Cost/Standard of Living in New Zealand

[dejags]

No major changes are imminent but DH and I are thinking about the long term future for our boys in South Africa. We are very interested to find out the following about New Zealand (also started the exact same thread about Australia):

1. What would a nice 4 bed house cost in a suburb close-ish to Auckland (just averages would be good)?

2. How does the schooling system work? Is it state funded or do you have to pay? If you have to pay how much does this cost? (School & Uni)

3. What is the average weekly cost for groceries (for a family of four)?

4. Is crime a major factor in every day life?

5. How easy is it to find jobs (again generally speaking)? For working mums are employers generally flexible or is the working ethos in NZ more rigid?

TIA
dejags

bump before you lot go to bed?

dejags... my dd began life as a kiwi kid but our family now lives in London. I'm not sure about house prices in Auckland but I would definately suggest having a good look around the rest of the country. There is much more life south of the Bombay Hills! I would imagine house pricing to be around $400k. Wellington would probably be $300 - $400k.

Schooling is free but it does come with lots of extra costs (I was a teacher). Lunches are BYO, school books, pens and things are at your expense and you have to pay for trips and often visiting performances too.

My grocery bill was around $200 per fortnight. I am sure there were many smaller trips to the store in between.

I don't think that crime is bad. Of course it is there. You could check the papers to get an idea of daily news at www.stuff.co.nz.

I haven't had a problem as a working mum and found my employers quite flexible. There are lots of agencies here advertising for emigrants. I will see if I can find a couple for you to contact.

There have been other posts from people who have moved and set up in and around Auckland. Keep a look out for them. I am sure you will have more contributions in the next few days!

Is this instead of/as well as the rtw trip?

Still watching your other thread for news!!

Thanks Kiwibelle. I am keeping an eye on the other threads.

Hi NBL - how are you? we are still planning our trip but have changed our itinerary to include Australia/NZ for a "look/see".

South Africa is great but I truly don't feel as if I have found my place in the world. I hope to find it on our trip

How has settling back into real life been for you?

Not had much time on MN since we got back. DD has started school and I'm supposed to be looking for a proper job. Life has been quite hectic but so so so glad that we did our trip. It's just nice to know what you can do if you set your mind to it.

And some of the photos are just great