Emigrating to NZ

[virdeeb]

Hey all, I'm looking to emigrate to New Zealand to work hopefully for a better work life balance but I'm struggling to find many roles that are with accredited employers that I need to be able to apply for a visa.

I've just turned 41 so can't get a normal working visa so it needs to be an accredited work visa. I work in It and see lots of roles for what I do but they are limited to those with a visa already

Does anyone have any tips or hints
?

[ozzuk]

virdeeb said:

Hey all, I'm looking to emigrate to New Zealand to work hopefully for a better work life balance but I'm struggling to find many roles that are with accredited employers that I need to be able to apply for a visa.

I've just turned 41 so can't get a normal working visa so it needs to be an accredited work visa. I work in It and see lots of roles for what I do but they are limited to those with a visa already

Does anyone have any tips or hints
?

What field in IT? If anything like Canada it isn't enough to work in the field, the employer has to demonstrate they can't fill it in country so you'll need to be pretty specialised. Your average support bod/IT manager likely won't cut it, but a security specialist might for example. Have a look for forums for expats/immigration (I got as far as visa application for Canada, lots of research and work!).

I briefly looked at NZ years ago, came across an IT manager role for a car museum, dream role!

[_Rodders_]

All the news articles about NZ keep talking about brain drain and all the natives moving to Aus, including their recently departed PM. So you'd think they'd be crying out for skilled workers.

I got as far as looking up Wellington house prices

[virdeeb]

ozzuk said:

virdeeb said:

Hey all, I'm looking to emigrate to New Zealand to work hopefully for a better work life balance but I'm struggling to find many roles that are with accredited employers that I need to be able to apply for a visa.

I've just turned 41 so can't get a normal working visa so it needs to be an accredited work visa. I work in It and see lots of roles for what I do but they are limited to those with a visa already

Does anyone have any tips or hints
?

What field in IT? If anything like Canada it isn't enough to work in the field, the employer has to demonstrate they can't fill it in country so you'll need to be pretty specialised. Your average support bod/IT manager likely won't cut it, but a security specialist might for example. Have a look for forums for expats/immigration (I got as far as visa application for Canada, lots of research and work!).

I briefly looked at NZ years ago, came across an IT manager role for a car museum, dream role!

Im in the m365 world more focused on Power Platform, Copilot but have experience across all of it

Sounds like a perfect role!

Yes it is the same where they need to prove they can't fill it internally before they can consider external candidates

[Frimley111R]

_Rodders_ said:

All the news articles about NZ keep talking about brain drain and all the natives moving to Aus, including their recently departed PM. So you'd think they'd be crying out for skilled workers.

I got as far as looking up Wellington house prices

Yep, saw the same. it's a place that will mostly be a tourist centre. IIRC the average business has 4 people there. There are better options than going to the end of the world for a work life balance.

[Screenwash]

There are far more jobs in Australia, and they largely pay more than the equivalent positions in NZ.

I’ve lived in NZ since 2009 and this is the worst I have seen the economy in that time. The country seems to be short of teachers, healthcare workers and police but of course those sectors don’t pay particularly well (hence the brain drain to higher paying Australia).

Tradies can usually earn a reasonable living but construction is blighted by boom and bust cycles.

The hotel/restaurant/tourism sector does well for 6 months of the year, but the jobs are low paid.

Don’t bother coming to NZ to earn your fortune.

[Doesitdrive]

Having considered and visited both in years gone by, when I could have got in , Australia would be my choice.

Don't think the brain drain to Australia is just from NZ. Plenty from here too.

Looking at somewhere nearer at the moment, before the lights all go out, seems we can't afford to put a lit of the street lights on anymore lol.

[tex200]

For IT work you could contact Auckland Council. They are definitely an accredited employer for visa sponsorship.

I work for one of their arms length organisations. One of our guys has just been sponsored for his work visa. Key points about getting it were A) it took months to sort it out and B) he is technically obliged to work for us for 5 years before he can change jobs *.

On the positive side for you his skills could easily be done by someone local but it comes down to how much the employer is willing to make it work to get the visa approved for you.

• after 2 years you can apply for permanent residency and if that’s granted it’s very difficult to stop you from leaving the employer who initially got you the work visa.

[fttm]

Only help I can give is to think long and hard , do your homework then do your homework again . It's a big move and I've seen far too many move on a whim and fail . Oh and don't touch so called Immigration lawyers or similar , bunch of shysters who do nothing you cannot do yourself for an awful less cost . Best of luck

[virdeeb]

Thanks all for the responses.

I think for us it's more the safety element too, things don't look great here and I know I may be worse off there but my kids safety is paramount.

Tex200 thanks ill contact the council now and see if they have wntrhijt suitable for my skills

[some bloke]

Have you been to NZ?

[virdeeb]

some bloke said:

Have you been to NZ?

Yes although it was quite a while ago.

[some bloke]

It might be worth another trip before you commit. It's a huge step to take blind. I am from there but live in the UK now.

[Doesitdrive]

virdeeb said:

Thanks all for the responses.

I think for us it's more the safety element too, things don't look great here and I know I may be worse off there but my kids safety is paramount.

Tex200 thanks ill contact the council now and see if they have wntrhijt suitable for my skills

I can understand that reasoning and I don't think you will be worse off, this country is trying to relieve everyone of any spare income through indirect taxes, rip off prices and fines for road users, pedestrians have the litter police lol.