colinsmum
Scottish expat in New Zealand
Forum posts
67
About me
Scottish
Speaks English
Registration: 20 August 2010
Healthcare Jobs by Dhooy7
I am considering getting my Bachelor's degree and then traveling to New Zealand to see how I like it. If I like it I will probably get a work visa for 2 years and then get residency and go onto school to get reduced education costs, such as ...
I guess it all depends on what your hopes and dreams are. One man's dream is another man's nightmare. There may be jobs in Auckland but the cost of living and renting somewhere in Auckland is often beyond many people's dreams due to ... Read More
Healthcare Jobs by Dhooy7
I am considering getting my Bachelor's degree and then traveling to New Zealand to see how I like it. If I like it I will probably get a work visa for 2 years and then get residency and go onto school to get reduced education costs, such as ...
Healthcare jobs in hospitals are hard to get. There is a saying in NZ, it's not what you know, it's who you know. There are also too many trained nurses all scrabbling for jobs here too. If you google each hospital you will see their ... Read More
Cost of living in New Zealand 聳 2015 by expat.com
Hi all, We invite you to talk about the cost of living in New Zealand in 2015, with an updated price listing. Don't forget to mention in which city of New Zealand you are living in. How much does it cost to live in New Zealand? > ...
NOT in Auckland - am in rural town in Bay of Plenty > accommodation prices - rent for a decent 3 bedroom house between 400 - 500 pw > public transportation fares - don't use local transport but for longer journeys people used Naked ... Read More
Is there racism in New Zealand towards black people by estherl
I am a Ugandan female coming to New Zealand on a study visa for 2 years for my masters degree. I need to know if there is racism in New Zealand. Are there many black people from Africa? How are they treated? Would a little black boy of 5 years be ...
Motorlodge Your second post, however nicely you put it, suggesting that if someone felt discriminated against they should consider leaving is typical of the dreadful selfish attitude that exists here. Just because you state you are not aware, it ... Read More
Moving to New Zealand by JenSioux
Hiya We have started thinking seriously about leaving South Africa for New Zealand. We are a family of 3 and I've heard on several occassions to rather not use a immigration agency but to DIY instead. Any updated guideance would be ...
I agree. Do your own paperwork. It honestly is not that hard if you have a good command of the english language and can follow step by step instructions. But I would also say go somewhere else. I do not know what the education system is like in ... Read More
Immigration Agents by maureeny
Hie Guys Did anyone used an immigration agent before? How much do they normally charge to assist for job searching, securing employment and assist in immigrating? If anyone knows a reliable and cheaper agent, may you please assist me. I just got a ...
Helping someone move to another country is not something done as part of a project. These are people's lives you are dealing with. And in relation to you writing a letter to be presented at an embassy, I think your poor use of the english ... Read More
Teachers in Gisborne by Totaltoucan
Hi everyone. I'm wanting to move to New Zealand and thinking of Gisborne or Bream Bay. I would like to know if I would be able to supprt myself and my 2 young children on a teacher's salary. I am qualified for ages 0-9 with a bachelor of ...
In my opinion, the answer would be no. Regardless of your qualification, jobs are hard to find. And I will just put it out there. There was a breakfast programme yesterday speaking about how NZ citizens should be offered jobs before the ... Read More
Career Prospects for Indians holding CIMA in New Zeland
Totally agree. Do not move to NZ unless you have a definite job to come to. I am currently looking on Seek and applying for jobs. My partner and I are both highly skilled UK professionals but it's almost impossible to get a job unless we ... Read More
The Big move
They must have tightened up the policies in the last 6 years. My son (mid 30's) arrived here with his back pack and a visitor visa. He made direct contact with a couple of organisations in his line of work, was offered a job after a few ... Read More
Resident Visa - About to Expire :( by nz_immi_1
Hi All, Brief about my Profile: Experience: 8.5 Years of Software Testing/ Business Analyst/ Development experience Company: Investment Banking I had applied for the Resident Visa in 2009. Waited patiently for 2 long years to get the Blue ...
Sadly to the first poster, your experience is all too common. Kiwis will tell you it's not what you know it's who you know. Even for those of us with decades of experience (allied health) and on the skill shortage list, work is hard to ... Read More
Looking Job At New Zealand
Mmatash is correct. It is not what you know but who you know. It can take many years to be accepted here. Read More
New members of the New Zealand forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the New Zealand forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Unable to advise you in relation to your employment. What I can say is that even if you are on the skilled shortage list it is still difficult to find work here. My husband and I are both health professionals with over 20 years experience and PR ... Read More
Helpful tips for a friend by Kiwiya
Hi there :) Hi there :) I have an old friend whom I got in contact with lately and she is Egyptian. She asked me about immigrating to NZ and how it's done and I don't really have enough information. Her husband has a masters in ...
