Potential move. Advice?

MrTsSnickers

I'd like opinions of folks that are already there and have made the move or are in the process of moving.

I've been filling out the expression of interest form and i was wondering how we'd (partner and myself) would prove that we do live together, everything is in my name and his post doesn't come to the house. Does immigration just take you at your word or is there other tests? Also, has anyone moved with young children? What are the schools like? How did ye find the move in general. How are ye coping without the support system of friends and family at home? Is the lifestyle significantly different (i.e. is it more family oriented than here?).

What's the jobs market like; I'm in social care/family support and the other half is an engineer (also would he be best to fill the expression of interest form because his occupation is more desirable over there than mine?), would we get jobs quickly (I know how long is a piece of string but in general) Any advice that ye might be able to give would be fantastic. Thanks in advance.

Crumble Froo

MrTsSnickers wrote: »

I'd like opinions of folks that are already there and have made the move or are in the process of moving.

Well, I've been here almost five years now, but I moved through first working holiday, then partnership with my kiwi partner, so I don't know much about the expression of interest, but I did have to prove we were partners, so maybe can help there.

I've been filling out the expression of interest form and i was wondering how we'd (partner and myself) would prove that we do live together, everything is in my name and his post doesn't come to the house. Does immigration just take you at your word or is there other tests?

To the best of my knowledge, if immigration are not satisfied with your application, they can interview you to further check that you are who you say you are, etc. Knowing that it'd come to proving things like this, I did make a point of opening my bank account in NZ under both mine and my ex's name, and paying rent and bills through the same bank account, so as to be able to present it as evidence, but we also sent immigration photos of ourselves together, letters from both of our parents confirming that we were in a relationship, cards/letters/envelopes that were addressed to both of us, even letters we'd sent each other when we were living in different countries.

We didn't want to take any chances, and it felt so gross and slimy sending personal stuff like that off to immigration, but hell, I'm a permanant resident now, so worth it. Pretty much anything you can show them to say that you are who and what you say you are, then do.

Also, has anyone moved with young children? What are the schools like? How did ye find the move in general. How are ye coping without the support system of friends and family at home? Is the lifestyle significantly different (i.e. is it more family oriented than here?).

I haven't got children of my own, but have been generally quite impressed with the school system here. More familiar with the secondary school side of things, but there's a lot in the community too, to support kids. Skateparks, playgrounds, fields and green spaces and reservations are common in most residential areas (obviously that'll vary a bit, but certainly in Christchurch and Dunedin that's been my experience). There's pretty good council-subsidised swimming lessons and a pretty big emphasis on sports and athletics, but I've noticed a lot of creative and hobby-based community groups around the place aswell.

As far as lifestyle goes, I've found NZ far more free-flowing than Ireland. Far more accepting of diverse interests, lifestyles and forms of expression, in my opinion. As for it being more family oriented here, I think, and I'll leave myself open to correction here, but from my perspective, I've noticed that the Maori way of family support is much closer to what is more common in Ireland, with relatively close extended families who would help each other out and network closely, whereas the white/european/pakeha way is a lot more individualistic, and family support and responsibility tends to be less emphasised.

What's the jobs market like; I'm in social care/family support and the other half is an engineer (also would he be best to fill the expression of interest form because his occupation is more desirable over there than mine?), would we get jobs quickly (I know how long is a piece of string but in general) Any advice that ye might be able to give would be fantastic. Thanks in advance.

I don't know a lot about the above, but from a social care perspective (I'm studying addiction studies at the moment and have a degree of work experience in the sector), there'll always be jobs, though I'm not sure how qualifications average out. I will say that it'll be really worthwhile for you to do a Treaty of Waitangi workshop as soon as possible, as it'll be really valuable on your CV and really relevant to working within the Social care field.

Best of luck!

Mrs OBumble

MrTsSnickers wrote: »

how we'd (partner and myself) would prove that we do live together, everything is in my name and his post doesn't come to the house. Does immigration just take you at your word or is there other tests?

I've looked at it in terms of getting my partner there - but I'm a kiwi so would have very different issues. But I can assure you that Immigration most certainly do not take you at your word, and that a marriage certificate (should you happen to have one) is not worth the paper it's written on.

If he has no mail coming to the address, that would be enough to raise an immigration officer's suspicions. You need joint bank accounts, joint lease or similar, joint everything you can lay your hand on.


Re schools, I'm biased, but I I'd say that NZ schools leave Ireland's for dead, except in the subject areas of music and languages. Lower ratios, longer school day and year, etc. And at the early childhood level, what counts as "qualified" in Ireland (Montessori) doesn't at all in NZ.

Re work, it depends on the area of social care you're in, but mostly likely you will need a range of cultural expereinces before you're employable: many Irish people don't even understand the concept of ethnicity, far less be able to work satisfactorily in a range of settings. Even if you're one of the lucky ones who has this understanding, the ethnic groups you are likely to encounter in NZ are vastly different.

MrTsSnickers

Thanks for the responses. Gosh, it's really hard to know what to do! We do have justifiable reasons for everything being in my name and his post not coming here but thanks for your advice and we'll get on that asap if we do decide the move is for us.

I do get the impression that he'd be employed quicker than I would, that said, it may not be a bad idea to save up more money than I originally anticipated so that maybe we could afford for me to do some courses locally and to help the little fella settle into school and a new world essentially.

