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jpe
Joined: 28 Mar 2005
Posts: 26
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 Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2005 12:08 am Post subject: Checklist - your first few weeks in Auckland :-) |
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Just from my POV..
1) At the airport
1a) grab a copy of the free Jasons booklets of Auckland and NZ in general. They are similar to our WOW Philippines booklets but thicker with more ads.
1b) experience your first chat with Kiwis by drinking their welcome tea (there is a welcome tea drink counter) - I regret not doing this because breathing the NZ air was first on my mind then
1c) collect luggage and keep you destination address on hand
2) Transportation
2a) if you don't have pre-arranged transport (highly unlikely with us here ), just get one of the shuttles lined up at the exit. It should cost you only $20-$25 per head to the city. One of them is called Supershuttle.
2b) if you're picked up, then just sit back and enjoy the view from the airport to your destination; there isn't much I'm afraid if you're headed to the city. No sheep. Green land you'll see though.
2c) if you'd like to learn how to commute, you'd need a handy map and guides. Mine is Gregory's cost me $19.99. Corah and Marichu liked it - very user friendly. There are others - just visit the nearest bookstore. Alternatively, just call on Corex, Marichu or myself Hopefully, we're available by then. Otherwise, head to the Information centres (Sky City tower grd floor, Ferry terminals, Britomart train station, travel agencies, dairies/convenience stores or backpack hotels). Information centres are labelled with 'i' on the maps so you'd know where to go. Check the last few pages of your Auckland Guide book that you obtained from the airport. It shows landmarks of these information centres in the city.
I found the Sky City's as the best - they provide a complete range of bus/train/ferry guides as well as all sorts of tour guides for free. Yep, everything is free. As you can see, NZ is tourist friendly. It's normal to bump into a guy/gal with a camping gear and wearing shorts and sandals, in the city. Oh don't be surprised to see people wearing a suit and sneakers on, or a pretty dress and house slippers. Anything goes here.
If you're commuting, look to your right first, ok? I almost got hit once because I looked the other side like we do in Manila. To be safe, follow the traffic signs. What I find really appealing here is the fact that although people generally follow traffic rules, pedestrians can violate at their discretion without getting penalized. Unlike Singapore or Makati where jaywalking is not allowed. Here, yes, jaywalking is allowed, only if the road is clear. And there are marks placed on the road that seem to indicate that those are the safe jaywalking spots I made that up, I have yet to read the Road Code to find out what those marks are for. Oh, and it's only here that I"ve seen diagonal pedestrian crossing When you get here you'll know what I mean.
If you expect to be jumping from one bus to another within one day, and you think you'd exceed $10.00, better to get a day pass of $10.00 that gives you unlimited bus and ferry rides. You have to start early to maximize this though. My first Saturday was dedicated to learning the transport system so the day pass proved economical.
2d) if you wish to purchase a 2nd hand car, so many choices around but expect to pay in cash or credit card, maybe. We are on work visas so financing companies will not entertain us. While you're in Manila - browse trademe website and see for yourself how much a 2nd car costs. You can buy as low as $100 but I'm not sure if it'll be fit to drive. It's important that your car, be it yours or a rented one, should have a valid registration and WOF (warrant of fitness). If you're purchasing a 2nd hand car, that's one thing you need to consider. Check out the questions portion on the trademe Motors website. I placed bids of less than $200 for 2nd hand cars which I think are good for basic driving. Unfortunately, I lost them  The cars went as high as $1,200. Waahhhh...so folks, if you want to buy a good car - prepare at least $1k, unless you're a mechanic who can assess the fitness of a car. Btw, registration costs $45 and just about the same $42 for WOF..just research more on the internet.
There are weekend auctions in Ellerslie racecourse. You can start scouting on the internet this early. You'd discover that almost everyone drives. Most migrants I met don't know how the bus system works. They've driven since they set foot here in NZ. Btw, gas is referred to as Petrol here, too.
3) Address / accommodation
Determine an address for all your correspondence. While Private boxes may be convenient, it's better to have physical address on hand for your banks and IRD applications.
As for accommodation, just wait when you arrive because only you can determine the best place to live for yourself and for your family. Although Corex has her heart set on Glen Eden, we all started with the same mindset that our home will be where we're closest to our jobs. Marichu might join the community of Filipinos on Glen Eden as well.
Just keep in mind that you'd be paying at least 4 weeks bond, 1 week rent and 1 week rent in advance if you seek your own accommodation elsewhere. Don't be in the same position as I was who was under pressure to decide, so stay with a friend or a relative.
