Family Moving to NZ with Many Questions

[twinmamakat]

Hello Beautiful Mamas! My family and I are moving to NZ in two weeks from today. I am very anxious about the magnitude of this move but also more excited than I've ever been in my life. We are moving with our twin toddlers and my biggest concern is making the transition as smooth as possible for them. I would love to hear any thoughts on this as well as advice on residency/work visas, great places for toddlers, family friendly communities and more. We are going to be staying on a solar-powered, organic village for a while located in Karuna Falls on the Coramandel Peninsula. Anyone know of it? Also, we are looking to buy a campervan but we need to rent a van for the first few days to find the right one. Does anyone know of alternatives to paying sky-high prices for rentals? I would much rather give that money to a family who needs it (in exchange for borrowing their van) than giving cash to a rental company. Maybe there is a local place that people know of? I'm very interested in meeting some other Mamas in the area, especially those with babes the same age as mine in that Sage and Zion are saying goodbye to all of their friends. Again, all thoughts and advice welcome as we begin this big adventure. Thanks and have a blessed and awakening day!
Kat
:slingtwin :cd: :drum: :fambed22 :xnocirc: :goorg:

[inlovemama]

Hi Kat,
Wow, that's a big move! Have you ever been to New Zealand? I lived there for a bit, and my daughter was born there (we live in California now). I traveled near the Coromandel Pen. but didn't make it quite there. There are actually many, many resources available to mums and dads in New Zealand - it's actually way more progressive in that area than we are here. There is an organization (part of the NZ government) called Plunket which is in virtually every town in NZ, and they are there to assist mums in prettty much any aspect. Also, there are the Karitane Family Centres (which are an extension o Plunket), where you can go for genereal support and info.

There are what they call coffee clubs (if I remember correctly) where mums of the same age children hook up tho share, have playdates etc., the coffe clubs are usaully formed when the parents are in the anti-natal group - but I'm sure you can find one to "crash".

People in NZ are very, very friendly and I'm sure that once you get there you'll find all the support you need and then some!

I don't know anything about renting campervans etc - I'm sure someone else on this forum can help with that...

Good luck to you! Just remember -it tkaes about six months to get used to a new place (especially with a big move like this). Anyone who I've ever talked to who has moved to a new country says the same thing. YOu can't judge whether or not you're okay with a place until after at least six months cuz it tkaes that long just to settle in and feel some semblence of normality.

BTW - where you're going is stunningly beautiful!!

Have fun!
Kristen