NZ- we are really going!!

[ThwopGoesTheMooncup]

Hello kiwi and expat mumsnetters,

I posted a should we or shouldn't we message a few weeks ago... Well we are! Eeeeek! DH has been offered a job and has a second interview for another, so whatever happens we're moving.

I don't know where to start... I have seen a couple of letting agents about letting our house, and got some quotes for exporting the cat, and that's it. It depends what job DH takes whether or not we get much help with relocation.

So... any tips on the practical stuff? I feel like a fish out of water.

Hi all, first post from me. We are hoping to go to NZ next summer. DS (11) is a very good footballer (trailed for Chelsea and C.Palace) and wants to carry on with this. I know main sport is rugby, but are there football leagues as well? Thanks (am reading all posts with great interest).

Yes, football is played a lot here. Pop into the 'where's best to live in NZ' thread if you have any questions, there's quite a few of us on that thread.

Hello - 2 quick questions if I may please. DS was born on 18.12.00, which makes him 12 in Dec. If children start school on their 5th birthdays and his would have been during the summer holidays, am I right in thinking that he would have started in Jan/Feb, and now be in year 6, moving into Y7 in Jan?
2nd question, in the list of banned items in a container one company said no suitcases, does anyone know why? Oh, last question, is buying a house in c.church (no mortgage needed) more difficult since the last quake with regard to insurance? Looking forward to heRing from someone...anyone...

I'm not completely sure about the school years as mine are still pre-school. I think if he's 13 in 2013 ( even at the end) he'll be in year 8, which is the last year of intermediate. I'm really not sure though, Someone else may be along with more knowledge. The Ministry of education website may be useful. www.minedu.govt.nz/

Suitcases - I have no idea, I have never heard of that before. Can you check the NZ customs website, I can't think of why you wouldn't be able to bring them.

I think there are issues with insurance in Christchurch but sorry, not an expert...

My son was born in Aug 2000. He is in y7 this year and will move into y8 after the summer holidays.

His class has children with birthdays pretty much from May 2000-April 2001.

Buying a house very easy, but you have to look around quite hard for insurance as many companies have decided they won't insure anywhere in Canterbury (though some will do returning customers). There are companies out there that will insure though, but you probably won't be able to get earthquake cover, just cover for all other eventualities (including other natural disasters). We just rent, but we went through an insurance broker who found us contents insurance, but we are not covered for earthquakes. You just need to make sure the house you buy has had it's repairs done (if needed) and check it thoroughly - land here has different technical categories as to how safe it is (my DH is a geologist here so knows all about this!). Rent first before you buy to check it all out! Oh and strap your furniture down - particularly the tv!
We had suitcases in our container...
Let me know if need any more help!

Thank you for replies. I have a feeling I will be asking a lot more in the months to come....

Afternoon (well it is here). Advice pls on what it is really worth bringing, either because you can't get it there, or is mega expensive. Need to start stocking up. Thanks UB

Hi,
I am a Brit living in New Plymouth (Fitzroy) :) I love it here if you have any questions feel free to ask and I will try to answer good luck with the move!!

Hi Tikketyboo. Where do I start! I'm not even sure where New Plymouth is. We are waiting for DH to get a job, so at this stage dont even know which island we are going to. Seems advantages of both. How did you decide. Have you children, how have you found schooling v. England.

Hallo. We have been in NZ four years and we love it. We live in Wellington but I have been to New Plymouth and its lovely. If you need any help or advice with schools I have two girls, five and eight and I teach at secondary level, so I might be able to help a bit.

ulcombe - we brought everything with us. Furniture is expensive, so wierdly is sheets and bedding.

New Plymouth is in Taranaki region West coast of North island, dairy farming and oil are very big here.
My partner is from here originally that is how we decided to settle here, although i love it the lifestyle is so laid back and we only live 5 min walk from the beach very volcanic black sand region.
I have 2 school age children oldest is 13 so last year of intermediate (which she loves) going into high school next school year she is going to an all girls school which I hope will be an advantage, my son is 9 so he is in primary and after a few weeks he settled in really well not used to all the sport though! My 3rd was due 9 days ago and the midwife network has been really good (not sure if your planning on having children here :) )
We are a bit out of the way big citys being about a 4 hour drive away but can fly to Auckland etc in 45 mins so not a big problem.
Would echo things being expensive clothes, bedding, furniture underwear so would recommend shipping as much of this as poss we sadly didn't and regretted it.
Good luck :)

Ulcombird, your son will be year eight when school goes back after the summer in February. Last year of intermediate.

Thank you all. Lavenderbongo, how do the exams they take here compare to GCSE/A levels. Are they at the same sort of level? I know this is sometime away, but it would be good to know. DS has just started at a very good grammar school here (Kent is one of the still counties to have them) so I'm guessing he will be able to keep up. Do they 'stream' them? He is doing Spanish and mandarin, what are main languages in schools.
You ladies my well be surprised about the cost of living here now - food has gone up tremendously over the last few months. My bill has gone up almost 20%.
Ulcombebird