Freemasons

At present I am looking into the opportunity of emigrating to NZ.
I am getting lots of mixed information from the internet with regards job opportunities, salaries, cost of living and houses. I am a plumber to trade and have worked in management for several years. I am a family man with a couple of kids so as you can imagine there is lots to consider before we make our final decision.
Is there any brother who could assist me with where I could get more information to allow me to do some further research to assist our decision.

Brian Smith, Lodge Clydesdale 511

Hi Brian and welcome to the forum. I am English but moved here from Scotland about 16 years ago and haven't looked back. I miss the history but not too much else. I found my happy place here in the South Island but there is plenty of New Zealand to look at. I'd recommend a holiday if you get chance to see what's what. I toured NZ in a car for 3 weeks on a holiday, which helped me decide on where I wanted to live. Here are a few links to get you started:

I found this comparison site worthwhile, putting things side by side to give a fair indication of the cost of living:

http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/co ... ew+Zealand

This is the site relating to the Education Review Office. Every school has to undergo a thorough inspection by the office every wee while (2 years I think?) and the reports for each can be read and compared online. Very helpful when choosing a school for your kids:

http://www.ero.govt.nz/

House and land pricing can be looked at and compared on this site. You need to compare prices in say a small South Island city like Timaru, Nelson, Blenheim, Greymouth with prices in a larger centre such as Dunedin (which as you have gathered has a Scottish flavour) and Christchurch. In the North Island have a look at a good spread of locations from Wellington, Palmerston North, Hastings, Tauranga, Kaitaia, Auckland and a few of the rural spots in between:

http://www.realestate.co.nz/

I hope that helps a wee bit. If you have any questions for an ex-pat, feel free to ask.

Regards

Paul

_________________
Lodge of St John
English Constitution 1137
Timaru

Hi Paul

Thanks for these links, I will take a look and hope that I get more helpful information to asist in our decision.
Any idea how the employment opportunities are at the moment I was look at the South Island.

Brian

As a plumber Brian, there will be opportunities in Christchurch for some time to come, as part of the post earthquake rebuild. As for your managerial experience, I can't really comment, not knowing you or your background.

I wish you well in your efforts though and if you have any questions, fire away.

Regards

Paul

_________________
Lodge of St John
English Constitution 1137
Timaru

_________________
Lodge of St John
English Constitution 1137
Timaru

Hi Paul

Thanks again I have looked at the links that you send and they are providing lots of good information.

Yes you are right I was thinking more of the sea as my wife loves the sound of the sea.

Brian