From the NZ Herald

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/n...objectid=10661699





I have now spent another year at a job where the infrastructure has collapsed due to bullying, inefficiency and nepotism. The organization is constantly spending money to import educated and skilled professionals (who spend their money to immigrate) who arrive in NZ to find their education and experience were merely necessary for the paperwork. We are then treated like idiots by the powers that be and leave the power hungry name droppers to continue their revolving-door style of management. The most recent power struggle has really gutted the place and it will probably require "officials" to intervene.

Meanwhile the little unqualified princess, who thinks that all of NZ is daddy's yacht, has used her best Kiwi high-school bullying style to clear the way for her to play Queen of the Nincompoops until another immigrant sucker comes along. She is very inexperienced and young and better paid than those with more credentials, experience and diplomatic personalities. She will rule until the next boat load of qualified immigrants is installed and forced complete their period of indentured servitude imposed by NZ immigration. Cycle repeats ad infinitum.

I am finally off to Australia soon having lasted longer than most of my colleagues in NZ. I have witnessed the above scenario (in variation) in about 4 jobs now. It also happens in situations where those who hold the power are all Kiwi and pitted against each other: way more exciting because the victims (and their supporters) either suck it up or get blackballed as they cannot or will not leave NZ.

I go without citizenship as I always knew the only point of it was visa-free entrance to Australia. Not that I begrudge the many immigrants who have used NZ as I stepping stone. I am fortunate enough to be able to go on my own nickel.

This topic has been discussed on here before and has been beaten down by many Kiwi naysayers who choose not to believe a budget report or common sense. Is this clearer?[/quote]

There's a lot to be said for not going under the flag of convenience of a NZ passport (I wouldn't waste a cent on one) and it's probably more secure to migrate on merit alone.

Australia is said to be considering limiting its intake to employer nominated categories, i.e. people who are needed - in demand with a job to go to. (Unlike NZ who is happy to rake in millions of dollars in fees and levies whilst not giving a toss if there's jobs available)

There's talk that restricting immigration to the ENS schemes is going to have an impact on Kiwi migration, add to that the restrictions that Britain is also introducing and there's going to be a lot of Kiwis forced into learning to love Godzone and all the unqualified princes and princess of its 9 circles.

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New Zealand. People who live in plaster houses shouldn't throw stones.

aklgap I have to say, I really get the impression that you gave NZ the best possible shot that anyone could have asked for. Especially considering your education and skills which could likely secure you a job just about anywhere as it's always in demand everywhere. I was amazed as to why you stuck it out here for so long, considering that you had already done a stint of nursing in Australia and enjoyed it. But really, I take my hat off to you for staying committed and trying to make NZ work for you. You also remained realistic, balanced and kind on this website. I think inadvertently, you became some sort of yard stick for me/some of us and now that you've finally decided to leave this place too, I feel compelled to say: "well that's the clincher as whether one should leave or stay". You know, sort of saying "if aklgap finally gave up then there's really no hope".

All the very best to you and I hope you enjoy your new job and life in Australia. You deserve to be happy and appreciated. I believe NZ's losing yet another valuable, skilled and competent immigrant and in such an important line of work too. Shame on them.

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Stuck in the mud

Hey thanks, Pluto. I kind of freaked out when I realized that you have actually read my posts. I have given it a shot and I have just realized that I don't know the right people in NZ and I have learned over the years that I never will. I am not running back to the US and probably never will, but I am moving on to a place where my experience and education is recognized a bit more objectively. I am not grandiose and I am not "up myself." I am just filling a gap that exists that will allow me to improve my circumstances and hopefully that of another human being.

I thought I was doing the same here in NZ; however, I have been repeatedly told directly -- and indirectly -- that I don't know my place. Given the place awarded me is that of a pig who walks on two legs (or thereabouts) I am just not happy to live in a country where my grunts will never be heard.

Hi - aklgap - I second that "all the very best to you".

I have always enjoyed reading your posts and getting to know you over the years through EE. You have often showed your support for our family, and I just wanted to say how glad we are you are going to work and live in Australia. Let us know how it goes over in OZ either through EE or private messages as it would be good to keep in touch.

We are all doing well in the UK - we have been back for 2 years now and it has flown. Right decision though for all of us!

Take care and good luck

Trisha and Peter

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We are a family of 5 who arrived in Christchurch Jan 2006 and left in July 2008.

Rachel now working in Australia as a qualified nurse, Hannah is off to Uni in UK to study English Lit and Lang and Naomi waiting for GCSE results.