Moving to NZ - info on Hastings/Napier (?)

86 replies · 10,367 views

over 12 years ago

TV wrote:

Where in Toronto are you from? I lived in Etobicoke for a bit

Yonge and Eglinton ie. mid-town. How'd you like living over here? Did you ever go to a TFC game while here?

Loved it. TFC didnt exist then. I went to a lot of Leafs games. Go Leafs!

Ah, the Leafs. They still suck. By some miracle they made it to the playoffs last season, but got eliminated. Haven't won the Stanley Cup since 1967! Were the Leafs still at Maple Leaf Gardens, or had they moved to the Air Canada Centre when you were here?

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over 12 years ago

Sanday wrote:

TFC_Fan wrote:

The warm temps of Napier sound pretty promising. But, ya, New Plymouth being closer to Wellington/Auckland is a draw.

In terms of culture shock, I'm sure there'd be some. However, I've lived in a small town in Northern Ontario for many months doing my photography, and Michael's lived in small towns too, so we'd adapt fairly quickly. We much prefer life outside of Toronto. We will miss our Toronto FC a lot though!

I currently find myself in Sudbury.Good luck for your application.It took me 18 months to get my PR for Canada.

I go through Sudbury on my way to my mother's place in Elliot Lake, which is about another 2.5 hours NW of Sudbury. How are you liking it up there? You should get to French River/Parry Sound area if you haven't already. Quite scenic!

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over 12 years ago

TFC_Fan wrote:

Sanday wrote:

TFC_Fan wrote:

The warm temps of Napier sound pretty promising. But, ya, New Plymouth being closer to Wellington/Auckland is a draw.

I currently find myself in Sudbury.Good luck for your application.It took me 18 months to get my PR for Canada.

Been here four years.That is enough for me.Would like to move to another area of Canada.
Checked out all the places you mention, even Elliot Lake.

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over 12 years ago

sthn.jeff wrote:

Napier has C-Diddy.

Sold!

"Ive just re-visited this and once again realised that C-Diddy is a genius - a drunk, Newcastle bred disgrace - but a genius." - Hard News, 11:39am 4th June 2009

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over 12 years ago · edited over 12 years ago · History

In all seriousness Napier isnt that bad a place. Have lived here just under 3 years now after 14 years living in larger cities (Sydney, London, Wellington and Melbourne).

Climate is quite extraordinary. Not too many winters days under 10 degrees celcius here this year. Plenty of outdoor activities (and photographic opportunities a plenty!!!). Yes being 4hrs drive from Wellington or 6.5hrs drive from Auckland is a bit of a pain but you get used to it and if you really need to you can fly to each in under an hour.

There's great vineyards, restaurants, golf courses, beaches (with black sand!), cycling paths, fishing (both freshwater and saltwater) etc all on our doorstep, under 2hrs drive to Lake Taupo for the watersports enthusiasts (behave yourselves!) or 3hrs to Mt Tongariro National Park for the snow bunnies!

Plenty of reasons to move to Napier!!!

"Ive just re-visited this and once again realised that C-Diddy is a genius - a drunk, Newcastle bred disgrace - but a genius." - Hard News, 11:39am 4th June 2009

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over 12 years ago

The last post was brought to you by Napier City Council.

"We're only a little bit shit, and we're definitely not Wairoa"

"Phoenix till they lose"

Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.

Genuine opinion: FTFFA

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over 12 years ago · edited over 12 years ago · History

Mayor of Napier Barbara Arnott wrote:

In all seriousness Napier isnt that bad a place. Have lived here just under 3 years now after 14 years living in larger cities (Sydney, London, Wellington and Melbourne).

Plenty of reasons to move to Napier!!!

"Ive just re-visited this and once again realised that C-Diddy is a genius - a drunk, Newcastle bred disgrace - but a genius." - Hard News, 11:39am 4th June 2009

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over 12 years ago

Wasn't your mayor A Dick?

"Phoenix till they lose"

Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.

Genuine opinion: FTFFA

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over 12 years ago

I'm coming home too. Whanganui or Levin?

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over 12 years ago · edited over 12 years ago · History

HDCspokesperson wrote:

In all seriousness Levin isn't that bad a place.

