Hello all,
My wife's a teacher here in the States, and I'm in IT (computer) support.
We shouldn't have too much trouble qualifying on points, IMO.
I do have some questions about a few things, though.
RE: the 'health' factor...I'm 45, and had to have a hip replacement, and right now have a few extra pounds, which are also causing hypertension (high blood pressure). This is totally weight-related, and disappears as I drop the pounds.
Is any of this going to DQ me?
Also, we like a smaller town to live in, with lots of trees and parks and bike trails. However, IT jobs are predominately in larger cities, or at least urban areas. I want to avoid Auckland, just due to size, crowds, traffic, and so on. I envision securing a computer support job in Wellington, Chch/Canterbury, or heck, for that matter, I have no idea if Hamilton, Hastings, or another smaller city might have a place for my skills. But a reasonable commute of say, 30 minutes should get me to a small, safe, enjoyable community to live in where there's maybe a nice pub or two (
), where we could go for a good bike ride right out the front door without having to haul them 2 hours into an area that allows for it, a place with some trees (is that even possible) in the backyard and a home with a deck or porch to grill out with friends. Since there are 5 in the family, it'll need to be at least a 3br/2ba home. For my wife and the girls' sake, I'm sure shopping within that same 20-30 minute drive will be an asset, and of course access to health care that's as good as any city in
NZ, okay just not sub-standard.
Am I describing anyplace that exists? What parts of this are realistic, and what's not?
And finally, we've been involved in a Protestant, non-denominational church that does alot of modern worship music and is not *exactly* traditional, mainline, stand up, singasong sit down read a verse listen to the sermon format. If you've heard of Darlene Zschech (sp?) or Hillsong Music Australia, it's that kind of thing. Anyone care to venture a suggestion as to what we'll encounter in
NZ? It's not that we're 'against' the more staid, traditional stuff, it just doesn't really 'speak' to us. Get it? Clear as mud?
Anyway, thanks for comments on any or all of these ramblings!
Ben/Fignozzle