We are starting to think and pray about immigrating to NZ from SA... it's so much better to hear directly from people that went through the journey! Tnx so much!
Wow I can't believe how much stuff you managed to import over, very impressive! I can only imagine how excited you must have been when it all arrived. I found this video so helpful. We will be going through all this in a few years so it's nice to have advice from someone who has been through it all.
I'm so glad I came across you're videos, we are at the beginning of what I am sure will be a long and sometimes frustrating journey to move to New Zealand. However your advice is already proving extremely valuable. we keep referring back for snippets of information. thank you so much.
I grew up in NZ left at 17 have been living in Maui Hawaii for 24 years and am moving back this video was awsome to help my wife and 6 kids move back thank you
Could relate to so many aspects of this video (well from my parents point of view) when we moved from the UK 14 years ago. I still remember the day our container arrived...the whole family was so excited! The angels really did sing :P x
Very interesting video, thank you for sharing your experience! I'm moving to NZ with my partner in July (although, he has to move before me), and I've been binge watching videos about people's experiences, practical things like cost of living, admin stuff and all that, and also lots about things to do in NZ (I'm gonna get fit with all the hikes that are available everywhere hahaha - all jokes aside, it looks magnificent). Sometimes it eases my stress, sometimes it makes in worse when I think about moving some stuff there, rebuying all the things we couldn't move etc. We know no one over there (moving to Dunedin) and who knows, maybe we won't like it all that much and move somewhere else again for a few years, but I have a feeling NZ is a beautiful country with friendly people (although I don't know how easy it it to make friends over there when you're an adult...). Onto your next NZ video :D
Great video and information. I work freelancing making commercials and you are a natural. I wanted to move to NZ but I am to old they say as I am 53. Enjoy your new life and be well ... best wishes
Age does count against you on the points system we use but it depends on what you bring to the country that is seen as desirable. Check out the points system on line. If you are considering moving here I suggest you get on with it as quickly as possible as it's only going to get tougher to do in the future. Immigration has already reached a point where it's overwhelming our infrastructure and we are suffering now from quite a serious housing problem in some areas among other things. Also there are increasing numbers of people who think we have enough people already and that more will start to erode our culture and lifestyle. I confess to being one of those and that in fact I believe that we could do with about a million less. This does not of course mean that we would not welcome you as individuals, but it does imply a tightening of immigration rules in the future.
We're looking at moving back to NZ from Australia our costs would be much lower i hope i hope. Thanks for video it is very helpful, currently looking at bringing one of our cars though.
Thank you very much for doing this. It takes some of the mystery out of the process. I also have a 20' Seacan I hope to eventually move to Christchurch where I have been living with my partner. I worked with a Dutch guy who moved to ChCh with his Kiwi wife and he spent about $ 25,000 for his I think 40' container. Not sure why he paid so much more than yourselves. Cheers
Taranaki is one of the areas we are thinking about moving to, so it's very nice to have some input like this from someone else who has emigrated there. We are coming from the U.S., and I have heard that Taranaki is in need of Carpenters (my husband is finishing up his Carpentry certificate before we leave- should give him an equivalent Level 4 NZ qualification) and also that it is a nice place to live, and somewhat affordable for housing. I have been watching the job postings and researching housing prices online, and that seems to be the case. I am hoping that we can move in January 2020, but that may be a little wishful thinking on my part, since my husband won't finish his qualification until August. He has years of experience, but we thought the Visa process and finding a job would be easier if he had an 'official' qualification.
Thanks for your vlogs, they have been so helpful... We arrived in Christchurch, NZ just 2 days ago with our children, we are from England... Loving it here already x
Congratulations and welcome!! So exciting!! Hope you are over your jet lag soon and able to enjoy settling in. If you need any help or if there is anything I can do for you please let me know! PM me through my Facebook page if you want to chat.
Thank you Jen for this nice video its really rich of useful information about shifting to NZ. I started the process of NZ immigration for my family and I and once things clear we will definitely contact you and Grant.
I am moving to New Zealand from America in a week. My husband was born there. He told me they don't sell ranch dressing in NZ. Is that true?! I am considering bringing a two year supply of ranch dressing in my suitcases
They probably do, but it's very possible that it won't be exactly the same as your favourite one from the US. Maybe take some with you if you can. So long as it's a sealed container, you'll be fine putting it in your suitcase (though I'd also put it in a ziplock bag, just in case). You could also get family or friends back in the US to mail you some from time to time. I'm in Australia and have on many occasions sent "care packages" to my friends in the US of the food they loved from Australia.
Nope, no ranch dressing, although I have come across a couple of USA shops, filled with imported groceries and goodies for expats who are missing things. Of course it's not cheap. You might be better off making your own.
katiexxpaige You can get ranch dressing in NZ. It might be different to the stuff in America but you can certainly buy ranch dressing. Aiol which is garlic mayo is very popular in NZ.
Hi Great video! We are moving out to NZ in September, moving from the Uk, Gloucestershire, with our four children. We plan to move to Waihi in the North Island. We don't know many people there, just the estate agent, as we have met him a few times when we have visited. We've been planning this for about 5 years so very thankful for things to be finally happening. We hope to buy a house quite soon after arriving but just don't want to rent for 6 no the to a year. Trying to find an alternative is tricky! Thanks for this video, good helpful tips; plugs!!
Waihi is lovely, we checked it out as a possible place to live. We decided against it because of the mine blasting in the area. But it is pretty out there. I hope everything works out well for you, all the best with your move!
1. Did you buy? I think I missed that part... 2. Could you recommend a trusting realtor. 3. Do you find that the food is organic & healthy, GMO free there?
