Info on Tauranga

[CaroleM]

Hi Tina

Have a look at these 2 sites and it will give you a good idea of prices of houses in Bethlehem and Brookfield....Bethlehem is a better/newer houses section of Tauranga. Brookfield (you said Brookvale..i think you possibly meant Brookfield) is an older and cheaper area-an ok area to live, but I prefer Bethlehem personally!
I just cant afford to buy a house in Bethlehem!

Bethlehem Site:

Bethlehem Homes for Sale - Realestate.co.nz

Brookfield Homes for Sale - Realestate.co.nz

At the moment my husband and I are looking to buy a house as we rent an old (and I mean OLD!) farm cottage on a kiwifruit orchard. We have lived pretty much rural all our lives, so are finding it hard to come up with a house that feels rural and is within our budget. We just dont like the idea of a handkerchief sized section hemmed in by other houses!

1.2 Million people and you call it "quite a busy town"!! Ok... you will find Tauranga a sleepy little hollow then lol. Our population I think is about 90k or so.

Just to boggle your brain, I have included here a link to some aspects of the Maori culture that you might like to look at. You will discover that our schools and kindys will be educating children also on maori ways and customs in differeing degrees. These ways are very much a real for Maori.
Tikanga: Visit the Virtual Whare @ maori.org.nz

All the best with the sale of your house and keep the questions coming as they arise.

Carole

Originally Posted by milne

Hi Carole

Thanks so much for your reply. We were looking at property in Bethlehem & Brookvale on Google earth last night. What a coincidence. Bethlehem looks gorgeous. What type of prices are you looking at to buy in the area? We would be looking for either 3/4 bedrooms and a decent size garden. We are currently living in a town called Reading which is in Berkshire about 40 mins outside London so it is quite normal for us to sit in traffic jams, and it is quite a busy town round about 1.2million people (I Think).We have a semi detached terraced house with only 2 bedrooms in a built up area. So I think anywhere in Tauranga would be a bonus!! I cannot wait to move. We are all so very excited we just hope we can sell our UK property quickly so we can get out there.
Kindest regards

Tina

[milne]

Hey Carole
Hope all is well. We have had the worst weather here for a very long time. Far too much snow, ice and rain about -5c. Its a nightmare. Anyway only 1 question tonight what is Otumoetai like & do you know what primary school is in that area. I have not had a chance to look at the sites you sent over, as I have been working evening shifts but I will. Thankyou so much for all the info you are sending, your a great help.
Battery power is going will speak to you later.
Tina

Originally Posted by CaroleM

Hi Tina

Have a look at these 2 sites and it will giv the info you are sending mee you a good idea of prices of houses in Bethlehem and Brookfield....Bethlehem is a better/newer houses section of Tauranga. Brookfield (you said Brookvale..i think you possibly meant Brookfield) is an older and cheaper area-an ok area to live, but I prefer Bethlehem personally!
I just cant afford to buy a house in Bethlehem!

Bethlehem Site:

Bethlehem Homes for Sale - Realestate.co.nz

Brookfield Homes for Sale - Realestate.co.nz

At the moment my husband and I are looking to buy a house as we rent an old (and I mean OLD!) farm cottage on a kiwifruit orchard. We have lived pretty much rural all our lives, so are finding it hard to come up with a house that feels rural and is within our budget. We just dont like the idea of a handkerchief sized section hemmed in by other houses!

1.2 Million people and you call it "quite a busy town"!! Ok... you will find Tauranga a sleepy little hollow then lol. Our population I think is about 90k or so.

Just to boggle your brain, I have included here a link to some aspects of the Maori culture that you might like to look at. You will discover that our schools and kindys will be educating children also on maori ways and customs in differeing degrees. These ways are very much a real for Maori.
Tikanga: Visit the Virtual Whare @ maori.org.nz

All the best with the sale of your house and keep the questions coming as they arise.