4) IRD
Download the form while you're in Manila. However, you'd need an address here. It takes around 2-3 weeks to get a response from them after you've mailed. However, after a week, you can ring them for your number. If you intend to be an independent contractor, you'll have to GST (goods/services sales tax like our VAT) register yourself. Your agent will guide you through this.
5) Banks
See posts from Corah. She knows some banks that require low minimum initial deposit and the convenience of withdrawing money in the Philippines. I chose ASB. Had a chat with the ASB teller the other day, she said now ASB allow home loans without deposit as long as you find a permanent job. Neat, huh?
6) Jobs
Hopefully, you would have applied before arriving here. Let agents know of your arrival date and how soon you'd like an interview. Get those interviews coming so you can spend other times enjoying NZ while waiting. Get hold of all newspapers you can find locally - NZ Heralds and community newspapers. Walk around the city or within your suburb to see job postings in establishments. Chit chat with everyone you meet that you're on a job hunt. Be it the taxi driver, the bus driver, or the cashier in Burger King. You'll be surprised, sometimes God sends His angels through these people. For instance, I chatted with the bus driver while I was on a hunt for a flat in Mt. Eden. He was curious why I didn't get off at the last stop so that started the conversation. Goodness, he could be a real estate agent himself He gave me tips rental costs and pointed places we drove by that are good/bad. Hard to understand him though because he was swallowing his words, but got a good bulk of info from him
7) Schools
Not sure about this, but for the sake of your kids, research on the internet ahead of time. If possible, contact the schools before your departure. There are many public schools around. I'm researching myself on this, so will send whatever info I find.
 Phones
Make sure you're reachable so a potential employer can contact you anytime anywhere.
9) NZIS / CFO / Phil Embassy
As soon as you arrive, and if you have a physical address, contact your KIT manager so you get a KIT officer assigned to you. I've also mailed back the feedback form of CFO. As for the Phil Consulate here in Auckland <sigh>, was never successful - only IVRS greets me...office hours are 10-2 pm.
10) Community
Learn as much as you can about the community where you're staying. There is a Citizens Advice Bureau where you can seek help. If possible, join the library. But this is only possible if you have proof of address i.e. billing statements. I used my lease agreement. It's nice to have access to books about NZ and other things. Right now, I'm reading the Treaty of Waitangi.
If you have your own home, make sure you visit the community centre for there are rules pertaining to garbage collection, pet ownership, etc. Pets here are registered and you need to pass a test to be a lawful pet owner  I dream to take that test soon.
Oh, I have to share this. I read on a local paper that a person caught throwing trash into another home's bin (i.e. garbage container) will be fined $500. It says that this action causes overfilling and will make it difficult to collect the garbage from the bins. I was quite surprised. A few hours later, I knew why. The garbage bins are collected using a robotic arm attached to the garbage truck. Neat
There is a very strong sense of volunteerism. I just signed up for nature keeping - i.e. tree planting and keeping parks clean. I'm also signing up for TESOL - because I sensed the need for home tutors, especially the Chinese who don't speak English at all. Last Tuesday, I gave my neighbor her first free English lessons. She's Chinese Malaysian. Going to teach her how to cook pancakes on Sunday. When you go to Pak N Save or department stores, check out the bulletin boards - you'll see people posting requests for home care, etc. There are even volunteers on horse guides!! If you're drawn to both nature and people, you'll find NZ appealing.
There aren't many Catholic churches around, just search for one closest to you when you arrive. Can be found in the yellow pages. Btw, if you need yellow pages and phone directories, you can collect them for free at a local post office. The Catholic mass here is pretty much the same. The Creed is different though. Similar with the one they use in the US... "We believe in one God...". Last Saturday, the Parish priest a Kiwi approached me (must have sensed I was new) asking if I was from India. He was so delighted to know I'm Filipino that he lifted his garment, took a notebook and wrote down my name and address. He has a high regard of Filipinos because we are strong and practising Catholics. After the mass, as I said farewell, we shook hands and he patted me on the back like a cowboy
I hope you'll find some time and the desire to chat with the locals (non Filipinos) who are born Kiwis. You get a strong sense of pride for their culture, roots and country. I met a Maori who's now my friend, at the community centre who told me how NZ has changed, emphasizing the Treaty of Waitingi and what it is all about. She told me of how accessible the lands were during her childhood - they could easily go to a nearby river, catch fish, etc. Now, generations have changed, especially the people. Maoris have grown bigger. There is a significant increase of crime and teenage pregnancies. Children don't seem to value education so there is an increase of school drop outs. Quite evident with the increase in crime rate which are caused primarily by poverty.
