I should have made the move sooner!

Challenges

The most challenging part of the process is time difference. As I was pending a job offer I would not sleep in CT waiting for the email to arrive. Stress is inevitable, this is not a easy process – you wait constantly eg visa to be approved to book a flight ticket ( I moved mine 3 times) it's a waiting game and you can't bypass or push the outcome.

NZ Shores advisers

My adviser Anastasiya is absolutely amazing. She is thorough with what she needed from me and articulated it very professionally. She always returns your calls or emails, always willing to answer questions and offer good guidance. At all times during the process I knew where we were and what the next steps would be with my application. I highly recommend Anastasiya in assisting with your immigration paperwork to NZ.

Impressions

Absolutely beautiful country/island. So much greenery, the air smells cleaner, ex SAFFA's are amazing people so many assisted me in getting my own home, furniture etc. They all say "we have been where you are now" and they really helpful and give great guidance. Weather is truly 4 season in 1, still trying to get used to it.

What I miss from home

I miss my family, friends and my comforts eg knowing where local pubs are, the supermarkets (Woolworths especially) etc but you will get used to getting to know the shops etc. There are many SA shops in NZ to buy goodies from home BUT it's more expensive than similar items/goods at Pak 'n Save (similar to PnP and Shoprite, Woolworths). You left SA for a better life, you will need to adapt in your new country and embrace Kiwi life. Woolworths NZ is nothing like back home – there is no clothing department but they do have a pharmacy inside stores.

My advice to other migrants

My daughter and I was part of the crime statistics in Cape Town and moving to NZ was the best decision I ever made in my entire life. As a single mom, my kids have grown leaps and bounds and have become strong young adults both are thriving in their careers in NZ. I still have my SA mentality by looking over my shoulder, locking all doors etc BUT slowly I am beginning to see how safe it is in my area, neighbour's look out for each other – we often over at each other's homes (very different to back home). In my experience it will be much easier financially if there are 2 parents making the move, I did it alone unfortunately. There are many groups on Facebook for the different suburbs you wish to reside in, everyone honestly helps each other. Open a bank account as soon as you land in NZ, get a IRD (SARS tax number) so you can start working.

One thing I wish I knew

One thing I wish I knew before I moved was: I would have packed more goods onto my container starting over is costly. You need a funds to purchase a car, you have no credit history so buying cash is best. Bonds (rental deposits) are steep depending where you reside. NZ is not big into car brands, no one judges you with what car you drive or what size house you have. It will take time to build up but you will get there.

Also, you will speak of home very often, big days are hard because you miss family but this too shall pass – you making a choice for a better life in NZ hold onto that, there is technology to connect to back home anytime. I have travelled since arriving in New Zealand in 2023, I can assure you there was no way possible that I could do this as a single mom back home I am regretful that I did not make this move sooner in my life.