Whether you have been living overseas for 6 months or 6 years the move back home can be overwhelming, to say the least. We want to make the transition process as easy as possible for you.
We hear many stories about ‘reverse culture shock’ when kiwis return home – it’s not as easy as we think it might/should be. When you have been living and working in a big city, the thought of returning to NZ can seem a bit inhibiting. Those returning home have a different outlook and they have been transformed by the experience of living overseas, and since they’ve been away, NZ has also changed a lot and our larger cities have become more vibrant. On top of this, those returning are coming back with very different personal circumstances, perhaps a partner, or a new or grown family that may have been born/raised offshore. This can be an emotional roller coaster and can take a good 6-12 months before you feel properly settled again; but many adjust to this new normal and regain their sense of belonging.
We’re seeing an influx in Kiwis who are looking to return home after some anxious months due to Covid – and let’s face it, many who probably wouldn’t have chosen to return home just yet if it weren’t due to a global pandemic.
Many of our clients want to be made aware of our returning talent pool and they certainly understand the advantages of what overseas experience can offer their growing businesses.
We are here to help and welcome you back home!
Here are a few FAQ’s on returning home to help get your planning underway
When is the best time to return home?
Anytime is great but perhaps don’t expect to start the job hunting process around the Christmas period as the market grinds to a halt - this includes the last two weeks of December and first two weeks of January. The highest volume of job activity happens post-Christmas when vacancies that have been held back due to the inability to attract talent over Christmas all hit the market at once in late January or early February.
Should I buy new or ship my stuff?
This is a personal choice and depends on your circumstances and what you’re coming home with. The Government’s Biosecurity website has good information about customs requirements for household goods being sent and there are moving companies that can provide quotes, such as New Zealand Movers and Conroy. If you prefer to buy once here, Facebook Marketplace has lots of treasures, as well as the good old Kiwi site Trade Me.
Accommodation - Short/Long term
Check out Trade Me Property and bookmark the Real Estate website, which lists all properties for sale and for rent through agents. If you’re after a stop-gap, AirBnB is your best bet.
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