The immigration rules change regularly, even from year to year. That is why your friend needs to check the immigration website herself. As for stories, everyone's experiences are different. I understand you want to help your friend, but ... Read More
England office processing times for the NZ Resident VISA by bharath_j
Hi All, I have been invited to apply for the resident visa to NZ under skilled migrant category :) . Recently NZ Visa office has made an announcement to send all the resident applications from Indian background to London, UK instead of Mumbai, ...
Hi there I can only hope the process situation has improved significantly since we made our residency application through the London office 7 years ago. We were both skilled migrants and on the skill shortage list. Despite this, it took over a ... Read More
Questions, questions?... by Shan924
My family is moving to nz, Palmerston north area in January. There are four of us, my husband, two children, 6 and 8, and me. What should we bring from home that may not be available to us there. Any information would be helpful. Should we ship a ...
Everything is subjective. I have much less of a choice compared to supermarkets in the UK, and I know the UK supermarkets had far less of a range compared to the ones I visited in Florida. The high cost of living also plays a part on what you can ... Read More
Questions, questions?... by Shan924
My family is moving to nz, Palmerston north area in January. There are four of us, my husband, two children, 6 and 8, and me. What should we bring from home that may not be available to us there. Any information would be helpful. Should we ship a ...
It's a big question about what you should bring. Some people (including me) move their whole house and car, only to discover NZ is not for them. But it can cost twice as much to ship it all back again so many resort to selling everything off and ... Read More
Moving end of this year.. ADVICE & FRIENDS by meeks
Hey Guys. I'm moving to edinburgh at the end of the year from australia. Just looking for any advice from people who live there currently or people that have moved. Opening Bank accounts, good places to hang out, interesting activities to get ...
The Grassmarket in Edinburgh is a great place to hang out. Young, vibrant, and people from all over the world. But as the previous poster said, don't bank on finding a job. The UK is nothing like Oz. Young guys can spend years trying to find ... Read More
From South Africa to Scotland.... by claudiog
Hi I am a 39yo self employed offering IT support to clients (I'm a jack of all I.T. trades kind of guy) with no formal qualification - just many years of experience dating back to 1992. Our family (wife & 3 kids) are planning on moving to the UK ...
To the best of my knowledge, unemployment is exceptionally high in many areas due to on going major cutbacks, and the UK has a wealth of people with IT skills still arriving from all over the EU and Asia. I am one of those who believe experience ... Read More
Wellington NZ in october - URGENT
I think the best idea is to advertise for bed and breakfast in the local supermarkets. From what I read, most hotels are already booked and asking big prices for rooms during the world cup. Good luck. Read More
Expat family possibly relocating to Scotland. Help! Have questions! by kwmsrm
My family is considering relocating to Aberdeen, Scotland for my husband's job. He is in the oil industry. We have an 8 year old son and a 4 year old daughter. What is life like as an American family with young children living in Aberdeen, Scotland?
I think the quality of maintenance depends on which local council you come under, and where you live in terms of people clearing their paths of snow. And yes, I used snow chains when necessary, but I admit snow chain users are in the minority. ... Read More
Bringing a cat to New Zealand by Firebird
Hello, I'm new here. Nice to meet you all! I visited New Zealand twenty years ago and since then I had been wanting to go back. And it happened eventually a few months ago. I went there again and I had a fantastic trip and fell in love with the ...
Obviously Darla is a conservationist concerned about endangered species here...and quite rightly so. But I think one important question here is whether people should bring their pets with them at the start of emigration without knowing if they will ... Read More
New to NZ by citybank
Hi, I am planning to move to Auckland in Dec this year. I would appreciate some info on renting a 2 br flat for myself and the family, idelaly in manukau area.Any suggestions? Also what is the job market for teachers like? I will have NZ ...
Not sure if you can register with Trade Me outside of NZ. You can always browse some of the estate agents sites for a guestimate of rents in that area. If you don't mind me asking, why Manukau? Read More
Locals happy to mingle with expats? by RianneK
Hi- I am considering a move to Edinburgh in 2011. I visited in the summer of '10 and met so many awesome and friendly locals- but I've been reading some other posts here and it sounds like some expats are having a hard time meeting people and ...