I'm sorry, I have no realtor to recommend. We have bought a house here in NZ, is that what you meant? No fresh vegetables, fruit or meat sold in NZ is GMO but some imported processed foods may contain GMO ingredients. The beef here is grass fed, and antibiotics and steroids are not used on animals. You can buy organic food here too. Hope that helps!
I can recommend a school not to send your kids to. Tamatea high school in Napier. There's a lot bullying both physical and emotional there. There's a lot of kids there who came from broken, abusive families.
We're looking at moving to New Zealand for my husband's job for just a year. What were the best resources you found for connecting with people living in your prospective area?
I used to do scrapbooking and although I wasn't into it when we moved over I thought getting back into it would be a good way to meet people. I Googled for scrapbooking groups in the town we were moving to and found a blog of someone and connected with her. She was so super helpful. That was a long way to say I don't think there is one best way, just try to find groups on Facebook or Google groups in the town where you're going. Once you move there join into anything you see advertised, like book clubs. Put yourself out there and be friendly and chat to people. We also connected with people at church. What area are you moving to? Maybe I know someone I can put you in touch with.
Very constructive and balanced overview from a person who has lived in South Africa and later the UK. New Zealand is a clean, green and beautiful country. It is also globally isolated and very expensive for housing and clothing. Many South Africans assimilate and live happily in NZ. From an individual's perspective the most important factor is feeling settled in NZ. My wife and I had good jobs, but could not settle in NZ. The parochial rose-tinted self-praising mindset drove us out. Each person needs to decide what they want in life. NZ wasn't right for us.
Another great video. By now I presume you have achieved a well-paid job at NZ Immigration. Congratulations! ;-) [At least I think they owe you!] A tip: Maybe it would be an idea to show something from your neighbourhood, something is very different from in SA or UK. Roadsigns, shops, landscape, flowers and trees, buildings, points who think are great for visitors to see. It does not need to be major national sites, but maybe something local [and which maybe anyway will be representative for the nation]. Thanks a lot, Jen!
LOL I feel like they should pay me! Although I'm hardly an expert. I do vlogs on my channel, you can check them out for daily life in NZ, and I show the beaches and places we visit too.
Hi, your video was very informative, I secured an accredited work visa in New Zealand from South Africa, I'm not sure if I can apply straight for residency with that now, would you know?
Help can you help me whom to contact to find a studio apartment in Auckland? I'm moving Auckland as student in Sept 2017.joining AUT for masters degree. As some agent or agency whim I can trust and can help me find good n little cheaper apartment in Auckland city. Thanks.
I'm keen to move to NZ,I'm more keen for south island because of the snow options there..we are a family of 3, i may have to come for a course for 1-2 year.
Hi from South Africa we are hoping to immigrate, notice you spoke about your husband being a police man, was he a police officer in the UK to or did he go through the New Zealand police College, I read that you have to be a resident to apply.
We moved in 2011 and he was the second last person they let through. He had to do the full 20 weeks at police college. The rules now are that you have to be a resident to apply.
Hello! thanks for sharing. ..Do you know where I can get information about the items that I can or cannot bring to NZ? THANKS from Orlando, Florida. US.
Very informative video and interesting info too. Could you guide me on how my son who is in the hotel industry in Dubai get to NZ. He has completed his studies from a prestigious university in Bangalore India. Thanks again for this informative video.
thanks so much for sharing, love your NZ vids. I'm looking into immigrating in the next year on a skilled work visa. Unfortunately I waited to make this decision and am now 32 so too old for the holiday work visa. I am thinking what you mention other ex-pats you've met have done as far as visit and just apply until you get a job will be the best way for me to go about it.
I'm 35 from the UK and just arrived 2 days ago in NZ with a skilled work visa! Good luck & don't give up! We're in Christchurch so say hey if you head this way x
Can you tell me if you used any legal aid or any immigration adviser help or is it easier than they let on to just do it yourself? Also, I assume from the way you word that that you applied while in the UK and got a job offer before going over? The only immigration adviser that's replied to me so far wants around $7k to assist me in the entire visa process! I want to head over in March-April 2017 on a visitor visa and try applying and getting the skilled work visa but I'm unsure if that's actually feasible. I'm very good with paperwork and have done a lot of research so I think I could handle it but these advisers and legal aids make it sound very difficult to pull it off yourself.
We did the process ourselves to save money. Yes it is tedious but it is definitely doable. I wouldn't say it's difficult, you have a checklist to follow. I think you can just print the forms off the website too.
What bought you guys to NZ?? ..and how did Grant fit in to being a Policemen here, there would be different laws etc? did he need to retrain or? (not sure if that's something your not allowed to discuss)
I just love your videos, it is good to hear the information we need( before moving to New Zealand) from the experience of a family that already did , much helpful than the other you tub videos , thanks a lot about that. Do you have any idea about ,opening a personal business there.. like... is it easy, expensive or what we should know about that? a restaurant or cafe or a sweet and cake shop for example. if you have any idea about that would be great, and THANKS for your time already .^_^
Thanks for the great question, will put it in my next Q&A video. Not sure about starting from scratch but cafes are always for sale - check out TradeMe and search for businesses for sale.
Thanks for the video. My wife and I are moving to NZ with in the next month or two. My wife is Australian and I am from the U.S. We will be moving to Palmerstone North, I am wandering if you have or can suggest any contacts or references over there.
How exciting, all the best for your move! Palmerston North is about 2 hours from me, it is lovely down there, but unfortunately I don't have any contacts, sorry.
Thank you so much :) I used to have a photography business but now only do it as a hobby. I wouldn't call myself an artist but I do love doing creative things all the time.
Hey Jen ? did you ship your electricals too i.e Tv, dvd player, kids playstation, hifi etc.......and if so did it work in new zealand..........love your vids
Hello, could you please post a video about what factors prompt you to settle in Taranaki rather than other less populated areas in NZ such as Nelson or Bay of Plenty? Thanks!
