Living the dream in New Zealand!

My name is Anna-Marie, I moved to NZ with my husband Johan in July 2022 from South Africa.

Challenges

Our journey began during an initial visit to NZ in early 2020, but Covid derailed our plans by more than 2 years. In early 2022, with the reopening of the boarders looming, my original job offers from 2020 got reinstated and we were on track again.

The most challenging part of the process for us was two-folded:

1. Securing a job from SA.  It took a visit to NZ to land a good job as we found that NZ employers want to meet you face-to-face and get a feel if you will fit into their environment.
2. Getting “document ready” in your country of birth.  Being South African, this part of the process placed enormous financial and emotional pressure on us.  Especially obtaining my required Unabridged Birth Certificate as both my parents have been deceased for many years… so some info was hard to get.

NZ Shores advisers

Having an Immigration Advisor like Julia Cooke at our side, each step of the way, helped tremendously knowing each hurdle in advance and keeping track off the progress.

First impressions

Our first impression of New Zealand can be described in one word "Bliss". Never have we ever been so overwhelmed by the natural beauty and peacefulness of a country.

What we miss

What we miss most about home is our family and friends, nothing more. NZ is far away from SA; a flight back home is long and very expensive and not something that you can always afford on an annual basis. Be prepared for the cost of living, do your research. This can catch you off guard if you are not prepared for it. Here are many SA shops, hence when homesick, it is easy to go buy most of your favourite home products.

What I wished I knew beforehand

This move is a big commitment, financially and emotionally and should not be taken lightly. And never try and compare every level of your "old" life with your "new" life. This is different, but much better if you come prepared and for the right reason.

There will always be some surprise that you haven't thought about, or forgot off during this process. Be kind to yourself and deal with it. We bought our 1st car by the 5th day off arrival…. Needless to say, the pressure was on to get our own wheels. We ended-up with a good second hand vehicle, mechanical sound and well looked after. The only thing that we've missed in our hast was the radio/dashboard being in a foreign language….. Needless to say, lesson learned and the 2nd car went much better a couple of months later.

We can't comment about kids adapting or schools and school zones etc, as we're in the later stages of our lives and arrived without our adult kids who will hopefully follow soon. So yes, it can be done at this age.

Comments

The 1st three months are probably the hardest, trying to settle in with your ZAR. The exchange rate is not your friend! But after earning NZD for couple of months, things do get better. OpShops are a big blessing and you can find many treasures / pre-loved items there to get you started.

My advice to new migrants

My advice to anyone considering immigration will be to do proper research. Ask many questions, get involved in FB Groups, but ask the right question to the right group/person. Don't try and resolve immigration questions on FB, that is why you have a well-informed qualified advisor. FB is there for everything else like rentals, school zones, self-checkout shopping etc.

Explore as much as you can from day one. There are so many beaches and parks to visit and wouldn't cost you a cent except from your fuel in getting there (Public transport works and are affordable). And remember, "When in Rome…" fit in and become part of your community. Join a walking group, participate in a charity, just become part.
New Zealand is a multi-cultural society, more than you could have ever imagined. Embrace it and enjoy the learning curve. We have, and we've not regretted a day.

Living the Dream!