Carole

[CaroleM]

Hi Tina
Yes! I have been watching the news and see that London and surrounding areas have had heaps of snow! We have nice hot weather here...loads of sunshine. It never snows in Tauranga, so enjoy it while you can! (snow is furthur south, so if you get to miss it, then you will find some 3 hours south of Tauranga where there are ski fields).
Otumoetai is a good area to live. There are some streets that wouldnt be good to buy in, but you get that in every district. I'm such a rural girl, that I would find it hard to live there as it does feel very suburbia to me, but if you are used to having houses close, then that's all good.
Otumoetai is well serviced with schools. There are kindy's and daycare's (shalom Preschool, I think is a good daycare). Otumoetai Primary School is a good one, then there is Otumoeai Intermediate (for age 10-11), then Otumoetai College. Actually I went to all three schools as a kid and my own children have gone to 2 of those. As your kids get older they will be able to walk to the schools, if you get a house in the right place.

If you would like me to help with organising a house for you to rent while you decide what the next step is, just let me know.
Regards
Carole

Originally Posted by milne

Hey Carole
Hope all is well. We have had the worst weather here for a very long time. Far too much snow, ice and rain about -5c. Its a nightmare. Anyway only 1 question tonight what is Otumoetai like & do you know what primary school is in that area. I have not had a chance to look at the sites you sent over, as I have been working evening shifts but I will. Thankyou so much for all the info you are sending, your a great help.
Battery power is going will speak to you later.
Tina

[milne]

Carole

I have looked at all the Real estate sites, and have found some nice properties on them. I think when we first get to Tauranga we will stay in a hotel/motel for the first week or so, and then find somewhere to rent once we are there. I really like the look of Pillans Point & believe the primary school has a very good rep?. When we get nearer to the time I may call on you, if we decide to rent before we leave the UK!. (If you dont mind). It is all still quite up in the air at the moment, but I am sure as time goes on we will know exactly what to do for the best (I hope). Anyway I hope you are enjoying that glorious weather you are having, I dont think you would like to be in the UK just now, well not unless you like snow & rain mixed with -3c. Oh what joy. Speak to you later

Ti

ps. We would be looking to rent for approx $300 NZ Dollers per week. I think we could get something decent for that money, what do you think?
QUOTE=CaroleM;102634]Hi Tina

Yes! I have been watching the news and see that London and surrounding areas have had heaps of snow! We have nice hot weather here...loads of sunshine. It never snows in Tauranga, so enjoy it while you can! (snow is furthur south, so if you get to miss it, then you will find some 3 hours south of Tauranga where there are ski fields).
Otumoetai is a good area to live. There are some streets that wouldnt be good to buy in, but you get that in every district. I'm such a rural girl, that I would find it hard to live there as it does feel very suburbia to me, but if you are used to having houses close, then that's all good.
Otumoetai is well serviced with schools. There are kindy's and daycare's (shalom Preschool, I think is a good daycare). Otumoetai Primary School is a good one, then there is Otumoeai Intermediate (for age 10-11), then Otumoetai College. Actually I went to all three schools as a kid and my own children have gone to 2 of those. As your kids get older they will be able to walk to the schools, if you get a house in the right place.

If you would like me to help with organising a house for you to rent while you decide what the next step is, just let me know.
Regards
Carole[/QUOTE]

[CaroleM]

Hi Tina
to answer your last question first re paying $300/week for renting....here is a link that you can look at that has been rented out for $300.

For Sale Trade Me Property & New Zealand Real Estate - Investment Home Near The Beach - TradeMe.co.nz - New Zealand

It depends what you are expecting. For $300/week you can expect to find a basic 3 bedroomed house like the one you can see in the link.Actually as I type this, I think finding a house for $300 with 3 bedrooms might be quite difficult, as most would now be above that. To get a larger house then you would probably be looking at about $330-360+/week. It just depends.

Pillans Point is a nice established area. And quite close to the centre of town too. And yes you are right, I think that the school there does have a good rep. I've just remembered that my first son went there for the first 2 years of his school life and we were happy with it.

have you see the news about the fires in Australia? so terrible, with lots of people being incinerated and homes destroyed. You will discover that tauranga is very humid in summer...we are having a blast of humidty now and we all hate it! So yeah.....some snow and rain wouldnt be too bad at the moment!! Ive been sitting in our pool under a beach umbrella trying to cool off lol. Maybe I will shove my hand in the freezer and think of England. Would that cool me down u think??