I’m literally considering moving to NZ within the next couple of months and I come across your video. It’s been super helpful. I literally don’t know where to start. I’m going to be living with a friend but I just don’t know where to begin over visas and jobs or anything. Like I want to permanently live there from the UK. Any idea what I would do or is it a working visa
Check out the rest of the playlist here czcams.com/play/PL6oFnWXGrYjGZZt3qkUB41_otX4FNNYe8.html Also consider joining the Facebook group (linked beneath each video in the playlist).
We also moved to N Z from the UK in 2014 and brought everything with us including 2 vehicles we had one forty foot container for our vehicles and one for our other possessions it was such a good decision
Yeah, I guess it is! And I'm guessing that the axe part represents the property itself, and that the handle is the driveway access from street to house. ;-)
you would have been better flying another 3 hours and come to Australia, we may not have quite as many variations on different types of food like the UK but we do have IKEA and so much more
I thought you came from South Africa, if so you would have been used to the heat. It's the humidity really better then being cold and the rain all the time, anyway NZ is a bit backward from my experience
Vito Corleone what a douche you sound, New Zealand holds the America’s Cup, the most expensive sporting event in the world which they have won against a multi billion funded team from their enginuity and skill, and that New Zealand also launches satellites into orbit, the 11th country in the world to do this and now they do it commercially, New Zealand is rated one of the most liveable countries so keep crying, it’s no contest, people choose where they want to live and not going to listen to someone like you, it’s a great place to live in New Zealand, you have no idea what you’re talking about
Not sure what the rules are for bringing them into the country. You won't need them here and won't be allowed to carry them. You will have to be licensed to possess firearms - rifles are straightforward but there are requirements involved for being licensed to own anything else. Most firearm owners here have rifles and use them for hunting. Owning handguns is more complicated.
I know how does it work. Wanted to know more details about how those people you know came to NZ, look for a job etc. In what occupation did they look for for a job? Do they work with HR companies? How much time did it take? I'm interested in details, because I'm planing to do the same :)
Excellent videos and tips! I am from Rio and planning to move with my wife and 2 daugther ( 4 and 16) to NZ, next year to do our MS/PhD studies. After 5 y living there, what cities would you recommend to raise kids in NZ, are there areas in Auckland even if we need to commute, that it would be possible? Or Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington, Taranaki.....better? ...thanks a lot!!! Sharing is just great, we all should do it more often....Congrats!!!
I don't know every city / area in NZ to recommend or not, but there are some areas in south Auckland you want to avoid. Send me an email with the particular areas you are thinking of and I can let you know. All the very best with your move!!
Thanks so much for your sharing. I am desperately looking for information for relocating from HK to Auckland for work. I am going to stay in a hotel for about a month while looking for an affordable apartment. I may not be able to buy my own property so I will probably stay in an apartment where there is furniture already. Should I still bring my furniture all the way from HK? The shipping will be paid by the employer but I'm just sure where to put them if I have to stay in a rent apartment. Any suggestion?
If you'll be staying in furnished rental accommodation the whole time you are here I wouldn't bother bringing your own stuff over. I'd either sell (if NZ is going to be long term) or put into storage if it's not too expensive. Or you could bring your stuff over and rent an unfurnished apartment and use your own furniture here, especially if your employer is covering costs.
Thanks so much! I have never been to Auckland before so I have no idea how the living condition would be. I guess I will find out soon. Trade Me does not allow me to register until I'm already at NZ. Anyways, thanks so much for making the videos, which have offered me a lot real information about living in NZ.
And you can't see anything on TradeMe without being registered? That's a bummer!! Try sites like this one for accommodation: www.realestate.co.nz/rental/all/auckland
I can see things but the website does not allow me to save any info. Thanks for the link, there are much more rents from this site. Must need to familiarise myself with the names of the surroundings. I hope I'd be able to walk to my office near Auckland Tech Uni within 15-20 minutes. Do you happen to know which area I should look into?@@ Thanks a lot for your generous help.
Do you know anything about America compared to NZ? We want to move to NZ but I keep finding more and more things that are so different and I'm not sure what all things to take into account. Like schooling and the way your real estate works and you mentioned the outlets being different? Your video has helped though!
It's very different here. I think you need to think about what you would like your life to be like ideally, and then see if NZ matches that, or if somewhere in the US would. Feel free to leave any specific questions here, I am planning on making another Q&A video about it soon.
Wow, you all moved there without even visiting once?! that is brave. And how are you convinced to make such a big shift in your life to move to a place you have never been to before? i cannot imagine that haha. Also, you mentioned hundreds of earthquakes occur per year in NZ, doesnt that bother you? Just ytd there were at least two casualties in NZ :/
Yes, we'd done enough research to believe it would be a good fit for us and better than where we were, so it was a calculated risk. The earthquakes don't bother me, it's not something I worry about daily. There were 2 casualties, one of whom died of a heart attack so not directly caused by the earthquake, and that was a 7.8 scale quake felt through the entire country. Puts it in perspective, no?
I see. To be frank, I come from a country which does not have any natural disasters, so I am not used to it. But new Zealand is really a place I would love to live in for the better quality of life such as work life balance and lack of congestion. These are things which I crave for. I am more worried about big earthquakes like the one in Christchurch few years ago. Is it true that such big scale one happens about every 4 years? I mean, maybe I am not used to natural disasters hence the fear. It just takes one unlucky event and I could be gone. Are there places in nz in which earthquakes won't happen?
