Hi there,
We are a family from the UK & came out to new zealand 18 months ago on a work permit for 2 years. We had job offers before we came & got our permits whilst still in UK.
After being here for a while we decided to stay & submitted an expression of interest form in Feb this year, we were invited to apply & were granted Permanent residence on friday. We found the system & NZIS straightforward. We were familiar with the previous system but feel that the new system is an improvement. However it is geared to benefit skilled migrants in priority occupations. More info & an online points assesment can be found on the NZIS website.
www.immigration.govt.nz.
Other issues: property prices creeping up & Auckland is very expensive even when converting GBP also you get more points for immigration if you have a job offer outside of Auckland. There are lots of other fabulous places!
Crime: despite what one other member said earlier about leaving her car unlocked, burglary is a very high crime statistic here & I would definately not leave my car unlocked in Auckland. Hope some of this helps? Mel