The idea is still in the research phase so I really appreciate any input that anyone has to offer.

Cookie_Monster

JustMary wrote: »

I've looked at it in terms of getting my partner there - but I'm a kiwi so would have very different issues. But I can assure you that Immigration most certainly do not take you at your word, and that a marriage certificate (should you happen to have one) is not worth the paper it's written on.

If he has no mail coming to the address, that would be enough to raise an immigration officer's suspicions. You need joint bank accounts, joint lease or similar, joint everything you can lay your hand on.

A jointly signed lease and half a dozen dated photos were enough for us to satisfy proof of being long term partners.

pclancy

I just needed to show a phone bill, a letter from a friend and photo and all was well with proving partnership. Immigration arent a bunch off ruthless assholes, I've always found as long as you dont leave anyting out of their checklists that go with all applications you'll be fine. They want/need people to come to NZ, sorry to be racist but if you can speak English and are from Uk/Ireland/US with no criminal record and a decent skillset you're practically in the door.

Regarding life and work here, its not all that dissimilar to Ireland in my view. Remember its a country that was filled with European immigrants during its early days so its ended up simialr to 1970s England in many ways. In the cities its just like any other city around the world unless you choose Wellington which is tiny and very laid back. Country life is more close knit and allmost redneck down south. Its a wonderfull place to have kids because of the amazing array of outdoor activities and family bbq lifestyle. I've heard from an English primary teacher friend that the education itself is fairly far behind Ireland but technology and funding are way higher. There's so much diversity here and a lot of the pacific island culture rubs off on Kiwi life making people take things easier and not get fussed about things that europeans might do.

NZ does have a terrible rate of family violance, alcoholism and child poverty which is somewhat swept under the carpet. Lower income families end up in a ruthless circle of gambling, debt to loan sharks, violance, gangs etc. Anyone coming to live here should be aware of this and make sure they're moving to a nice part of whatever city or country town they chose.

Mrs OBumble

pclancy wrote: »

if you can speak English and are from Uk/Ireland/US with no criminal record and a decent skillset you're practically in the door.

A few years ago, I worked with an Irish guy (admittedly married to a non-Irish woman) who was put thru hell by immigration. Very skilled IT person.

He went to Oz for a holiday, all paperwork in order, and they found some reason not to let him back into the country. In the end he got the project manager (who was not well pleased that he was late back) to call Immigration on his behalf to get it sorted. Goodness only knows what would have happened if he'd been between project at the time.

Same timeframe, people would drive from Wellington to Palmerston North (2 hours away) to get the immigration staff there to do things routine things, because the staff in Wellington were so difficult to deal with (office hours changed with no warning, unreasonable requests, etc).

I think a lot of it comes down to the luck of who you get.

pclancy

Very much so. I've called and spoken to separate "advisors" and they have both given me different advice, only to drop into the branch to have a face to face with another advisor who gives different advice again!!

They're a shining example of government bureaucracy who can move quick when they want to but can also wallow in red tape for months on end. My current residency application is a good example, all paperwork etc is complete and submitted but they cannot give me a possible time for it being decided upon except that it should be sometime between 2 and 12 months. I've had to get a temp visa ($230) just to stay here and work while they make up their blundering minds..

Rosy Posy

MrTsSnickers wrote: »

Also, has anyone moved with young children? What are the schools like? How did ye find the move in general. How are ye coping without the support system of friends and family at home? Is the lifestyle significantly different (i.e. is it more family oriented than here?).

We've had three young children here and I think its a fantastic place to raise a family. There are loads of free family orientated things to do and the kids are a lot more outdoors and activity orientated than the kids I see back in Ireland. Also, over here we can afford a house with a way bigger garden for the kids to play in. If you have preschoolers the playcentre/playgroups are brilliant- state funded parent and child centres- which I found great for meeting other families.

The schools are for the most part good. We chose to send our children to a semi-private school (because of a particular educational philosophy) and the fees are a fraction of what they would be in Europe, while the facilities are far far better. Our local state school is excellent also.

However, one thing that another poster raised, is that you have to be really careful of the area you move to- there is an underclass beset with violence and addiction problems with whom you don't want to be involved. A good friend teaches in a school in one of these areas and it sounds like a nightmare, tho no worse than what you might find in areas of Ireland.

The lack of family support is one of the biggest drawbacks for us, as our family is really very young, but we have a good network of friends and get through. In our area particularly there is a really lovely community spirit and people tend to be very friendly and helpful.

In general things tend to be more communal. Its quite common for people to have 'working bees' to do their garden or fix up their house, and most gatherings tend to be 'pot luck'- everyone brings some food and drink and shares rather than the host providing everything.

I find that socialising is easier here with children- people tend to have child friendly barbecues/afternoon gatherings in people's houses rather than going to the pub all the time. Also people tend to go to bed earlier and get up earlier which is pretty much how it is with young kids.

Tbh when we go back to Ireland now I feel sorry for the kids there with their sh1te weather and the materialism. I would say DO IT!

Crumble Froo

Really good post, actually, agree 100% ^

elprez

I landed a here in nz before I left Ireland and the company paid for the relocation and visa expenses. It is quite a stressful process but worth it in he end. I was in similar position where all the bills were in my name but we got references from friends and family also pictures with family members and holidays taken together.
It is worth the move as things in Ireland are pretty crap. On the other hand I have found certain things expensive like food for example but I feel I have made the right decision to come here