The one in Christchurch in 2011 that you are thinking of was 7.1 on the Richter scale. The one we had on Monday was 7.8. It is the strongest earthquake NZ has experienced in 150 years. It's just not something you need to worry about on a daily basis, I promise. Earthquakes happen all over NZ but some spots are more prone to them than others (e.g. Wellington, Christchurch). I feel quite safe in Taranaki.
I see. Why is it that a larger scale earthquake resulted in only 2 deaths but the 2011 had many more deaths? Is it due to poor infrastructure in 2011? Hmm could I privately message you regarding job opportunities in nz?
Aki ora! One thing. I shall be straight out, I do not have a CV! I have had a life of an intestinal disability (that was far worse since I first got it when I was 17). It is called IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). I came across another informative website ENZ (www.enz.org/) as the immigration in order to obtain a res visa entails a declaration of health. Now I am assuming this is addressing very serious issues such as ebola from Africa, tuberculosis, remnants of polio, AIDS, etc. But IBS -- a non-serious non contagious minor 'functional' intestinal disorder!? My concern is that there might be a chance of being precluded residency due to IBS. (Interesting, in your neighbour, Staya, one in five people have one form of IBS or another). I would imagine that IBS also exists in NZ as well! Secondly, as it may be hard for me to acquire work (legally) due to the lackof any CV, I do hope to work in the new market of electric cars such as Tesla, Nissan, et al. Plus I plan to found a not-for-profit educational and promotional organisation for all forms of transport electrification (inclusive of the responsible 'green' means or power production). I watched a vid from Woburn Immigration Services, as they were stating profit making corporations are indeed sought after for. But not-for-profits? Just dunno mate! Whether I have my other three alternatives (Straya, Norway, or even my birth country, Switzerland) I am most definitely 'making my break or escape' from Trumpland! (He is such a drongo)! More I see and learn about Aotearoa, the more I am reckoning that is my sort of place! Where have I been all this time?
Tadeusz Stenzel haha we are different if you have a good job it is honestly a coin flip. However their wages are a lot better which is noticeable at the lower wage brackets.
Hey Jen ? did you ship your electricals too i.e Tv, dvd player, kids playstation, hifi etc.......and if so did it work in new zealand..........love your vids
We are starting to think and pray about immigrating to NZ from SA... it's so much better to hear directly from people that went through the journey! Tnx so much!
Yes come to new zealand!! We Love South Africans. Come on over 😊
How has it gone for you?! Thinking of moving from Ethiopia but I don't even know where to start.
Wow I can't believe how much stuff you managed to import over, very impressive! I can only imagine how excited you must have been when it all arrived. I found this video so helpful. We will be going through all this in a few years so it's nice to have advice from someone who has been through it all.
I'll be happy to help as much as I can when you make the move!
I'm so glad I came across you're videos, we are at the beginning of what I am sure will be a long and sometimes frustrating journey to move to New Zealand. However your advice is already proving extremely valuable. we keep referring back for snippets of information. thank you so much.
Glad you find my videos helpful! I hope all goes well for your journey and that it isn't too long or frustrating.
I grew up in NZ left at 17 have been living in Maui Hawaii for 24 years and am moving back this video was awsome to help my wife and 6 kids move back thank you
Could relate to so many aspects of this video (well from my parents point of view) when we moved from the UK 14 years ago.
I still remember the day our container arrived...the whole family was so excited! The angels really did sing :P x
It's an amazing feeling! I know "stuff" shouldn't be so important but it's more than just stuff.
Very interesting video, thank you for sharing your experience! I'm moving to NZ with my partner in July (although, he has to move before me), and I've been binge watching videos about people's experiences, practical things like cost of living, admin stuff and all that, and also lots about things to do in NZ (I'm gonna get fit with all the hikes that are available everywhere hahaha - all jokes aside, it looks magnificent). Sometimes it eases my stress, sometimes it makes in worse when I think about moving some stuff there, rebuying all the things we couldn't move etc. We know no one over there (moving to Dunedin) and who knows, maybe we won't like it all that much and move somewhere else again for a few years, but I have a feeling NZ is a beautiful country with friendly people (although I don't know how easy it it to make friends over there when you're an adult...). Onto your next NZ video :D
Great video and information. I work freelancing making commercials and you are a natural. I wanted to move to NZ but I am to old they say as I am 53. Enjoy your new life and be well ... best wishes
Was that your own choice? or did you apply and get knocked back? cheers
Ron Goodrick they told me I was over he age
Age does count against you on the points system we use but it depends on what you bring to the country that is seen as desirable. Check out the points system on line.
If you are considering moving here I suggest you get on with it as quickly as possible as it's only going to get tougher to do in the future.
Immigration has already reached a point where it's overwhelming our infrastructure and we are suffering now from quite a serious housing problem in some areas among other things.
Also there are increasing numbers of people who think we have enough people already and that more will start to erode our culture and lifestyle. I confess to being one of those and that in fact I believe that we could do with about a million less.
This does not of course mean that we would not welcome you as individuals, but it does imply a tightening of immigration rules in the future.
We're looking at moving back to NZ from Australia our costs would be much lower i hope i hope. Thanks for video it is very helpful, currently looking at bringing one of our cars though.
Thank you very much for doing this. It takes some of the mystery out of the process. I also have a 20' Seacan I hope to eventually move to Christchurch where I have been living with my partner. I worked with a Dutch guy who moved to ChCh with his Kiwi wife and he spent about $ 25,000 for his I think 40' container.
