I have been curious ever since i arrived back in Christchurch about staying here for a while, not just a few months for a holiday, but longer, to see what the winters are like and what it might be like to live here for a while.
It's taken a bit of time to decide, but right now it feels like the correct thing to be doing. So this is the plan. To research the immigration procedure and discover how to go about staying for longer. It may not work out or it may be amazing, i have no idea. All i know is that i like it here and want to experience it some more.
Christchurch seemed like the best place to start on my plan, so i've been staying with a good friend, Jo, who i met at the first farm i worked at last year and again this year, She lives close to the centre of town with her daughter and a lodger and was more than happy for me to stay for a few days.
The Immigration Department was easy to find and the process sounded quite simple to start with, although there is plenty to do to fulfill all the requirements. To stay, i need to secure a job for 2 years, although i cannot actually start working until my application is approved, provide a police check from the UK and have a full medical. Then present my application for approval.
So i am out and about deciding where i might like to stay for a while and checking out the job opportunities as i go. There is minimal unemployment here so i think my chances may be quite good. Will just have to wait and see.
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7 comments:
Ah Sam . .I knew it .. it got to you somehow . .if it's right it's right . .so we'll be saving up to visit you then?? Well I'm off to play being Margot in the cotswolds .. jacs mentioned the allotment so I'll see how long I manage . .I can always do killer sudoko!!! . .although Jacs and I may have to have a tizzy over this one?? Love you loads take very good care of yourself
xx
joy
Well done that man... sounds like you've thought about it a lot, so it must be the right decision for you. Hope you can find the 2 year job OK - are employers happy to take people on without yet having got immigration ?
not surprised you want to experience it some more it sounds so wonderful, the only condition is that you keep up the blog so that we can stay n touch easily...
one important question is this to do with to place or the people? just checking the bubble factor....
ps we need some allotment advice so when can we talk? can you believe its snowing here and I am ready to plan out.
pps Joy - I'am Margot and step away from the Sudoko....
lotl jac x
Hi Sam, Look forward to your log updates as usual. I loved Christchurch, arrived there on the 1st march to find it covered in snow, so winters there can be bloody cold, still it's an amazing city in the summer...Good luck I'm sure you will love it there...I also spoke to Mini last week, she is now living in Auckland, if you ever get there and want to meet up, she would love to see you ....just let me know and I will give you contack details.
LOts of love Bill
...I am with Jac on this one....if you stay in NZ you must keep up the blog! And send us happy allotmenteers advice now and again! Take good care...
x Moi
Thank you all for your encouragement and support on this one, it feels like a huge step and one that i am so excited about making.
Nick - employers are used to offering positions and then having to wait, as it is a fairly common occurence here.
Jac - the bubble is fine, although i do have a bit of froth running alongside this project which is making it even more exciting.
Allotment advice is available, though advic\se waiting till the snow has cleared before getting on with any planting. How are the garlic and onions progressing?
Joy - just go steady with the Sodoko, i'm sure a bit of fresh air will do you good too, along with the usual bird spotting bet the winter light looks amazing there
Big love to you all
SAM
Addition to previous comment after written complaint to the editor.
Moira - just go easy on the allotment, remember to leave some space to plant things later into the season or everything will be ready at the same time and you'll have no space for when you find new seeds. Still planting carrots beetroot and salad stuff here even though we're heading into autumn. Can't wait to get a garden.
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