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Read this guide and you will discover: 13 Costly Myths Stopping People Making The Move To New Zealand The 11 Biggest Mistakes People Can Make When Moving To New Zealand The 8 Dangers Of Working With The Wrong Recruiter 3 Mistakes People Make About New Zealand Recruiters 8 No Nonsense Power Questions To Ask New Zealand Based Recruiters To Make Sure You Are Working With The Best 12 Reasons Why You Should Move To New Zealand Directory Of Useful Information 4 Steps To Finding Out If New Zealand Is A Viable Option For You And Your Family
Phone: +64 (0) 9 307 6111 UK freephone: 0808 234 3587 IRE freephone: 1800 551 316
www.catalystrecruitment.co.nz
http://www.catalystjobs.co.nz http://catalystrecruit.wordpress.com/
The Definitive Engineers Guide to Moving Your Career and Family to New Zealand
There is nothing to fear but fear itself
It is difficult to get a VISA for Australia or Canada, so people incorrectly assume that it is difficult to get a VISA for New Zealand as well. The NZ Immigration process can be very friendly for the right person especially for engineering & construction specialists.
2.
Moving countries can be expensive however in some (or usually most) cases you can gain assistance from your potential employer who will put together a relocation package to assist you. Compare the cost of moving to a less expensive lifestyle to the cost of staying in the UK and you will probably be far better off.
3.
It is approximately a 24 hour journey time to New Zealand; you can be back in the UK for any reason the next day. New Kiwis usually find that the benefits of living in New Zealand far outweigh any distance issues as you quickly settle into your new life.
4.
True, although phone calls can be as little as 0.7p per minute and you will very quickly make new friends who share your values. As for your UK family they will probably have the best holidays of their lives when they come to visit. The internet also makes staying in contact across the globe easy using videophone Skype, Facebook, and other services.
5.
The kids will be leaving all their friends and family behind
True, but usually the kids are the easiest of the family to settle as they make new friends very quickly. Again they have the phone and Skype to stay in touch with the UK and to get them through the early stages. Your children above anyone else in the family will just love their new outdoor lifestyle.
6.
Not true, the education system in New Zealand is ranked as one of the best education systems in the world (4th best in the world - 2011 Mercer Global Ranking) and individual school information can very easily be checked out on the internet. Many schools also use UK qualifications such as Cambridge.
Phone: +64 (0) 9 307 6111 UK freephone: 0808 234 3587 IRE freephone: 1800 551 316
www.catalystrecruitment.co.nz
http://www.catalystjobs.co.nz http://catalystrecruit.wordpress.com/
7.
This is untrue again. New Zealanders are highly sought after in a range of international locations. Australia and the UK are the two largest markets for Kiwis although the USA and Middle East are equally keen to employ our best.
8.
I will not earn enough in New Zealand to keep the same living standards
This again is untrue. Although if you convert your NZ$ salary into you may feel that you are earning less, but it is all relative. The actual cost of living in a beautiful country where you can walk or drive to the beach without traffic jams or paying to park or whichever activity takes your fancy far outweighs having a few extra pounds to spend on an indoor activity in the UK. The quality of life your family will be able to afford cannot be bought in most parts of the UK.
9.
If you hold a professional position in the UK, there is every likelihood that you will be able to secure a similar position in New Zealand. This is because we have a skill shortage in New Zealand as our professionals are constantly poached to travel overseas!
10.
This depends entirely on your attitude. If you come to New Zealand and are truly prepared to give it a go and fit in, you will find Kiwis are some of the most hospitable people in the world. We have all heard of people migrating to New Zealand and not fitting in. This is only the case if you come here and start telling the Kiwis that they are doing it all wrong. In that case they will be right in asking why you came here in the first place!
11.
It is well known that the recruitment industry in the UK is a cut-throat industry where nobody seems to win. In New Zealand, most recruiters are highly professional long termers who know the market and the clients and will provide you with the highest levels of service. The best recruiters work on your behalf in a consultative manner and aim to secure you the best available role with the right company in the right location. This is because New Zealand is a much smaller market and you cant afford to get a bad reputation ever something that everyone needs to remember whichever industry they work within.
12.