Not sure why he paid so much more than yourselves. Cheers
I just subscribed your channel! And honestly this is the channel I’ve been looking for! Love ur videos
Taranaki is one of the areas we are thinking about moving to, so it's very nice to have some input like this from someone else who has emigrated there. We are coming from the U.S., and I have heard that Taranaki is in need of Carpenters (my husband is finishing up his Carpentry certificate before we leave- should give him an equivalent Level 4 NZ qualification) and also that it is a nice place to live, and somewhat affordable for housing. I have been watching the job postings and researching housing prices online, and that seems to be the case. I am hoping that we can move in January 2020, but that may be a little wishful thinking on my part, since my husband won't finish his qualification until August. He has years of experience, but we thought the Visa process and finding a job would be easier if he had an 'official' qualification.
All the best with your journey! House prices are amazing in Taranaki.
Thank you very much!
Your blog gives me the courage and inspires for good ideas!
Thanks, your videos are helping my husband and I trouble shoot moving to the country. You are so great!
So glad it's helpful! Would love to have you join the Facebook group if you haven't already: facebook.com/groups/366961367030120/
Thanks for your vlogs, they have been so helpful... We arrived in Christchurch, NZ just 2 days ago with our children, we are from England... Loving it here already x
Congratulations and welcome!! So exciting!! Hope you are over your jet lag soon and able to enjoy settling in. If you need any help or if there is anything I can do for you please let me know! PM me through my Facebook page if you want to chat.
This Natural Journey well come to New Zealand.
Thank you Jen for this nice video its really rich of useful information about shifting to NZ. I started the process of NZ immigration for my family and I and once things clear we will definitely contact you and Grant.
All the best for your move! I hope everything goes smoothly.
Thank you Jen and all the best wishes for U and your nice family, God bless you all.
I follow u on Fb too... I am from India, looking forward to come there with help of people like you!! No other support...Thank u soo much... 😊🙏
All the best with your journey.
I am moving to New Zealand from America in a week. My husband was born there. He told me they don't sell ranch dressing in NZ. Is that true?! I am considering bringing a two year supply of ranch dressing in my suitcases
They probably do, but it's very possible that it won't be exactly the same as your favourite one from the US. Maybe take some with you if you can. So long as it's a sealed container, you'll be fine putting it in your suitcase (though I'd also put it in a ziplock bag, just in case). You could also get family or friends back in the US to mail you some from time to time. I'm in Australia and have on many occasions sent "care packages" to my friends in the US of the food they loved from Australia.
Nope, no ranch dressing, although I have come across a couple of USA shops, filled with imported groceries and goodies for expats who are missing things. Of course it's not cheap. You might be better off making your own.
katiexxpaige You can get ranch dressing in NZ. It might be different to the stuff in America but you can certainly buy ranch dressing. Aiol which is garlic mayo is very popular in NZ.
They do but there is only one brand and it probably won't taste the same
Hi, I am from Southern California and have been thinking of moving to NZ. I’m wondering, how have you liked it so far?
Hi Great video! We are moving out to NZ in September, moving from the Uk, Gloucestershire, with our four children. We plan to move to Waihi in the North Island. We don't know many people there, just the estate agent, as we have met him a few times when we have visited. We've been planning this for about 5 years so very thankful for things to be finally happening. We hope to buy a house quite soon after arriving but just don't want to rent for 6 no the to a year. Trying to find an alternative is tricky! Thanks for this video, good helpful tips; plugs!!
Waihi is lovely, we checked it out as a possible place to live. We decided against it because of the mine blasting in the area. But it is pretty out there. I hope everything works out well for you, all the best with your move!
Informative and concise as always. Thank you
1. Did you buy? I think I missed that part... 2. Could you recommend a trusting realtor. 3. Do you find that the food is organic & healthy, GMO free there?
I'm sorry, I have no realtor to recommend. We have bought a house here in NZ, is that what you meant?
No fresh vegetables, fruit or meat sold in NZ is GMO but some imported processed foods may contain GMO ingredients. The beef here is grass fed, and antibiotics and steroids are not used on animals. You can buy organic food here too. Hope that helps!
I can recommend a school not to send your kids to. Tamatea high school in Napier. There's a lot bullying both physical and emotional there. There's a lot of kids there who came from broken, abusive families.
Also if u want ur kids to have a good education don't go to Rhode street school in Hamilton. It sucks.
man i just watched rest of your video and got my answer.....lol thank you
We're looking at moving to New Zealand for my husband's job for just a year. What were the best resources you found for connecting with people living in your prospective area?
I used to do scrapbooking and although I wasn't into it when we moved over I thought getting back into it would be a good way to meet people. I Googled for scrapbooking groups in the town we were moving to and found a blog of someone and connected with her. She was so super helpful.
That was a long way to say I don't think there is one best way, just try to find groups on Facebook or Google groups in the town where you're going. Once you move there join into anything you see advertised, like book clubs. Put yourself out there and be friendly and chat to people. We also connected with people at church. What area are you moving to? Maybe I know someone I can put you in touch with.
Very constructive and balanced overview from a person who has lived in South Africa and later the UK. New Zealand is a clean, green and beautiful country. It is also globally isolated and very expensive for housing and clothing. Many South Africans assimilate and live happily in NZ. From an individual's perspective the most important factor is feeling settled in NZ. My wife and I had good jobs, but could not settle in NZ. The parochial rose-tinted self-praising mindset drove us out. Each person needs to decide what they want in life. NZ wasn't right for us.
Another great video. By now I presume you have achieved a well-paid job at NZ Immigration. Congratulations! ;-) [At least I think they owe you!] A tip: Maybe it would be an idea to show something from your neighbourhood, something is very different from in SA or UK. Roadsigns, shops, landscape, flowers and trees, buildings, points who think are great for visitors to see. It does not need to be major national sites, but maybe something local [and which maybe anyway will be representative for the nation]. Thanks a lot, Jen!
LOL I feel like they should pay me! Although I'm hardly an expert.
I do vlogs on my channel, you can check them out for daily life in NZ, and I show the beaches and places we visit too.
