Hi, my name is Debbie. I am an ODP (Operating Department Practitioner), although in NZ I am an Anaesthetic Technician.
I moved to New Zealand from the UK. The process to come to NZ took me 6 months from when I first contacted Accent Health Recruitment and went to the Opportunities Overseas Expo in Manchester (where I met Prudence) to getting my start date.
The easiest part of the process was... all of it really! Accent were so helpful every step of the way, including getting me an interview, interview preparation, applying for registration and APC, applying for Visa, looking for accommodation in NZ, etc. They always responded to my emails promptly and even called me before and after to my interview to wish me well and see how it went.
The most challenging part of the process was trying to pack all my clothes and shoes into a 30kg luggage allowance!
My first impressions of NZ were how green it is compared to the UK and how friendly everyone is.
The best parts of NZ are the beautiful beaches, loads of summer activities and a chilled out relaxing lifestyle. What I miss the most is my friends and family.
My advice if you are planning to come to NZ is: DO IT! You only live once so if you’ve got the chance then give it a go – what do you have to lose?
I decided to come and work in NZ after being qualified for 2 years in the UK, although I loved my job in the UK I felt I wanted to challenge myself and gain more experience. I also wanted to travel round the world as I had never been further than Europe before. I am undecided how long I will stay in NZ as all my family and friends are back in the UK and it is hard without them but I am bonded to my job for 18 months and I do love the kiwi lifestyle and travelling around NZ so will definitely be here at least 2 years. I may even go to Australia for a year or so after this. It’s an amazing experience and will open up many more doors for me!!
