New Zealand - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.

[Wayne Potgieter]

And how are their services compared to the rest? I see some of the guys are willing to help with your CV and job search. Eagle don't seem to offer these services.

not sure to be honest.

 

Walter Stone (the owner) has a pretty good reputation.

 

If you need help with a cv, check a business called lemonade.

 

Recruitment really depends on your field.

 

If you decide to go with eagle, let me know. I’ll shmoooz my mates with beer and dinner to help a hubber out.

 

But...don’t let that influence your decision. It’s a big decision, go with your best bet.

Edited January 17, 2020 by Wayne Potgieter

[l4y3rcake]

not sure to be honest.

 

Walter Stone (the owner) has a pretty good reputation.

 

If you need help with a cv, check a business called lemonade.

 

Recruitment really depends on your field.

 

If you decide to go with eagle, let me know. I’ll shmoooz my mates with beer and dinner to help a hubber out.

 

But...don’t let that influence your decision. It’s a big decision, go with your best bet.

 

 

Awesome. Thanks Wayne

 

Just waiting for all the assessments from the other agents. Eagle unfortunately want you to pay for the initial assessment so we just want to check what the other guys have to say.

[Wayne Potgieter]

Awesome. Thanks Wayne

 

Just waiting for all the assessments from the other agents. Eagle unfortunately want you to pay for the initial assessment so we just want to check what the other guys have to say.

yeah. They getA LOT of enquires that go nowhere so they charge for the assessment. Others don’t.

 

The agent we used didn’t charge either.

 

We used Sharon Yerman.

[MrJacques]

It's become more difficult to get into NZ (& Australia)...

 

https://www.immigration.co.nz/immigration-blog/post/what-does-2020-bring-skilled-migrants/

[l4y3rcake]

Anyone got kids racing BMX that side?

[Warren_G]

My mate Ollie recently completed the build of his awesome house in Auckland, living the dream!

 

The Tahi House

This home was specific architecturally designed by the talented @icrstudio to suit the needs of our amazing clients. Designed as an E-House, the home has fantastic energy efficient solutions along with very modern design trends which you can read more about on our website. Although the house floor plan is modest it has everything our clients need as a lock and leave home for their busy and active lifestyle. We loved the journey on this one and want to thank all involved including Ollie and Hilary for partnering with Neo Build. @ Auckland, New Zealand

Edited January 18, 2020 by Warren_G

[patches]

Anyone got kids racing BMX that side?

 

No kids. No BMX.

 

...but there's a big BMX track on the north shore in Auckland.

 

I don't know much about BMX but I think it has a supercross (8m) start gate.

 

http://www.nhbmx.org.nz/

 

As a bonus this track is within 1km of Spur (NZ's one and only), if you want to feel at home.

 

Also, NZ city councils are pretty god at building pump tracks and skate parks for the public, so there are a few of those around too.

[davetapson]

We used agents - not cheap but it gets done right, and quick.  They would be able to advise you on how best to emigrate.  We ended coming in on my wife's qualifications as suggested by them.

 

I doubt not having a qualification will stop you getting a job - they're pretty pragmatic, but they do love giving strange little tests for you to do in the hopes of figuring out if you can do what you say you can do.

 

We used New Zealand Migration Services (on Wayne's recommendation).  I think NZ$7500 if I remember right.

 

They were pretty accommodating to our changes (from me being main applicant to my wife, issues with step-daughter who is too old come with as dependent etc) and as far as I can tell, all the advice they gave was good. Chased us up when we were slack.

 

Tel: (021) 7944 942 (Cape Town Office)

Tel: (011) 881 5666 (Johannesburg Office)

Tel: (0064) 9 415 4072 (Auckland Office)

Fax: (021) 7944 668 

Edited January 19, 2020 by davetapson

[davetapson]

It's become more difficult to get into NZ (& Australia)...

 

https://www.immigration.co.nz/immigration-blog/post/what-does-2020-bring-skilled-migrants/

 

Interesting,esp. regarding processing times. 

 

I suspect this is why having an agent may be of benefit.  You may find that they have better access to the immigration dept, and even if not, at least they can give you realistic processing times based on the throughput of their own applications.

[davetapson]

Took my kid to Sanders Reserve to check out the the tracks there - was a bit ordinary, but reinforces what an astonishing place Auckland is to live.

 

We're riding the tracks, the view is fantastic, there are kids in boats and skidoos dragging each other around on various things in the inlets just below, boats out all over the harbour.

 

There are folks riding horses on the horse trails, dog walkers walking dogs on the dog trails. There is an unmanned and unvandalised office park building with toilets and showers, all clean, all working ("Please don't take dogs into showers"!)

 

The Hauraki Gulf is also an amazing resource to have on hand.

 

 

That said, @Intern, we rolled through Whaka on the way from Napier through to Auckland when dropping the oldest kid off at Rythm & Vines. It's a seriously damn fine spot. The missus had her 30th back in the day at the upstairs room of The Craic...

Edited January 19, 2020 by davetapson

[intern]

Without going too in-depth (more detailed answers can be found in previous posts on this thread), but basically yes, you can get in without a degree.

 

Supply and demand. If a company on the accredited employer list wants someone with your skills and is willing to pay you the minimum required salary ($79,000pa) or above then viola! You can get a Talent - Accredited Employer Visa. No points counting, no agencies, no English tests, and your wife will be on the same visa but with less restriction (no minimum salary or need to work for an accredited employer). After 2yrs on this visa you can apply for residency.

