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

[davetapson]

There's an MIQ hotel on the Viaduct - I figure if you're going to be locked up, why not there and enjoy the passing parade.

Went past onetime and the inmates looked so bitter I was tempted to take a pic.  Decided it might be deemed too cruel so didn't ????

But did feel like throwing them a banana or a beer or something....

[davetapson]

Another bad/sad - the fruit (apart from the climate appropriate types like Apples, which are insanely delicious) the fruit (naartjies) and veg (tomatoes) just look slightly sad, like they haven't seen quite enough sun to blast them to full ripeness. 

[patches]

Saw Kris Faafoi (Minister of Immigration) on the TV this morning getting some flak from John Campbell.

His responses were wishy-washy and inconclusive.

He acknowledged NZ's dependency on migrant labour (skilled and unskilled), but there's no plan to better address the 12,000+ Skilled Migrant Visa Expressions of Interest from applicant currently in NZ! Yes, that's right, that doesn't even account for the people stuck outside NZ trying to get things sorted.

Also worth keeping in mind is that the applicants on shore pose ZERO covid risk.

He cited a lack of capacity in processing these EOI's and attributed it to the increase in critical purpose visas. But with the suspension of Parental Resident and many other visa classes, the overall volume of applications is surely less than pre-covid, so any lack of capacity is an issue on the ministry's end.

INZ is a shambles and the leadership are a bunch of wet blankets.

*Rant over*

[Wayne Potgieter]

5 hours ago, patches said:

Saw Kris Faafoi (Minister of Immigration) on the TV this morning getting some flak from John Campbell.

His responses were wishy-washy and inconclusive.

He acknowledged NZ's dependency on migrant labour (skilled and unskilled), but there's no plan to better address the 12,000+ Skilled Migrant Visa Expressions of Interest from applicant currently in NZ! Yes, that's right, that doesn't even account for the people stuck outside NZ trying to get things sorted.

Also worth keeping in mind is that the applicants on shore pose ZERO covid risk.

He cited a lack of capacity in processing these EOI's and attributed it to the increase in critical purpose visas. But with the suspension of Parental Resident and many other visa classes, the overall volume of applications is surely less than pre-covid, so any lack of capacity is an issue on the ministry's end.

INZ is a shambles and the leadership are a bunch of wet blankets.

*Rant over*

It absolutely is a mess.

Did you read the story about the bad advice that was given from INZ to some SAFFA dude in Dunedin that ended up costing him his job and income?

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

7 hours ago, patches said:

Saw Kris Faafoi (Minister of Immigration) on the TV this morning getting some flak from John Campbell.

His responses were wishy-washy and inconclusive.

He acknowledged NZ's dependency on migrant labour (skilled and unskilled), but there's no plan to better address the 12,000+ Skilled Migrant Visa Expressions of Interest from applicant currently in NZ! Yes, that's right, that doesn't even account for the people stuck outside NZ trying to get things sorted.

Also worth keeping in mind is that the applicants on shore pose ZERO covid risk.

He cited a lack of capacity in processing these EOI's and attributed it to the increase in critical purpose visas. But with the suspension of Parental Resident and many other visa classes, the overall volume of applications is surely less than pre-covid, so any lack of capacity is an issue on the ministry's end.

INZ is a shambles and the leadership are a bunch of wet blankets.

*Rant over*

Politics, I see national saying they will clear the backlog if voted in.

Also interesting, the blame the backlog on offshore centres being closed/affected BUT all EOI's are processed onshore.
They openly acknowledge migrants are important but behind closed doors and writing policies, very different.
Last week a crowd of over 2000 migrants waiting outside of parliament for Adern, she chose to sneak out the backdoor and not address them.
Very sad, big skills drain happening where people are just moving elsewhere or leaving NZ because they have not seen their family, some for more than 2yrs!!

[davetapson]

They did a lot of processing in Beijing. My parents visa got cocked up there and then they (INZ Beijing) just disappeared, citing some virus.   Haven't heard anything since.

But for a week my parents would still be riding out covid here rather then there. I'll tell you which they'd prefer.

Applied for Permanent Residence on 7 July, heard nothing so far.