Hi, your video was very informative, I secured an accredited work visa in New Zealand from South Africa, I'm not sure if I can apply straight for residency with that now, would you know?
i moved from puke to the waikato.. love hearing u talk about it.. reminds me of home
Sounds like a good move, Puke is getting so busy nowadays.
Help can you help me whom to contact to find a studio apartment in Auckland? I'm moving Auckland as student in Sept 2017.joining AUT for masters degree. As some agent or agency whim I can trust and can help me find good n little cheaper apartment in Auckland city.
Thanks.
I'm keen to move to NZ,I'm more keen for south island because of the snow options there..we are a family of 3, i may have to come for a course for 1-2 year.
LOVE YOUR VLOG!!
Can you please tell me what qualifications are needed to rent?
Deposit, history, etc...
How to find a good school an admission for my 7 years old son before coming to NW
How long does it takes to get the residence visa once u send them all the requirements?how many months? Thank u
We applied on 13 February and got our stickers in our passports 14 April, so two months.
congratulations.
omg,,, one day i will move, and live in NZ too.
come to shire.
nope, i have to move
actually i hate my life, and choose i've made.
just want to start new life.. i wish asap
Then it's definitely time to start making plans to change things - all the best!
Where do u stay in NZ ? South island and North Island ?
Great great video and suggestions
Thank you :)
Hi, great informative video. Once you were granted your visa, did you have a certain time frame that you had to enter NZ by?
I think our time limit was 3 months.
I know you mentioned that you came from England, but you sound South African?
Yes I'm originally from South Africa, then we spent 11 years in England.
Brilliant content! Love from Singapore! Would love to migrate there one day. 😊
Thank you!
Hi from South Africa we are hoping to immigrate, notice you spoke about your husband being a police man, was he a police officer in the UK to or did he go through the New Zealand police College, I read that you have to be a resident to apply.
We moved in 2011 and he was the second last person they let through. He had to do the full 20 weeks at police college. The rules now are that you have to be a resident to apply.
❤️New Zealand. Great vlog.
Hello! thanks for sharing. ..Do you know where I can get information about the items that I can or cannot bring to NZ?
THANKS from Orlando, Florida. US.
You can find that info here: www.transinternational.co.nz/movenz.stm
A Thousand Words ,Hello jen! thank you so much. ..
No guns. Period.
Can u do a video on NZ education? Fees etc ? What kind of them are there? Holidays ?
Hi Great Video just wondering from your Experiences Are Kiwis generally accepting of people from different Cultures and Backgrounds
Megatronic 15 yes! They are very accepting
No we are not!
And we can spell!
Very informative video and interesting info too. Could you guide me on how my son who is in the hotel industry in Dubai get to NZ. He has completed his studies from a prestigious university in Bangalore India. Thanks again for this informative video.
thanks so much for sharing, love your NZ vids. I'm looking into immigrating in the next year on a skilled work visa. Unfortunately I waited to make this decision and am now 32 so too old for the holiday work visa. I am thinking what you mention other ex-pats you've met have done as far as visit and just apply until you get a job will be the best way for me to go about it.
I'm 35 from the UK and just arrived 2 days ago in NZ with a skilled work visa! Good luck & don't give up! We're in Christchurch so say hey if you head this way x
Can you tell me if you used any legal aid or any immigration adviser help or is it easier than they let on to just do it yourself? Also, I assume from the way you word that that you applied while in the UK and got a job offer before going over? The only immigration adviser that's replied to me so far wants around $7k to assist me in the entire visa process! I want to head over in March-April 2017 on a visitor visa and try applying and getting the skilled work visa but I'm unsure if that's actually feasible. I'm very good with paperwork and have done a lot of research so I think I could handle it but these advisers and legal aids make it sound very difficult to pull it off yourself.
We did the process ourselves to save money. Yes it is tedious but it is definitely doable. I wouldn't say it's difficult, you have a checklist to follow. I think you can just print the forms off the website too.
So excited for you! Let me know if I can help at all.
Forgot to answer that yes, got the job offer before coming over.
Thank you for your videos!
Thank you for watching :)
What bought you guys to NZ?? ..and how did Grant fit in to being a Policemen here, there would be different laws etc? did he need to retrain or? (not sure if that's something your not allowed to discuss)
Thanks for the great questions, I'll add them to my next video :)
I just love your videos, it is good to hear the information we need( before moving to New Zealand) from the experience of a family that already did , much helpful than the other you tub videos , thanks a lot about that.
Do you have any idea about ,opening a personal business there.. like... is it easy, expensive or what we should know about that? a restaurant or cafe or a sweet and cake shop for example.
if you have any idea about that would be great, and THANKS for your time already .^_^
Thanks for the great question, will put it in my next Q&A video.
Not sure about starting from scratch but cafes are always for sale - check out TradeMe and search for businesses for sale.
Thanks for the video. My wife and I are moving to NZ with in the next month or two. My wife is Australian and I am from the U.S. We will be moving to Palmerstone North, I am wandering if you have or can suggest any contacts or references over there.
How exciting, all the best for your move! Palmerston North is about 2 hours from me, it is lovely down there, but unfortunately I don't have any contacts, sorry.
Love the video. You're very pleasant to watch. Question, are you a photographer or an artist something?
Thank you so much :) I used to have a photography business but now only do it as a hobby. I wouldn't call myself an artist but I do love doing creative things all the time.
Hey Jen ? did you ship your electricals too i.e Tv, dvd player, kids playstation, hifi etc.......and if so did it work in new zealand..........love your vids
Yes we brought everything as the voltage was the same.
Hello, could you please post a video about what factors prompt you to settle in Taranaki rather than other less populated areas in NZ such as Nelson or Bay of Plenty? Thanks!
