New Zealand - British Expat Forum

Hi Everyone!

I'm currently looking into leaving the UK and heading for NZ via Skilled Migration in about 4 years time - before I hit that more mature age when it will no longer be an option.

I have done a lot of research already but I have a couple of questions. My partner and I are very drawn to a more rural life and like what we have read about the town of Geraldine, Canterbury, South Island. Are there any residents/ex-pats who could shed more light on what this place is really like, share their experiences?

Also, career wise...in previous employment I have spent over 25 years in manufacturing/engineering, I am also a qualified motorcycle technician (and keen biker) and currently formalising qualifications in plumbing and gas fitting. I'm lucky I have been able to diversify (really, I had to) but would either plumbing or motorcycle mechanics support a family of 5 in NZ? Any thoughts, contributions...advice?

Many thanks in advance...

Nige

Hi - welcome to the Board - sounds as tho you are getting sorted for the future - any help or advice is gladly given here so keep in touch and we will be really happy to find out info etc.
Geraldine - a very pretty little place - so pretty in fact that upto 80 coaches daily will arrive with tourists in the autumn to see the wonderful colours. It is a creative area - lots of potters, artists and craftspeople seem to have shifted there. To accommodate these there are crafts shops and outlets everywhere. check worldisround.com and have a look at some of the photos - I am sure you will find some there. House prices have been very reasonable in the past compared to the larger towns nearby. I once considered living there myself. It does get very cold in the winter and very hot in the summer.
As far as wages etc. I will have to check on these. The govt.in their wisdom has just begun a new system whereby anyone on lowish wages will receive help towards mortgage/rent/rates and house insurance. This is worth checking out. You will also receive other help if your wages are below a certain limit. From what we have to pay plumbers around here tho I am sure you will do just fine!! By the way I dont know if you do this in the UK but every time a tradesman comes to your house to do a job there is a callout fee - I last paid about $25. for this, and the plumber only lived around the block!!

Back again - just found this site which you may like to check out - info on Geraldine and some pics. www.southisland.org.nz/geraldine.asp - 4 yrs is a long way off Nige - sure you cant make it before that? At present the exchange rate is brilliant for those coming to nz - who knows what will happen in 4 yrs time?

Hi Carrington and many thanks for your warm Welcome!

Thanks for the link too. Geraldine seems ever more attractive in many ways. I am originally from Cornwall and yearn to return to a country life. My partner is from the Wirral. We moved to the Wirral from Cornwall in February 2000. This was due to the lack of employment and my redundancy back in Cornwall. It wasn't a happy move but borne out of necessity and I can honestly say neither of us are happy here and it isn't the nicest, safest place for our children either. The one thing that I am very wary of about countryside communities/villages/towns is the possible lack of employment opportunities...although I don't want to compare like for like in NZ, I know this could be an issue.

We would move to NZ asap but sadly it will take some time for me to formalise my plumbing and heating engineer qualifications here as I only embarked on securing these in September this year and sadly, the colleges don't have any 'fast track' courses for those with experience. It's all about pieces of paper these days. Oh how I wished I'd done it all years ago. I'm 50 now, so really sailing close the wind. I could apply now on the basis of my motorcycle engineering qualifications but I don't feel there is enough work in that field, even though they also mean I can work on boat engines and all terrain (ATV) small engine farm vehicles and the like. My partner is younger than myself and although a qualified Counsellor is looking to undertake a degree in nursing asap. Our 3 children are 13, 8 and 7. So it's all a bit complicated.

I sincerely hope things don't change too much over the next 4 years but one never knows. Going to live NZ has been a long term desire and we will continue to work towards that goal. If an opportunity arises to make it happen sooner, that will be a massive bonus.

Best Wishes,

Nige

Because Geraldine is so close to Timaru which is a fair sized town, there maybe more employment than you think. People are being persuaded to leave the larger cities - Auckland and Wellington in paticular, and shift down to the south islands east coast. It appears to have been a popular campaign and people are moving out of the ratrace to go to the smaller and more peaceful areas. It really maybe worth your while to try and get some employment in your motocycle etc.field and train as a plumber/gas fitter here?? Also Ashburton isnt too far away and that's a good populated place. Think about it - maybe you could also check out buying a business or a franchise....these are more and more popular and it could be a way in earlier than you think. Keep in touch.
There are websites on NZ franchises for sale........check it out..