Anthony. Let me add my ‘Welcome’ to that of Taffy’s. I’ve tried to post this twice previously but lost it due to my phone line continually dropping out. Third time lucky, eh? :rolleyes:
As has been said, getting into NZ via a LTBV can present problems if you don’t satisfy their usually strict criteria, but, as has been seen, Macfod managed it against all odds, so it can be done. If you haven’t already, you can read about his incredible feat in getting his LTBP against all odds
here and
here . We were really concerned for him, but he came through with flying colours. If he can do it ………
I think one major point he had going for him was that he bought a business and employed kiwi staff which is what the NZIS is particularly in favour of. If a migrant wants to start up a business, it is hoped that he/she will be providing jobs for kiwis. If you could convince NZIS that you would be able to employ staff, it certainly wouldn’t do any harm to your application. If you can get any references to your past relevant experience in the trade, as they say, anything is better than nothing. Grab what you can. It all helps.
In the long term, if you felt that you weren’t going to be successful with getting a LTBV, you could try to get a manager’s job in the NZ hospitality trade, apply for a Work Permit and spend some time ‘refreshing’ your experience, as well as earning Brownie points for having NZ experience. Alternatively, in the short term, as Taffy suggests, finding a similar job in Greece while you’re waiting to go to NZ, would also give you that valuable experience. You have the time to explore these possibilities, so it would be good to make use of it.