Raising a large family in New Zealand

macklee · #1 (**permalink**) 23rd March 2010, 05:12 PM

My husband has a job opportunity in New Zealand. We have seven children and I am wondering about the cost of living, education, etc. Also, one of my children is blind. Does anyone know about the education system for blind children? Would he be able to attend school with his siblings? The job will provide housing and a car.

Equestrimom · #2 (**permalink**) 22nd June 2010, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macklee

My husband has a job opportunity in New Zealand. We have seven children and I am wondering about the cost of living, education, etc. Also, one of my children is blind. Does anyone know about the education system for blind children? Would he be able to attend school with his siblings? The job will provide housing and a car.

Hi Macklee!
Have you not gotten any responses to your question? My husband and I are in a very similar situation: 6 children, have job offer, special needs child, from US... Would love to get some feedback too.
Wondering what ya'll have decided as far as relocating. Our EOI was accepted so we are now doing the mountain of paperwork. Hubby's job starts in January so hope to move in December.

So exciting, yet soooo nerve-racking!

jenswaters · #3 (**permalink**) 22nd June 2010, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Equestrimom

Hi Macklee!
Have you not gotten any responses to your question? My husband and I are in a very similar situation: 6 children, have job offer, special needs child, from US... Would love to get some feedback too.
Wondering what ya'll have decided as far as relocating. Our EOI was accepted so we are now doing the mountain of paperwork. Hubby's job starts in January so hope to move in December.

So exciting, yet soooo nerve-racking!

Sorry!!! Never saw this post, so just responding now.

I am a secondary teacher out here. The school I am working in (and MOST schools) have an SEN/support unit for children with any kind of need requiring assistance. Transport is provided, and access to all equipment is availbel too (although this is assessment-relative). You child would be able to participate in all the mainstream classes she/he feels able to. Again, the more built up the area, the more choice you have. We have a blind student at our school, and she has a support worker in each lesson, adapted laptop, braille scripts and all the latest gadgets to help her out. She is GREAT! You may want to look into having your child NZ tested for education needs, as this affects funding in schools, as well as financial support at home. Check out Working For Families - Working For Families for further assistance.

Good luck with it all

Jen

Julia28 · #4 (**permalink**) 25th June 2010, 09:09 AM

Hi there. New Zealand are quite strict on their health standards and aren't keen on taking immigrants that they perceive to be a burden on their small economy. Having a blind or disabled child may preclude you from getting a visa.

Before you go any further you really should get this checked out. If it is an issue there are other countries with less stringent health requirements that may be worth considering.

bomaori · #5 (**permalink**) 7th July 2010, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macklee

My husband has a job opportunity in New Zealand. We have seven children and I am wondering about the cost of living, education, etc. Also, one of my children is blind. Does anyone know about the education system for blind children? Would he be able to attend school with his siblings? The job will provide housing and a car.

hello i am a french expat in nz auckland , be aware that first you need to have the permanebt residence , if not the school will cost you a lot of money , there is the blind trust society of auckland in parnell that you canc contact , the market is booming for houses good spot cost 700 NZD A WEEK and food is expensive but you can find you way around for
2 PEOPLE IF YOU ARE CAREFULL IT COST
15O NZD A WEEK SO CHILDRENS EAT A LOT

THE DOCTOR AND MEDICAL 40 DOLLARS AND POLICY WITH SOVEREIGN COVER COST 5O NZD A WEEK FOR
ONE PERSON FITNESS 80 DOLLARS TO LIVE IN NZ IS NOT CHEAP AND JOB ARE NOT GREAT ? GOOD LUCK HOPE IT COULD HELP

Eleisha · #6 (**permalink**) 9th July 2010, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macklee

My husband has a job opportunity in New Zealand. We have seven children and I am wondering about the cost of living, education, etc. Also, one of my children is blind. Does anyone know about the education system for blind children? Would he be able to attend school with his siblings? The job will provide housing and a car.

What sort of car and house will he get though? they are going to have to be capacious to accommodate a family of 9.

CanterburyChick · #7 (**permalink**) 17th July 2010, 03:54 AM

Hi Macklee

Jenswaters has given some great advice with regards to schooling - also it might be worth getting in touch with Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind (- Welcome to the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind) for further information too.

I would do as much research as you can with regards to your children (and Equestrimom). Without wishing to cast any negativity I would say that the facilities that you receive in the U.S. possibly might out strip that which you will get here. This is not a put down to the Kiwi's, just a case of population size, demand etc - its all relative and its a case of managing expectations.

The more you ask of these professional bodies the more you'll find out.

Good luck with everything :-)

Weebie · #8 (**permalink**) 19th July 2010, 02:12 PM

Living in Australia or New Zealand with 7 children is beyond impossible and the government may inform you of this. In Australia people who have kids are payed because its so unfordable to have many kids in these countries and you won't have the advantage of benefits straight away.

Your life in New Zealand could be a lot worse but look into it more.

topcat83 · #9 (**permalink**) 20th July 2010, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weebie

Living in Australia or New Zealand with 7 children is beyond impossible and the government may inform you of this. In Australia people who have kids are payed because its so unfordable to have many kids in these countries and you won't have the advantage of benefits straight away.

Your life in New Zealand could be a lot worse but look into it more.

I think this is no different to many 'western' countries - you are paid Child Benefit for each child in the UK too. Doesn't mean you can't afford it, just means you get a bit of help

Equestrimom · #10 (**permalink**) 25th July 2010, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weebie

Living in Australia or New Zealand with 7 children is beyond impossible and the government may inform you of this. In Australia people who have kids are payed because its so unfordable to have many kids in these countries and you won't have the advantage of benefits straight away.

Your life in New Zealand could be a lot worse but look into it more.

I'm not sure what you mean by "Living in Australia or New Zealand with 7 children is beyond impossible and the government may inform you of this". Like like feeding, clothing, etc.? Or that they won't approve our permanant resident request?? We're not on government assistance and don't expect to be in NZ. We have 6 but they are our responsiblity, not the government's, and we take care of them on our own. If we couldn't afford to do so, we wouldn't have had/adopted them.

Forgive me for sounding defensive. Perhaps I just don't understand what you mean. Feel free to expand. We need all the info we can get!