Untrue - several of New Zealands most successful industries are in computer technologies (e.g. Weta Workshops 3D realistic graphics as seen in the Lord of the Rings films). In many ways New Zealand leads the world in technology, although we have a much more laid back approach to most things. When the heat is on, Kiwis will usually end up on top.
13.
The same role in Australia pays a lot more than New Zealand
On first appearances, this may well look the case. But consider this... Would you move from your home town to London for what appears to be more money? If so why do you think they pay more money in London? Any Kiwi leaving New Zealand to jump the ditch looks for their NZ salary plus 40% plus the exchange rate - i.e. If you were earning NZ$100k you would be seeking around AUS $140k. Remember, the main reason the Australian companies offer a higher incentive to move there is because the working conditions are harder and the cost of living is higher.
Phone: +64 (0) 9 307 6111 UK freephone: 0808 234 3587 IRE freephone: 1800 551 316
www.catalystrecruitment.co.nz
http://www.catalystjobs.co.nz http://catalystrecruit.wordpress.com/
Get the wrong job - It is important that you match your skills and ambitions and personality
with the right role with the right company in the right location.
2.
Expect to be treated like an expat - There are many British people in New Zealand and they
tend to integrate with the easy going culture very easily.
3.
Accept a job on too low a salary - It is important to do your homework and make sure you
know what you want and the market rates for your field before you accept a role.
4.
Did not talk it through fully with the family and they were not fully on board resulting in you getting blamed when it went wrong! - It is important you discuss the
decision with your family thoroughly before you make contact with potential employers in NZ.
5.
Accept a job in a very small town that will not provide the opportunities that you were expecting - If you are not fully prepared for the location in which you accepted
a role this is probably because you have been misinformed by either the company (if you went direct) or a poor recruiter. Your lifestyle will vary dramatically depending on where you end up so do your homework and match the lifestyle with the location you want in New Zealand.
6.
Accept a job with the wrong company with a poor reputation in the market, who do not look after their staff - Again, you will avoid this if you deal with a
recruiter who is viewed as an industry specialist and who knows your market (see the questions in the appendix for assessing recruiters).
7.
Use too many recruiters - A professional football player only has one agent to look after his
affairs - your career is just as important so it is best to select the best person to represent you so they understand you and your needs closely and work solely on your behalf.
8a.
Accept a job with a similar job title to your current one - only to find that it is a very different role in NZ - Again there is no replacement for local specialist knowledge.
You need to avoid being sold a line by potential employers.
8b.
Accept a job with the right title that was very different in New Zealand and nobody was able to advise me as I went direct - As above in 8a. Not fully understanding the migration process and applying for the wrong VISA, putting the familys future on hold while you wait - Use a recruitment firm that
specialises in assisting British people move into New Zealand. They will be able to point you in the right direction to ensure a smooth passage.
9.
10.
To presume that New Zealand is just like the UK - In many ways the culture is similar but
there will be surprising differences. Be flexible and ready to adapt - that is half the fun!
11.
To accept the wrong role only to find that your career has been put back several years - Once again a quality recruiter will be able to advise you
accurately so you have a good understanding of your employment options.
Phone: +64 (0) 9 307 6111 UK freephone: 0808 234 3587 IRE freephone: 1800 551 316
www.catalystrecruitment.co.nz
http://www.catalystjobs.co.nz http://catalystrecruit.wordpress.com/
It is important that you receive a balanced view of New Zealand so that you are aware of some of the potential dangers of coming to New Zealand. Once you know what these issues are, you can seek out the right knowledge to eliminate the dangers. The key to success is to have a great team working on your side but you need to select your recruiter carefully.
1.
Some recruiters will send your CV out to clients without ever speaking to you; this actually breaks the Privacy Act. The likely outcome is that your CV will not be presented in the best possible way to the clients - Limiting the number of companies
that will potentially interview you. Each company should be individually approached by phone not just sent your CV. This means you may miss out on the roles that best suit you.
2.
Some recruiters will just try to place you to get a fee rather than know the market well enough to discuss all of the potential employers who may be interested in your CV - This also means you may miss out on the roles that best suit you.. Some recruiters do not have your best interest at heart and will convince you to take a lower paying job or miss-inform you about a job just to get the placement - Your
goal and the goal of your recruiter MUST be to get you the best job in the best location for your career, lifestyle preferences and family needs. Do not accept anything less than 100% commitment from your recruiter to achieve this goal.