Hi again Thank goodness for email notifications of posts as I have not been on the forum for a while. Too busy trying to find a way out of where I am and back to Scotland. Having re-read the thread again, I wanted to add that my son tells me, ... Read More
Physiotherapist
I am sure you will find a job, but it might take time. This is because ACC had major cutbacks last year. Consequently many physios found themselves struggling for work. I know this because I work in the health sector alongside many people in ... Read More
Bringing a cat to New Zealand by Firebird
Hello, I'm new here. Nice to meet you all! I visited New Zealand twenty years ago and since then I had been wanting to go back. And it happened eventually a few months ago. I went there again and I had a fantastic trip and fell in love with the ...
Sorry if I sound like the voice of doom and gloom, but as an animal lover, I want to reply to your post. Lots of people bring their pets to NZ, but you are not allowed to sedate them on the journey. My friend told me both her cats were ... Read More
Any expats from the US moved to NZ find it safer, easier to live? by tpulling83
I am putting together a 3 week trip to NZ to not only view everything I have read about and researched, but also to get a job in the supposedly growing entertainment industry there. But the more I research what's going on in the world, in ...
I'm not from the US, but I can tell you it will be very different here. Depending on your current circumstances, you might well experience a much lower standard of living here. I know I have, and no amount of pretty scenery can make up for it. ... Read More
Salary in Scotland?
I think they are. Due to the high unemployment rate, employers can offer whatever salary they chose. My son has just returned to Scotland and he is being offered jobs at what he earned 12 years ago. It is a disgrace. Who knew this would happen ... Read More
immigration to newzealand by freddyarun
Hi.. any Indian expatriates out there to help me in finding job in new zealand. I came to know that there is more job oppurtunities for IT prof. I am having two year of IT experience.
I agree with Gourav. I have heard many stories of people paying money to consultants because they are told they can easily find a job here. It can be very difficult to find work. If you can afford it, you would be better spending your money on a ... Read More
Romanian single mother + 3 month old child + Immigration = Chances? by Rosinante
Hello, My name is Bianca, I am a Romanian national, single mother currently living in Dublin,Ireland. I am interested in finding out what do I need to do to immigrate to New Zealand? I have graduated from a 3 year college in Dublin with a BA in ...
It might be difficult for you to find a job from outside NZ. If you intend to apply for permanent residency, it can take over a year for some people, even those on the skilled shortage list. And many employers will not interview you until you ... Read More
Getting a job offer in order to migrate by JUER2011
Hi all My brother lives in NZ and we have lots of other family who left SA a long time ago. Finally we have decided to move.. we have a 12 month plan? I am a manager in health and social care, on the policy and commissioning side (commissioning, ...
Just a thought, but if your wife's profession is on the skill shortage list, would it not be better to make her the main applicant? You might find it hard to win retailers over with a business plan in such a short time period. But hopefully your ... Read More
Seeking Expat community in Tauranga - not the kiwi drinking crowd by Expat-in-Tauranga
Dear fellow Expats, I recently moved from the US to Tauranga and seek my fellow expats. Where in the US? I've lived all over from New England to CA to Texas. I've traveled a lot for someone barely touching 30 and am very educated and seeking depth ...
At a recent medical training seminar, it was announced that New Zealand now leads the world in alcohol related domestic violence and abuse. So very very sad for a young country with so much potential. Drinking does seem to be a well accepted way ... Read More
Getting a job offer in order to migrate by JUER2011
Hi all My brother lives in NZ and we have lots of other family who left SA a long time ago. Finally we have decided to move.. we have a 12 month plan? I am a manager in health and social care, on the policy and commissioning side (commissioning, ...