A couple of pics from Countdown half an hour ago, just to give you Saffas a heart attack...

 

Edited August 5, 2021 by davetapson

[Slowbee]

Thanks for the heart failures guys! Not that I need more. Deciding what stays and what goes has me at the hairdresser trying to cover the grey/gray/grey.

But, I asked Wayne this, but thought it best on open forum. Is there anything you regret not taking over with you ? Either something you sold or gave away here that you wished you had taken? Anything you miss?

And since this is a cycling forum, did you guys take your bikes and bike kit with you ? As space (and hence money) is of concern to us we are weighing everything up. The main problem being, not many people are moving to NZ from SA, so being part of a group ship means you have no idea when your stuff is going to arrive (naturally the cheapest option). I would land up buying an N+1 if I did not know when the bikes were arriving. If we take a 20ft container, it will only be half filled and we would know more or less when the bikes arrive. However this is crap expensive as the container will mostly be empty. If we are what is called a cube container, we have to cut down HEAVILY on everything we take. Maybe even put 2 bikes on the plane with us (my daughter wants to cycle to school and new friends homes on her bike. Given she is on the spectrum selling her favourite blue pony for another one, is not going to work, let alone waiting 3 months or unspecified time to get it).

Basically any of you take your bikes ? Any regrets leaving behind a bike ?

 

[davetapson]

For me, bring sentimental stuff (except pets), the rest is just stuff.  If you're sentimental about your bikes, or they are high end, bring them.

SA furniture tends to be too big for Kiwi houses, unless you already live in a Townhouse, in which case, probably OK.

Rental properties usually come with dishwasher, sometimes washing machine and dryer.  

Fridge may or may not fit in kitchen, esp. if double door.  We've been in three properties, double door would not have fit in any, and have had to take off overhead cupboards over fridge in two properties - bought the fridge here and it is a pretty standard size I'd think.

Furniture is not cheap, but shipping it is not cheap either.  Have a look on line, see what you think of prices vs shipping.

Pets, make a plan to leave them.  Friends brought out their two beloved dogs.  Couple years later both dogs are dead and the cost to get them here was considerable.  We made a plan for four, so it's not like I'm not walking the talk.

I brought out all our bikes, bike stuff, tools.  Have no regrets.  But then we're not the kind of people that turn over bikes regularly, so wouldn't be looking to spend $$$ on getting new ones here. The only thing I regret not bringing is our Weber, but there was no space for it and they are flpn expensive here.

We have a couch in the garage that doesn't fit anywhere in the house, and the house is not that small by Kiwi standards.

But relatively speaking, I think Saffas accumulate an amazing amount of crap compared to Kiwis, including clothes.  They wear the same few things over and over, we have cupboards full (not really, but you know what I mean) of stuff that never gets worn.

I'd also not be stressing about the time it takes to get your stuff here... it's a blip in the timeline of the rest of your life.  Go buy some cheap stuff from Warehouse to make do until it arrives, or leave it all behind and buy new this side.

We used 20ft container for a family of five, and some break bulk stuff - strip build canoe, big old Rhodesian Teak outdoor table that my father made.

[Slowbee]

Thanks Dave

That gives me a guide.

What about camping stuff ? Things like camping chairs and table? National Luna fridge freezer ? Gazebo etc? We dont use tents, but sleep in the campervan. But should we bring or buy new ? Replacement cost vs shipping cost. It is a real bugger!

As overlanders, we have a fair amount of camping kit. Should be bring it, or leave it?

[davetapson]

I brought the stuff that was in good nick, chucked the stuff that was old.  

Cheap camping chairs are just about for free from Bunnings - $5 or so, but don't last long on uneven ground.  Tables I bought here, also from Bunnings.  Check their website.  Gazebo needs to be seriously wind proof.  Fridge may be worth bringing if its a good one.

Gas fittings are different here, so don't bring SA gas bottles.  You can replace the connectors with local versions if you choose to go that route.

Best thing is to price that stuff up. 

Hunting and Fishing will give you a reasonable price (i.e. not particularly cheap, so you don't get suckered into thinking you'll get it cheaper here), Bivouc Outdoors, Katmandu, Macpac, Torpedo7.

