With the promise of fatter paychecks, decrease dwelling prices and sunny seashores, it is no marvel Brits are eyeing up New Zealand for his or her large transfer overseas.
Now it is simpler than ever after the Authorities relaxed guidelines to permit non-nationals to work remotely for a overseas employer while visiting for a interval of as much as 90 days – which might be prolonged to as much as 9 months.
It was all too tempting for Robert Eaton and his spouse Sabrina who had been dwelling in Chippenham, Wiltshire, for the previous six years while he labored for Vodafone.
Robert hails from Essex however working within the telecommunications trade has seen him dwell in Taiwan, China, the Philippines and Europe.
He met Sabrina, 47, in Jakarta and the pair tried dwelling in Singapore, Sydney and Auckland for six months in 2017 attributable to his job.
However the 46-year-old discovered his most up-to-date function at Vodafone ‘isolating’ together with his crew stationed in Europe as he labored from residence, so he ‘halfheartedly’ utilized for a job in New Zealand.
‘The provide was good. My UK gross wage was the identical as my New Zealand internet wage after we moved final 12 months,’ he advised The Telegraph.
The couple had beforehand visited New Zealand on vacation and fell in love with ‘the surroundings, the tradition and the folks’.
His new function was on Tier 1 of the Inexperienced Listing of high-demand and hard-to-fill jobs and he’s beneath 55, so was in a position to apply for a Straight to Residence Visa which is a direct pathway to everlasting residency after two years.
After accepting the job, Robert and Sabrina packed all of their belongings right into a 20ft container and had it despatched to their new residence in Whangaparāoa on the Hibiscus Coast, north of Auckland, for £10,000.
They paid an additional £1,000 to have it insured and one other £2,000 to have their cat flown over.
It was all too tempting for Robert Eaton and his spouse Sabrina who had been dwelling in Chippenham, Wiltshire, for the previous six years while he labored for Vodafone
New Zealand got here out of a recession on the finish of final 12 months, however unemployment stays unchanged at 5.1 per cent – in comparison with Australia’s 4.1 per cent and the UK’s 4.4 per cent.
Many New Zealanders have jumped ship to Australia for extra job alternatives with round 72,000 leaving within the 12 months to December 2024, in response to their authorities.
However New Zealand’s expertise scarcity means it’s simpler to get a job in sectors akin to training, healthcare, engineering and cyber safety.
Regardless that he might earn more cash in the identical function in Australia, Robert and Sabrina weren’t as completely happy there and stated ‘it wasn’t as welcoming’.
The one draw back the pair found once they bought to their new house is that the price of dwelling was not as low cost as they could have been led to consider.
‘We beloved the realm – the Whangaparāoa Peninsula has lovely seashores round it – however we had been shocked at how excessive the home costs had been,’ he stated.
Renting a four-bedroom home round 25 miles from Auckland is costing them £375 per week (NZ$850).
They might have chosen a smaller new-build within the space for £310 (NZ$700) however opted for an enormous backyard and sea views within the pricier property price round £554,000 (NZ$1.25m).
After the touchdown the job, Robert and Sabrina packed all of their belongings right into a 20ft container and had it despatched to their new residence in Whangaparāoa (pictured) on the Hibiscus Coast, north of Auckland, for £10,000
Robert now commutes by bus to Auckland day by day while Sabrina appears for a job in recruitment.
Sabrina, who grew up in Malaysia, stated: ‘I am hoping the market goes to select up, however right here in New Zealand it is all about who you realize, so it takes time to get established However the sense of neighborhood is best.’
The price of dwelling is decrease than within the UK with their meals store costing £243 ($550) monthly and different prices together with broadband at £22 to £44 ($50-$100), mains water at £44 ($100), electrical at £75 ($170), gasoline at £35 ($80) and telephone payments at £18 to £29 ($40-$65).
Petrol is cheaper in New Zealand and consuming out can also be extra pocket pleasant with a fast lunch in Auckland costing round £6 to £8 every and a espresso priced at £2.21 ($5).