Another Kiwi friend, the furniture shop owner, this time a 3rd generation-Pakeha, also said the same thing. There are places to avoid. He also says that corruption does not exist here - people follow rules. Which sometimes proved a disadvantage to Kiwis - a weakness when they go overseas where one can only get around business transactions through under-the-table dealings. He also said, people here are not meant to hurt others, so typically, burglaries occur when someone is out of the house.
So just some thoughts to share for the day... hopefully, these things help you appreciate NZ overseas.
kind regards,
jpe |
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len
Joined: 29 Aug 2005
Posts: 62
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| Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2005 12:50 pm Post subject: |
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hi jpe,
Again, what a load of info.
The more we read your posts the more we are inclined
to pursue our NZ dream.
Keep them comming.
regards,
len
_________________
EOI Submitted: 24 August 2005
EOI Selected : 31 August 2005
Decision Successful: 11 October 2005 |
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manilaman
Joined: 09 Oct 2005
Posts: 7
Location: Manila, Philippines
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| Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2005 4:19 pm Post subject: You're an Angel! |
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Jpe,
Reading this particular Discussion Thread is very revealing of your big and pure heart. It appears to me that you genuinely enjoy sharing ALL that you know to make Filipinos wanting to re-locate to NZ as pleasant and as fulfilling as possible. You're God's Angel. You cannot fail - but succeed. god bless! |
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gelosoft
Joined: 25 Sep 2005
Posts: 11
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| Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2005 6:38 pm Post subject: |
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Hi! JPE, nabasa ko yong mga post mo, humanga ako sa buo ng loob mo at sa dami mong perang dala hehehe. Alam mo totoo yon lahat ng sinabi mo yong unang post na dont know what to expect there, no jobs, no accomodation, no relative will fetch you when you arrived in the airport, maiiyak ka talaga kong di ka sanay sa pakikipagsapalaran sa ibang lugar. e-share ko lang yong experience ko when i was working in Brunei sa I.T company way back 97, eto yong first job ko sa abroad. nong dumating ako may sumundo sa akin sa airport at may natirahan agad ako don sa company accomodation namin so free lahat electricity and water, food is own my own expenses so yon lang yong gatos ko so less worry agad di ba. so unang week ko don sa accomodation which is only 3rooms lang, ako at yong chinese malaysian lang ang nakatira don sa bahay, napalungkot grabe! when i was arrived to that house bale bed, A/C and cabinet lang ang gamit don sa room ko, napaiyak ako nong gabing yon at sa tuwing umagang nagigising ako to prepare may breakfast talagang tumutulo ang aking luha at di ko malulun yong pagkain ko sa sobrang lungkot at syempre habang tumatagal nasasanay na rin ako sa ganong setuasyon at pa-ganda ng pa-ganda na ang buhay lalo na pagpapasokan mo ng babae lalong magiging makulay hehehe... kaya yong mga nagbabalak mag-migrate sa NZ or to anywhere we need big amount of money talaga dahil nakakatakot pag maubusan ka ng pera don di tulad eto na setuasyon ng isang OFW na may sure job, accomodation, transport agad na dadatnan. Thanks sa iyo jpe sa mga na-e-share mo, i really feel what you feel yong mga unang araw mo dyan at least ikaw may experience ka before dahil nag work ka rin sa abroad kahit pano alam mo yong dadatnan mong lungkot dyan.
gelosoft
jeddah/ksa |
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len
Joined: 29 Aug 2005
Posts: 62
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| Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2005 7:48 pm Post subject: |
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hi jpe,
Just wonder if you worked in Singapore before?
I notice that you sometimes refer to Singapore when comparing things in NZ. Nabanggit ko kc I am currently working here and would like to know if my perception is correct, Cost of Living in Singapore and NZ is quite similar,i.e., house rent, groceries, bus fare, etc. At pati yung pagsakay sa bus where you have to pay to the driver either cash or fare card once you boarded dahil hindi din uso dito yung conductor. So , do you think it will not be very difficult for us to adjust as far as these things are concerned, particularly budgeting, since nga halos pareho?
Thanks again for your shared experiences, hope you will still find the time to visit this forum once you have started working.
best regard,
len
_________________
EOI Submitted: 24 August 2005
EOI Selected : 31 August 2005
Decision Successful: 11 October 2005 |
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kidra_tristal
Joined: 31 Oct 2005
Posts: 30
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| Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2005 8:05 pm Post subject: Thanks to JPE |
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Hi JPE.