Let me know if I can help in any way. I will either say yes or no!
Carole

Originally Posted by milne

Carole

I have looked at all the Real estate sites, and have found some nice properties on them. I think when we first get to Tauranga we will stay in a hotel/motel for the first week or so, and then find somewhere to rent once we are there. I really like the look of Pillans Point & believe the primary school has a very good rep?. When we get nearer to the time I may call on you, if we decide to rent before we leave the UK!. (If you dont mind). It is all still quite up in the air at the moment, but I am sure as time goes on we will know exactly what to do for the best (I hope). Anyway I hope you are enjoying that glorious weather you are having, I dont think you would like to be in the UK just now, well not unless you like snow & rain mixed with -3c. Oh what joy. Speak to you later

Ti

ps. We would be looking to rent for approx $300 NZ Dollers per week. I think we could get something decent for that money, what do you think?
QUOTE=CaroleM;102634]Hi Tina

Yes! I have been watching the news and see that London and surrounding areas have had heaps of snow! We have nice hot weather here...loads of sunshine. It never snows in Tauranga, so enjoy it while you can! (snow is furthur south, so if you get to miss it, then you will find some 3 hours south of Tauranga where there are ski fields).
Otumoetai is a good area to live. There are some streets that wouldnt be good to buy in, but you get that in every district. I'm such a rural girl, that I would find it hard to live there as it does feel very suburbia to me, but if you are used to having houses close, then that's all good.
Otumoetai is well serviced with schools. There are kindy's and daycare's (shalom Preschool, I think is a good daycare). Otumoetai Primary School is a good one, then there is Otumoeai Intermediate (for age 10-11), then Otumoetai College. Actually I went to all three schools as a kid and my own children have gone to 2 of those. As your kids get older they will be able to walk to the schools, if you get a house in the right place.

If you would like me to help with organising a house for you to rent while you decide what the next step is, just let me know.
Regards
Carole

[/QUOTE]

[milne]

Originally Posted by CaroleM

Hi Tina
to answer your last question first re paying $300/week for renting....here is a link that you can look at that has been rented out for $300.

For Sale Trade Me Property & New Zealand Real Estate - Investment Home Near The Beach - TradeMe.co.nz - New Zealand

It depends what you are expecting. For $300/week you can expect to find a basic 3 bedroomed house like the one you can see in the link.Actually as I type this, I think finding a house for $300 with 3 bedrooms might be quite difficult, as most would now be above that. To get a larger house then you would probably be looking at about $330-360+/week. It just depends.

Pillans Point is a nice established area. And quite close to the centre of town too. And yes you are right, I think that the school there does have a good rep. I've just remembered that my first son went there for the first 2 years of his school life and we were happy with it.

have you see the news about the fires in Australia? so terrible, with lots of people being incinerated and homes destroyed. You will discover that tauranga is very humid in summer...we are having a blast of humidty now and we all hate it! So yeah.....some snow and rain wouldnt be too bad at the moment!! Ive been sitting in our pool under a beach umbrella trying to cool off lol. Maybe I will shove my hand in the freezer and think of England. Would that cool me down u think??

Let me know if I can help in any way. I will either say yes or no!
Carole

[/QUOTE]
Hey Carole

Dont tell me you are sitting in your pool, trying too keep cool. That is like torture to me. Believe me you would not like to experience the cold that we are at the moment.
I have been watching the news about Australia it is aweful. Do the authorities still think it was arson? They have got someone for 1 of the fires haven't they.

How cold does it get in Tauranga in the winter? (please don't say -5c). Will I need to bring snow boots & woolly jumpers.

