1 year and the other is here for 6 weeks.It's an employees market.

Feel free to PM me if you would like my employers contact details

[Sparky Bills]

Many thanks to all so far, if it was up to me we would be in nz asap but i still have to persuade my partner gail (she is the true scot, i moved here from England as a kid 30 years ago) that less rain and even fewer midges would be a good thing.

As for work i dont think that would be a problem, i am a joiner to trade and would hope to find a job befor we moved out.

I would like to live in the north island away from the rain as much as posible or anywhere that has less rain than Arran.

The better climate would also help our hobbies ie motor bikes, mountian bikes, hill walking, and the great out doors in general.

When (if) we did move it would be within 12 months at the earliest so keep the posts coming in and i will show them to the boss as so far you have all been very helpfull.

Thanks Nick

Mate!
Sounds like you need to come to the Kapiti Coast.
An hour north of Wellington, Close to great roads, great weather, great people, Big ass hills, great people who ride R1's (one in particular).
Good luck with the move.
Martin

[FROSTY:Me]

Dude --come over here. So many reasons to come.
A lot of people harp on about wages beeing low here and stuff like that but actually the relationship between income and expense is better than the UK
for example-petrol is $1.35 a litre - um around 50p
Houses in most areas of NZ are around $200000 for a good 3 bedroom home
Cars are cheap-- $10000 buys you a good late model family car
Bikes are really cheap
As a joiner You'll have no worries getting work

[XP@]

I think XP@ is also an expat (hmmm...now...where was the clue?). I moved here from England when I was six. My family rode there and don't ride so much here (no need for such a long commute in New Plymouth). I'm intending on returning to Europe (Prague baby!!!), and XP@ attempted to convince me that it's better motorcycling here!

Too true!!!
Been here since 1999, ridden approximatly 180,000 Kms
Learned how to survive on gravel and off road...

A couple of years ago a british writer stayed for a night at our place, i forget his name, but he came up with the prefect description of NZ roads. "SALE! Special offer on corners, go round one and get three for free!"

There are a lot more roads to discover here than on Arran. As for the UK mainland... well Scotland ain't too bad but the rest... just too busy! (only 4.5million residents total here:-)

will read the rest of the thread now...

[XP@]

Will be quick... baby just woke up...

Joiner: 99% of houses are built from ood, not stone.

Immigration website: www.immigration.govt.nz

See you soon!

PS Bring a few Arran sweaters!!

[Ogri]

Me and the old man moved out here in 2002 from Galashiels/Melrose/Jedburgh area of the Borders. Wouldn't go back now. You will love it. I agree with the other comments on here about coming out and having a good look round first. We came out in 2000 hired a campervan for 2 months and toured both islands. We went back and started the immigration process right away and it was a breeze - start to finish only took 4 months. Don't get involved with those agencies that say they will do it for you - costs a packet and you end up doing it all yourself anyway. We did it all ourselves and the most difficult bit was the waiting on an answer, then deciding on a date to go. Took us about a year to sort out all the shit at the Scottish end. Make sure all your paperwork is spot on. We came in on the points system which, at the time I think was about 26. Also had to prove that we could support ourselves financially for 2 years without working in NZ, but we both had jobs within two weeks of arrival. We had planned to settle in the Tauranga area, but when we came out for good in 2002 the difference was unbelievable - too many houses (Papamoa) and too many people. We're down the other end of the Bay of Plenty at the moment (best climate in NZ) and loving it. Half hour from the coast, half hour from the lakes and awesome roads for the bikes. The hubby is into Mtb and says that the bush and forest rides round about here are great. If you want to come and doss with a couple of fellow Scots, while you have a look round - feel free, you are more than welcome. We'll even provide the odd beer or two!

Cheers

[Virago]

Just to add my voice of encouragement......

I came out here with my parents in the early 70's, originally from Thurso in Caithness. New Zealand is a great country, and your skills as a tradesman joiner will be very sought after.

I'm in Dunedin in the South Island (The "Edinburgh of the South"), and there's a major shortage of building tradesmen here at present.

City of Dunedin website: http://www.cityofdunedin.com

[surfchick]

The other thing that takes a bit of getting used to is how slow kiwis are at doing things. I'm used to asking for something to be done and getting a prompt result - however, in this country your lucky if they'll phone you back by the end of the week if at all (although it is improving). I'm used to living in europe and asia where you do things promptly or give them a time when its done, none of this she'll be right, have it when I do it crap - which is a bit of a culture shock if you are not expecting it.

orrrrh i just got the meanest fish and chips from the parakai fish & chip shot. and they were so lovely. NZ rocks. pack you bags and don't look back.

[parsley]

Has anyone on this site made a similar move.

Not from Scotland - I was a Englishman, and a southerner at that. I came over a couple of years ago on a Travelling Holiday Visa. Excellent way of checking the place out first if you're under 30 (or just over). Only cost me 30 quid and a half hour wait at the NZ Consulate (or by post), meant I could live and work here for a year all nice and legal. Once the year is up if you've got a job you can get a Work Visa that way. It's much easier to get if you're in the country and working, as they know you're not going to come over and be a drain on the system.
Of course, if you're over 30 you're screwed.

[goaters]

Bugger it i`m 43 , never mind just found out the cost of housing in nz compared to the uk, all i want now is a big garage for all my toys and a huge BBQ so all you folk who have helped can come and party

[XP@]

Bugger it i`m 43 , never mind just found out the cost of housing in nz compared to the uk, all i want now is a big garage for all my toys and a huge BBQ so all you folk who have helped can come and party

Go to the immigration site and see if you can get enough points ... you may be lucky...

[Lucyloo]

Hi there.
One of my work colleagues comes from the Isle of Arran too!
She's cool....so I guess you must be too!
Come on over.
Lucy.

[goaters]

Hi Lucyloo what is your work mates name, i may know her as Arran is a small place.

Nick Goatley
Whiting Bay
Arran

[scumdog]

Dad comes from West Kilbride, I was born in Glasgow.

Come doon sooth pal, ye don'y want ta be up in the sticky tropical north.

We got the E'mrugh of the sooth doon here ta make ye feel at home!

Do it, move down to N.Z and ENJOY life.

[Rincewind]

You'll never know unless you make the first move, which should be a holiday, dont just come for a couple of week's though, and time your visit to coincide with some good N Z wevva, you'll feel at home in the south,brrrrrr, I have not beeen any further south than Rotorua, the north is my home at the moment I live in the Bay's on the north shore, immigration is a nightmare and a wallet emptier, but if you ask me would I do it all again ,I would say (oh Yea).

The people are friendly the air is fresh the food is good and it's great bikey country. Don't come here expecting to earn a fortune though, the Kiwi's all go to Europe for that !!!

Loadsa info on the nz immigration web site...

YOUR MOVE NOW, !!!!!!!