I'll definitely talk about this in my next Q&A video, thanks for the great question :)
I’m literally considering moving to NZ within the next couple of months and I come across your video. It’s been super helpful. I literally don’t know where to start. I’m going to be living with a friend but I just don’t know where to begin over visas and jobs or anything. Like I want to permanently live there from the UK. Any idea what I would do or is it a working visa
Check out the rest of the playlist here czcams.com/play/PL6oFnWXGrYjGZZt3qkUB41_otX4FNNYe8.html
Also consider joining the Facebook group (linked beneath each video in the playlist).
♥️ Love your video.
We also moved to N Z from the UK in 2014 and brought everything with us including 2 vehicles we had one forty foot container for our vehicles and one for our other possessions it was such a good decision
how much does it cost for a house with good background(avg), thanks for being helpfull?
Thanks for the question; I'll add it to my next video.
pleas give me more information about taranka
iam international student want to study cookery program can I get a jop after I graduated??
pleas reply
Try careers.govt.nz/ for information about jobs and availability.
The house at the rear of a split block is called a "battleaxe".
Interesting!
Yeah, I guess it is! And I'm guessing that the axe part represents the property itself, and that the handle is the driveway access from street to house. ;-)
A battle axe in NZ,is a cranky old woman,with missing teeth and a robotic arm.;-)
Whats the average rent on a 2 bedroom, 1 bath small house? In US dollars possibly..
Depends on the area. You can check out property at trademe.co.nz/ or realestate.co.nz/
dont you have to be a citizen of NZ to be a police officer?
Yes, you do now, but not back in 2011.
you would have been better flying another 3 hours and come to Australia, we may not have quite as many
variations on different types of food like the UK but we do have IKEA and so much more
Too hot! NZ is such a good fit for us, can't imagine anywhere else being better :)
I thought you came from South Africa, if so you would have been used to the heat. It's the humidity really better then being cold and the rain all the time, anyway NZ is a bit backward from my experience
A Thousand Words good choice,nz is the best.
Vito Corleone what a douche you sound, New Zealand holds the America’s Cup, the most expensive sporting event in the world which they have won against a multi billion funded team from their enginuity and skill, and that New Zealand also launches satellites into orbit, the 11th country in the world to do this and now they do it commercially, New Zealand is rated one of the most liveable countries so keep crying, it’s no contest, people choose where they want to live and not going to listen to someone like you, it’s a great place to live in New Zealand, you have no idea what you’re talking about
very nice
Thank you for ur informative videos.Can we ship the used crockery,cooking pots n cutlery too.
Of course, you can ship all of your currently used goods.
Thanks again for quick reply
Are the houses for rent furnished both in the city or outside?
I'm sure there are some but I've not really seen any - mostly they are rented unfurnished.
Hi. I'm American and looking into moving to New Zealand. what I have to sell all of my firearms before going there?
*Would
Not sure what the rules are for bringing them into the country. You won't need them here and won't be allowed to carry them. You will have to be licensed to possess firearms - rifles are straightforward but there are requirements involved for being licensed to own anything else. Most firearm owners here have rifles and use them for hunting. Owning handguns is more complicated.
petnzme01 😂😂😂
Sorry mate, got enough Americans already ,
Americans with guns.... reasons why Americans are leaving America. Please don’t be “that guy” 👍🏼
10 thousand dollars that's a lot of stuff you could buy new.....think you made a mistake there
Very informative.
Thank you!
Could yo give more information about the immigration scheme you mentioned: move as a tourist and look for a job?
You can find out your options here: immigration.govt.nz/
I know how does it work. Wanted to know more details about how those people you know came to NZ, look for a job etc. In what occupation did they look for for a job? Do they work with HR companies? How much time did it take? I'm interested in details, because I'm planing to do the same :)
Welcome to New Zealand!
Thank you! We've been here for 5 years now and absolutely love it.
Excellent videos and tips! I am from Rio and planning to move with my wife and 2 daugther ( 4 and 16) to NZ, next year to do our MS/PhD studies. After 5 y living there, what cities would you recommend to raise kids in NZ, are there areas in Auckland even if we need to commute, that it would be possible? Or Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington, Taranaki.....better? ...thanks a lot!!!
Sharing is just great, we all should do it more often....Congrats!!!
I don't know every city / area in NZ to recommend or not, but there are some areas in south Auckland you want to avoid. Send me an email with the particular areas you are thinking of and I can let you know. All the very best with your move!!
The city you choose may depend on the courses you are studying, not every University in NZ offers offers MS and PhD courses in every field of study.
Can an American Family move there, and obtain employment... without having to claim any sort of asylum?
Yes of course, in fact I doubt you'd be able to claim asylum. For immigration information you can go here: immigration.govt.nz/
C9N, have you got a trade,esp in the building industry? If so, you're in!
how much is the total cost immigrating in nz with immigration consultant?
I'm sorry, I don't know - you'll have to get a quote from one.
thanks ma'am
Thanks so much for your sharing. I am desperately looking for information for relocating from HK to Auckland for work. I am going to stay in a hotel for about a month while looking for an affordable apartment. I may not be able to buy my own property so I will probably stay in an apartment where there is furniture already. Should I still bring my furniture all the way from HK? The shipping will be paid by the employer but I'm just sure where to put them if I have to stay in a rent apartment. Any suggestion?
If you'll be staying in furnished rental accommodation the whole time you are here I wouldn't bother bringing your own stuff over. I'd either sell (if NZ is going to be long term) or put into storage if it's not too expensive. Or you could bring your stuff over and rent an unfurnished apartment and use your own furniture here, especially if your employer is covering costs.