Cheers

Tina

[CaroleM]

Hi Tina
Winter in Tauranga averages at 11 degrees celcius. Woolies are only really required the furthur you go south . If you like skiing or rolling around in the snow, then definately bring them as yiou can do the touristy thing and visit some ski lodges a few hours away. Let's face it, you will MISS the snow sometimes right??

Yes, I believe that 2 arsonists have been caught so far in Australia.

EDITED by Moderator - please no links to competing forums

Today, the weather is much pleasanter as we have a southerly (wind coming up from the antarctica). John and I walked around the Mount (Mount Maunganui) this morning. So beautiful looking out over the ocean. Here is the link to that....
New Zealand Tramping Tracks - FREE walks, hikes, hiking, tramps, tramping around New Zealand - Mt Maunganui Base Track

All the best with your planning! Just a word of caution- I have a friend looking for a house to rent and she's been struggling to find one. She's been looking for 4 weeks and has been offered one that she describes as "yuck". Mind you, it had to be 4 bedrooms, so those arent as plentiful as 3 bedroom houses.

Cheers
Carole



Hey Carole

Dont tell me you are sitting in your pool, trying too keep cool. That is like torture to me. Believe me you would not like to experience the cold that we are at the moment.
I have been watching the news about Australia it is aweful. Do the authorities still think it was arson? They have got someone for 1 of the fires haven't they.

How cold does it get in Tauranga in the winter? (please don't say -5c). Will I need to bring snow boots & woolly jumpers.

Cheers

Tina[/QUOTE]

[milne]

Hi Carole
11c degrees sounds ok too me.
I don't think I will give the snow a second thought, I think my children may miss building snowmen & throwing snowballs, but I think that is a small price to pay for the quality of life they are gaining. Thread was a good read, although I dont think I would miss Asda (supermarket) like the lady originally from Farnborough. The positives outway the negatives for me, and we cant wait for the new journey & life ahead of us. We know its not always going to be easy & ill really miss my mum, but we can deal with it thanks to webcam, as long as the sun is shining, & our children are happy thats what matters. I can't believe your friend is struggling with trying to rent a 4 bedroom house, we have seen quite a few on our daily visits through the NZ real estate websites.
Thats what I mean't to ask you, I have over 20 years experience within product buying/ stocktaking/ Inventory Planning. I also have alot of supervisory experience. I am currently working for a food company in the UK called 3663. We are part of a bigger company called Bidvest who also own Crean Food Service which I believe is pretty big in NZ but I think the nearest branch is in Rotorua. Do you think I may be able to find work either part time or full time with the experience I have, once little Libby (age 2 now) is in pre school. Too be honest Carole it might be time for me to I think about a change of career, maybe do some studying, look at other options. I am just babbling on now, the cold is getting to me I'm freezzzzzzing. Speak to you later mate.
Tina

Originally Posted by CaroleM

Hi Tina
Winter in Tauranga averages at 11 degrees celcius. Woolies are only really required the furthur you go south . If you like skiing or rolling around in the snow, then definately bring them as yiou can do the touristy thing and visit some ski lodges a few hours away. Let's face it, you will MISS the snow sometimes right??

Yes, I believe that 2 arsonists have been caught so far in Australia.

REMOVED link to competing forum

Today, the weather is much pleasanter as we have a southerly (wind coming up from the antarctica). John and I walked around the Mount (Mount Maunganui) this morning. So beautiful looking out over the ocean. Here is the link to that....
New Zealand Tramping Tracks - FREE walks, hikes, hiking, tramps, tramping around New Zealand - Mt Maunganui Base Track

All the best with your planning! Just a word of caution- I have a friend looking for a house to rent and she's been struggling to find one. She's been looking for 4 weeks and has been offered one that she describes as "yuck". Mind you, it had to be 4 bedrooms, so those arent as plentiful as 3 bedroom houses.

Cheers
Carole




Hey Carole

Dont tell me you are sitting in your pool, trying too keep cool. That is like torture to me. Believe me you would not like to experience the cold that we are at the moment.
I have been watching the news about Australia it is aweful. Do the authorities still think it was arson? They have got someone for 1 of the fires haven't they.

