New Zealand Shores Success Stories

Enjoy the incredible nature and lifestyle New Zealand offers

My name is Sofia, I moved to NZ with my husband Enrico in 2019 from Italy.

Challenges

One of the most challenging aspects of our move to New Zealand was navigating the job market, especially with the impact of COVID-19. We moved in 2019, and while I was studying, Enrico had to take on various unskilled jobs because it was difficult to find work in his field. It wasn't until after the pandemic that he was finally able to secure a job that matched his qualifications. For me, it also took some time to find a role that aligned with my education. The combination of these struggles made the transition more difficult than we had anticipated.

NZ Shores advisers

We couldn't be more grateful to Julia Cooke for her outstanding support throughout the immigration process. Julia made the entire journey stress-free with her in-depth knowledge, professionalism, and genuine care for her clients. She provided clear guidance at every step, ensuring we understood all the requirements and timelines.

What impressed us most was her personalised approach. She took the time to listen to our needs and offered advice tailored specifically to our situation. Her responsiveness and attention to detail gave us complete confidence, and her positive attitude made a significant difference during what could have been a daunting process.

Thanks to Julia, we are now happily settled in New Zealand, and we highly recommend her services to anyone considering making the same move. She truly went above and beyond for us, and we couldn't have asked for a better adviser!

Impressions

My first impression of New Zealand was that it's an incredibly beautiful country, full of stunning landscapes and amazing nature. From the lush green hills to the pristine beaches and mountains, the natural beauty here is breathtaking. Everywhere you look, there's something new to explore and appreciate. The peaceful environment and friendly people also made it feel welcoming right from the start.

What I miss from home

One thing I really miss from home is the availability of European products. It can be quite challenging to find some of the foods and brands I'm used to. While there are some specialty stores and online shops that import international products, the selection is often limited, and international logistics can cause delays or make certain items expensive. Unfortunately, you just have to accept that some things won't be as easy to find here, and you adapt over time by discovering new local alternatives.

My advice to other migrants

My advice to other migrants moving to New Zealand is to be patient and adaptable. The job market here is more relaxed, so it might take time to find a position that matches your qualifications. Be open to taking on different roles at first and keep networking. Also, embrace the local culture and get involved in your community—it really helps with settling in. Lastly, enjoy the incredible nature and lifestyle New Zealand offers; it's a beautiful place to make a home.

One thing I wish I knew

One thing I wish I knew before I moved to New Zealand was how different the pace of life can be compared to other places. Everything operates at a more relaxed pace, including the job market and certain services, which can be both a blessing and a challenge. I also didn't fully appreciate just how stunning the nature is here.