Korean Job Discussion Forums

[europe2seoul]

I am thinking to immigrate to New Zealand to live & work in software field. I saw by internet research that Christchurch is where IT/Software companies are and there is some Cantenbury software association and the like.

Can someone let me know:

1. Software engineers and the whole field is OK in NZ or not?
2. What cities are good to look at for work?
3. Average salary in IT and can one live on it?
4. Nightlife/dating scene for a person in mid 20s - since NZ has 4 milion people, I gotta ask this not to go to some dead town.

Thanks.

[snowy32]

I'm not to sure about the IT industry in NZ but I'm suprised to hear that Christchurch is where it's at. I don't really like Christchurch but my reason for this is because it's flat and it's like a bunch of little mini cities within one city. There is a city square but the focus tends to be on seperate areas. I would suggest Wellington as a good place to live. It's the best city in NZ and there's lots to do there every week. I guess it's kind of the 'cultural hub' city. Auckland is kind of spread out like Chirstchurch and the traffic is hell.
BTW- I was born in Wellington so I might be a little biased.

[falco]

Ignore the above poster. Christchurch is a BEAUTIFUL city. Probably the most beautiful in NZ. Population is about 400 000 so its not too big and not too small.

- falco.

[amanda114]

Hi
I am from NZ and don't have much knowledge on the IT industry. What I do know is that there is a lot of demand for people with experience and there is some great money to be made. I think experience is the key to being attractive to any employer if you are coming from overseas.
I was born in Christchurch. I personally like the city although I have to agree with the person who posted before me. Wellington is a city with it all. Culture, nightlight and it isn't 'as' expensive as Auckland. As for the dating, as long as stick to the cities you should be right. It all depends on what you are used to back home. I recommend you go for a visit to NZ travel round the whole country and see what you like.

[Nemo]

1. Software engineers and the whole field is OK in NZ or not?

On the whole, the field is pretty good, as NZ is in short supply of people with good technical and IT skills.

2. What cities are good to look at for work?

I'm surprised too to hear that Christchurch is where it's at. Although Christchurch is a nice city, Wellington (capital) and Auckland (international business) are far better.

3. Average salary in IT and can one live on it?

Not sure of the average IT salary statistically. But I've known a few friends who live decently, even by NZ standards, on their IT salaries. The problem is, the NZ dollar is not as strong as the Won or the US Dollar, so although it will be OK to live on in NZ, it doesn't stack up to compensation packages elsewhere int he developed world.

4. Nightlife/dating scene for a person in mid 20s - since NZ has 4 milion people, I gotta ask this not to go to some dead town.

Not a dead town at all. Both Auckland and Wellington have good nightspots and meat markets.

Hope this helps.

[europe2seoul]

Thanks all. Will look into that. Simply gotta move where I can do other things except for things being language related and everyone knows the language I speak. Wasting time here.

[gang ah jee]

[fidel]

I agree totally with the above poster and let me add a few other things.

We DON'T like foreigners coming here especially those who might try to steal one of our rather large woman

House prices rise by 10% a day so you'll never be able to afford one

The place is stuffed with underpaid, unemployed IT workers and your English speaking job experience will not help you in any way shape or form. In fact employers will hold it against you, I know I would.

You'll have to pay an English language levy of $350- even if you speakee da Englais

In case I didn't mention it already we DON't like foreigners and have a particular hatred towards North Americans

Don't come!

[Rapacious Mr. Batstove]

Forgive me gang ah jee if my typing is a little muddled, its from the head injuries I have sustained from playing 20 years of competitive rugby in New Zealand. I also get blurred vision but thats mainly from being beaten by every pants wearing kiwi girlfriend I've ever had.

To the OP

1) There are small pockets of software engineers working at various cities throughout NZ. It is a developing job market currently being boosted by corporations such as Jade which is based in Christchurch. We lose most of our graduates to Canada and Australia

2) Auckland being the largest city by far would be the best place to start looking for work.

3) Can't comment on the average IT salary but I have a friend who just started a baseline position designing CAD software and sits on $34000. Definitely enough to live on but thats living fairly basically, and rent in Auckland is a killer. Qualified teachers start around $41000. There are 3 tax brackets 19c/24c/33c depending on how much you earn. The scale is something like <45000 tax = 19% 45-55000 = 24c, 55000+ = 33%

4) Nightlife. Auckland has a great nightlife scene - anything you are into you can find. Can be a little rough on the streets but so can anywhere right?

Hamilton - Avoid like the plague, seriously don't go to Hamiltron city of the future, at least not at night anyway.

Wellington - Pretty relaxed place to go out at night. You can find most night scenes you want but keep to the mainstream areas, you don't want to find yourself wandering around the Hutt Valley at night. Your shoes WILL be stolen

Christchurch - Christchurch is a big city of small town people. The night life swings towards the sports bar side but there are still a few good alternative clubs where you won't find a meat head like me, smacking over some gimp like jang ah gee because he called me on my kiwi girl friend's hairy chest.

Dunedin - Student central. Binge drinking applies, you can find any flavour of club or bar you're after but chances area most people will be under 25 and smashed. Lots of fun, and cranks most nights of the weeks.

By the way: I rate New Zealand girls. Sure, we're probably not the best looking nation in the world, but at least the chicks will buy you a drink, look you in the eye and don't see you as a retirement fund when they turn 30. Mana wahine!

[xingyiman]

[europe2seoul]

[xingyiman]

[europe2seoul]

[xingyiman]

[europe2seoul]