The Old Introduce Yourself - Now Closed

[GordonUK]

Hi everybody,
My name's Gordon and I'm a primary school teacher in the UK who's thinking of making the move to NZ (if the opportunity arises).
I'd love to hear from any other teachers (be they recent migrants or long-time residents) and get the chance to discuss how life in NZ is for a typical teacher.
If anyone has any links to teachers' chat forums in NZ or any sites of interest (apart from the obvious - TeachNZ - which I peruse regularly anyway) I'd love to hear about them.
Here's hoping for a little more 'inside information' to help with the eventual decision making!
Gordon

[Taffy]

Hi Gordon,

Welcome to the forum!

I believe we have a few teachers on here somewhere, so hopefully they will make their presence known to you

If you've got any questions, then fire away!

[MotherBear]

Gordon and welcome from me, too.

We have Kiwihopeful currently going through the immigration process who's a teacher albeit he's from the US rather than the UK. Fisheress up near Auckland is also a teacher who's been in NZ for a while now. Fingers crossed that a couple of teacher members will spot your post.

Here's a few sites relating to education matters. There may be one or two in there that may be of interest to you.

Education related information site .
Education Gazette:: Site with articles for teachers plus jobs.
ERO - Kia ora - welcome to the Education Review Office - Te Tari Arotaki Matauranga for looking up reports on various schools, although word has it that these aren't always entirely accurate.
New Zealand Ministry of EducationState school holidays and term times.
New Zealand Ministry of Education
NZEI Te Riu Roa - New Zealand's Largest Education Union NZ Educational Institute.
Enrolment Zones Redirection Page
New Zealand Teachers Council Immigrant teachers need to be registered with these people.
Te Kete Ipurangi - The Online Learning Centre Provides educational material for teachers.
TKI - Schools Search for schools in your chosen area.
Wises Maps. - map sites where a lot of the schools are shown.

Good luck with your research and making your decision.

[bstar]

Hi there!
I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce myself...I found this website today...and so glad I did, to hear people going through what I am at the moment!
I currently live in London, but my boyfriend lives in Auckland...after a year long distance romance, I decided that I should take the plunge to move to be with him...and also nearer my eldest sister who has held residency in New Zealand for over 20 years, and loves it!
I have been lucky to get a job offer in Auckland in a scientific sales role, and submitted my EOI in April. I was drawn, and my ITA came through beginning of May. I have my police check back today (hurray!) all good, and just need to collect my medical so that I can send this off next week (phew!!!)....in the meantime, I am also applying for a work permit so that I can get out there working as soon as possible!!

SO many balls to keep in the air at the same time (as well as work stresses and strains in the Uk...and how to broach the news to a non sympathetic employer)...but I know it will be worth it in the end! Good to see others in a similar situation...and what a great idea this website is! Bit of a lifesaver for me at the moment!!

[Taffy]

Hi bstar,
You just wait till you get to know us all, you'll wonder what you let yourself in for!

If your employer is that unsympathetic, you should offer the same courtesy - "stuff ya job!"

[Laura]

Hello everyone,

My name is Laura (hence my wonderfully imaginative username!) and I just wanted to say hi to everyone on this site. Me and my family (husband Phil and our 2 young daughters Isobel and Mia) moved to Tauranga in October of 2006.
So far we all really like it here although I do admit that I can have good days and bad days. I guess this is only to be expected following such a big move?
Anyway, I am looking forward to chatting to you all and hopefully making some friends. Also, if I am able to help anyone who is thinking about making the move; through sharing some of our experiences, then that will be great to.

[Welshgirl]

Hi Laura & co and a very big welcome to our forum

Where are you originally from? Of course it's completely normal to have good days and bad days after such a big upheaval in your life - I've had many (and still do occasionally!). But what it all comes down to is where you feel most comfortable - I am proud to say I'm Welsh but I most certainly consider NZ to be my 'home'. We lived in Tauranga when we first came to NZ in November 2004 - we were in Ohauiti. We were only there for 3 months or so before we decided it wasn't for us and came across to Hamilton, but I do miss the beach!

Anyway, look forward to hearing your stories and advice and thanks for offering to share your experiences. You'll find we're a bit of a mad bunch but we're all ok really :rolleyes:

[Taffy]

Hi Laura,

Welcome to the forum

Always great to see a new face. I'm not sure you'd want to be friends with some of this lot though. Ever since they got internet at the asylum, we've had nothing but bother!

Just joking of course

[MotherBear]

Hi Laura,

Another welcome from me. We'll be very happy to have you on board as a fully fledge immigree (if that's the right word). Your experiences will be very valuable to those about to make the move. Sadly, we've recently lost one of our Tauranga members who has returned home to the UK so you've stepped in just nicely.

Look forward to seeing you around the place. If it gets a bit quiet on here or you can't think of anything to chat about, you can always join in our games in The Coffee House.

[Laura]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks very much for your lovely welcome, its much appreciated.
Taffy I'm just relieved that my friends at the asylum told me about this site and showed me how to use the computer - otherwise I may never have found you all!!!
Welshgirl - I am originally from Essex in the UK. Mmmm.....just thinking I should have had Essexgirl as my username - maybe not though...can you imagine the abuse I'd get??!!!!!!!
Hi MotherBear, I actually have chatted with Maggiemoo a few times on the internet as we made contact initially through another site (not as good as this one I might add). I never had the good fortune to meet her in person but she gave me loads of great advice and I am sad to see her return to the UK. I am going to take your advice now and take a look at The Coffee House.

Bye for now guys