How cold does it get in Tauranga in the winter? (please don't say -5c). Will I need to bring snow boots & woolly jumpers.

Cheers

Tina

[/QUOTE]

[CaroleM]

will you get work based on yr experience etc?

Who knows what can happen in this economic climate. Personally, I think anything is achievable. I read an account last night of a woman's experience emigrating to nz from the UK and she said something about NZer's hating the english and that you had to know someone who knew someone before you could get a job. I think that's rubbish. Im surprised by her experiences, as I have not picked up any of that here. I think though that there is a bias against south africans (europeans), coming to NZ...as there are now quite a few. You will find that Tauranga does not have a mix of cultures....you have to go to Auckland there. Anyway, I digress!...i think companies would be dumb not to employ someone with your skills and experience. I do vaguely recall Crean...but unsure what Crean is/does. ROtorua is only 45 mins away, so travelling there to Crean might be possible.

Ok, today was cooler....our pool is now not attractive to swim in lol. i think we will be packing it away before too long actually.


Carole

Originally Posted by milne

Hi Carole
11c degrees sounds ok too me.
I don't think I will give the snow a second thought, I think my children may miss building snowmen & throwing snowballs, but I think that is a small price to pay for the quality of life they are gaining. Thread was a good read, although I dont think I would miss Asda (supermarket) like the lady originally from Farnborough. The positives outway the negatives for me, and we cant wait for the new journey & life ahead of us. We know its not always going to be easy & ill really miss my mum, but we can deal with it thanks to webcam, as long as the sun is shining, & our children are happy thats what matters. I can't believe your friend is struggling with trying to rent a 4 bedroom house, we have seen quite a few on our daily visits through the NZ real estate websites.
Thats what I mean't to ask you, I have over 20 years experience within product buying/ stocktaking/ Inventory Planning. I also have alot of supervisory experience. I am currently working for a food company in the UK called 3663. We are part of a bigger company called Bidvest who also own Crean Food Service which I believe is pretty big in NZ but I think the nearest branch is in Rotorua. Do you think I may be able to find work either part time or full time with the experience I have, once little Libby (age 2 now) is in pre school. Too be honest Carole it might be time for me to I think about a change of career, maybe do some studying, look at other options. I am just babbling on now, the cold is getting to me I'm freezzzzzzing. Speak to you later mate.
Tina

[/QUOTE]

[milne]

Hi Carole

Crean Foodservice, they sell & deliver anything from household goods, food etc.. to big company contracts. In the Uk we deliver to the army/ schools/ coffee shops etc.....

It has warmed up a bit in the UK today, here in Reading it is about 8c degrees. Wow!! Just had the buyers survey done on my house so keep your fingers crossed for me. It shocks me to think that someone says that NZealanders don't like people from the Uk. In my experience of meeting NZealanders & Aussies we have got on great and why should anyone be like that, if you take time out for people & are polite then you should get that in return where ever you are from. In all the different countries I have had the pleasure of living I have never experienced that.Maybe this woman should go back to the UK then. I have never had any problems getting a job before, and too be honest if I need to work I will make sure I find a job whatever I need to do. Speak to you later.

Tina

Re

Originally Posted by CaroleM

will you get work based on yr experience etc?

Who knows what can happen in this economic climate. Personally, I think anything is achievable. I read an account last night of a woman's experience emigrating to nz from the UK and she said something about NZer's hating the english and that you had to know someone who knew someone before you could get a job. I think that's rubbish. Im surprised by her experiences, as I have not picked up any of that here. I think though that there is a bias against south africans (europeans), coming to NZ...as there are now quite a few. You will find that Tauranga does not have a mix of cultures....you have to go to Auckland there. Anyway, I digress!...i think companies would be dumb not to employ someone with your skills and experience. I do vaguely recall Crean...but unsure what Crean is/does. ROtorua is only 45 mins away, so travelling there to Crean might be possible.

Ok, today was cooler....our pool is now not attractive to swim in lol. i think we will be packing it away before too long actually.


Carole

[/QUOTE]