New Zealand - Land of milk and honey? Holwellcourtfarm's tour 2017

[texas pete]

A similar trend gripped other sectors as well, ie the sense of "being progressive", often at the expense of profitability/resilience.
You see both types down this end, there are those who reinvest their returns on their farm, others who invest in production.

I do think the feeling of "getting nowhere" is increasingly widespread, I have a good mate who is about ready to walk away from a farm that's been in the family for 5 generations - this is a common theme across most nations IYSWIM?

It is really a function of mindset, of system, rather than a product of location IMO

Do you not think that location will have an effect on mindset though?

Location encompasses many things besides just "where you are".

 

[Farmer Roy]

Do you not think that location will have an effect on mindset though?

Location encompasses many things besides just "where you are".

The people around you, the people you mix with & associate with, can make a big difference

 

[Farmer Roy]

 

[Pond digger]

View attachment 830647

That orse looks mental.

 

[Kiwi Pete]

Do you not think that location will have an effect on mindset though?

Location encompasses many things besides just "where you are".

Oh, definitely.

If I want to listen to some farmers whinge about weather and prices, then I can go to the pub - or I can read farmer's whinging on TFF in the comfort of my own chair

Same old story: everything they sell needs to be worth more, everything they buy to do it with is overpriced.

And either way, I'm usually the dumbass who gets in trouble for saying "you need to take a good hard look at yourself, there, chap"
-- when I really should say "yes, dear" or "oh, I know" or take my turn in the "oh, aint it awful" game.

But, if I wasn't at home tonight then I couldn't tag @holwellcourtfarm with this little gem

Large Strath Taieri Sheep and Beef Unit

Total Property 6,403.86ha Huntleigh Station is a large sheep and beef operation situated in the Strath Taieri ...

www.pggwre.co.nz

be a good hobby farm for a heli pilot, fill ya boots

 

[holwellcourtfarm]

Oh, definitely.

If I want to listen to some farmers whinge about weather and prices, then I can go to the pub - or I can read farmer's whinging on TFF in the comfort of my own chair

Same old story: everything they sell needs to be worth more, everything they buy to do it with is overpriced.

And either way, I'm usually the dumbass who gets in trouble for saying "you need to take a good hard look at yourself, there, chap"
-- when I really should say "yes, dear" or "oh, I know" or take my turn in the "oh, aint it awful" game.

But, if I wasn't at home tonight then I couldn't tag @holwellcourtfarm with this little gem

Large Strath Taieri Sheep and Beef Unit

Total Property 6,403.86ha Huntleigh Station is a large sheep and beef operation situated in the Strath Taieri ...

www.pggwre.co.nz

be a good hobby farm for a heli pilot, fill ya boots

Looks a bit claustrophobic ?

I haven't yet worked out the exchange rate for "Negotiation" either ??

 

[holwellcourtfarm]

OK so things have moved on for us. We have been in touch with a licenced immigration agent in New Zealand who has explained our options regarding visas:

So, despite us being keen, of good character, healthy and having several £M to take with us the fact that we do not have 3 years current experience of running a farm turning over >NZ$1M annually or employing 5 or more people means we can't enter for self-employment. Oh, and it doesn't look like they would recognise my Harper Adams Agriculture HND either. I can apply to find out at a cost of NZ$750.

We could go on a job offer (If I could get one at 53) and work for 3 years then apply for residence but would be quite likely to be refused and sent back again, a risk we aren't willing to take.

Therefore we will NOT be moving to New Zealand ?

Oh, and their work visa system is changing next year:

New work visa rules: 30,000 bosses benefit in big shakeup

After almost 1000 submissions, the Govt has unveiled the changes to the system

www.nzherald.co.nz

The changes mean there will only be one type of employer-assisted temporary work visa, the Temporary Work Visa, which foreign workers can apply for.
It replaces the six work visa categories currently in place, including the Long Term Skills Shortage visa, and the Talent Work to Residence visa.

 

[Lazy Sod]

Sorry to heear this @holwellcourtfarm. I know that emigration to NZ has been your ambition for a long time. You'll just have to renew your PPLH here.