Thanks so much! I have never been to Auckland before so I have no idea how the living condition would be. I guess I will find out soon. Trade Me does not allow me to register until I'm already at NZ. Anyways, thanks so much for making the videos, which have offered me a lot real information about living in NZ.
And you can't see anything on TradeMe without being registered? That's a bummer!!
Try sites like this one for accommodation: www.realestate.co.nz/rental/all/auckland
I can see things but the website does not allow me to save any info. Thanks for the link, there are much more rents from this site. Must need to familiarise myself with the names of the surroundings. I hope I'd be able to walk to my office near Auckland Tech Uni within 15-20 minutes. Do you happen to know which area I should look into?@@ Thanks a lot for your generous help.
I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with that area of Auckland at all.
Do you know anyone who has moved to New Zealand with a pet? It seems pretty expensive, but I can't leave my kitty!!
This has been discussed in the Moving to NZ Facebook group facebook.com/groups/366961367030120/
Thanks!
Ur video is so beautiful as do u..stay connected
Why anyone would move from the UK, it's such a beautiful place
Because NZ is better.
I imgrated from NZ to the UK.
Matthew Stoddart So,...was it The Right Move? Just curious...
Where abouts do u live in taranaki i live there too
We're in a tiny town in south Taranaki (I'd rather not say which one for privacy reasons). We love it here!
Do you know anything about America compared to NZ? We want to move to NZ but I keep finding more and more things that are so different and I'm not sure what all things to take into account. Like schooling and the way your real estate works and you mentioned the outlets being different? Your video has helped though!
It's very different here. I think you need to think about what you would like your life to be like ideally, and then see if NZ matches that, or if somewhere in the US would. Feel free to leave any specific questions here, I am planning on making another Q&A video about it soon.
Welcome to nz
Thanks :)
Whats up with wicker baskets???
Been asked a couple of times so will answer it in my next video :)
A Thousand Words
Thanks x
almost equalivalent to a cane basket.
I love how much u hate sand flies lol totally can relate with you 😄
LOL torturous!! They are awful and apparently they love me.
Wow, you all moved there without even visiting once?! that is brave. And how are you convinced to make such a big shift in your life to move to a place you have never been to before? i cannot imagine that haha. Also, you mentioned hundreds of earthquakes occur per year in NZ, doesnt that bother you? Just ytd there were at least two casualties in NZ :/
Yes, we'd done enough research to believe it would be a good fit for us and better than where we were, so it was a calculated risk. The earthquakes don't bother me, it's not something I worry about daily. There were 2 casualties, one of whom died of a heart attack so not directly caused by the earthquake, and that was a 7.8 scale quake felt through the entire country. Puts it in perspective, no?
I see. To be frank, I come from a country which does not have any natural disasters, so I am not used to it. But new Zealand is really a place I would love to live in for the better quality of life such as work life balance and lack of congestion. These are things which I crave for. I am more worried about big earthquakes like the one in Christchurch few years ago. Is it true that such big scale one happens about every 4 years? I mean, maybe I am not used to natural disasters hence the fear. It just takes one unlucky event and I could be gone. Are there places in nz in which earthquakes won't happen?
The one in Christchurch in 2011 that you are thinking of was 7.1 on the Richter scale. The one we had on Monday was 7.8. It is the strongest earthquake NZ has experienced in 150 years. It's just not something you need to worry about on a daily basis, I promise.
Earthquakes happen all over NZ but some spots are more prone to them than others (e.g. Wellington, Christchurch). I feel quite safe in Taranaki.
I see. Why is it that a larger scale earthquake resulted in only 2 deaths but the 2011 had many more deaths? Is it due to poor infrastructure in 2011? Hmm could I privately message you regarding job opportunities in nz?
I think that is the case.
I'm not much help with regarding job opportunities but this website should be: careers.govt.nz/
Are schools free?
Answered in one of my Moving to NZ Q&A videos.
Mataxy no, stay there!
I want to know how do you feel about the racism in NZ? Are there many people of color there?
Yes,thousands,we accept everyone.:-)
Aki ora!
One thing. I shall be straight out, I do not have a CV! I have had a life of an intestinal disability (that was far worse since I first got it when I was 17). It is called IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). I came across another informative website ENZ (www.enz.org/) as the immigration in order to obtain a res visa entails a declaration of health. Now I am assuming this is addressing very serious issues such as ebola from Africa, tuberculosis, remnants of polio, AIDS, etc. But IBS -- a non-serious non contagious minor 'functional' intestinal disorder!? My concern is that there might be a chance of being precluded residency due to IBS. (Interesting, in your neighbour, Staya, one in five people have one form of IBS or another). I would imagine that IBS also exists in NZ as well!
Secondly, as it may be hard for me to acquire work (legally) due to the lackof any CV, I do hope to work in the new market of electric cars such as Tesla, Nissan, et al. Plus I plan to found a not-for-profit educational and promotional organisation for all forms of transport electrification (inclusive of the responsible 'green' means or power production). I watched a vid from Woburn Immigration Services, as they were stating profit making corporations are indeed sought after for. But not-for-profits? Just dunno mate!
Whether I have my other three alternatives (Straya, Norway, or even my birth country, Switzerland) I am most definitely 'making my break or escape' from Trumpland! (He is such a drongo)! More I see and learn about Aotearoa, the more I am reckoning that is my sort of place! Where have I been all this time?
My NZ workmate told me that Australia is better version of NZ! Grittings from Queensland!!!
Tadeusz Stenzel haha we are different if you have a good job it is honestly a coin flip. However their wages are a lot better which is noticeable at the lower wage brackets.
He’s right, stay there.
Hey Jen ? did you ship your electricals too i.e Tv, dvd player, kids playstation, hifi etc.......and if so did it work in new zealand..........love your vids
Yes we did and they were fine :)