My husband (allied health) came over to NZ to attend interviews. He was offered work by all three health boards who were prepared to wait until his permanence was approved. The jobs were still open to him after a year. (our permanence took almost ... Read More
Would like to migrate to New Zealand by theclarks
Hi all, we would like to migrate to New Zealand and i was wondering if you could advise on whether we should use licensed immigration agents or applying directly ourselves?? Please share your experiences Thanks :)
If you are absolutely determined to come here, they are always looking for nurses where I work. I also live in a fairly safe area of New Zealand. I will pm you. Otherwise just look on any of the DHB websites for current vacancies. But I ... Read More
Would like to migrate to New Zealand by theclarks
Hi all, we would like to migrate to New Zealand and i was wondering if you could advise on whether we should use licensed immigration agents or applying directly ourselves?? Please share your experiences Thanks :)
Just to add I think SW is still on the shortage list. My colleague came out here a year ago with her unqualified husband and two kids. They applied on the permanence visa and were given rental accommodation for the first two weeks by her employer. ... Read More
Would like to migrate to New Zealand by theclarks
Hi all, we would like to migrate to New Zealand and i was wondering if you could advise on whether we should use licensed immigration agents or applying directly ourselves?? Please share your experiences Thanks :)
He did not have a problem. He worked in mental health. He got a job offer but was not allowed to start work until his work visa was approved. It took about 3 months in total so you would need to budget very carefully. He did find work (on the ... Read More
Would like to migrate to New Zealand by theclarks
Hi all, we would like to migrate to New Zealand and i was wondering if you could advise on whether we should use licensed immigration agents or applying directly ourselves?? Please share your experiences Thanks :)
I would do it yourself and save yourself a fortune. The forms are actually quite easy to complete if you take your time and work through them methodically. Are you applying for permanent residency or just a working permit? My son just got on a ... Read More
Mooving to Newzeelend for job
If it is just information you seek, you could contact the New Zealand Consulate at Boralesgamuwa. If you are asking someone to buy a plane ticket for you, you have come to the wrong place. Most of us here just earn enough to live on. :| Read More
flaxmere hawkes bay by jelly bean
hi i am looking for any info on flaxmere in hawkes bay. there may be a possibility of a job there and i was wondering what it was like especially for kids - aged 8 and 17. i wanted to know if its a good area for them to grow up in and what other ...
Can only echo what natalie has said. Napier is lovely (especially if you like Art Deco), but there are other places that might have more opportunities for you as a whole family. On the whole, if you have the right qualifications or experience, ... Read More
American Attorney/Mediator/Arbitrator/HR Trainer needs advice
I just realised how negative my post sounded. I guess what I am trying to say is that there is the LOR NZ, and the real NZ. It can be a very hard place to live for some people, which is why it is so important to do as much research as possible ... Read More
American Attorney/Mediator/Arbitrator/HR Trainer needs advice
I don't think they are very big on Alternative Dispute Resolutions here. As far as I know, they only have AMINZ. It might be worth emailing them to ask about work opportunities. If their reply is a bit vague, don't be too surprised! Moving to ... Read More
Looking for advice re: Legal jobs In New Zealand by ArizonaChris
Hello - I am a U.S./New Zealand dual citizen looking to move myself and my family [spouse and two kids] to New Zealand. I live in the US State of Arizona, where I've worked as an Attorney for almost 20 years. I'm looking to take the NZ Law & ...
Hi Chris Sorry I cannot offer advice about obtaining a legal position here. But I would have to say please do not pin your hopes on obtaining much needed information from the citizens advice bureau. I do not mean to diss Katrina's advice in any ... Read More
Locals happy to mingle with expats? by RianneK
Hi- I am considering a move to Edinburgh in 2011. I visited in the summer of '10 and met so many awesome and friendly locals- but I've been reading some other posts here and it sounds like some expats are having a hard time meeting people and ...
Hi there I think difficulty in making friends is a common thread on many expat forums, regardless of country. One of the main things to remember is living in a new country is completely different from visiting on a holiday basis. Once the ... Read More
Grocery stores in Edinburgh by loveedinburgh
What are some great Grocery stores in Edinburgh? How about Farmer's markets?
Like many other countries, we more or less have supermarkets chains throughout the UK. Asda is always popular, Llidl is one of two german companies known for their supposedly cheaper brands, Tesco's is another favourite, and Sainsbury is often ... Read More
Need a job and don't have a work visa ... by nereid9
Hi, all. I'm trying to move to Edinburgh from NYC and I was wondering if there was any way to get a job if I don't qualify for a work visa. In NYC, it's fairly easy to get a bartending/restaurant job off the books, but I'm not sure if this is a ...
I am posting because I do not want you to think Scottish people are being deliberately unhelpful. I think the lack of replies are due to your request. Scotland, like the rest of the UK, has experienced a massive increase in population since we ... Read More
Planning a life Defining move to Christchurch by Blessinj
My name is Nate Blessing and I am 20 years old and single, I was born and raised in Cincinnati and have lived their my entire life. I am currently pursuing a Bachelors of Science, Computer Engineering Technology degree from the University of ...