 

The agencies and degree thing typically apply to one of the other visa types (Skilled Migrant Resident Visa). This is where English tests, points calculators and all that come into play.

 

There are pro's and cons to each visa type.

 

You can read more about them in this previous post

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/155527-new-zealand-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/page-170?do=findComment&comment=3322290

 

You're a very helpful person Patches, good onya.

 

Same goes for our Wayne P. Good, lads, good.

[intern]

any hikers around? Need some advice on family friendly overnight hikes.

 

North island because i spent all my money in Brisbane

You have had money? Way to brag about it you lucky sod!

[intern]

So my wife and I have started exploring the possibility of moving down to NZ. My BIL lives in Wellington and brother is busy getting document ready for a move to Auckland. 

 

I am in the ITC department of THE infamous television company but I don't have a formal qualification. My current title is Senior Architect for Process Systems. I specialise in high level solution providing and 4IR. I work on a lot of automation, AI and cloud projects and manage requirement analysis, interface mapping and roadmap management. I'm basically a glorified Business Analyst on a slightly higher accountability and responsibility ladder. I see that Business Analysis is on the LTSSL but having an ITC degree is a requirement.

 

My wife has a Bcom Accounting degree but didn't do her Honours. She worked in Auditing for 4/5 years and then moved to financial services for 9 years where she is still based. She is responsible for bookkeeping for multiple international companies doing general management accounts, PAYE and payroll for these businesses.

 

My question here is, has anyone gone over into ITC without a degree?

 

Do you think it's possible to go over on my wife's qualifications?

 

edit -  Is it worth it to use an agent for your visa applications? This basically means double the amount for visa applications if I do the math right.

 

Good luck and all the best. Read this whole thread there is an absolute ton of info, perspectives, bad jokes, inane commentary, random randomness and other BikeHub Premium content.

[intern]

Been in Dunedin for just on a week now visiting my kids. First impressions of NZ are that it feels like a nature sanctuary with an economy that lives for keep things pure. Strict biosecurity measures to protect the indigenous. Very refreshing. A country that works for itself in harmony with what gives it life.

 

Down here in the South, the pace of life is very slow compared to the chaos that is Jhb, but the surroundings are just breathtaking, but then so is the rest of NZ from what I hear. Pity I wont get a chance to take in any other sights.

Scenery/Architecture reminds me of Wilderness/KZN midlands area with a bit of George/Fishhoek thrown into the mix.

Weather is a bit *** - 17c in mid summer?? But hey.. I'll take it.

Its a little pricey overall compared to SA, but then where isn't? I priced some running shoes yesterday and they seem on a par with SA. Food and drink - R90 a pint and R250 for fish and chips at the local pub! But, I saved to spend, so who cares!

 

The flight over was long - 30hrs and 3 stops (Dubai, Bali, Auckland), but I set my watch to NZ time as soon as I got on the plane in Dubai, 2 whiskeys, sleeping tab and a melatonin capsule and all was well come 5h30 when we landed in Auckland.

 

Now comes the part of the 'could I move here?' debate.

Aside from patches who I assume is house trained, the South Island is not fit for habitation by civilised people. Too cold, you see. Fine for visits, sure, but not fine weather.

[intern]

Took my kid to Sanders Reserve to check out the the tracks there - was a bit ordinary, but reinforces what an astonishing place Auckland is to live.

 

We're riding the tracks, the view is fantastic, there are kids in boats and skidoos dragging each other around on various things in the inlets just below, boats out all over the harbour.

 

There are folks riding horses on the horse trails, dog walkers walking dogs on the dog trails. There is an unmanned and unvandalised office park building with toilets and showers, all clean, all working ("Please don't take dogs into showers"!)

 

The Hauraki Gulf is also an amazing resource to have on hand.

 

 

That said, @Intern, we rolled through Whaka on the way from Napier through to Auckland when dropping the oldest kid off at Rythm & Vines. It's a seriously damn fine spot. The missus had her 30th back in the day at the upstairs room of The Craic...

Hey wena rolling through my vale you're expected to check in! Ah the Craic, been to a few jols there (in the Boiler Room) but turns out somewhere along the line I became the creepy old dude...

[Wayne Potgieter]

Been putting together some hikes.

 

This coming weekend will be taking the kids to Waitawheta Tramway and staying in the camp ground (read small patch of grass) - total cost - $15 for a family of four

 

Valentines day, we will do the Pinnacles. Staying in the hut - total cost for a family of 4 - $60

 

We are getting the kids fit for tackling two of the Great walks this coming summer. 

 

Abel Tasman Coast Track

 

and budget allowing

 

Milford Track

 

***Note - above prices excludes camping/tramping gear.

 

Totally excited that my kids are finally willing/able to take on these walks. Its been a while since my profile picture was taken and I am itching for adventures. I knew when the kids were born, that hiking/climbing would have to take a little break, but now I am getting excited again about it all - especially that I can share it with the kids.

 

Bought my son his first PROPER hiking pack yesterday - he is pretty chuffed. Got him this. 

 

My old pack is a little tired, so I might upgrade in a few weeks. But only once everyone else in the family is happy with their gear.

 

Anyone else into this sort of malarkey?

 

EDIT: English is hard

Edited January 20, 2020 by Wayne Potgieter