Hi Lisa,

No we don't have to pay the agency. Apparently they get their money from the employer for the first 13 weeks of employment. It is a franchise called "Gray Skills" and they find employment for the over-40 crowd (which we are well qualified for!). He has written me several times and seems to believe there is plenty of work in the area for tradesmen.

Whangerai looks great to me, but never being there I will have to wait and see. We're making a trip in the next couple months to check it out. :D

Karen