Hi Nate and welcome The best advice I can give is to check out as many forums as you can as there are positive and negatives in every country. You still have 5 years to do this. :) Read More
which field should i choose? by GuestPoster47
HELLO EVERYONE.........myself nishad i m a student from INDIA going to come to NZ next year for graduation in BIT(bachelors in information technology) after 12th ......pls help me whether is IT subject good for getting JOBS in NZ means are there ...
I am not in that field of work Nishad so cannot advise you. All I can say is that life is short and you should choose whichever one you enjoy the most. Read More
which field should i choose? by GuestPoster47
HELLO EVERYONE.........myself nishad i m a student from INDIA going to come to NZ next year for graduation in BIT(bachelors in information technology) after 12th ......pls help me whether is IT subject good for getting JOBS in NZ means are there ...
Sadly AUT is only ranked at number 31 in the oceana university rankings and 752 in the world ratings. I suggest you do a lot of research first Nishad on culture, cost of living, etc in all three countries of your choice before making a final ... Read More
message in a bottle
Hi Georgy Tauranga in Bay of Plenty has a high percentage of people over 50yrs of age. Many people come here to retire by the beach, so there is a broad mix of people already living here. I am not sure what you hope to do with your talents and ... Read More
scottish people
Julien suggested to Angela43 "the Scottish in Auckland network may help" Kiwififer is one of the people registered on the Scottish in Auckland network, but he has gone home to Scotland. He wants to know how he can remove his name from the Auckland ... Read More
scottish people
KiwiFifer on the Auckland blog went home to Scotland three months ago after 4 years of living here. How does he remove his name from the list? Read More
Teaching Positions in New Zealand
Many people rave about the wonderful education here, but many people I keep in touch with, and who have returned to their own countries, find their children at least one year behind their peers in secondary schools - except in sport of course. It ... Read More
Seeking Expat community in Tauranga - not the kiwi drinking crowd by Expat-in-Tauranga
Dear fellow Expats, I recently moved from the US to Tauranga and seek my fellow expats. Where in the US? I've lived all over from New England to CA to Texas. I've traveled a lot for someone barely touching 30 and am very educated and seeking depth ...
Many people move here for the sub-tropical climate. And it is now a favourite destination for retirees, who account for the huge growth over the last five years. The amount of retirement villages is staggering for the size of the population, with ... Read More
Nervous about moving.... by betsy09
Hi I am an Irish woman married to a New Zealand man and we are currently living in London. We are looking for a change and my husband wants to go back to NZ. We have lived in Auckland before and I hated it. Wellington is somewhere we are ...
I find the happiest immigrants here are the younger ones. They still have the health and the fitness to be able to go out after a days work. We, in our mid 50's, moved here two years ago for the supposed 'lifestyle'. We work longer hours and have ... Read More
Bring Your Sister To Napier competition
I stayed in a luxury timeshare apartment in Taupo when I first came to NZ. :) I sold my timeshare after that experience. :lol: Read More
Ciao from Rome!
Hopefully someone will get back to you with info on where to stay in Auckland, and I think the bus system is OK. But do you intend to stay in Auckland for three months????????? :o Have you friends and family there? How do you propose to spend ... Read More
6 month a year home in NZ by canuckrob
Further to my initial post "Am I in the right place" My wife and I holidayed in NZ the beginning of last year for approx. 5 weeks. This was my wife's first visit there, and my first since 1965! We spent our time travelling and sightseeing the ...
Rob - ignore last comment on work permits. I should have read your original post first. ps - we are the same age LOl Read More
Cost to hire relocation agency... by rick1flyer
My wife and I are considering a move to New Zealand and were wondering how much it would cost to hire a firm to assist in the paperwork etc. Also, we are both in the medical profession (I am an Echocardiographer and my wife a surgical RN). Are ...
Hubby and I are both in the medical field and on the shortage list. The paperwork was easy to do. Beware of agents telling you they can get you here in a few months. NZ immigration takes its own time to do everything. It took over a year with us ... Read More
6 month a year home in NZ by canuckrob
Further to my initial post "Am I in the right place" My wife and I holidayed in NZ the beginning of last year for approx. 5 weeks. This was my wife's first visit there, and my first since 1965! We spent our time travelling and sightseeing the ...
Rob - hang fire on buying. The exchange rate is so poor at the moment you will lose out big time. And as AvalonsGuide says, you wont know if you like the area until you have lived there for a while. Northland may look idyllic, but I have read ... Read More
Age Limitation on NZ Move?
Moved here a year ago aged 55yrs. How can I help? Read More