Finding a job at an expo

Your move to a better life in a new country could start at a job expo.

Getting a job offer is usually the easiest route to a new life in a new country. Job expos let you get the answers to your questions about immigration, and meet face-to-face with prospective employers, without having to travel halfway around the world.

Job expos are the ideal place to meet top employers and recruitment consultants who want to recruit skilled people. Going to a job expo also gives you the opportunity to speak to a range of companies who can help you make your move a stress-free one.

Tips for finding a job at an expo

• Improve your chances of getting the job you want – go to an expo that focuses on a specific country
• Do some research before you go on where you’d like to live in your new country – it will make your expo experience more worthwhile.
• Start the visa application process – work out which visa you’re eligible for and get the ball rolling.
• Maximise your time at the expo – some times of the day (and days of the week) are quieter than others – ideal if you want to avoid the queues.
• Get your paperwork sorted – have hard copies of your CV on hand to pass out to prospective employers (and make sure your CV is well written and well presented), and consider attaching a photo of yourself to jog their memories later on.
• Brush up your interview skills. Some employers interview at the expos so make sure your first impression is a good one by dressing appropriately – and remember that a smile and a firm handshake go a long way.

So what are you waiting for? If you’re ready for a change of lifestyle, then going to a job expo could be your chance to make your dream of moving countries a reality. Visit www.workingin-newzealand.com now for more information on upcoming Opportunities New Zealand Expos.

What’s the cost of living in NZ like?

If moving to New Zealand is one of your New Year’s resolutions, then you may be wondering exactly how far your money will go once you get here.

It can be a little tricky to work out the price comparisons between say the UK or South Africa and New Zealand when you take into account varying salary levels and fluctuating currency conversions.

Salaries in New Zealand vary depending on industry, but may be anywhere from the same level as you’re used to to around a third less. Although New Zealand isn’t particularly well known for high salaries some people in high demand professions may find that they are better paid in New Zealand.

NZ property prices vary a great deal depending on whether you’re looking at living in a city or a rural community, plus there’s a price differential between the North and South Islands.

Property in New Zealand’s North Island tends to be more expensive and you could expect to pay a minimum of $400k for a three-bedroom house. The same amount would probably get you a four-bedroom house in the South Island.

Visit www.workingin-newzealand.com to find out more about the cost of living in New Zealandincluding vehicle costs, phone and internet, healthcare in NZ, and how much you can expect to pay for fresh produce, eating out or a night at the movies.

Skilled migrant category EOI selection

The Skilled Migrant Category offers you the opportunity to move to New Zealand to live and work permanently. If you qualify for enough points under the Skilled Migrant Category, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

The latest selection took place on 14 January and a total of 778 EOIs were selected. 653 of these had a points total of 140 or more. Just over 30 percent of the EOIs selected were from the UK or South Africa. View the full results here.

July changes to the SMC mean that you can gain extra credit for work experience and New Zealand qualifications.

For information on how to get a New Zealand visa, plus loads of ideas on where to live and how to make your emigration plans run smoothly, take a look at www.workingin-newzealand.com.

New fees for New Zealand immigration applications

As of 12 January 2009 fees for New Zealand visa applications lodged outside of New Zealand have changed.

Immigration New Zealand has changed the fees to reflect the shift in currency exchange rates.

View the new fees here. For information on how to get a New Zealand visa, plus loads of ideas on where to live and how to make your emigration plans run smoothly, take a look at www.workingin-newzealand.com.

Love your plasma-screen TV? Move to New Zealand!

Fear not couch potatoes: flatscreen plasma televisions are not outlawed in New Zealand as they may be shortly in the UK.

TV aficionados across Britain will no doubt be disappointed by news that plasma-screen TVs, dubbed “the 4×4s of the living room”, may soon be banned in the interests of combating climate change.

The Independent on Sunday reports that Brits can soon expect Europe-wide minimum energy performance standards for TVs to come into effect.

