Hello: first post

[CJ22]

Hello all,

I just thought I'd introduce myself, as I'm likely to be hanging around here a lot (currently in Shropshire). My wife and I are planning to move to New Zealand, in about a years time. On the other hand, we're both going to interview with a chap from Telecom who is over here for the week, and if we got offers (we both work in the same field - software development) we might proceed more quickly on the basis that while a job offer up front is worth it's weight in gold, two job offers is priceless! It's scarey to rush into it though

We have enough points even without a job offer to get at least high-up in the pool. With at least one offer we'd be straight in. However, we might go for a work visa initially, as it's quicker, if we got the offers. If not, we'll do it the slower way as there's no rush.

We'd probably be looking at the Auckland or Wellington areas, as that seems to be where most of the tech jobs are.

Anyways, I have a few questions, but I'll have a look at previous posts to see if they've already been answered first. I know what it's like having to answer the same questions over and over again

One question that does spring to mind - I know the voltages for electricals is the same (only kiwis have those cheap and flimsy US-style plugs) but understand that my TV won't work. Can anybody confirm that, and does anybody know what format the TVs are over there? If it's not PAL, then I assume it's some variant.

Also, would a UK driving license be okay to use to hire a car (and possibly to buy one if you need to show a licence).

Here's another one - getting credit. Is it tough to get credit if you have no credit history in-country? This wouldn't be an issue if we move in a year, but might if they want us by christmas

[shimmy]

Hi there,

Well its about time telecom got some decent tec folk in, its DIRE on dial up. Rural folks out here cant get a good connection because the electric fences keep shutting them out! So are you going to be working out how to get the donkey on the dial up treadmill working faster or making a virtual donkey with nanobots? As for broadband, just dont get me started!

However, I digress. Back to your questions

yes you can use a UK licence, you can drive over here for up to 1 year on it and no probs with renting or buying. We needed to show our passports for registering a car the first time. The kiwi licence test is just a multiple choice paper one for poms, a quick rummage through the road code should be fine.

No you can't use your uk tv out here for terrestrial TV, apparently the channels here are outside the tuning range of a pommie TV, but if you wanted to use satellite out here that should be ok. Yes it is PAL, DVD equipment you buy here is usually multi-region.

Getting credit, like anywhere else if you have a job or money its not too hard. Bear in mind mortgages are in excess of 9%. When we first came out and wanted to get things like electricity sorted out for our rental I remember I had to agree to pay a small bond if we terminated our contract in the first year. You can set up bank accounts here from the uk (we used National Bank who had foreign currency accounts readily available) We got EFTPOS and visa cards straight away. As for the rest of it, e.g. buying furniture from harvey normans etc once you have an address and a couple of months utility bills you can pretty much do anything.

[synthia]

Welcome to the forum cj22.

[CJ22]

Thank for the welcome folks, some good pointers there

Assuming we get offers, one of my tasks is to train on the tools I'll need to know in advance of arriving. Sounds like I should get the Dummies Guide to Donkey Whipping