 

[bitwrx]

OK so things have moved on for us. We have been in touch with a licenced immigration agent in New Zealand who has explained our options regarding visas:

View attachment 833372
View attachment 833373
View attachment 833374
View attachment 833375
View attachment 833376

So, despite us being keen, of good character, healthy and having several £M to take with us the fact that we do not have 3 years current experience of running a farm turning over >NZ$1M annually or employing 5 or more people means we can't enter for self-employment. Oh, and it doesn't look like they would recognise my Harper Adams Agriculture HND either. I can apply to find out at a cost of NZ$750.

We could go on a job offer (If I could get one at 53) and work for 3 years then apply for residence but would be quite likely to be refused and sent back again, a risk we aren't willing to take.

Therefore we will NOT be moving to New Zealand ?

Oh, and their work visa system is changing next year:

New work visa rules: 30,000 bosses benefit in big shakeup

After almost 1000 submissions, the Govt has unveiled the changes to the system

www.nzherald.co.nz

The changes mean there will only be one type of employer-assisted temporary work visa, the Temporary Work Visa, which foreign workers can apply for.
It replaces the six work visa categories currently in place, including the Long Term Skills Shortage visa, and the Talent Work to Residence visa.

Aw, sh!t mate. That genuinely is a bugger. Is a job offer really a no-go? Not even from a friendly local? (@Kiwi Pete ) Then you can go over and buy a, ahem, lifestyle block (of, presumably, a few hundred acres or more).

You wouldn't even have to wait until the UK place came free to sell. Just go ASAP, and sell up here when the time comes.

 

[Bury the Trash]

sorry to here that @holwellcourtfarm , must be a bit of a shock...
...as above... would the job way not be worth the risk..?. You would be very employable for sure...

 

[glasshouse]

OK so things have moved on for us. We have been in touch with a licenced immigration agent in New Zealand who has explained our options regarding visas:

View attachment 833372
View attachment 833373
View attachment 833374
View attachment 833375
View attachment 833376

So, despite us being keen, of good character, healthy and having several £M to take with us the fact that we do not have 3 years current experience of running a farm turning over >NZ$1M annually or employing 5 or more people means we can't enter for self-employment. Oh, and it doesn't look like they would recognise my Harper Adams Agriculture HND either. I can apply to find out at a cost of NZ$750.

We could go on a job offer (If I could get one at 53) and work for 3 years then apply for residence but would be quite likely to be refused and sent back again, a risk we aren't willing to take.

Therefore we will NOT be moving to New Zealand ?

Oh, and their work visa system is changing next year:

New work visa rules: 30,000 bosses benefit in big shakeup

After almost 1000 submissions, the Govt has unveiled the changes to the system

www.nzherald.co.nz

The changes mean there will only be one type of employer-assisted temporary work visa, the Temporary Work Visa, which foreign workers can apply for.
It replaces the six work visa categories currently in place, including the Long Term Skills Shortage visa, and the Talent Work to Residence visa.

It was too good to last

 

[kiwi pom]

Aw, sh!t mate. That genuinely is a bugger. Is a job offer really a no-go? Not even from a friendly local? (@Kiwi Pete ) Then you can go over and buy a, ahem, lifestyle block (of, presumably, a few hundred acres or more).

You wouldn't even have to wait until the UK place came free to sell. Just go ASAP, and sell up here when the time comes.

The job offer option is complicated, you have to have the required qualifications (recognised by NZ) then have that job be on the long term skill shortage list, have a full time job offer (rarer than you might imagine) which also comes with a minimum salary. All of which is checked quite carefully.
Its been the downfall of many a potential import. Temporary visas are a bit easier, its staying that's tricky.



I'm still not sure how I got in.

 

[holwellcourtfarm]

The job offer option is complicated, you have to have the required qualifications (recognised by NZ) then have that job be on the long term skill shortage list, have a full time job offer (rarer than you might imagine) which also comes with a minimum salary. All of which is checked quite carefully.
Its been the downfall of many a potential import. Temporary visas are a bit easier, its staying that's tricky.



I'm still not sure how I got in.

Absolutely. I always intended this thread to be as much about a rounded picture for others considering Network Zealand as telling our own story hence posting these details. Getting a compliant job offer at my age is like searching for a unicorn. Then, after all that effort, there is no guarantee at the end.

We WILL be visiting though......

