USA interest

My family and I are considering moving to NZ. My husband is HVAC and I am a nurse and a have bachelors in Finance. Both are needed categories according to Govt. website. We are from a moderate sized country town in Missouri USA. We are unhappy with our national political shift and personality shift of the people in our country. I guess my question is this...I have noticed that the majority of research I have conducted on emigration is geared towards UK residents. Is this because there are more UK emmigrants than USA emmigrants or some other reason. Would USA natives be received well in NZ?

Hi Mel,
I think where NZ is concerned it is purely a case of more people migrate from the UK to NZ than pretty much any other country. Some websites are dedicated UK to NZ sites, others (like this one) try to keep all information as universal as possible.

There is no problem with Americans being accepted in NZ, although there are a few rumours around! Most of these are just silly things like rich Americans buying up the coastline and building hi-rise buildings etc so I wouldnt worry! Its not serious and there are no hate campaigns!!

Hi Mel,

I am from the USA also, (Tennessee) and am planning for a move to NZ for the exact reasons you are. Just wanted to pass along some comforting words. I have been researching my move for a few months now, and every Kiwi I have spoken with has been nothing but kind to me. Everyone I have made contact with seems to be very nice, just like good country people. :wink: I don't think there is anything to worry about there. Good luck!

Coulliette

Hi, mel and all,

I, too, have been planning our move to NZ for quite awhile. My husband is a native and I myself went to visit in order to satisfy myself on the very point you raise. Goodness knows anti-American sentiment in NZ -- or anywhere -- would be quite understandable at the moment!

As Coulliette says, there isn't anything to worry about. New Zealanders take people as they find them, for the most part, and I did not encounter any overt dislike of Americans during my time there. In fact, quite the opposite -- NZers seemed very curious about our lifestyle and reasons for wishing to shift to NZ. While they (like me) are baffled at the behavior of our government, they take Americans on a case-by-case basis.

This is in contrast to Australia, where during a visit in August, 2002, I was unsettled by anti-American sentiment I encountered. Not much, but it did exist, and I was sad to be judged by my accent alone.

You will love it in NZ!

All the best, Rae

Kia ora! This is my first post. I to wish to migrate for the same reasons. It's a big move, and it would be a no turning back decision. I've been looking into my chances and between my wife and me we score 210. This appears to be more than enough points. My question is: has anyone on this forum used the services of NewjobZ? They say on their website they can get migrates a job before they make the move for $297USD guaranteed. I'm always suspicious of things loke this. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Brad,
If you take a look around on the OLD forum, you will see there are a few discussions about NewjobZ, and seems as though people who have used them are perfectly happy with their service. They also offer your money back if they dont get a job for you. However!! The $297 is just to register, there are more costs involved once they find work for you! Kind of like a 'finders fee'.

So there you go, good service, but at a price!

Hi, NZwish,

I don't wish to dash your NZ dreams with cold water, and I'm certainly no expert on the points system as I am migrating under the partnership scheme (my husband is a Kiwi).. but my understanding is that points are assessed on an individual basis -- not a combined one. In other words, you on your own have to clear the 100 pass mark, or your wife must. Obviously one or the other or both of you has at least the requisite 100 points to pass, so that's good news! I've just never heard of anyone having points over 200, so if have questioned this in error, please excuse an ignorant, nosy old broad!!

Re NewjobZ, I cannot comment. But like you, I would be suspicious of such a claim. With a little research on this board, you will likely find you can navigate the entire process very handily your own self, and save those precious USD for the breathtaking costs involved in transporting your meager worldly goods!!

All the best, Rae

[Orewa]

As a nurse you will probably get in as there is a cronic shortage of nurses due to low pay, many migrate to Australia the Uk and a lot to the US.

With our national health system we have serious funding shortages which casuses severe problems for the elderly. People can be on waitlists for up to 6 months and beyond for hip replacements, bypass surgery, oncology treatment etc.

If you are prepared to take a 50 to 75% pay cut and enjoy cold houses welcome to NZ!

[kiwikat2004]

Orewa,
Thank you for the honest reply re:nursing. I am also an American (humble) nurse who wants to escape the current regime and move to NZ! Your comments are the first "non-positive" I have heard about NZ. It is important for me to stay in touch with reality and stop thinking that your country is Utopia! That being said, I am still going to come & check it out at the end of august...

[Orewa]

a good way to find things is to get the New Zealand Herald online. You can get a flavour about the country. Yep make sure you don't have your rose colured glasses on about NZ.