Hi Mark

(Good) Welders are in short supply in many rural communities, and just outside of Christchurch there are plenty of these.

Anywhere there is cropping you should find work.

There are a great number of welders in NZ as most local polytechs and colleges offer this course. As we are an active bunch we are always breaking things (like trailers, trampolines, farm equipment etc etc, which all need to be welded back together)

Many new houses are also being built with steel frames so again your expertise may come in handy.

Ashburton seems a funny choice for a first start but you will be made to feel very welcome there as the local community is great.

Hope all goes well for you.

Regards

Glenn