Makro level stuff from Bunnings.

Top-gear.co.nz for more specialized stuff.

In NZ you need waterproof, layered clothing.  I buy stuff from Bushbuck.co.nz which is pretty cheap when on special and seems pretty good quality.

Seriously warm sleeping bags are necessary.

Ha - yes, one think I'd DEARLY loved to have brought - our Campmaster trailer.  They just don't do light, closed, water proof trailers here.  I enquired at one place and the thought was that they are just too labour intensive to make here.  The typical trailer her is this  and they are just crap at being Venter/Campmaster trailers. Heavy, clunky, shallow, not water/dust proof. Noisy because they bounce about on hard springs.  And expensive.

I normally hire one for our holidays - best price is about $40/day.  Makes sense to buy one sometime given what I've paid in rental fees, but haven't bit the bullet.  Storage space for that kind of thing is a hassle.

[Slowbee]

Any of you willing to share your physical address ?

I need to get a 2 box's of items delivered. Busy buying goodies (totally not related to moving over I might add. Its something I have wanted for so long it has now become a needed item).
But I need to put in a delivery address as the company cannot hold the stock till we arrive.

Maybe message me if you want comm's over email or whats app.

As we are likely to be traveling/exploring for one or two weeks when we are released from MIQ and this from Auckland, we can come collect said item.

[GrahamS2]

13 hours ago, Slowbee said:

Thanks for the heart failures guys! Not that I need more. Deciding what stays and what goes has me at the hairdresser trying to cover the grey/gray/grey.

But, I asked Wayne this, but thought it best on open forum. Is there anything you regret not taking over with you ? Either something you sold or gave away here that you wished you had taken? Anything you miss?

And since this is a cycling forum, did you guys take your bikes and bike kit with you ? As space (and hence money) is of concern to us we are weighing everything up. The main problem being, not many people are moving to NZ from SA, so being part of a group ship means you have no idea when your stuff is going to arrive (naturally the cheapest option). I would land up buying an N+1 if I did not know when the bikes were arriving. If we take a 20ft container, it will only be half filled and we would know more or less when the bikes arrive. However this is crap expensive as the container will mostly be empty. If we are what is called a cube container, we have to cut down HEAVILY on everything we take. Maybe even put 2 bikes on the plane with us (my daughter wants to cycle to school and new friends homes on her bike. Given she is on the spectrum selling her favourite blue pony for another one, is not going to work, let alone waiting 3 months or unspecified time to get it).

Basically any of you take your bikes ? Any regrets leaving behind a bike ?

 

I'll give you a lengthy reply later (or feel free to PM me), but this is my take having done this 2.5 years ago.

I took everything (except white goods), and on the one hand it's nice to have the creature comforts of home to help settle you in, but it creates an admin burden when you have 116 boxes to sort and unpack and store, all while you live in limbo between renting and buying. In 2.5 years I've tossed or replaced about 75% of what I paid R100k to bring here... 

If I did it again I'd take personal effects, sentimental items, a few worthwhile kitchen items, bicycles and parts, tools and lots of hardware, and fishing gear. Use it as a fresh start to get new furniture, beds, linen, TV, fridge etc. and it will simplify the process a lot. 

It's so hard having to tell kids to give their things away or sell them, but they are resilient and adapt in no time. Once you add in the ~R3500+ per sqm it costs to get things over here, you can start to look at some nice options on this side to replace - try make it a fun process for them.

Anyway, my 2c worth...

[patham]

12 hours ago, davetapson said:

SA furniture tends to be too big for Kiwi houses, unless you already live in a Townhouse, in which case, probably OK.

Rental properties usually come with dishwasher, sometimes washing machine and dryer.  

Fridge may or may not fit in kitchen, esp. if double door.  We've been in three properties, double door would not have fit in any, and have had to take off overhead cupboards over fridge in two properties - bought the fridge here and it is a pretty standard size I'd think.

Furniture is not cheap, but shipping it is not cheap either.  Have a look on line, see what you think of prices vs shipping.

