Chat for those living in New Zealand

[Shells]

Hi everyone. Thought I might start up a new chat topic as our other ones seem to have fizzled out, especially with Christmas/holidays etc. And I think maybe there are some new faces around too.

I've got lots I'd like to chat about.
Isn't it great that school is going back .
Are you worried about how the recession will affect NZ?
Why did I go camping with a one year old? and other stories from the holidays.
And it would be good to hear everyone's news really.

So, just to get the ball rolling. I'm Shells, I am a Kiwi but lived in London for 18! years. Came back 2 years ago with English DH and 2 DSs (7 and 4), and now have DD who is 13 months.

Thanks for the replies - just something I've been mulling over...

Sorry, don't have anything to add, WhatSheSaid. Did look into it once but way to expensive without work subsidy.

My sister works in the Health system in Australia and thinks we're mad not to have it. But I she doesn't have to budget in the same way we do so doesn't really get it.

Thanks Shells, looking at online quotes it doesn't look like our budget will stretch to it at the moment either. Maybe if/when I get a job I'll think about it again.

well, looks like Auckland is a possibility for us after all. DH's CV has been very favourably received.

What is the school ethos like? Back here in the UK, the new Early years curriculum has moved to be largely play-orientated until the age of about 7. All work must be able to be transferred outdoors as well. For example, basic number work can involve hanging big numbers on an outdoor washing line rather than sitting indoors. There's more opportunity for children to move aorund and use their hands to learn; far less emphasis on sitting at a desk and writing.

This is something I wholeheartedly approve of.

So how does it compare down under?

What do the schools do for materials that are expensive, such as books?

How are schools inspected? How do educational standards compare worldwide?

Hi Highlander. Hopefully someone might come along who's a bit more clued up about some of your questions. I can only suggest you have a look at a few websites

NZ Curriculum nzcurriculum.tki.org.nz

School inspections and reports www.ero.govt.nz/ero/publishing.nsf/Content/ERO%27s+Role

National standards for numeracy and literacy www.minedu.govt.nz/theMinistry/Consultation/NationalStandards.aspx

Statistics about NZ education www.educationcounts.govt.nz

Hope that helps!

Like most places it depends a lot on the school and the teacher.

crikey, that's an amazing help. Thank you so much!

That's OK!

Forgot to respond on the books thing. As a parent of a 7 yo who goes to a Decile 10 school (highest socio-econ classification) her school gets less funding per pupil for "discretionary items". The idea being I guess that parents can afford to make larger annual "voluntary" donations ($200pa at her school). They also have a huge school fair. I don't get the impression they are short of funds for basics like books but the school newsletter recently had requests in it for anyone who might have contacts to get additional laptops for the senior kids (I believe Telecom recently donated some) and a few other similar type items.

The lower your school's decile rating the higher the funding per child.

HI Highlander. I agree with Buzzy that alot depends on the teacher. Ds1 has only been to school in Nz so I can't compare with UK schools as such. IME teaching methods are based on strategies and life skills which seem to be fun rather than purely sitting at a desk and learning. They are also very hot on outdoor activities. Ds every year has swimming lessons, water safety lessons, specialist classes which have included golf lessons, tennis, rugby. Last year they put on a wearable arts show when the theme was recycling, The year before was technology so each class made a movie for a 'red carpet premiere night', this year the focus is 'motion' so they are working towards making their own carts for drag racing in the last term. The school is small 105 pupils in 5 classes age range 5-12.

My sister, who is a teacher however is on holiday with us at the moment and reckons that academically they are both behind . I'm not sure if this is the case or whether that is because in her mind the UK system is the best in the world .

We will probably go private for secondary ed though as senior schools seem, where we are at least, a bit more pot luck. The boys can also study the cambridge exams there as well so if we move their ed will be transferable and should they travel when older the qualification recognised.

Our school is decile 8 and the fees are approx $300 p.a. Over and above this the PTA fundraises relentlessly. Approx $25,000 p.a. to top up the budget. Last year it was a library refurb, this year a new playground. We also enter every school challenge going and have won every computer in teh school this way.

HTH.

that's funny your sister says that sibble, as NZ (from memory) is higher in the world league for numeracy and literacy than the UK! I'm ashamed to say I was very surprised

Highlander, the British Early Years Foundation Stage is based upon the Te Whariki Early Childhood Education system is NZ. It's a wonderful, child-centred pedagogy.

all looking v good. Here's hoping they create a job for DH

Hi! Hope you don't mind me asking a question on this thread.

Friends are hoping to emigrate to NZ. She will probably be offered a job. Is a specialist and very qualified. I am told they need to pass medicals. Husband is very hugely overweight. Massively. And has high blood pressure. Am thinking this may disqualify them?

Any experiences?

Sorry for hijacking.

No need to apologise. Unfortunately I have to say that yes there probably is a high likelihood. They will at least look very closely and probably take quite a lot of convincing. May depend a bit as to whether her skills are really specialised but as far as I know the health thing is considered separately. Only case I'm aware is elderly parents immigrating to join family and they were passed (eventually) so it may not be all doom and gloom.

guys - hope you don't mind me crashing your thread? We're toying with the idea of visiting NZ over the Xmas holidays this year and wondered whether a house swap with some ex-pat Brits might be possible - any idea where to start advertising at the NZ end? We're in London (zone 2) - I'm a kiwi (but worked out the other day that I haven't set foot in NZ for 10 years. which is frightening).

Bumping this for you as don't have a clue. If it was next Christmas we probably would have been interested ourselves!

hi legalalien

You might want to try starting a thread on here under the Living Overseas topic called something like house swap New Zealand?

Or try listing on this website? www.homeswap.co.nz/

hello, pardon the hijack but if you see MrsJC around would you please tell her I said hi? thank you!