Advice on moving to NZ

Re: Advice on moving to NZ

Richard Carter — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 23:31:37 GMT

Have family who moved there 3 years ago, have never looked back but then their lifestyle is outdoors, happy with local entertainment and getting on with life- ie kids at schools, getting involved with hobbies etc, he works in AI/ dairy and she works as teacher. When I visited last year, they had just bought a very smart 4 bed house cf with the 2 bed semi they left behind in UK. Health care, banks, roads, telephones, internet etc excellent. Is fish in small pond scenario so if you have an expertise, will be welcomed. Small animal practice probably not as developed as UK, people less likely to spend and don't know if they have pet insurance but every town will have one or two practices, many looking very smart and purpose built. Referral centres with recognised specialists not a big part of practice and only in big centres - Auckland and Christchurch and if you go out there you will be expected to be omni - competent and be able to do lateral thinking to make the existing facilities fit the job required. Not going to be paid much compared to UK but then probably not going to spend much - food fairly cheap, cars expensive unless buying second hand, things like clothes and books I thought were very expensive as was anything electrical imported. Cannot remember if the UK tv works in NZ so check before buying the mega plasma screen...

Re: Advice on moving to NZ

Alan Tevendale — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 18:36:40 GMT

Certainly right about the exchange rate at the moment - not a good time to move on that front - but don't let that stop you if you've set your mind on it. I was out there a couple of years ago now but at the time locum agents were begging me to work for them (must have been short of vets then ). Standard of livng are quite good and generally things seem more relaxed than over here - I loved it.

Met a women called Paddy who runs a locum agency. I never worked for her but had dinner round at her house. She's lovely and would probably be a good contact if your were looking for locum work initially. If not she might be able to help with a more permanent job - you never know.

Her website is www.vetsolutions.co.nz

Best of luck if you take the plunge.

Re: Advice on moving to NZ

Simon Neuhoff — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:42:20 GMT

I have a few friends currently living and working in NZ, both North and South Island. They all seem very happy.

I think the working life is fairly good though small animal practice earns less than the large animal/dairy work. As I understand it as a vet there you can live a good lifestyle locally but it is expensive to travel anywhere.

Also be aware that the exchange rate is currently not very favourable (acc to one of my clients moving back there soon) - you will get less for your punds now than a few years ago.