My Name is Lesley. I am an Occupational Therapist and came to NZ from Wales, UK in September.
The process to come to NZ took me 6 months from enquiry to getting here. The easiest part of the process was when I made the decision to come to NZ and I contacted Accent and Merryl advised on all stages of the process I felt I was very well supported.
The most challenging part of the process was professional registration was very frustrating.
My first impressions of NZ were how friendly everyone was, how vast the country is and how different the lifestyle is.
The best parts of NZ are the beautiful places, the wonderfully friendly people, how safe this country is, and the delicious flat whites. I could go on.
What I miss the most is my children and grand-daughter.
My advice if you are planning to come to NZ is be prepared. Do your research and don’t leave everything to the last minute. I asked advice from Merryl and she was able to give me all the information I needed. Get internet access if you can skype has been invaluable for keeping in touch with friends/family and managing that homesickness.
Anything else you would like to say? If you’ve done your research and NZ is the place you want to be, be prepared to go through that process of transition but I can say it will be worth it - and if you have the right support it will be much easier
