Hi and Welcome to the forum.
There is certainly plenty of reading to keep the mind going on here.
Congrats on the job offer and there are plentyoff peeps on the forum that are from Hamilton that i'm sure will be willing to give you any advise about the area.
Dawn (who is a little quiet on here at the mo) has recently made the move with a 16yr old daughter and has settled in Hamilton for now- i'm sure she can offer you some tips when she next pops in.
I can't offer any advice on kids front as mine are only 2 and 4

nor on pensions and schooling either as we haven't yet made the move.
Anyway-sorry I couldn't be of better help but thought i'd welcome you onboard.
Beth
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Flights booked for 24th March 2008!
Landed in Wellington 26th March 2008!!
Job Offer Received 9th July 2008!
Temp Work Permit application submitted 11th July 2008!
Temp Work Permit approved 4th August 2008!
EOI Submitted 11th July 2008!
EOI Selected 16th July 2008!
EOI 'Successful' 1st August 2008!
ITA Received 8th August 2008!
ITA Posted to London 22nd September!