Climate is quite extraordinary. Not too many winters days under 10 degrees celsius here this year. Plenty of outdoor activities (and photographic opportunities a plenty!!!). Yes being 1.5 hrs drive from Wellington or 30 mins drive from Palmy is a bit of a pain but you get used to it and if you really need to you can drive like Lundy.

There's great bottle stores, restaurants, golf courses, beaches (with sand!), cycling paths, fishing (both freshwater and saltwater) etc all on our doorstep, under 2hrs drive to Lake Taupo for the watersports enthusiasts (behave yourselves!) or 3hrs to Mt Tongariro National Park for the snow bunnies!

Plenty of reasons to move to Levin!!!

"We're actually pretty shit, but at least we're not Feilding."

"Phoenix till they lose"

Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.

Genuine opinion: FTFFA

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over 12 years ago

Junior82 wrote:

The last post was brought to you by Napier City Council.

"We're only a little bit shit, and we're definitely not Wairoa"

I lolled

Grumpy old bastard alert

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over 12 years ago

Banzai!...AIEEE!!! wrote:

I'm coming home too. Whanganui or Levin?

Bulls or Foxton?

"Ive just re-visited this and once again realised that C-Diddy is a genius - a drunk, Newcastle bred disgrace - but a genius." - Hard News, 11:39am 4th June 2009

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over 12 years ago

C-Diddy wrote:

Banzai!...AIEEE!!! wrote:

I'm coming home too. Whanganui or Levin?

Bulls or Foxton?

Comes down to Kebab or Fizz

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over 12 years ago

When Prince Charles last visited NZ he had a royal stop in Foxton (probably to see the windmill). He arrives wearing a fox hat, but everyone is too polite to say anything about it to His Royal Welshness. Finally a young child in the crowd ask him "Excuse me your Royal Duke of Cornwellness, why are you wearing that funny hat?"

Prince Charles replied "Well, when I was talking to mother this morning she asked me what I was doing today, I said that I was going to visit Foxton and she said 'Wear the fox hat'"

Thank you, you've been great. I'm here all week.

"Phoenix till they lose"

Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.

Genuine opinion: FTFFA

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over 12 years ago

Banzai!...AIEEE!!! wrote:

I'm coming home too. Whanganui or Levin?

"Phoenix till they lose"

Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.

Genuine opinion: FTFFA

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over 12 years ago

Junior82 wrote:

Prince Charles replied "Well, when I was talking to mother this morning she asked me what I was doing today, I said that I was going to visit Foxton and she said 'Wear the fox hat'"

Thank you, you've been great. I'm here all week.

That is some freaky deaky shit! I had this gag in my head at work today and I lolled to myself much to the discomfort/bemusement of my colleagues. They asked me to explain what I was thinking but I said it's best if I dont!!!

"Ive just re-visited this and once again realised that C-Diddy is a genius - a drunk, Newcastle bred disgrace - but a genius." - Hard News, 11:39am 4th June 2009

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over 12 years ago

"Phoenix till they lose"

Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.

Genuine opinion: FTFFA

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over 12 years ago

Man, I'm gonna miss my hottie, and most of all, feminine K-Girls...looking at one right now...OK, many are not without some serious - and often - very destructive - personality flaws. But seriously: so so hot. Anyways, who gives a shit?........How's it these days in NZ, woman-wise? Suppose they're up to the usual "I don't give a dam coz I'm completely beautiful in a rustic sense and I will never be tamed" approach...sorry, not having a go...just kind of thinking aloud.

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over 12 years ago

Sanday wrote:

TFC_Fan wrote:

Sanday wrote:

TFC_Fan wrote:

The warm temps of Napier sound pretty promising. But, ya, New Plymouth being closer to Wellington/Auckland is a draw.

I currently find myself in Sudbury.Good luck for your application.It took me 18 months to get my PR for Canada.

Been here four years.That is enough for me.Would like to move to another area of Canada.
Checked out all the places you mention, even Elliot Lake.

What brought you to Sudbury? I've spent many months in Elliot Lake over the years. Totally different from Toronto. Have you come down to Toronto at all? Maybe you were able to catch a TFC game with Brockie??

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over 12 years ago

C-Diddy wrote:

In all seriousness Napier isnt that bad a place. Have lived here just under 3 years now after 14 years living in larger cities (Sydney, London, Wellington and Melbourne).

