New Zealand has a small and struggling economy. The days when it was a land of milk and honey and it had a guaranteed export market to Britain, for lamb and dairy products, are long gone.
The rise in oil prices in the 1970s and the 1984 Labour Government reforms, culminated in interest rates running at 20%. As a consequence the country went into recession, and many small businesses went bankrupt.
Quite a few New Zealanders took advantage of their automatic right of entry into Australia and left to make better lives for themselves. This resulted in a skill shortage in some trades. The subsequent recession in Australia has seen many Kiwis returning home, and Australians taking advantage of the reciprocal agreement and coming to live in New Zealand.
It would be prudent to check with the immigration department what the level of unemployment is, but at the time of writing it is running at 9%. So just as it would be naive to give up a good job in England and expect to walk straight into a similar, or better position the next day, the same applies here.
It is vitally important therefore, to find out what skills are in demand. At the time of writing, for example, well qualified electricians and electronic engineers are in short supply. Whilst nurses are facing cutbacks. A good person to contact would be the trade union official for your particular trade. Ask them to approach the appropriate union here, who should hopefully know what the work situation is like and in view of New Zealand’s love of new technology, check to see if your skills need updating.
It is unlikely you will be able to secure a position from such a distance but at least if you are told that there is a shortage of workers in your particular field, you will know finding employment is feasible and of course, self employment might well be a career option.
Just because the Immigration Department awards you points for having a particular skill or qualification, do not assume that skill is in demand. It is an obvious mistake that many migrants are making.
Extremely well qualified people are arriving in New Zealand, having gained entry to the country on the basis of their qualifications and skills, but there are no employment opportunities here for them. Either they find that there are no jobs that match their skills, or they find that their qualifications are not recognised in New Zealand.
Should your skills be required, check and double check which qualifications are needed to perform which tasks. Make sure you get confirmation that your qualifications are acceptable, as there are certain restrictions. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority should be able to guide you. Do not assume all certificates and qualifications will be automatically accepted, often they need converting. Sort all this out before you leave England, as it is expensive to just sit and wait for the wheels of bureaucracy to move ever so slowly
Depending on what qualifications and skills you have, will determine to some extent where you decide to live.
Wellington, being the capital, has a lot of government buildings and is the home of the diplomats. Auckland has its fair of share commerce. It used to be the capital of New Zealand and many Head Offices are situated there. Canterbury is largely a farming community, with Christchurch serving its commercial and retail needs.