If you've recently moved to Australia or New Zealand and would like your story featured on Tasman Jumper, please
fill out our form - Your story could help others in their move!
My experience: Stories from our friends and readers
Name: Russell G
Age: 52
Moved from: Hamilton, New Zealand
To: Bendigo VIC and then on to Sydney NSW 6 months later
Why did you choose to move to Australia?
Start of a working holiday around the world using IT as leverage.
What are the biggest differences you have noticed since arriving?
Language and diversirty of cultures. We're only 3-hours apart but there are some areas of
Sydney where you feel you're in another country completely. Still can't get used to being told
how to pronounce six, and fish and chips.
What was the biggest challenge you faced moving to Australia?
Nothing really stands out. We moved light, leaving all our stuff back home as we will return
one day to our home. I managed to organise a rental through an agency whilst still back in NZ.
Do you have any other recommendations or advice for people thinking about moving?
Bring rental references from New Zealand. This makes it easier to get into accommation here. Be
prepared to spend money setting up - count on it but don't stress over it. Jobs are not TOOOO
difficult to find but use agencies and be prepared for them to ignore you. Keep on at them.
Name: Anonymous Tasman Jumper Reader
Moved from: Newcastle, Australia
To: Wellington, New Zealand
Why did you choose to move to Australia?
For work.
What are the biggest differences you have noticed since arriving?
The people in NZ are a LOT different to Australians - being different is a way of life here and
makes you more interesting. Coffee in Wellington is the best in the world. Living in a capital city
that doesn't have a capital city feel!!!
What was the biggest challenge you faced moving to Australia?
Getting my furniture from Australia!!! It took me 6+ months and approx $10,000 :(
Do you have any other recommendations or advice for people thinking about moving?
Although the income earned here in Wellington is a wee bit lower then what it would be in Aust..
The lifestyle more then makes up for it!!! :)
Name: Toni B
Age: 24
Moved from: Wellington, New Zealand
To: Melbourne, Australia
Why did you choose to move to Australia?
We chose to move to Australia temporarily on our way to a working holiday in London.
We'd heard that the wages were higher here (than in NZ) so thought it would be
a good place for us to save up money for our London trip.
What are the biggest differences you have noticed since arriving?
The attitude towards work appears to be more relaxed. New Zealanders work hard and
long hours, over here it's shorter work days and often a slower pace.
There are a lot of little differences that you start to notice after you've been here
for a few months. Differences in language and food are the big ones - half the people over here
don't even know what a feijoa is!
What was the biggest challenge you faced moving to Australia?
Finding work was difficult at first. People weren't interested in hearing from us until we were
in the country and actually available for interviews. We also found it a challenge to get a rental
property so decided to get a place with a flatmate who already had references from renting in Australia.
Do you have any other recommendations for people looking to make the move?
Do your research! While moving is always going to be a challenge, it's a lot easier if you're aware of the challenges
you are going to face in advance. We spent a lot of time browsing the internet and reading forums and shopping around. It's
amazing how much money you can save on flights alone by just making sure that you do your research.
Name: Gemma G
Age: 25
Occupation: Landscape Architect
Moved from: Wellington, New Zealand
To: Brisbane, Australia
Why did you choose to move to Australia?
Work, the Landscape Architecture industry here is bigger with more opportunity to work on a wider range of jobs.
What are the biggest differences you have noticed since arriving?
The weather definitely! The climate and landscape are a lot different in Queensland.
What was the biggest challenge you faced moving to Australia?
Making new friends. I only new one person in Brisbane.
Do you have any other recommendations for people looking to make the move?
Make sure you have somewhere to stay....hostels get really expensive after a while so get into a flat/sharehouse quickly or you will be broke, and wear sunscreen. :)
Name: Chris R
Age: 34
Occupation: Senior Systems Engineer
Moved from: Wellington, New Zealand
To: Brisbane and then Melbourne, Australia
What are the biggest differences you have noticed since arriving?
AU Govt seems to really look after AU residents in comparison to NZ (sad but true), the value of the AU dollar is nice to have, Kiwis are still friendlier overall than Aussies although that's a pretty general statement as pretty much everyone I've met here is cool.
What was the biggest challenge you faced moving to Australia?
Nothing really - it was pretty easy. If I had to pick something I'd say finding a place to live quickly - ended up paying loads of rent because of the need to find a place fast.
Do you have any other recommendations for people looking to make the move?
The move is actually pretty easy if you do a bit of research I guess. Find work first, unless you have the means to support yourself for what can turn into MANY months. Be aware that your Kiwi savings, if they aren't much, can be depressing when you convert them to AU dollars (see previous statement about being able to support yourself). Look into how often you'd like to visit home (home being NZ) and work that into your budget, if you make one. Don't use any Telco to phone home - get a calling card ... AU$30 gets you about 1300 minutes of talk time back to NZ landlines (less for mobiles of course).
If you've recently moved to Australia or New Zealand and would like to be featured on Tasman Jumper, please
tell us your story!
Your story could help others in their move.