Plenty of reasons to move to Napier!!!

That's a ringing endorsement! Do you manage to get to a lot of Phoenix games?

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over 12 years ago

TFC_Fan wrote:

C-Diddy wrote:

In all seriousness Napier isnt that bad a place. Have lived here just under 3 years now after 14 years living in larger cities (Sydney, London, Wellington and Melbourne).

Plenty of reasons to move to Napier!!!

That's a ringing endorsement! Do you manage to get to a lot of Phoenix games?

Generally travel down for 4 or 5 matches a season.

The Hawkes Bay Fever Bus (my car) can accommodate extra passengers!

"Ive just re-visited this and once again realised that C-Diddy is a genius - a drunk, Newcastle bred disgrace - but a genius." - Hard News, 11:39am 4th June 2009

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over 12 years ago

C-Diddy wrote:

TFC_Fan wrote:

C-Diddy wrote:

In all seriousness Napier isnt that bad a place. Have lived here just under 3 years now after 14 years living in larger cities (Sydney, London, Wellington and Melbourne).

Plenty of reasons to move to Napier!!!

That's a ringing endorsement! Do you manage to get to a lot of Phoenix games?

Generally travel down for 4 or 5 matches a season.

The Hawkes Bay Fever Bus (my car) can accommodate extra passengers!

Nice!! Hoping to catch some Phoenix games from here before we come over, so that we're clued in to the team at least somewhat.

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over 12 years ago

TFC_Fan wrote:

C-Diddy wrote:

TFC_Fan wrote:

C-Diddy wrote:

In all seriousness Napier isnt that bad a place. Have lived here just under 3 years now after 14 years living in larger cities (Sydney, London, Wellington and Melbourne).

Plenty of reasons to move to Napier!!!

That's a ringing endorsement! Do you manage to get to a lot of Phoenix games?

Generally travel down for 4 or 5 matches a season.

The Hawkes Bay Fever Bus (my car) can accommodate extra passengers!

Nice!! Hoping to catch some Phoenix games from here before we come over, so that we're clued in to the team at least somewhat.

Phoenix play in Napier on Sunday 27th October. Hopefully you're here by then!

"Ive just re-visited this and once again realised that C-Diddy is a genius - a drunk, Newcastle bred disgrace - but a genius." - Hard News, 11:39am 4th June 2009

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over 12 years ago · edited over 12 years ago · History

C-Diddy wrote:

TFC_Fan wrote:

C-Diddy wrote:

TFC_Fan wrote:

C-Diddy wrote:

In all seriousness Napier isnt that bad a place. Have lived here just under 3 years now after 14 years living in larger cities (Sydney, London, Wellington and Melbourne).

Plenty of reasons to move to Napier!!!

That's a ringing endorsement! Do you manage to get to a lot of Phoenix games?

Generally travel down for 4 or 5 matches a season.

The Hawkes Bay Fever Bus (my car) can accommodate extra passengers!

Nice!! Hoping to catch some Phoenix games from here before we come over, so that we're clued in to the team at least somewhat.

Phoenix play in Napier on Sunday 27th October. Hopefully you're here by then!

It's October 2014 that we're planning to come over! Michael's still working here til next spring (job ends April 30th, 2014). Also, have to find out whether or not they waive the medical requirement for me etc. It "should" all work out. Wish it was this October we were coming. Winter in Toronto is the hell.

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over 12 years ago · edited over 12 years ago · History

If your criteria is health care then its not necessary to be near a big centre, as in Canada, NZ has public provided health care, because the country is so small hospitals tend to specialise. If you have heart problems and live in Napier / Hastings then I would expect that you would end up in Waikato hospital in Hamilton for anything that requires much more than basic care. There are regional Hospitals in Northland and the Coromandel Peninsula as well so you don't need to be limited to smaller cities or larger towns. There is also a network to facilitate emergency transfers including ambulance, helicopters and air plane based transfers depending on how far you are going. You have to remember that the scale is so much smaller here that your never really far away from anything.

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over 12 years ago

Ryan wrote:

Hmmm, that's a good point about the distances. We've still got some time to research various places. The Napier climate certainly sounds appealing. We're just hoping that we get approval for my residency at this point. We've been doing preliminary research online about the various cities.