This is another thank-you letter from me, Kidra Tristal. My partner is taking time to read your post. I usually do the online check then I print your work. I don't read it from the first word down to the last word because by the time my partner is reading your message, the thrill of hearing something new from you will be gone. My partner is fond of telling stories, so my partner gets to read your whole story and I get to hear the whole of it when we talk about settling in the first few weeks in NZ. That way, we have equally divided tasks and we both get equal fun from what we are doing. Well, this is another way of keeping ourselves busy while waiting for that visa to come.
More good things will come to you, I'm sure, JPE, for taking time to share what you know.
As for the waiters like me, I rereat, my visa officer told me a couple of weeks ago (1st week of November) that my and my partner's visa will be "finalised"- I don't know what exactly this means- by the end of November. And I hope again that this is November 2005 and it's going to be a go. I hope everyone will be given their WTR by the end of this month.
Alright, then. Have fun fellow waiters while waiting. Waiting could drive one nuts, unless there's something to keep his/her mind away from the visa.
Best regards,
Kidra Tristal
email: kidra_tristal@yahoo.com |
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chuhyde
Joined: 15 Nov 2005
Posts: 10
Location: auckland central, nz
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| Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 8:57 am Post subject: |
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My views:
Im alone now at jpe's house. She went to Hamilton around 6am. Her first day at work. Good luck to her.
We were so tired and barbecued (the second day!!!!) yesterday. jpe, me and Lucy (jo's friend from UK) went to Mt. Wellington yesterday. Lucy competed in the triathlon competition. Actually, it was Lucy's first attempt in the open sea swimming.
Triathlon competition was swimming (500m), biking(2km), running(2km.also i think). My first time to have watched, jpe and i were so much excited. We followed Lucy to take pictures while taking all what's happening in. Lucy, finished the triathlon, she was really great yesterday....
If ur a bike lover...(like me) u'd get a taste of all kinds of bike yesterday.
We were the only Filipinas yesterday at the beach (it was held at Waitakei Beach). Jpe was telling me we shud blend with the other people so we can experience more in living here in NZ. I think it was alright doing that. Nobody looked at us as if we are different. We even seat at the front during the award giving.
Corex u shud have been with us yesterday...Kaso wala ng space sa van. Yung bike ni lucy nakahiga sa mattress at the back of the van---mahal na mahal nya hehehe.
Di bale next time, happy ka naman sa $20 shopping spree mo last saturday.
have to go now...will be back later... |
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Hane
Joined: 16 Aug 2005
Posts: 123
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| Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2005 3:17 pm Post subject: |
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Hi, jpe,
Good to hear u already have a job, hope u wud stil find time to post some updates here. Gud lak and God bles u. |
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Myrna Gonzales
Joined: 14 Jun 2005
Posts: 107
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| Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2005 10:17 pm Post subject: |
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to JPE,
i am very impressed with your character. Go girl!
take care always, and God bless!
myrna gonzales |
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Kapamilya :>
Joined: 31 Aug 2005
Posts: 11
Location: sta.rosa, aukland (wish ko lang!)
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| Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2005 9:12 am Post subject: thank u note! |
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Hi JPE! 
THANKS A LOT! You've been so generous to share all the things you've experienced. We're so Blessed that there's someone like you na matiyaga and masipag mag-post just to give feedback (w/c inspires us a lot) . With that, we're very greatful and syempre excited to go there. It only reflects what kind of heart you have my dear!  we know that our DEAR LORD will guide you always. With the pure heart, we pray that all the BLESSINGS will pour on to you and your family (that's good karma!) SALUDO AKO SYO! Again, thanks a lot and GOD BLESS always! CHEERS!
kapamilya :> |
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Hane
Joined: 16 Aug 2005
Posts: 123
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| Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2005 4:54 pm Post subject: |
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| Kapamilya is ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. I think all of us here share the same thought about u. God bles u ALWAYS. |
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kunday
Joined: 22 Nov 2005
Posts: 23
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| Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2005 4:58 am Post subject: |
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thank you very much for the info. highly appreciated!
sana meron pa kasunod! |
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sonnypacsa
Joined: 14 Nov 2005
Posts: 2
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| Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2005 4:59 pm Post subject: Re: Starting out in Auckland : A solo Filipina's perspective |
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jpe ,
Its really great to heard that thiers a filipina who is willing to give thier hands and share thier experince to thier fellow filipinos. Thank you very much , Ive learened a lot , not only in your experiences but also your idea in what to do. May Good bless you always ........
sonny |
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toni
Joined: 27 Oct 2005
Posts: 1
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| Posted: Fri Nov 25, 2005 10:42 pm Post subject: |
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jpe,
I just usually read through the posts and it's actually my first time to butt in çoz I want to thank you personally fo sharing your experiences there. I'm just curious... are there job opportunites for us coming from manufacturing/operations. God bless! |
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jpe
Joined: 28 Mar 2005
Posts: 26
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| Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2005 12:20 pm Post subject: Hello from Hamilton |
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Hello all,
Realized that I'd better write to acknowledge those who've posted before the list becomes too long.