However, New Zealand’s energy minister Gerry Brownlee believes that Kiwi consumers should be provided information on the relative energy efficiency of appliances and then be allowed to make the decision for themselves.

Of course with so much to see and do in New Zealand you may not actually have time to sit down and watch TV.

New Zealand is a beautiful country and is recognised around the world for its clean, green image. The issue of climate change is taken seriously in New Zealand both by Kiwis and the NZ government, which has policies and programmes in place to encourage change. For more information visit www.climatechange.govt.nz.

Visit www.workingin-newzealand.com to access masses of information on how to make the move (with or without your plasma TV), find a job and settle in. It’s all there. Now’s good!

NZ finance companies optimistic in face of global financial crisis

New Zealand finance and accounting companies are less concerned about the effects of the current financial crisis than are their overseas counterparts.

According to a recent survey by Robert Half only a third of New Zealand finance and accounting professionals are concerned about their jobs compared to over 60% in the UK.

This is being cited as a considerable drawcard for people who have been working abroad, and New Zealand employers are feeling the effects with severe skill shortages in the sector being alleviated by returning expats.

Do you have skills and experience in finance and accounting? Would you like to make New Zealand your new home? Visit www.workingin-newzealand.com now to view accounting jobs and finance jobs. You’ll also find masses of information on how to make the move and how to settle in. It’s all there. Now’s good!

Skilled migrant category EOI selection

The Skilled Migrant Category offers you the opportunity to move to New Zealand to live and work permanently. If you qualify for enough points under the Skilled Migrant Category, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

The latest selection took place on 17 December and a total of 739 EOIs were selected. 438 of these had a points total of 140 or more. View the full results here.

July changes to the SMC mean that you can gain extra credit for work experience and New Zealand qualifications.

For information on how to get a New Zealand visa, plus loads of ideas on where to live and how to make your emigration plans run smoothly, take a look at www.workingin-newzealand.com.

Sun shines on NZ during the festive season

How does the thought of celebrating Christmas in your shorts and a t-shirt sound? Although the weather in New Zealand at Christmas time may not be that conducive to a traditional roast turkey meal, a Kiwi Christmas in the sunshine can be a lot of fun.

Kiwi Christmas celebrations are often more low-key than overseas celebrations and the food can be different too. While some Kiwis get stuck into a large lunch, other families will opt for a barbecue and salads, or even a picnic at the beach. Read more about NZ´s festive season.

With most businesses closing down for a week or so over the Christmas period, most Kiwis use some of their annual leave to get out and enjoy the many activities that are on offer over summer.

Water sports are hugely popular in New Zealand, due to the proximity to beaches, lakes and coastal areas. Summer´s also the season for outdoor food and wine events.

With all this on offer, now’s a great time to consider a move to New Zealand. Visit www.workingin-newzealand.com to find masses of other reasons to want to move here!

Latest Skilled Migrant fortnightly selection

The Skilled Migrant Category offers you the opportunity to move to New Zealand to live and work permanently. If you qualify for enough points under the Skilled Migrant Category, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

The latest selection took place on 3 December and a total of 775 EOIs were selected. 405 of these had a points total of 140 or more.

July changes to the SMC mean that you can gain extra credit for work experience and New Zealand qualifications.

For information on how to get a New Zealand visa, plus loads of ideas on where to live and how to make your emigration plans run smoothly, take a look at www.workingin-newzealand.com.

Record season for New Zealand’s ski fields

New Zealand’s ski fields have had their best season ever, according to Ski Areas Association spokesman Miles Davidson, with skiers enjoying fantastic conditions through until October in the south and November in the north.

If you’re a keen skier or have always wanted to give it a go, then living in New Zealand could be your ticket to a lifestyle that combines good work prospects with the great outdoors.

Many cities and towns are within easy driving distance of the slopes – plus where else in the world can you ski in the morning and then swim or water-ski in the afternoon?

Where to live in New Zealand