But relatively speaking, I think Saffas accumulate an amazing amount of crap compared to Kiwis, including clothes.  They wear the same few things over and over, we have cupboards full (not really, but you know what I mean) of stuff that never gets worn.

I'd also not be stressing about the time it takes to get your stuff here... it's a blip in the timeline of the rest of your life.  Go buy some cheap stuff from Warehouse to make do until it arrives, or leave it all behind and buy new this side.

We used 20ft container for a family of five, and some break bulk stuff - strip build canoe, big old Rhodesian Teak outdoor table that my father made.

To follow on from this.

 

Yes, most furniture from SA is too big for houses in Aus & NZ. But certainly in Aus, furniture is either cheap flatpack rubbish, or expensive Indonesian rubbish, or ultra expensive. So weed you stuff out for size and quality, but try and bring your quality stuff over. Life is too short for flatpacked, wobbly kitchen tables. I don't regret brining the rhodesian teak outdoor set, the kiaat dining room set (which is now the lockdown office furniture) and buffalo leather couches. But I will admit that these possessions can limit suitability of the available housing. 

In Aus, most older houses do not fit reasonable family sized fridges. What many people do here though is have the daily use "slim" fridge in the kitchen, and keep the big fridge/freezer in the garage. As theft rates are low (but certainly not zero), many folk in the suburbs park on the street and use the garage for storage. 

Don't bother with the dishwasher (I think) - looks like many are built in. We used a 40 ft container, but the guys packed very efficiently into the front half, so there was loads of room left over. And I will admit we brought too much. You have to weed out the boxes of university correspondence that you haven't looked at for 20 years before you move!

Garden tools, ladders etc we all left behind. Mainly for bio-security - those items often get pinged and then you get charged a cleaning / disinfection fee that is too high relative to the replacement cost.

 

 

 

[patham]

13 minutes ago, GrahamS2 said:

I took everything (except white goods), and on the one hand it's nice to have the creature comforts of home to help settle you in, but it creates an admin burden when you have 116 boxes to sort and unpack and store, all while you live in limbo between renting and buying. In 2.5 years I've tossed or replaced about 75% of what I paid R100k to bring here... 

 

I agree on this part- its the random boxes of junk that are the worst. Far more trouble than the beds etc. In our rental on arrival we had an entire room filled with boxes of stuff. And in the end you realise that if you could live without the stuff that's in the boxes for 6 months, you probably didn't need it in your life anyway. 

[GrahamS2]

37 minutes ago, patham said:

To follow on from this.

 

Yes, most furniture from SA is too big for houses in Aus & NZ. But certainly in Aus, furniture is either cheap flatpack rubbish, or expensive Indonesian rubbish, or ultra expensive. So weed you stuff out for size and quality, but try and bring your quality stuff over. Life is too short for flatpacked, wobbly kitchen tables. I don't regret brining the rhodesian teak outdoor set, the kiaat dining room set (which is now the lockdown office furniture) and buffalo leather couches. But I will admit that these possessions can limit suitability of the available housing. 

In Aus, most older houses do not fit reasonable family sized fridges. What many people do here though is have the daily use "slim" fridge in the kitchen, and keep the big fridge/freezer in the garage. As theft rates are low (but certainly not zero), many folk in the suburbs park on the street and use the garage for storage. 

Don't bother with the dishwasher (I think) - looks like many are built in. We used a 40 ft container, but the guys packed very efficiently into the front half, so there was loads of room left over. And I will admit we brought too much. You have to weed out the boxes of university correspondence that you haven't looked at for 20 years before you move!

Garden tools, ladders etc we all left behind. Mainly for bio-security - those items often get pinged and then you get charged a cleaning / disinfection fee that is too high relative to the replacement cost.

 

 

 

Spot on! Bicycles, camping gear, gardening equipment, and fishing gear all trigger an inspection (which comes with an additional fee, surprise surprise...). I bought my lawnmower, leaf blower, bbq, etc. etc. All of which I've replaced. When I think of the time I spent cleaning those prior to packing, and the cost to move here (only to be replaced), it makes me want to cry.

