Mar
My fiance and I are contemplating moving to New Zealand. We’re South Africans. What procedures do we need to follow to get working visas, what do we need to gain entry into the country? Do fitters/turners get paid well and in which areas are there shortages for this job? Can anyone provide me with good AND bad experiences on moving to new zealand? I don't want to quit my job here and go there and have to come back unemployed. In other words, EVERYTHING YOU KNOW THAT I NEED TO KNOW TO GET STARTED WOULD BE HIGHLY APPRECIATED!!!
Answer:
Best piece of advice is to try and get a job hooked up (there are agencies for Saffas as far as I know) BEFORE you arrive. Fitters and turners are in demand and are well paid even in recession so it should all fall into place, but just get organised beforehand.
If you're from a huge city like Jo-Burg, Capetown or Durban you might feel at home in Auckland otherwise it's probably better to find work somewhere else (like Wellington or Christchurch or a smaller centre). Unless you're from Natal the weather might take some getting used to as NZ is more temperate and is generally colder and wetter that what you'll be used to.
We've generally had a good experience with Saffa immigrants in NZ society and there's a strong Dutch Reformed church community here so try and find an bureau and get yourself here.