Considering a move into NZ

[Tank]

Of course, all our property is now worth about as much as a book of stamps.

Oh, and please bring us some foreign currency.

You know he's coming from Spain right?

Their housing market makes ours look awesome.

[jonbuoy]

I have the impression that NZ is more "british oriented" while Aussies tend to side in the USAish way of life. I definitely like it better the European way.

Australian cities like Melbourne and Sydney are more "European" by comparison. Coming from a Spanish city Auckland will feel more like a big town than a city.

[mujambee]

You know he's coming from Spain right?

Their housing market makes ours look awesome.

True enough. In fact, that was one of the first things that came to mind.

Obviously I don't expect to earn there what I do here, but I don't have to go if I don't want to, so if I don't get the offer I'm looking for I can just stay here.

[mujambee]

Coming from a Spanish city Auckland will feel more like a big town than a city.

That's even better. You live in Spain, so you may know Las Rozas here in Madrid. That's where I do live now.

[Mully]

You know he's coming from Spain right?

Their housing market makes ours look awesome.

Well, that's not very bueno.

[jonbuoy]

That's even better. You live in Spain, so you may know Las Rozas here in Madrid. That's where I do live now.

Yeah for me Auckland is a better place to live than Sydney and Melbourne - Brisbane is another story... I don't know Madrid - one thing I can say you'll love how easy it is to get things done in NZ - no more dealing with traffico/horrendous paperwork bureaucracy - walk into your nearest post shop and register a bike in your name in about 10 minutes.

[varminter]

I came here from the UK 29 years ago, if I like it I might decide to stay

[MikeL]

- How much can you expect to pay for a good school.

Public schools are free BUT you need to remember that this applies only to the children of NZ citizens or those who have permanent residency. If you have a temporary visa you can be charged a fee that can amount to $10,000 per child per year.

[Laava]

- Are hobbits allowed out of their reservation?

They are allowed out but unfortunately a large proportion are just like gollum!
Quite a dilemma you face in moving here or not. Only one way to find out really! One mans swamp is another mans paradise! Good luck!

[Blatman]

Good luck in dealing with our immigration dept - they're an arrogant, ignorant bunch of minimum wage earners.

[scumdog]

Don't come here.

This place is full of pre-pubescent lack-witted cretins whining their arses off on Kiwi Biker about binning/cops/registration fees/insurance costs/asians/Maoris/sprotsbike riders/car drivers......and how they are a better rider than people realise......and don't even need a job.



But if you DO get here you'll probably improve things...

[want-a-harley]

Have you been to Auckland? It's not so much a city as a collection of large spread out suburbs.

Lab jobs: http://www.seek.co.nz/science-technology-jobs

[mujambee]

Have you been to Auckland? It's not so much a city as a collection of large spread out suburbs.

That's what we are looking for. We live and work in suburbs near Madrid, and try to avoid the city as much as we can. First visit to Auckland will be next august to verify in-situ what we've been told.

Lab jobs: http://www.seek.co.nz/science-technology-jobs

Thanks for that; that's exactly what we need.

[Ojai]

http://www.emigratenz.org/

That is what we used for a lot of research and question asking before we moved here. It was very helpful.

[Finn]

We have no end of questions about NZ, some that come to mind are:

- How much can you expect to pay for a good school.

- What mortgage rates do you usually pay (I've found something ranging from 6 to 12% on the internet, but couldn't believe that)

- Can we transfer our driving licenses or have to take new exams? I've an unrestricted here, wouldn't want to go on a 250 for two years.

- Are hobbits allowed out of their reservation?

A good school will cost you about $10,000+ a year. A bad school (public) is free (funny that).

Currently, mortgage rates are around 6% but don't buy. Rent first. NZ will probably get to you very quickly and you may want to leave. Your wife will be the first to want to get out, trust me.

Buy any motorcycle you like. If you get caught, just speak Spanish and you'll be sent on your way with a free English dictionary.

The hobbits are harmless, it's the Maori's you've gotta watch.