3.
4.
Some recruiters do not have your best interest at heart and will convince you to take a position in a poor location just to get a placement - Once again the recruiter must be
working with your best interests at heart or you will not get the best options available to you.
5.
Some recruiters will not understand your background and therefore may not be able to secure you that all important interview or not submit your CV to the correct companies - If they do not take the time to understand you, your family,
and your individual needs then how can they help you get where you want to be?
6.
There are recruiters out there with a bad reputation and many potential employers will not read CVs from them - These recruiters will tell you that they can help
you, but will not represent you strongly (because in a small country like New Zealand reputations are everything).
7.
Some recruiters know nothing about migrating to New Zealand and the challenges this can pose if youre not careful - The only option is to use an experienced recruiter with
an extensive track record of bringing people into New Zealand. That way you can be assured that your family has the best team on your side.
8.
Some companies involved in helping people get to New Zealand actually charge a fee - No recruiter should ever charge a candidate a fee! Companies that offer a job search
service for a fee usually end up contacting specialist recruiters as the specialist recruiters hold the in-depth relationships with the clients.
Phone: +64 (0) 9 307 6111 UK freephone: 0808 234 3587 IRE freephone: 1800 551 316
www.catalystrecruitment.co.nz
http://www.catalystjobs.co.nz http://catalystrecruit.wordpress.com/
These are not difficult to overcome as long as you are aware of them.
2.
3.
8 No Nonsense Power Questions to Ask Recruiters to Make Sure You Are Working With The Best
Fotune favours the bold Selecting the best recruitment firm to work with you can be as easy as knowing what questions to ask and knowing what answers to look for. The difference between having the best players on your team and average players in any area of life can make all the difference to your familys happiness in New Zealand. 8 No Nonsense Power Questions to Select your Recruitment Partner
1. How many people have you personally been responsible for relocating to New Zealand? 2. Would you please explain the depth of relationships you personally hold with your clients? 3. Are you allowed to speak to line managers or just HR? 4. Can you explain your personal knowledge of the industry you work within? 5. Are you a specialist within your field? 6. How well do you understand my role technically? 7. Which companies are you not allowed to send CVs to? 8. How quickly does the process work? What is your process?
Phone: +64 (0) 9 307 6111 UK freephone: 0808 234 3587 IRE freephone: 1800 551 316
www.catalystrecruitment.co.nz
http://www.catalystjobs.co.nz http://catalystrecruit.wordpress.com/
12 Reasons Why You Want To Give Your Family The Gift Of A Life In Paradise
You only get one shot at this game... life is not a dress rehearsal 1.
Beaches - from all of the three biggest cities you can be on the clean sandy beaches in less
than 15 minutes.
2.
Safety - New Zealand is one of the safest places in the world to live, even the Government is
rated as one of the least corrupt!
3.
Space - 4 million people in a country bigger than the UK. Freedom, less stress and bustle and
with the sun on your back (just remember the sun block)!
4.
Weather - Christmas dinner on the beach, make sure to wear sun screen and put some shade
over the Xmas Pudding, and ice to chill the wine and beer.
5.
Commuting - It is unusual to have to travel more than 20 minutes to work. Parking is usually
outside where you work and traffic is getting busier in some parts but nothing like the UK. Work hard and then leave work and go straight to the beach or a park with the kids.
6.
Skiing - What you dont ski yet? Well you will soon (or at least snowboard!). The fields are
within easy access from all the main cities and the snow is clean and crisp.
7.
Kids - Let your kids grow up in sunshine and safety! Outdoors - Spectacular scenery, you are free to roam without the fear of poisonous snakes
& spiders and discover world class countryside. They did not shoot the Lord of the Rings in New Zealand for nothing!
8.
9.
Culture - Work to live, not live to work. Sport - Kayaking/Skiing/Rugby/Golf/Sailing/Cricket/Ironman/Surfing - whatever you like to
play or watch this is a sports mad culture where it is safe and quite possible to go to any sporting event.
10.
11.
Health - Live the healthiest outdoor lifestyle; give your kids something to do that is more
exciting (and better for them) than TV and computer games!
12.
Auckland - Is consistently voted as one of the best five cities in the world to live and according
to some it is New Zealands third best city!
