Does NZ come a good second best to Aus?

[Dev]

Hi there, we're currently waiting to pulled from the EOI pool with 125 points. We originally wanted to go to Aus (my brother lives there) but hubby's occupation isn't on the skilled list.

We heard that NZ was easier to get into (construction) and certainly we've got the points to get into the pool. We have 2 young children and earn about 45K a year + benefits so we're ok financially. We also have £150k equity in the house. Bearing in mind the lower wages and high costs of living in NZ, would we suffer financially? We are keen on Christchurch.

If we decided NZ wasn't for us, my back up plan would be to move to Aus once we had NZ citizenship but hubby would be 50 then so work offers could be harder to come by.

Would love to hear your thoughts.

P.S. Been to Aus but never NZ.
Dev.x

[topcat83]

Originally Posted by Dev

Hi there, we're currently waiting to pulled from the EOI pool with 125 points. We originally wanted to go to Aus (my brother lives there) but hubby's occupation isn't on the skilled list.

We heard that NZ was easier to get into (construction) and certainly we've got the points to get into the pool. We have 2 young children and earn about 45K a year + benefits so we're ok financially. We also have £150k equity in the house. Bearing in mind the lower wages and high costs of living in NZ, would we suffer financially? We are keen on Christchurch.

If we decided NZ wasn't for us, my back up plan would be to move to Aus once we had NZ citizenship but hubby would be 50 then so work offers could be harder to come by.

Would love to hear your thoughts.

P.S. Been to Aus but never NZ.
Dev.x

Hi Dev

Second best to Oz? You won't do too well over here if you come over saying that!! There's a great rivalry between the two countries (think English vs Scottish!)

And we're definitely not second best - just different. I prefer the NZ culture, and the beautiful (generally) green countryside. Less nasty creepy crawlies too!

NZ are cracking down on people who come over 'just to get NZ citizenship so they can go to Oz' too - you have to wait 5 years now, and declare that you intend to stay in NZ. So don't assume you'll get it!

By then you may decide you prefer NZ anyway!!

[Dev]

Originally Posted by topcat83

Hi Dev

Second best to Oz? You won't do too well over here if you come over saying that!! There's a great rivalry between the two countries (think English vs Scottish!)

And we're definitely not second best - just different. I prefer the NZ culture, and the beautiful (generally) green countryside. Less nasty creepy crawlies too!

NZ are cracking down on people who come over 'just to get NZ citizenship so they can go to Oz' too - you have to wait 5 years now, and declare that you intend to stay in NZ. So don't assume you'll get it!

By then you may decide you prefer NZ anyway!!

Thanks Topcat! Sorry if I've offended anybody . I guess what I really wanted to ask was whether it it's an equal or indeed surpasses Oz!, 'cause have heard so much negativity with NZ in terms of low salaries etc. but really keen to experience the way of life in NZ, more space, less crime etc. etc.

Had also heard that NZ don't like migrants to use it as a stepping stone. I'm hoping we like it so much that we wouldn't feel the need!

Thanks again. Dev.

[topcat83]

Originally Posted by Dev

Thanks Topcat! Sorry if I've offended anybody . I guess what I really wanted to ask was whether it it's an equal or indeed surpasses Oz!, 'cause have heard so much negativity with NZ in terms of low salaries etc. but really keen to experience the way of life in NZ, more space, less crime etc. etc.

Had also heard that NZ don't like migrants to use it as a stepping stone. I'm hoping we like it so much that we wouldn't feel the need!

Thanks again. Dev.

I can't imagine living anywhere else now. We love to travel, and love Queensland (Cairns in particular) - but NZ definitely feels like home now.

Hope you enjoy it too!

[sdh080]

Originally Posted by Dev

Thanks Topcat! Sorry if I've offended anybody . I guess what I really wanted to ask was whether it it's an equal or indeed surpasses Oz!, 'cause have heard so much negativity with NZ in terms of low salaries etc. but really keen to experience the way of life in NZ, more space, less crime etc. etc.

