New Zealand - British Expat Forum

Hi,
I am a British born NZ citizen(my Dad'a a kiwi) and I have always wanted to return to NZ.I haven't been there since I was very young but I have always known in my heart that it is the place for me to call home.I currently live in the UK and want to bring my family to live in NZ with me.I know that there's no problem for me to return but all the forms I have looked at require me to be currently living in NZ before I apply for the family to come over.Is it possible to bring them in on a visitors permit and then complete the paperwork after I am established or do you know if it's possible to sort it all out before we leave.I would prefer the latter as we will be busy sorting out schools and accommodation as well as getting used to the different lifestyle so it would be better done before we travel.
I am looking at Canterbury region as I am a little nervous of earthquakes and that seems a relatively quiet area for that particular hazard.Any information about this area would be of interest to me.I have some of my Father's family in Wellington (Tawa) but North Island doesn't appeal to me the way South Island does.I haven't told my Parents yet that I am planning to go back,so I need to do my research without involving the relatives for the time being.
I won't be able to come over for a year or two but i want to find out all I can to make it as easy a move as possible.
Thanks
Sue

Hi Sue - welcome to the Board - funny how we always return to our roots at some stage!
Canterbury is a huge area with lots to offer and i am sure you will find a great place to start again...in the meantime check out www.worldisround.com for some photos.
I am not sure about the permits etc. the way things change around here with immigration laws it could be totally different by the time you are ready to settle here so personally I wouldnt worry too much about things like that until you are closer, especially as it could be a couple of years.
Keep in touch, will be only too happy to help when I am able.n I lived in Christchurch for 10 years - its a nice city and is very British too. Now living in the North Island - certainly warmer than the south. Dont worry too much about the earthquakes - the great majority of them are very small and we dont even notice we've had one til we read the newspaper!