Thinking NZ

[KJ]

Hello guys

Ok, so I'm fed up with South Africa. I really need a change, a change from the mindset and the realities that exists here. I am single, 31 yrs old, male. I need some advice, is it harder moving to NZ on your own or harder to take family with etc. Apart from crime, what else are noticable positives to moving to NZ? It seems like such a huge decision to take, but even here employment wise, things are going downhill in terms of job possibilities, there always seems to be "issues" related to everything. Please help, give me some advice

[Rhodan]

Howzit and welcome KJ ! 

As for the positives of NZ compared to this hell hole, I think you answered everything yourself ...  ... employment, your future, crime, the list goes on.

What field of work are you in ?

[KJ]

Hi Rhodan

Thanks 
I am in the tourism/travel industry. Are you in NZ or in SA?

[Rhodan]

KJ, I'm in SA, Joburg ... unfortunately. We'll be in NZ in just over a month's time ! 

[tandl]

Howzit KJ.  Welcome to the site

For us, if we werent going to NZ, we would be going somewhere else.  We just cant stay here. Everyone we know has financial problems. Not to mention the crime and everything else.

We have a number of friends in NZ for varying amounts of time already.  But I think of all of them, there is only one couple that doesnt feel like they could stay there.  I dont think its easy at all.  But I think it will be worth it in the end.  And trust me, the road to getting there is long and hard as well. We are in the middle of it right now and you will doubt yourself often and wonder if its the right thing to do. 

But everyone else I speak to, including friends that have been there for almost 4 years, will never come back to SA.  So that should say something...

[jafa77]

hi

great that you have realised SA is a lost cause. Great that you are thinking about NZ! You wont regret it, if you have the right attitude.

what sort of family you talking about? If its kids and wife then simple process. You apply and they come with. If its parents or siblings then it is much more complicated, and not always possible unless they have skills that NZ needs.

Other positives about NZ:

Civilized population......very little brutal savagery that SA accepts as normal (baby rapes etc)

low crime compared to SA (though there is crime, its just not the violent type in SA)

low unemployment....lots of jobs

Once you have a NZ passport in 5 years you have the choice of living in NZ or Australia

Clean, green and beautiful

Quiet and peaceful

Only 4 million people.......and there is no Limpopo River with refugees crossing over.

As a white person I no longer feel threatened by a black majority who may at some future date rise up and take my house, car or land (because I "stole" it 300 years ago). NZ has some racial political tension in terms of Maori land rights but this is well managed......

just some thoughts......

[KJ]

Thanks for the comments. Just as some background, some 10-15 years back my dad actually went through the whole process of getting our whole family ready to immigrate to NZ, he actually went over and as a teacher, he got some job offers etc, we just had to go for the medical tests etc. My grandma was 90+years old then and my dad didnt want to leave her, so we stayed. Life could have been so different for us by now. But OK its not, and now I have to think about my future. I have to think if I can live with complaining about whats going on in this country every day. Its not a matter of principal for me, more than anything else. Not sure I can live with a bunch of wooligans for the rest of my life. And its not only black people, white silence is just as bad. And its these "issues" that just irritates me. I want to carry on with a "normal" life. Working, meeting people, feeling reasonable safe/secure where people obey rules and respect each other and the law! Is this too much to ask - is NZ close to this?

[jafa77]

Of course NZ is close to what you describe.

Kids walk the streets and ride bikes around town....primary school kids ages.

Criminals are caught and put in prison!

I never ever look over my shoulder while out walking at night.

I never EVER even think of locking my car doors while driving. I often leave the car unlocked when I go into a shop. (not recommended though).

When I stop at a traffic light (robot!!!!) I do not have to look out for hijackers. 

Rules like seat belts and speed limits are obeyed much more than in SA.

The police are visible and are not corrupt.

I feel safe all the time....24/7. If I hear a noise at night I turn over and go back to sleep.

sorry, getting carried away......

[Nolan]

Welcome to the family KJ

I think we are all leaving for pretty much the same reasons, so you are not alone there.

HERE is a pdf doc of the results of a survey done recently about folks leaving and their possibility of return.

Only 9% of those in NZ said they would consider returning to SA. I think that should put your mind at ease about whether moving to NZ is a good choice.

As far as it being easier to move alone or with family - logistically it is easier if you are alone. Emotionally, it would depend on how 'dependant' you are on your family support. My take would be that all round it is easier to do the move if you are single as opposed to being married with kids.

and keep us posted

[jafa77]

Interesting research. Good to see that people who move Down Under are happy.

I still find it very hard to understand people who move from the UK back to SA to have kids/raise kids.......are these people crazy??

The UK is not that bad. In fact I loved every minute of living there, and there are many things I miss.

I have asked my family if they would consider meeting me in London next Christmas because I do not want to go back to SA again.

[Amber]

Hi KJ
and Welcome.  My husband and I are currently going through the process to obtain our PR.  I would imagine financially it is easier to immigrate on your own.  As for work in the travel industry, well, are you in wholesale or travel agent?  I am a senior travel consultant and I have been looking.  Flightcentre advertises every single day for senior staff, there are also oppertunities to change your field slightly and become a travel lecturer - I seen a job offer just the other day there in Wellington for the same.  Most travel agencies appear to use Galileo so if you have your sign in code I am sure you could find work.
Good luck
Amber

[zatexnz]

Welcome KJ!

I too think it is a lot easier to do the immigration as a single guy.  It's very emotional, and if you have a wife and kids, that is more emotion... more finances yes.... As a single guy you just have to worry about yourself, and get yourself a job and go.  As for family - I think you're referring to your folks, right?  Or siblings?  That can only happen later, after you've made the move yourself, unless they have skills that are needed in NZ.  You would have to wait a few years before sponsoriing your folks, and then only if the majority of their children are NOT in SA.  So get your siblings to come over here too, and then you can all sponsor your folks a few years down the line....

Tourism is NZ's greatest income (in my opinion), so I think you're in the right line there! All the best!

[KJ]

Thanks guys, you are a great bunch! You've already helped me alot.
Amber - yes I used to be a senior travel consultant, I've also worked in wholesale for 3 years, so I do have some good experience in the travel/tourism industry. I know beggars cant be choosers but Flightcentre??? LOL.
To be honest, the only reason keeping me here are my family (I suppose thats everyone's reason?). My sister and my mom to be particular.
Now for the next question - where to from here. What to do, how to do it, costs involved etc.
Oh by the way my cousin and his family moved over approx 8 months ago and they are in Auckland.

[zatexnz]

Ok, I mentioned this on another newby's thread - take the time to read through the "My Move" section.  Everything you need to do is on there.  Then start reading through the applications forum here.... Take the weekend off and just READ!   

[Didi77]

Hey KJ

Welcome. This is the place to help you gain enough info to make up your own mind.

We have all the reasons everyone mentions for going to NZ but one of the main ones for me is what you mentioned: I am a positive person who dislikes complaining about my country/ job etc... I believe if i do not like it I should do something about it. I can not help what is happening in this country and so I am leaving instead of bitching about it....

It is really sad on the one side. But on the other what a lovely exciting adventure!!