Had also heard that NZ don't like migrants to use it as a stepping stone. I'm hoping we like it so much that we wouldn't feel the need!

Thanks again. Dev.

The salaries really are dependent on the line of work you are in, plenty of people earn a good salary in NZ.

[Dev]

Originally Posted by sdh080

The salaries really are dependent on the line of work you are in, plenty of people earn a good salary in NZ.

Thank you for that - that's very re-assuring, my husband said that some people must be doing alright - there are plenty living in nice housing in places like Auckland for e.g. I guess we wouldn't come over if my husband was offered a really low salary...

[Dev]

Originally Posted by topcat83

I can't imagine living anywhere else now. We love to travel, and love Queensland (Cairns in particular) - but NZ definitely feels like home now.

Hope you enjoy it too!

That's good to know - thanks. Just had an email from our Agent - we've been selected from the Pool....yee-ha!! - This is the second time we've been selected, the first time they weren't sure that my H's qualifications were equivalent so we had them assessed by the NZQA and they confirmed that were equivalent to NZ qual's - so here's hoping there's no hiccups this time round!!

Thanks again

[NZsHome]

"Does NZ come a good second best to Aus?".....nope - we're way better! lol

In all seriousness though, I'm a kiwi and love this place. I can't really comment on comparing NZ to other countries financially because I have only ever lived in NZ - in fact, heading to the UAE to make some real money (heres hoping anyway!). But in terms of lifestyle I'm pretty sure NZ is great compared to some other countries. Relaxed and friendly is how I would describe it. Depends on where you move though - there are some areas I probably wouldn't go near (as with any country). Personally I can't stand Auckland, but it works for some people. I really like Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch though - and the smaller cities/ towns are nice too. Anyway, congrats and all the best on your move to the "better" of the 2 countries down under

[Dev]

Originally Posted by NZsHome

"Does NZ come a good second best to Aus?".....nope - we're way better! lol

In all seriousness though, I'm a kiwi and love this place. I can't really comment on comparing NZ to other countries financially because I have only ever lived in NZ - in fact, heading to the UAE to make some real money (heres hoping anyway!). But in terms of lifestyle I'm pretty sure NZ is great compared to some other countries. Relaxed and friendly is how I would describe it. Depends on where you move though - there are some areas I probably wouldn't go near (as with any country). Personally I can't stand Auckland, but it works for some people. I really like Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch though - and the smaller cities/ towns are nice too. Anyway, congrats and all the best on your move to the "better" of the 2 countries down under

Thank you! Would be interested to find out what you think of Tauranga? Have you been there (not sure how much of a construction industry they have though - for Hubby?). Our first choice was always Christchurch due to the plentiful green areas, looks great for families and proximity to Intl airport etc. but now wondering if we should avoid the SI as have heard the weather is not that dissimilar to the UK and that's a big reason why we want to leave!

grateful for your thoughts

[topcat83]

Originally Posted by Dev

.... Our first choice was always Christchurch due to the plentiful green areas, looks great for families and proximity to Intl airport etc. but now wondering if we should avoid the SI as have heard the weather is not that dissimilar to the UK and that's a big reason why we want to leave!

Lol - if that's one of your reasons for leaving the UK, don't go to Christchurch! The weather is very similar to the south-east of England!

Generally, head North for warmer, and East for drier. Don't expect the sunshine of Australia (there's a reason it's green here) but we've found the weather in Auckland to be warmer, wetter and sunnier than London. We grow busy lizzies and begonias in winter!!

Auckland is a bit sprawly, but there are some really lovely places just outside in the suburbs.

Wellington is known as 'wet and windy'

Tauranga is probably drier, and another place to look for good weather is Hawkes Bay (Napier & Hastings), or Nelson (top of South Island). Keep an eye out for microclimates - all those mountains do peculiar things to the weather systems!