Anyone have any advice about Christchurch & NZ?

My husband and I currently live in Saskatoon and are planning to move to Christchurch for 3 years to pursue PhD's in early 2010. We both currently have excellent stable jobs, and own real estate here so we are a bit apprehensive about leaving for 3 years given the current economic conditions, though we are both fairly sure we will be able to take leaves of absence for educational purposes. I will probably be making about $30,000 NZ a year and my husband only about $12,000 NZ after tuition costs (while our current combined income is over $120,000 CAD- so it will be quite the change). We love the outdoors, which is why we think we will like Christchurch. I was just wondering if anyone can give me some insight into what they like and dislike about New Zealand and Christchurch, if you recommend it as a decent place to live for a few years, and any advice about moving to NZ.

Hey girl I live in NZ, I work in Wellington and live in the Wairarapa (commute by train). I've been in NZ for 3 years, before that I lived in Adelaide, South Australia for almost 5 where I successfully completed my PhD at the University of South Australia. I work in senior social policy.

Advice for moving to NZ: first of all do your PhD, stuff the money thing, its an amazing process, hell on wheels but SOOOOOOOOO worth it. Nz is interesting, its a loooooooong way from anywhere.

First the cons:

I find New Zealand society somewhat insular, New Zealanders can be quite reserved (especially after living in Oz for so long) and its been an interesting learning curve in that the amenities and services that we take for granted aren't found as easily here.

The cost of living can be more expensive as well, housing prices tend to be quite high on the OECD scale, petrol is currently at $1.52 per litre where I live in the lower north island and cars cost a bundle. Food is also somewhat more expensive until you work out where to shop (Pak N Save ). I personally found Christchurch quite quiet when I was there with not much going on.

The pros:

NZ is incredibly beautiful and once you get past the reserve, particularly if you venture into rural NZ (which is where I live) people are really friendly and helpful. Travelling around NZ is incredibly rewarding, particularly in summer, tons of stuff to see and do, great beer, beaches, wildlife and scenery. The political scene is of interest too, quite left with some interesting lurches to the right, some quite amusing and a tendency to invest in a bit too much of the 'nanny state' ideal. Although that's changing with the last election...

As far as academe goes, NZ has a very small academic community, this is one area where the smallness of the country holds it back somewhat. Having said that there are some excellent universities, Christchurch as you know is one area but Wellington also has excellent universities and university communities with the added bonus of an arty, vibrant city in which to hang out in. And a PhD speaks for itself doesn't it? You just want to enjoy yourself as much as possible while you do it

I think you will enjoy New Zealand there are a lot of Canadians living here, and many of them stay permanently. I'm one of them, I have my permanent residency, I came here under the skilled migrant programme, and I then married a New Zealander in March of last year. It hasn't been easy, I've found moving to NZ much more of a challenge than moving to Australia was. But its been worth it and I'm becoming very attached to NZ. I'm just trying to present a picture that talks as honestly as possible about my experiences and reflections on living here.

Cheers

Thanks for you insight- I really appreciate it!

If you're currently living in Saskatoon you probably won't mind the smaller community feel/higher prices of Christchurch or NZ in general. It's a beautiful place and the experience of living elsewhere for a while is priceless.

The toughest part for you will be adjusting to the lower incomes, but if you can get over that, it's not forever.

Thanks for your view!

I have a feeling I may be in a different age group (not meant offensively) but i found there wasnt much going on in Christchurch. I did however find the south island of NZ as a while a beautiful place. Absolutely stunning scenery, wildlife and surrounded by the ocean (which im not in landlocked Toronto). I would personally recommend it as a good place to live for a few years but I also wasnt there for any significant period of time.

I just think NZ is a good change from anywhere basically. I was there in the winter and for some reason with the beautiful scenery of the country the cold didnt damper my spirits like it can do back home. Also found NZ to be very friendly people and have some similar outlooks as us Canadians.

Not very much help I know, but my 2 cents and a start.

Hi,

I have been here 11 months.... love NZ. I am in Auckland at the moment going to school. Come, you will enjoy your time here. The country is beautiful, the people are gracious and the WINE is great.

Currently, I am applying for a work permit and residency because my partner is from NZ. It is going to cost a fortune but it will be worth every cent.

Short and sweet...

Thanks for everyone's responses to my post. I appreciate hearing several different points of view, and it is really nice to see that most people have a positive outlook on Christchurch and NZ. We'll be there in February 2010 if all goes well!

We just moved to Christchurch from Saskatoon! What a small world! We have been here 2 weeks now and are loving it so far. It is winter, which is nothing compared to the harsh Saskatoon winters we experienced (especially this past year)!

It's a beautiful city so far and we are having a great time. I'm sure we'll have more to say/advice in the upcoming months!

Email us if you have any questions!
Cheers!

Bottom line though you wilL LOVVVVVVVVE IT!!! Wish I was there right now. Insane mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, the ocean, etc. There was a cool animal place that we took a bus too from Christchurch with the infamous Kiwi bird there and all.

If you get the change to go down to Franz Joseph Glacier where there is a guided tour with the full gear up the glacier and Queenstown has great skiing, night life and a lot of other things to do, not to mention how stunning the area is. Anyways jelous at the moment, hopefully it happens for you.