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3 Posts
Hello
I have been following this forum on and off over the last three years or so, as we have considered different emigration options. This is my first post so please excuse my noobness!! We are the closest we have been to this move as we are in the process of submitted our EOI - just waiting passports for the kids before we can submit the EOI - only think left is to fill in the passport numbers and submit it! Have 145 points - fingers crossed they agree!
I just wanted to really find out how those with young families found life in NZ? In the Northern half of the North Island. I have been feeling very positive about this, until I read a website with an extremely negative view of NZ -to be honest it's so negative that it's not balanced, and so I probably shouldn't let it worry me, but it speaks of poverty, poor housing, poor education, racism, gangs, crime etc - basically painting a picture of it being everywhere you turn! This has given me a wobble!!!
We currently live in the UK - My husband works in a specific field of engineering, and would be seeking a job in that field. I am an I.T. graduate (over 10 years ago) but now work as a childminder although also do some I.T. contracting work remotely. We have three children who are all having birthdays in the next couple months, so will be 3, 5 and 7.
If anyone could help me out with some areas I need info on I would be very greatful!
Housing - I know that the cheaper houses may be poorly insulated etc, and so we need to aim for the best we can afford. We would rent initially, but would then look to buy. Are there areas where better housing tends to be located? What options for heating systems are there in NZ? Does central heating exist at all in NZ?
Education - I want to ensure my children are in a school where they feel positive about them selves and their abilities, and are encouraged. I also want to ensure that bullying is dealt with and not ignored - effective systems in place. What are your experiences on bullying and on how happy children generally are in primary schooling? My 7 year old, has some speech and language support, has he has a mild speech delay - not statemented, but has some support. I dislike the way that schools here constantly test children at such a young age. What is that like in NZ schools?
How do NZ schools handle bad behaviour? how do they discipline ? i would consider either a christian (myself and my children attend church) or secular school - how do behaviour management techniques work in these two settings?
Racism - how prevalent is this in NZ? especially towards immigrants?
Work - How easy is it to start up as the equivalent of a childminder? I would do afterschool childcare, but do most schools have clubs for this? is there any demand - and if so do I need to be registered/qualified etc if they are over 5?
In terms of building a network, I work as a volunteer with a charity which also has lots of opportunities in NZ and this will be a great way to meet people. My oldest is in Beavers (youngest division of scouts) over here and loves it and we would definitly want to continue that in NZ. Here waiting lists for scouts are shockingly long - is it fairly easy to get a place in scouts in NZ?
Health food stores - what's it like for veggies? can I get soya milk, tofus etc easily enough at health food stores?
I know I am asking about NZ here without being too specific - I dont need to work straight away so there's no rush with me, with my husband it depends where he will be working. One possible location Cambridge, and another would be less specific, within 30 minute drive of Auckland. So I am focusing on these areas.
Asthma - NZ in general does seem to have high asthma rates from mixed reports i've read online. My nearly 5 year old has mild asthma, that gets worse when he has a cold etc. Why are asthma rates high in NZ? Is it down to housing, dampness etc or are some areas more polluted? I dont want to make anything worse for him, (am I letting that negative site play on my mind again here!!)
What is life like for a family with children aged between 3-7 ?
I basically want to live in a relaxed, friendly and welcoming place, and I think NZ will bring us this. Any thoughts, info etc?
Thanks, and it's nice to post after reading this forum for so long!
ragdolly
I have been following this forum on and off over the last three years or so, as we have considered different emigration options. This is my first post so please excuse my noobness!! We are the closest we have been to this move as we are in the process of submitted our EOI - just waiting passports for the kids before we can submit the EOI - only think left is to fill in the passport numbers and submit it! Have 145 points - fingers crossed they agree!
I just wanted to really find out how those with young families found life in NZ? In the Northern half of the North Island. I have been feeling very positive about this, until I read a website with an extremely negative view of NZ -to be honest it's so negative that it's not balanced, and so I probably shouldn't let it worry me, but it speaks of poverty, poor housing, poor education, racism, gangs, crime etc - basically painting a picture of it being everywhere you turn! This has given me a wobble!!!
We currently live in the UK - My husband works in a specific field of engineering, and would be seeking a job in that field. I am an I.T. graduate (over 10 years ago) but now work as a childminder although also do some I.T. contracting work remotely. We have three children who are all having birthdays in the next couple months, so will be 3, 5 and 7.
If anyone could help me out with some areas I need info on I would be very greatful!
Housing - I know that the cheaper houses may be poorly insulated etc, and so we need to aim for the best we can afford. We would rent initially, but would then look to buy. Are there areas where better housing tends to be located? What options for heating systems are there in NZ? Does central heating exist at all in NZ?
Education - I want to ensure my children are in a school where they feel positive about them selves and their abilities, and are encouraged. I also want to ensure that bullying is dealt with and not ignored - effective systems in place. What are your experiences on bullying and on how happy children generally are in primary schooling? My 7 year old, has some speech and language support, has he has a mild speech delay - not statemented, but has some support. I dislike the way that schools here constantly test children at such a young age. What is that like in NZ schools?
How do NZ schools handle bad behaviour? how do they discipline ? i would consider either a christian (myself and my children attend church) or secular school - how do behaviour management techniques work in these two settings?
Racism - how prevalent is this in NZ? especially towards immigrants?
Work - How easy is it to start up as the equivalent of a childminder? I would do afterschool childcare, but do most schools have clubs for this? is there any demand - and if so do I need to be registered/qualified etc if they are over 5?
In terms of building a network, I work as a volunteer with a charity which also has lots of opportunities in NZ and this will be a great way to meet people. My oldest is in Beavers (youngest division of scouts) over here and loves it and we would definitly want to continue that in NZ. Here waiting lists for scouts are shockingly long - is it fairly easy to get a place in scouts in NZ?
Health food stores - what's it like for veggies? can I get soya milk, tofus etc easily enough at health food stores?
I know I am asking about NZ here without being too specific - I dont need to work straight away so there's no rush with me, with my husband it depends where he will be working. One possible location Cambridge, and another would be less specific, within 30 minute drive of Auckland. So I am focusing on these areas.
Asthma - NZ in general does seem to have high asthma rates from mixed reports i've read online. My nearly 5 year old has mild asthma, that gets worse when he has a cold etc. Why are asthma rates high in NZ? Is it down to housing, dampness etc or are some areas more polluted? I dont want to make anything worse for him, (am I letting that negative site play on my mind again here!!)
What is life like for a family with children aged between 3-7 ?
I basically want to live in a relaxed, friendly and welcoming place, and I think NZ will bring us this. Any thoughts, info etc?
Thanks, and it's nice to post after reading this forum for so long!
ragdolly