 

[Canada Farmer]

OK so things have moved on for us. We have been in touch with a licenced immigration agent in New Zealand who has explained our options regarding visas:

View attachment 833372
View attachment 833373
View attachment 833374
View attachment 833375
View attachment 833376

So, despite us being keen, of good character, healthy and having several £M to take with us the fact that we do not have 3 years current experience of running a farm turning over >NZ$1M annually or employing 5 or more people means we can't enter for self-employment. Oh, and it doesn't look like they would recognise my Harper Adams Agriculture HND either. I can apply to find out at a cost of NZ$750.

We could go on a job offer (If I could get one at 53) and work for 3 years then apply for residence but would be quite likely to be refused and sent back again, a risk we aren't willing to take.

Therefore we will NOT be moving to New Zealand ?

Oh, and their work visa system is changing next year:

New work visa rules: 30,000 bosses benefit in big shakeup

After almost 1000 submissions, the Govt has unveiled the changes to the system

www.nzherald.co.nz

The changes mean there will only be one type of employer-assisted temporary work visa, the Temporary Work Visa, which foreign workers can apply for.
It replaces the six work visa categories currently in place, including the Long Term Skills Shortage visa, and the Talent Work to Residence visa.

No chance of "refugee entry" after Brexit? Or claim "political asylum" on entry on your next visit?
Or could their beloved PM show a bit more empathy?

 

[FonterraFarmer]

OK so things have moved on for us. We have been in touch with a licenced immigration agent in New Zealand who has explained our options regarding visas:

View attachment 833372
View attachment 833373
View attachment 833374
View attachment 833375
View attachment 833376

So, despite us being keen, of good character, healthy and having several £M to take with us the fact that we do not have 3 years current experience of running a farm turning over >NZ$1M annually or employing 5 or more people means we can't enter for self-employment. Oh, and it doesn't look like they would recognise my Harper Adams Agriculture HND either. I can apply to find out at a cost of NZ$750.

We could go on a job offer (If I could get one at 53) and work for 3 years then apply for residence but would be quite likely to be refused and sent back again, a risk we aren't willing to take.

Therefore we will NOT be moving to New Zealand ?

Oh, and their work visa system is changing next year:

New work visa rules: 30,000 bosses benefit in big shakeup

After almost 1000 submissions, the Govt has unveiled the changes to the system

www.nzherald.co.nz

The changes mean there will only be one type of employer-assisted temporary work visa, the Temporary Work Visa, which foreign workers can apply for.
It replaces the six work visa categories currently in place, including the Long Term Skills Shortage visa, and the Talent Work to Residence visa.

Bugger Just let me know before ye come so I can stock up on the pinot, mate.

 

[Irish NZ]

That's pretty sh1t mate.

Looking at the immigration NZ literature brought back plenty memories... none particularly good.

When we went through the whole process we had most things in our favor (young, healthy, experienced in dairy, had a job offer, fluent in English, full a position on the skilled shortage list and willingness to assimilate) but it still felt like a huge uphill struggle and cost a small fortune. I'm not convinced they have the best interest of nz at heart sometimes... or maybe it's just the policy makers.

 

[stewart]

It isn't an easy process, if it was everyone would be coming here.

 

[holwellcourtfarm]

It isn't an easy process, if it was everyone would be coming here.

It has been VERY interesting to compare to the "system" here...

 

[Kiwi Pete]

It isn't an easy process, if it was everyone would be coming here.

They certainly have some interesting selection criteria - either you're willing to do work that Kiwis won't do, or are bringing in enough moolah that you can afford to buy what Kiwis can't?
It's all very "interesting", not really convinced that immigration have the best interests of NZ central to their policy after reading that; it just appears an extension of "too little, too late" in some instances.
I guess I don't need to tell you this, if you're employing migrants then it's tough luck!

 

[FonterraFarmer]

That's pretty sh1t mate.

Looking at the immigration NZ literature brought back plenty memories... none particularly good.

When we went through the whole process we had most things in our favor (young, healthy, experienced in dairy, had a job offer, fluent in English, full a position on the skilled shortage list and willingness to assimilate) but it still felt like a huge uphill struggle and cost a small fortune. I'm not convinced they have the best interest of nz at heart sometimes... or maybe it's just the policy makers.

Integrate is a better word than "assimilate". Nothing wrong in becoming a "Kiwi" but no need to loose your cultural identity.