Going it alone?

ruthiem · #1 (**permalink**) 28th July 2012, 12:54 PM

Hello everyone

Just wondered if anyone had taken the plunge to NZ alone?

Its always been a dream of mine and now that issues in my home life have resolved it means I'm now able to think about pursuing it.

Anyone got any advice?

Thanks in advance,

Ruth xx

ChrisR · #2 (**permalink**) 29th July 2012, 01:51 PM

Hi Ruth

My husband and I are moving to NZ in October and we don't know anyone there either. I take it you would be entirely by yourself tho? Even tho we have each other, the reason we have no qualms about moving without knowing anyone is because when we were in NZ 18 months ago everyone we met was so friendly and helpful that we are confident we will settle and make friends pretty quickly. So I would say that whilst it will take a lot of courage to make the move by yourself, if it is your dream then go for it. People are really friendly and, IMHO anyway, it's better to regret what you have done than what you haven't (broadly speaking!) as at least you won't be left thinking "if only". Where do you think you'd move to?

Whatever you decide, good luck!

Chris

Krazyspence · #3 (**permalink**) 29th July 2012, 03:16 PM

Hi Ruth,

I am 'Going it alone' .. well assuming all goes well with the immigration authorities!!

What stage are you at?

Kris

ruthiem · #4 (**permalink**) 29th July 2012, 09:27 PM

Thanks guys

I'm right at the beginning, just doing my research, having a look at things, would need to sort a fair few things out before I started the immigration process, like renting my house out, finalising my divorce etc.

I'm thinking of Christchurch at the moment, for a few reasons, job opportunities (I'm a nurse, critical care) and that I'm gay, so hopefully there would be a few more similarly inclined ladies there with it being such a big place!

Plus I'm lucky that I have other options for me, Ive got family and friends scattered through Oz so that's always a possibility if needs be.

It's all just a bit exciting!

Xx

Krazyspence · #5 (**permalink**) 29th July 2012, 09:50 PM

yeah im looking at Auckland or Christchurch mainly as its probably best to start out in a city! :P
It is exciting! I spend a lot of nightshifts planning where to go climbing when im finally over there!! What made you choose NZ over OZ?

anski · #6 (**permalink**) 29th July 2012, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ruthiem

Thanks guys

I'm right at the beginning, just doing my research, having a look at things, would need to sort a fair few things out before I started the immigration process, like renting my house out, finalising my divorce etc.

I'm thinking of Christchurch at the moment, for a few reasons, job opportunities (I'm a nurse, critical care) and that I'm gay, so hopefully there would be a few more similarly inclined ladies there with it being such a big place!

Plus I'm lucky that I have other options for me, Ive got family and friends scattered through Oz so that's always a possibility if needs be.

It's all just a bit exciting!

Xx

Auckland has a much larger population, & many singles so keep that in mind

topcat83 · #7 (**permalink**) 30th July 2012, 11:27 AM

ruthiem, I think you'd find a good community for friends in Auckland.
Here's a link that gives you some idea of some places to socialise.
Auckland Gay & Lesbian Venues | Rainbow Tourism New Zealand - Gay and Lesbian Travel in Aotearoa New Zealand
K Road is really near Auckland hospital too, which has an excellent critical care unit - hubby has tried it out!

Bathmark · #8 (**permalink**) 30th July 2012, 01:06 PM

Hi Ruth,

When I moved to NZ I did have my parents in Auckland but I moved straight down to Wellington knowing no one there. I have to say that it is the most sociable place that I have ever lived in and within the first few days I was going out with people. I always found Christchurch a really conservative place and would be inclined to go for either Wellington or Auckland. Auckland has far nicer climate and beaches but Wellington has the better social life as well as been very cosmopolitan!

welshjohn369 · #9 (**permalink**) 31st July 2012, 09:56 AM

I moved to NZ in 2003. I came alone and had never been here prior.

I now have masses of friends and feel so at home.

I live and have always lived in Northland, the smaller areas of population are that much more friendlier. Auckland from experience is not as friendly, the pace is faster etc etc.

Northland is a great place, culturally you can not get any better and Maori and Pakeha are as friendly as.

My advice would be to go for a smaller area but you may be dictated by your trade so to speak. I am a RN and began work in Whangarei, I have moved all over Northland and have now returned to Whangarei because of work.

Lisa-dee · #10 (**permalink**) 31st July 2012, 10:09 AM

Hi I'm new to this forum - my family and I hubby and 2 young girls 2,5 yrs planning to move to Nz and would welcome any advice. My hubby needs to get a job offer to get us in and we've been trawling seek and see there are a lot of graphic designer roles.

Does anyone have any experience they can share with gaining a job offer before you leave in this fileld or another? We've started to do a lot of research but personal experience would be helpful. Hubby also planning to go over for meetings interviews.

Most roles seem to be in Auckland and we are used to living In the country and trying to find a location that may suit us but still ok to commute. Looked at eastern Auckland bucklands beach etc also looked at north shore.

Know Nz well as sister lives there and we've travelled a few times too but it was a while ago and it seems a bit more of a leap of faith when you have children in tow so any experiences with kids would be good too.

Any personal stories but be helpful....