Farewell from DomT to all the forum members

[Kiwi]

Kia Ora Dom,

Hope you enjoy the lifestyle that NZ has to offer.

As for cars the roads are fairly poor, and the speed limit is 100 Km (62mph), and they are very tough on speeding, and have a hawk system fitted to most police cars, that picks up speed of vehicles travelling to and from them, while they're on the move, 5 Km over the speed limit and you'll be done  .

Cheers
Kiwi

[RedRobin]

As for cars the roads are fairly poor, and the speed limit is 100 Km (62mph), and they are very tough on speeding, and have a hawk system fitted to most police cars, that picks up speed of vehicles travelling to and from them, while they're on the move, 5 Km over the speed limit and you'll be done  .

....Oh dear!  - It sounds as if the whole road system is more akin to a small Caribbean island. But that, of course, has it's major pluses regarding lifestyle. You can have fun just trundling around in a camper van or pickup.

 

[Hedge]

HSV Maloo ftmfw!

[MAT ED30]

Friend of mine just moved back to the uk after living in NZ for about 4 years and said its crazy expensive to live and how bad the roads are once you are out of Auckland as its just dirt roads  still said its a stunning place but you are very cut off from most things and its not busy like the uk. Things like Internet is not cheap either and basic stuff like the paper or bread/milk is mad money. My friend was a teacher out there and travelled all over NZ on weekends off and flew a few place too like the set of lord of the rings

[simonp]

I have some friends who moved there a few years back and they love it. Not sure which half they moved to*, but I don't think they wanna come back...

Bon voyage, Dom.

*edit: near Auckland, I think...

[R32UK]

Good luck and all the best!! credit for seeing something you want and making it happen 

[bakili]

Good Luck Dom

All the Best 

[Poppa Dom]

Guys,
Thank you so much for all the comments - really appreciated. To be honest, have been quite chuffed with the number of responses. The prospect of going is finally starting to sink in now that I have time to think about it rather than focusing on all the organising that has gone into things. Term finishes tomorrow and today has been a bit overwhelming - over 1,000 students showing their appreciation in whole school assembly is nice.

As for the Golf R - they're not much of a premium over there to be honest. 2 year old car = £25k with half decent spec. Having spent 6 weeks in the summer over there I totally agree with the comments made about driving. Cost of living isn't actually too bad - need to look at the bigger picture. I'd say weekly food shop is about a 5% premium over the UK, with some items a fair bit more. But, car insurance much cheaper than UK, taxation not a harsh as UK. Decent interest rates, if you have the money to invest. For me, it is very much about the lifestyle choice 

Has been manic this week with all of belongings being picked up on Monday - set sail from Harwich on Friday and I will see them again mid March by the time they clear customs. Am shipping 220 cubic feet which has worked out at 15p per mile. Not bad I thought.

So a taster of what is to come - picture taken Monday about 2 mins from the house:



Looking forward to getting out there and having 5 weeks off before starting work... 

Can't wait... 

[Janner_Sy]

Dom,

Im insanely jealous 

 

Wish you all the best for your future, its definitely the right choice. 

But you dont need a Golf R, you need one of these



 

Sy

[Poppa Dom]

Yeah, that's the Maloo that Hedge mentioned - two a penny out there though it seems, saw quite a few when I was out there in the summer. Have a look here - http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/holden/hsv/auction-534118742.htm silly fuel economy though and NZ fuel prices have gone mad in recent months, still a bit cheaper than the UK at 1.18 a litre though.

Dom

[zerolag]

Dom,

Im insanely jealous  

 

Wish you all the best for your future, its definitely the right choice.  

But you dont need a Golf R, you need one of these





 

Sy

65mph in 1st gear.

[MAT ED30]

Make sure everything is clean if your taking a push bike make sure the tyres are spot less they made my friend scrub his bike in bleach they are very touchy about things ie germs entering the country

[GLIDN]

Well we welcome you over in NZ mate,

It's only an hour or so's drive from Auckland to Hamilton.
So let me know, perhaps catch up for a beer or 3 when you are over here.

If need any assistance on making the Golf R better. That I can surely assist with as well. Lol
If it comes down to it.

NZ is a great place to live, that is for sure. I guess we will see you early next year I'm guessing?
I know what the whole international move is all about. That really is not that great of a feeling

[RedRobin]

.
Once you arrive and hook up with your loved one, Dom, it's gonna feel like a very extended honeymoon. 

[Thor]

Wishing you every success and happiness Dom.

Take care you will be missed.