Relocating to New Zealand

April 2, 2004 2:13 PM

Let's say I wanted to move myself and my family (wife + two kids) to New Zealand for a few years - just for the adventure. Of course, I would need a job. How would one go about finding work and moving? Is it possible with immigration issues etc. to pull this off? I did spend about four months there a few years ago just as a tourist.
posted by dhacker to travel & transportation around New Zealand (7 answers total)

Though I can't offer you first-hand advice, I've looked into this very same thing a little while ago. There is a slew of immigration material on the web with sites such as this one.

I believe the general gist is that if you are what is considered a 'skilled worker', your immigration process will go much smoother.

As far as finding actual jobs and living accommodations, stuff seems to be an excellent resource, if not a starting point.

Good luck!
posted by jazzkat11 at 2:26 PM on April 2, 2004

AskMe advice on moving to France and New Zealand.
posted by milovoo at 2:30 PM on April 2, 2004

The NZ government has a number of jobs online that may be of interest to you. Also try the various district and city council websites for advertised jobs. And maybe you could find a place to rent on a site like this, or even this ... but probably not.
posted by malpractice at 3:41 PM on April 2, 2004

The New Zealand government just changed the rules regarding immigration. You get more 'points' for moving straight into a job, not moving to Auckland, working in IT, etc.
Have a look at the NZ govt immigration site - if your not looking at moving there permanently I'd suggest looking into the 2 year work visa.

NZ Job sites -
Jobstuff
Seek
NZJobs
NZ Herald employment
posted by X-00 at 3:55 PM on April 2, 2004

Thanks everyone, some good pointers here.
posted by dhacker at 5:20 PM on April 2, 2004

Oh, that's pretty wild. I did the assessment online and apparently I qualify as a "skilled migrant". And after all these years of professing a complete lack of skills...interesting.
posted by Salmonberry at 6:18 PM on April 2, 2004

Check it the rules. Get a job. Easy peasy. It will help you to get a work permit if your trade is something in demand, the criterion is usually that no suitable local is available to do it.

If I were you I'd wait a bit until the NZD-USD crossrate is better.
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen at 11:00 PM on April 2, 2004