What`s New Zealand like as a place to live?

Question

And what are the qualifications needed for immigration? My partner is 48 years old, he thinks he may be too old but he does have a trade (Mechanical engineer).

Answer 1

I agree with most of what has been written so far about NZ in general but I think that $450k will go quite a lot further than a 3 bed house....!

It depends on where you want to be but up here in Northland you can get 10 acres and build a brand new house for that much! Or get 2 acres and build a nice house with a pool... Or buy a 1/4 acre section with a 4 bed house on the edge of town.

Just pointing out that prices vary hugely and you should probably investigate a bit further...

Answer 2

NVQ 2 will get you in

it is green and sheepy

Answer 3

The people are friendly, the country is beautiful....win/win!

Answer 4

Check out this website for the qualifications needed: http://www.emigratenz.org. It also answers questions about cost of living etc.

I have lived in Wellington all my life and highly recommend it - the winters get cold here but the summer we have just had has been great. It is a very pretty city and it has a great arty vibe. I wouldn't recommend Auckland as it is a big city with not much personality. Often the best jobs are there though.

NZ is great because you are never far from the sea. It is also safe in comparison to most countries (there is still crime though of course!). The south island is beautiful, less densely populated and with more stunning scenery.

$450K is about the average cost for a house in NZ now. We are at the peak of a real estate bubble which is only now starting to turn downwards. Prices may fall a bit in the next year. $450K will get you a decent 3 bedroom home in some areas - it really depends on where you end up buying. Have a look at www.open2view.co.nz for an idea of prices.

Hope that helps, good luck!

Answer 5

It has a Socialist govt.

Answer 6

Hi I came for 2 years and still here 36 years later, that about sums it up. don't know about immigration sorry

Answer 7

$450K  wouldnt get you very far in the bigger cities but will get you a decent home in provincial centers. You can come in as Skilled Professionals, Investors... you would need a sponsor also who would be able to prove that they could not hire a NZder to fill the position...usual stuff - no criminal record, nothing outstanding or current - One other thing that is detrimental - you need to prove income (ability to support yourself) for at least a short while even with jobs. You will need to be married in order to use your partners income as yours on any income related question. Our Govt. have clamped down (basically depends on who you get) due to the high amount of undesirables coming into NZ. Immigration is harder and very time consuming. If you yourself knows anything about purchasing and fashion consultancy - I will sponsor you. I own a retail outlet and have plans to open more. NZ lacks good skilled  professional staff (too bloody lazy).

Answer 8

its good, they got dinosaurs and gnomes...i like catching the wee bitty creatures

Answer 9

In my opinion the bottom is about to drop out of the NZ property market, so don't be in a hurry to buy.  Property here has been overpriced for a long time.  The most expensive places to live are Auckland, Queenstown and Wanaka, closely followed by Wellington.  The cheapest are Southland, followed by Otago (outside Queenstown and Wanaka) and Taranaki.  We live in the country and love it.  If you have to live near a city for employment, choose a place outside the populated area.  $450 000 should get you a really nice house in the heartland.

Answer 10

immigration in NZ uses a point system. Your age will definitely loose points for you, however with that trade you might get in if it's in demand. Otherwise you may have a very hard time.

NZ is a nice place to live if you live in a nice part of it. Some places are extremely dangerous and not a fun place to be.

The people are generally nice, and so is the outdoors culture.

Answer 11

Mechanical Engineers are on the short supply list. So you are part way there. Check out http://www.immigration.govt.nz/ that is the goverment website, it outlines the points system and how it works.

Depending on where you choose to live NZD450k should get you a fairly decent place outside of Auckland and Wellington.

Personally I would come on over for a look see and maybe have acouple of job interviews at the same time, then you can enter on the owrk permit category and get residency that  way.

Answer 12

Ummmmm don't know about the qualifications for immigration sorry! I think we are pretty open to people coming in though.

NZ is great! I have lived in the Taranaki Area (the bump on the left side of north island) all my life. Everyone is pretty cruisy and friendly and like to have a good time. If you move here im sure you will love it :)