Welcome to the first post in my new adventure...
I am planning to travel to New Zealand soon, to travel and work there for a while. I am currently residing at Pennine (where I lived and worked until August 2012 - and where my mum lives) while I search out jobs, sort out visas and other plans.
Visa:
I discovered that I am eligible for a work visa if I go through BUNAC - an organisation that offers visa exchange programme in partnership with a sister organisation in NZ. They offer visas up to the age of 35, so I am just in! There are a limited number of visas available each year, so no guarantee, but they have told me that there is currently good availability. I will complete the form tomorrow and get it posted!
Jobs:
I am going to try and get care work through an agency, and aim to do some waking night shifts - as I can borrow a car overnight. This should also pay well, and I can pretend I am hibernating in the days! I will also look out for other work in between, in case the shift work is not so regular.
Other plans:
I have been offered a place to stay initially with my sister and brother-in-law; they live in Havelock on the northern end of the South Island. He owns a construction company, and has offered me the opportunity to work for him for a while, which is a great starting point - I hope to work for a while, and then also spend some time travelling around and WWOOFING - volunteering on organic farms in return for board and lodging. But initially, I just want to get out there and start!
That's all for now, watch this space for more...
