My Name is Hannah Higgins and I am a Registered Nurse. I came to New Zealand on the 17/10/2021 from the United Kingdom and the process to come to New Zealand took me eight months.
The easiest part of the process was getting the interview and the job, it all happened really quickly within a month which was great, and ACCENT really prepared me for it, so I felt confident going into the interview. The most challenging part of the process was gathering all the paperwork for the CGFNS and the Visa, it can be a lengthy progress and takes time.
My first impressions of NZ were how laid back it all is, it’s just so beautiful and life just feels at a much slower pace giving you time to really enjoy every bit. I think the best parts of NZ are the scenery and the adventure opportunities. I have campervanned, trekked, quad biked, and mountain biked throughout the North Island, and it’s been awesome. What I miss the most is hugging my family and their German Shepherds.
My advice if you are planning to come to NZ is to START EARLY! Don’t put the process off, just start it early as it takes a lot of time to process, and the waiting can be frustrating when all you want to do is start your adventure in New Zealand.
I’m planning to see as much as the country as possible! I’m looking forward to heading down to the South Island to see the dramatic scenery. I live in Tauranga, it is wonderful. It has gorgeous beaches, great treks nearby and it has BEAUTIFUL weather. If you’ve lived in the UK, Tauranga’s winter is like our summer!
I am so much more relaxed in New Zealand. I have time after work to come home, chill out and actually enjoy the outdoors.
I’d like to say a massive Thankyou to ACCENT for guiding me through. Shout out to Prudence who basically supported me the whole way through and was like my number one cheer leader to keep me going throughout the whole process. Without you guys I would not of had a clue where to start!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!
