Calling anyone whose made the move (particularly to NZ) - hand holding needed!

[2toddlersandme]

I've just accepted a job in Auckland and the initial 'yay' feeling is being replaced by a pervasive anxiety. We're over in NZ at the moment and are having a great time, but I'm still panicking about whether it's the right decision or not (I know - a bit too late for that!). I'm really close to my family, I know no-one in Auckland, DH doesn't have a job yet & I have 2 year old twins. Am I insane? It just felt it was one of those 'now or never' things and we made the decision rationalising that the worst that could happen is that we'd not like it and want to go back home. But that seemed better than wondering what if and living in the same city for ever. (And it's a great job). So our plan is to come for 3-4 years (the minimum I could do this job for and it be worthwhile really) and then return to the UK. I've told my family and they have been really supportive (and my parents have just been to see us and will be able to come out every year). But I still feel sick... Any words of reassurance?

(And Sibble if you read this- thank you so much for replying to my original post in the Summer - all really helpful info in making our decision. I may come back to ask for info if that's OK as I know nothing about Auckland (aaaghh - I am crazy). And I agree Christmas in NZ is somewhat underwhelming!)

They have an August birthday. Wow - 4 sets of twins!

With an August birthday they could go in a new entrant class as year 0 and then become year 1 the next year, which may be the same teacher depending on the size of school.

Again depending on the way the school organise things they could be in a very tiny 2nd class which gradually fills up to the maximum by Christmas.

ds1 is a Feb baby and there was still only 7 in his class when he started with the year 0's returning for year 1. I think there were 15 by the end of the year. It's great.

That sounds so much better than the minimum of 30 in primary schools near us in the UK. Another positive. Thanks again everyone for all your help.

No teaching assistants though and only a small amount of release time for teachers. It's not apples with apples.

Hello everyone - I'm a kiwi who has just arrived back in Auckland (two weeks ago) after 5 1/2 years living in Oxford and am having serious withdrawal symptoms for the UK. We're staying with relatives in Ponsonby until after Christmas and will then be looking for something to rent in central Auckland as DH works at the University. I am usually a secondary school teacher, but am still at home with DS who is 7 months old.

I agree about the fashion here. I always struggle to find anything vaguely feminine for a reasonable price. I have a vague horror of ever getting one of those 'kiwi mum' haircuts. You know the really short ones that seem to lead people to wear black leggings and t-shirts all day every day?

Hmmmm... I am aware I'm feeling a bit negative about it all as I've just arrived and am missing my life in Oxford. I used to LOVE Auckland and am sure I will do again once I've revisited more of my old stomping ground. It's a funny feeling to be 'home' but feel like I've arrived somewhere new.

The real kiwi mum look is the short hair (as you mentioned) and the 3/4 length trousers, trainers and a fleece. SO comfortable everyone says. But but but....

I persist with fabulously impractical skirts and sandals and cardies and people think I'm odd.
Welcome back takingit. Hope you are ok.

Thanks Shells - you have observed the Kiwi women closely! I am also wearing skirts and sandals etc. I loved being in the UK because people didn't look at me funny for wearing colour!

I'm ok, just taking a few weeks to settle in. My DS's ears became infected after the flight here so our first week was one of broken nights and crying making the jet-lag even worse. I'm starting to enjoy myself more this week. The weather certainly helps.

Its such a weird time. I had 18 years away and I have to admit I'm still finding it hard being back and still feel homesick for UK. But I know a lot of people adapt very quickly.

Christmas and summer make it a good time to be here. Hope DS is better.