London NZ Expo

[Banjo.Jon]

We made it up to London yesterday for the NZ Expo. Overall impressions were that it was good for collecting pamphlets, free bags and other freebies but was not as fantastic as we had hoped. It was not that big but it still took us about 4 hours to cover it all and talk to everyone that we wanted to. We had some good feedback from recruitment companies and got some info on banks, housing etc. It was great to meet some Kiwi?s in person and talk about different parts of the country and what the areas are like to live and play in. Lucy has spent her day sending her CV off to loads more companies in the hope of a job offer. For anyone else that is going and is hoping to get a job, take a copy of your CV on a memory stick, as they all had laptops and just uploaded your CV there and then. It is worth going just for literature you can collect, we have enough reading to last me a month, but don?t expect too much and be prepared to spend a lot of time waiting for the person you want to talk to, to be free.

It was nice to get out for the day, away from the kids. We even managed to have a wonder around London and take in a few sights. Right, I?m off to play rugby with the kids (yep ? they even give away free kiddies rugby balls).

[ebianca]

Hey Jon

Glad you got some useful info. Good tip about the memory stick- will tell the OH.

Will let everyone know how we get on at Manchester. OH is very keen to speak to IBM and Telecom NZ.

[nickydwuk]

We went to the Expo today. There were more stalls than in March. I went armed with a list of questions I wanted to ask so we didn't waste time just wandering. Thankfully we weren't job hunting as I already have a job. Got loads of info on banks & pensions. I am a lot clearer now about our finances but will probably still be asking for some advice. Had a brilliant chat with Christchurch District Council who were very helpful with the info they gave. They answered all our questions and were able to give a lot of info & advice about things such as areas to live, where we can take the dogs and just Christchurch in general. The only draw back we found was that of all the real estate agents in NZ there was only one exhibiting and that was Baileys. They seem to offer more of the up market properties and not ones that are within our budget. But they were still very helpful.

The best bit was talking to NZIS. I wanted to find out about our daughter coming over and whether her PR would be activated and remain if she comes over for a month and then returns to the UK to finish Uni. I know there are rules about being in NZ for 184 days per year for the first 2 years but NZIS said that goes on the principal applicant so as long as I stay for 184 days per year she will keep her PR and qualify for IRRV regardless. So I can put her on our PR and she can come over when she has her degree.

Ended up being a great day.

[welwynrose]

we went to the London one yesterday - I think they are aimed at the more "professional" type emigraters, healthworkers, IT people, accountants etc but hubby had a good chat to the Hire a Hubby franchise people & we also talked to a nice estate agent from Dunedin & the pet transport people - we did pck up loads of leaflets etc to come away with & thought it was ?15 well spent

[ebianca]

yep ? they even give away free kiddies rugby balls

We got our free ball in our goodie bag but we also got free Kiwis for the kids from one of the stands we visited at the Manchester Expo.

[MotherBear]

Originally Posted by nickydwuk

The best bit was talking to NZIS. I wanted to find out about our daughter coming over and whether her PR would be activated and remain if she comes over for a month and then returns to the UK to finish Uni. I know there are rules about being in NZ for 184 days per year for the first 2 years but NZIS said that goes on the principal applicant so as long as I stay for 184 days per year she will keep her PR and qualify for IRRV regardless.

That's very good to know. I always worry about timing with our application in case hubster still wants to work abroad after we get PR (optimistic mode ). I don't want to leave it too long to apply because you never know when they're going to move the goalposts and throw in something that bars us from getting PR. At least then I can stay in NZ and fulfill my obligation while he continues to work if need be.

[missvee]

Can anyone please tell me when the next Manchester Expo is on please?

[MotherBear]

Hi Vee,

Hope things are going well for you and you're keeping fine.



On here they mention Leeds and London, but not Manchester. There's this lot as well but still no mention of Manchester. Looks like the next expos will be next spring anyway.

[ebianca]

Manchester Expo was this weekend just gone.

The next Expo's are in Feb/March time but don't usually do Manchester at this time.