Any chippies out there

[thehutchingsfamily]

I am a carpenter/joiner thinking of making the big move over to NZ, hoping to hear from other people in the same profession that are working now in NZ. What are the working conditions like, pay etc...

[synthia]

Welcome to the expat forum! I just had one of those 'divided by a common language moments'. Chippies has a whole other meaning where I grew up.

[denisemca]

Originally Posted by thehutchingsfamily

I am a carpenter/joiner thinking of making the big move over to NZ, hoping to hear from other people in the same profession that are working now in NZ. What are the working conditions like, pay etc...

Hi my husband is a painter and we moved out 8 months ago, we all loveit and sodo our kids, check out trademejobs.co.nz you will see what kind of jobs are availablebut be warned that the wages are lower a lot lower. but you get by okay and get to do loads with the money you earn. Dont think that the sun shines all day long and all through the year here as it does not, weather is strange hot one day cooler the next a bit like UK but warmer all year through.

[thehutchingsfamily]

Thanks for replying, what sort of hours do you work are they longer? We were a bit concerned that I would be working longer hours and not benefiting from the NZ lifestyle.

[denisemca]

Hi
generally the working hours are 7.30 am to 5.30 pm in the summer months and around 8-8.30 am to 5 pm in winter are about right. Monday to Friday anything else would be classed as overtime. Tradesmen tend to do a lotof overtime at weekends but that is only if you want it. (Some companys finish at 4.30pm on a friday) all year round just depends. Money is not fantasic but its enough to get out and about and do stuff. renting is very affordable but depending on what you. Bills are cheaper like Electicity and telephone. Food shop averages out about the same as back home not too diferent. You pay for doctors visits and prescriptions. if you have chidren it is cheaper but you still pay.