Phone: +64 (0) 9 307 6111 UK freephone: 0808 234 3587 IRE freephone: 1800 551 316
www.catalystrecruitment.co.nz
http://www.catalystjobs.co.nz http://catalystrecruit.wordpress.com/
Directory of Useful Websites and Books For Information and Further Research
New Zealand Immigration
www.immigration.govt.nz www.bunac.org
General Information
www.emigratenz.org/LivingInNewZealand.html www.shelteroffshore.com/index.php/living/cat/C50 www.move2nz.co.nz
Education
www.ero.govt.nz www.minedu.govt.nz
Christchurch
Phone: +64 (0) 9 307 6111 UK freephone: 0808 234 3587 IRE freephone: 1800 551 316
www.catalystrecruitment.co.nz
http://www.catalystjobs.co.nz http://catalystrecruit.wordpress.com/
4 Steps to Finding Out If New Zealand Is A Viable Option For You and Your Family
1.
Nothing happens until something moves is the title of a book by Robert Ringer and he is right. If things are not as good as you want them to be then get serious about finding out if New Zealand could be feasible for you.
2.
Here is the most important step. Unless you know what you want you will never know where to find it.
3.
Ask Questions
The right answers lie behind asking the right questions of the right people.
4.
If you are a suitable candidate and you know New Zealand can give you what you want for your career and family then take a deep breath, be bold, and do it!
There is no class system in New Zealand, if you are a good person then you will be respected and you will succeed. We sincerely hope we get to see you when you get here.
There is no tree on Aucklands One Tree Hill 90 mile beach is actually only 65 miles long! New Zealand has deserts, glaciers, rain forests, alpine, & geothermal regions. The Cropp River region received 18.4m of rain in 1997.
Phone: +64 (0) 9 307 6111 UK freephone: 0808 234 3587 IRE freephone: 1800 551 316
www.catalystrecruitment.co.nz
http://www.catalystjobs.co.nz http://catalystrecruit.wordpress.com/
Appendix: OK... So how does Catalyst Recruitment Stack Up Against the 8 No Nonsense Power Questions to Selecting a Recruitment Partner
Company Y
More and more people are coming from the UK and more recruiters are getting involved. Having successfully moved over 300 families from the UK since 1996 we understand the process, many dont!
2. Would you please explain the depth of relationships you personally hold with your clients?
New Zealand is a small place and relationships are absolutely key to being successful. Weve been working with our clients since 1996 and know them inside out. When you can take them to the rugby and support opposing sides and still do business afterwards you know youve got a good relationship.
If you can speak to the line managers you can get a real feel for a department or division within a company and pass that onto your candidates. Initially our clients were reluctant to let us have that access but over the years since 1996 weve gained their trust and can now speak openly about their particular needs and styles of leadership.
4. Can you explain your personal knowledge of the industry you work within?
15 years of recruitment industry knowledge and 5 years of Civil Engineering Experience is a surprising amount. A lot happens in the industry and a good recruiter knows what work is coming up as well as the people who are involved. Of course we dont know everything but we do have the relationships to find out!
Phone: +64 (0) 9 307 6111 UK freephone: 0808 234 3587 IRE freephone: 1800 551 316
www.catalystrecruitment.co.nz
http://www.catalystjobs.co.nz http://catalystrecruit.wordpress.com/
Company 3
No recruiter can work with everyone in New Zealand and give a good service. For whatever reason there will be a few companies we dont deal with and thats fine, a good company will tell you who they are. What they definitely will have though is a list of companies they do work with that they know very well and have great relationships with, all the better for securing you the right role.
Thank you for taking time to read this summary report based on an interview with Andy Hopkins & Phil Ponder at Catalyst Recruitment.
Phone: +64 (0) 9 307 6111 UK freephone: 0808 234 3587 IRE freephone: 1800 551 316
www.catalystrecruitment.co.nz
http://www.catalystjobs.co.nz http://catalystrecruit.wordpress.com/
Andy, Phil, Mireille, and Fran are leading experts in international sourcing and recruiting technical professionals for Consulting Engineers, Civil Contractors, Local Government, Government Agencies and Utility companies.
Phone: +64 (0) 9 307 6111 UK freephone: 0808 234 3587 IRE freephone: 1800 551 316
www.catalystrecruitment.co.nz
http://www.catalystjobs.co.nz http://catalystrecruit.wordpress.com/