[Debd]

Hi Moondust,

We've been here for 6 months today! I'm here with my husband and two small children.You've really got nothing to lose in trying and taking a 'look' like Dawn mentioned. We also didn't have any property behind us so in a similar position to you. My husband was given a job with the health board and we came on 30 month WTR, (work to residence) visas. We're not sure whether we'll apply for residency just yet.
Everyone has their own experiences on this forum and most do sound wonderful.
Our children like it here alot but they are only 4 and 2 so would be happy in many places at their young age! We do feel happy that they get to go to the beach at any time.
Depending on where you're planning to live, the rental prices vary considerably. We live in Auckland so pay top whack unfortunately but it is nice here on the North Shore close to the city, (not that the city has anything unique to offer as far as we're concerned!). It's just full of the usual big names but is very pleasing on the eye!
We rent a traditional detached Kiwi villa, (beautiful but cold and draughty in the Spring!), it has 3 bedrooms, play room/dining room/kitchen, lounge, big garage and nice sized private garden for $380 per week which is quite alot on just one wage coming in but worth it to us. Mind you $380 is now deemed as pretty low round here!!!
I think as long as you know you'll get work easily for the wage you'll need to survive on,l then you'll be ok.If you need any personal info then please feel free to 'PM' me and I'll do my best to help,
Debra