[patches]

16 hours ago, Slowbee said:

Thanks for the heart failures guys! Not that I need more. Deciding what stays and what goes has me at the hairdresser trying to cover the grey/gray/grey.

But, I asked Wayne this, but thought it best on open forum. Is there anything you regret not taking over with you ? Either something you sold or gave away here that you wished you had taken? Anything you miss?

And since this is a cycling forum, did you guys take your bikes and bike kit with you ? As space (and hence money) is of concern to us we are weighing everything up. The main problem being, not many people are moving to NZ from SA, so being part of a group ship means you have no idea when your stuff is going to arrive (naturally the cheapest option). I would land up buying an N+1 if I did not know when the bikes were arriving. If we take a 20ft container, it will only be half filled and we would know more or less when the bikes arrive. However this is crap expensive as the container will mostly be empty. If we are what is called a cube container, we have to cut down HEAVILY on everything we take. Maybe even put 2 bikes on the plane with us (my daughter wants to cycle to school and new friends homes on her bike. Given she is on the spectrum selling her favourite blue pony for another one, is not going to work, let alone waiting 3 months or unspecified time to get it).

Basically any of you take your bikes ? Any regrets leaving behind a bike ?

 

As previously mentioned, my move over to NZ was very light on the luggage side (but being a single lad did assist that). I also never shipped any containers etc. Here are some of my take aways...

Flying with a bike... Yup! Easy as (kiwi speak for "no worries")! I had 5 bikes in SA. I planned on taking 3 to NZ, Sold the other 2. I cleaned and packed all 3 into boxes before I left, but was only taking 1 with me on the initial flight. Stored the other 2 boxed bikes at my Mom's house. Went and retrieved a 2nd one 2 years later on a visit, but decided to sell the 3rd during that trip as life in NZ made me realise I really didn't need it.

Also worth considering when flying with bikes to NZ

• Boxes are the lightest packaging option (I tell myself that each time I'm tempted to buy a flashy Evoc bike bag ???? )
• Clean bikes thoroughly beforehand, specially MTBs. Biosecurity will see a bike box/bag, ask if its an MTB, and likely want to inspect. With mine they even checked the seatpost tube.
• In terms of MTBs, NZ is very trail/enduro focused. So if you have to choose between an XC and a trail/enduro bike, you'll probably get more use out of the latter. My 3 boxed bikes were a downhill, Enduro, and slopestyle/4X bike. I flew with the enduro. Retrieved the 4X (as it's 1 of only 2 in existence) and sold the DH bike.

Excess Luggage... As I flew with a bike and was relocating my life with what I could carry including 1 bike, I needed some excess luggage for the flight over. I flew Qantas (most direct route. JHB-SYD-CHC, 18hrs total). I priced excess luggage and ticket options and this was the outcome (keeping in mind this was in March 2016, and I booked the flights only a week out form my departure due to visa delays)

• 1 way flight to JHB to Christchurch = approx R10,000 (Return flight was around R12,500)
• 20kg Excess baggage (to allow for the bike) = approx R8,000
• 1 way Premium Economy ticket, which included: 2nd 23kg bag, 2nd 7kg hand luggage, better seats, business lounge access in Sydney as the SYD-CHC flight was Business class (no Premium economy on that route at the time) = approx R20,000

So I went with the Premium Economy option as I had no planned time frame to return for a visit.

This was the sum total of my luggage:

Side Note: Christchurch Airport has a bike assembly station with tools, pump etc, right outside the front doors, for those that fly in and want to build bikes right away to get on some trails.

So in summary, yes I took 1 bike (and another later). I also left a bunch behind. No real regrets at leaving the others behind due to:

• Less time riding as I explored and experienced the new adventure (plus no riding buddies or "Spruit". That said, Chch has PLENTY of easily accessible trails).
• Limited space in my first rental
• The acquisition of a dirt bike (so got lazy)
• Acquisition of a new MTB in NZ (Many options here, so many sales too, plus MTBs are constantly evolving/improving so no use crying over the 5yr old bikes I left behind).
• Different focuses in life. Still love riding, but hobby-whored myself to a whole lot of new things since being here.

Hope that helps

 

Edited August 6, 2021 by patches