Topic: Coming to NZ

Kia Ora everyone,
we are Mark and Jeanett, we are due to arrive in Auckland from the UK in mid-Feb. For Jeanett, it will be her first ever visit to NZ but for myself, it will be the second visit within a year. It's out intent to relocate on a permanent basis to the Hawkes bay area, so any advice or helpful hints, especially from other UK ex-pats would be of great help.
Even before my first visit to NZ, it was my dream destination in the world and took me ages to sort things out to make the long-haul but it was all more than worth it and I made loads of friends in the Napier and Wellington areas but as we all know, a holiday is way, way different from a permanent relocation, so anything that anyone might have to say would be well received and make interesting reading, so why not type out a few lines, say 'hello' and give us the benefit of your wisdom on any aspect of day to day life in NZ, especially about new careers and new beginnings.

Mark :-)

Hi Mark and Jeanett!

Welcome to the community, and to NZ, given time.

My only suggestion at the moment would be to check your email address that you have here, as I am receiving bounces from it.

the day to day life of a new zealader is very simple

Unless youve got money then hit the town and eat well!

Good Stuff New Zealand is a good place.

we are looking into coming to NZ as well and were wondering about any pros and cons, lifestyle, cost of living, people, health care, schools, etc.

I have read on a web site that produce is easy to find and cheap and organic since it is grown everywhere and that the water is good to drink, no need for bottled water, health care good and free

I've also heard from people that produce is rotten and over priced, cost is living is expensive compared to wages and that you are taxed nearly all of your wages and that people are very unfriendly and do not welcome foreigners and are racist towards asians.

any information would be greatly appreciated.

thanx!

Yeah I'm an ex pat Aussie who lives here, can't say a bad word about the place. You will love it!

Adrian @ Ohakune Accommodation Guide

I slightly envy ya'll Mark and Jeanett. I hope to be there someday (permanent) aswell.
My main concern is finding work.

Well if you enjoy fine wine, then Hawkes Bay is one of the prime regions!!! Enjoy!!!

Good place to buy a new laptop should you need one is at www.notebookcity.co.nz as they are far cheaper than retail. Hope that helps too.