Cheers to everyone. I had not expected that much feedback but thank you for letting me know the info helps. Sorry for not replying immediately. Internet access is limited (=expensive i.e. $4/hr) here in Hamilton internet cafe. I really need a laptop  I need to keep this short as just stepped out of the office to use Yahoo and Hotmail (not allowed through office network)
Now for the questions -
len - if you're in SG, you wont' have a problem adjusting, that's for sure. Both countries have strong British influence so you'll be okay. You'd be pleasantly surprised that NZ has a more relaxed and people oriented atmosphere
toni - yup, opportunities in mfg/operations exist. lots of ads on packers, quality and management here. I suggest you coordinate with Marichu (chuhyde) as she's exploring the possibilities here to but in the garmen industry. perhaps she can share some information.
gelosoft - thanks for sharing your experience. I can pretty much relate.
marichu - thanks for posting our trip to the triathlon
------
To those who are curious about Hamilton, I've got some good news! There is nightlife here!! Discovered it last night. I happened to have been booked in a hotel in the city centre this week because all motels are booked for the conference.
I haven't been around much because it was only motel-work-bus station last week so there isn't much I can say. I'm reserving the sightseeing when corex and Marichu visit this coming weekend.
But last night was great! Hamilton centre is very, very charming. Note though, I'm not a party or a nightlife person. It's nice to be surrounded by people for a change and nice to see open establishments past 6 pm for a change! Yep, last week I observed that the city sleeps at 6 pm. Not true though. There is life after 6...all the way down Victoria St. Lots of bars and pubs. It was very lively last night. Mind you, I didn't go to any bar. Ordered take away from a restaurant - just the simply fish and chips and ate alone in my boring hotel room. I'm beginning to think that Hamilton nightlife is better than the Auckland one at the Viaduct....hmm, worth checking out for sure.
Thinking of way to draw the picture in your minds. If you've been to Singapore - it's like Clarke Quay (multiply that by 2 or so) or Orchard Rd; in the US, it's like Boston with more people; in the UK, it's like London with lesser people or Brigton (if you've been there); in Japan - it's pretty much like Tokyo at night); in the Philippines, it's like Manila's GReenbelt 3 (multiply by 3). I hope that helps. Thinking of a movie - perhaps Interview with the Vampire (Brad Pitt and Tom cruise) - something like that I hope. Corex and Marichu - just share your impressions with the forum members when you come here.
People - as expected are very, very friendly and kind. As I didn't see many last week, I can only share my encounter with colleagues at work. I felt so much at home (even if I"m just a contractor). There is 10 am tea at the cafeteria, which is basically socializing with people from other departments. I had a taste of that - and it's very pleasant even if I had to strain my ears to understand the chatter. I have yet to improve my listening skills when it comes to the Kiwi accent. On FRiday early evenings after work, people rush to the Social Centre (2nd floor of the office). Went there last Friday - a teammate bought me a drink. Still, felt lost with the chatter. Could hardly pick up what people say because people were excited about the weekend and holiday plans. And bhoy, do people speak fast around here. Even if I was the only Asian, I didn't feel lonely. I had my drink and the chips to deal with anyway
The bus ride from Auckland is relaxing and enjoyable. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the beauty of nature around you. I can't tell which side is better though for I have always taken the right seat. Rolling hills, pine trees neatly piled up, cows of different colours, some sheep with heavy coat (lucky them) and flowers. It's probably like the Little House in a prairie or the sound of music. I'm convinced that cows outnumber the sheep here.
AT first I envied the sheep because they have thick coat - thicker than the one I had. They're so fortunate to be naturally warmed under this weather. Unfortuantely though, they rely on humans to take off the heavy coat. In the end, I'm convinced that we humans are still luckier than the sheep - we can take off our coats anytime we want Silly thought but can't help it.
Hmm, how does it compare to the PHils? It's like the bus ride up north from manila - either Baguio, Banaue (without the rice terraces) or Sagada. More Sagada & Baguio. It's very lovely. I wanted to reach out the touch the trees and plants.Some parts are like the sierra madre magnified 100 times. The hills feel so close.
It's like the rolling hills of Pennsylvania in the US. And the hills of South England (East Sussex) - Downs.
Alrighty, that's all for now.. need to rush back to work.
cheers,
jpe |
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