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over 12 years ago

TFC_Fan wrote:

Sanday wrote:

TFC_Fan wrote:

Sanday wrote:

TFC_Fan wrote:

The warm temps of Napier sound pretty promising. But, ya, New Plymouth being closer to Wellington/Auckland is a draw.

I currently find myself in Sudbury.Good luck for your application.It took me 18 months to get my PR for Canada.

Been here four years.That is enough for me.Would like to move to another area of Canada.
Checked out all the places you mention, even Elliot Lake.

My partner got an opportunity to work here.So i tagged along.
Was down that way in late june.Probably make one more trip down before winter.We don't usually head down that way during winter.
Never did get down to Toronto to see Brockie play.
Saw Canada v Cuba last october.

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over 12 years ago

Sanday wrote:

TFC_Fan wrote:

Sanday wrote:

TFC_Fan wrote:

Sanday wrote:

TFC_Fan wrote:

The warm temps of Napier sound pretty promising. But, ya, New Plymouth being closer to Wellington/Auckland is a draw.

I currently find myself in Sudbury.Good luck for your application.It took me 18 months to get my PR for Canada.

Been here four years.That is enough for me.Would like to move to another area of Canada.
Checked out all the places you mention, even Elliot Lake.

Hopefully you guys can re-locate. Sudbury's not exactly the most riveting city to be at in Canada. If you haven't gone, check out Niagara Falls at some point. Worth seeing, for sure - go in spring or fall, it's insanely busy there in the summer.

How did you find BMO Field in comparison to where the Phoenix play? Too bad you didn't get to see Brockie play for us. He added loads of energy to the team.

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over 12 years ago

TFC_Fan wrote:

Sanday wrote:

TFC_Fan wrote:

Sanday wrote:

TFC_Fan wrote:

Sanday wrote:

TFC_Fan wrote:

The warm temps of Napier sound pretty promising. But, ya, New Plymouth being closer to Wellington/Auckland is a draw.

I currently find myself in Sudbury.Good luck for your application.It took me 18 months to get my PR for Canada.

Been here four years.That is enough for me.Would like to move to another area of Canada.
Checked out all the places you mention, even Elliot Lake.

Yes, Sudbury slightly boring.Made a few trips to the falls in all seasons.Liked winter myself.Great area for wine as well!But you know that.
Never seen the Phoenix play in Wellington.I orginally come from Auckland.I used to support the Kingz and the Knights so when the Phoenix rose from the ashes of the Knights failure i naturally followed them.
I liked BMO field.Good shape for football.Very cold though in october.The ring of fire is not a great shape for football.

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over 12 years ago · edited over 12 years ago · History

TFC_Fan wrote:

HH wrote:

If you're really that mobile, go the whole hog and get to Collingwood, a 90min drive NW of Nelson.

We're mobile in terms of jobs, but price is an issue in terms of housing. Also, we're looking at cities that have that are large enough to have a hospital in them, that's why Mike was looking at Hastings/Napier. But Nelson sounds pretty good too!! We both have some chronic health issues, hopefully mine (minor heart condition) won't keep me from being allowed residency. Fingers crossed that it'll all work out. From what I hear about NZ, I'm going to have no shortage of scenic places to do my photography! Michael really misses living there.

Some hospital info here: http://www.health.govt.nz/new-zealand-health-system/health-targets/how-my-dhb-performing/how-my-dhb-performing-2013-14/health-targets-2013-14-quarter-one-results-summary

English Translation:

Capital & Coast = Wellington

MidCentral = Palmerston North

"Phoenix till they lose"

Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.

Genuine opinion: FTFFA

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over 12 years ago

Hey, just saw this thread so jumpin on in the middle of the conversation. My family and I just moved to Hawkes Bay after 15 years in Wellington. Big culture shock but we're up for it. Currently living in Hastings but considering Napier, just up the road. too early to pass judgement but it is pretty cool here- life is slower yes, but weather is good, wine is cheaper, fruit is cheaper, people are friendly (except on the roads-locals drive like maniacs), if you move here we'll look out for you

Salmon swim upstream

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over 12 years ago

I'd love to move to Hastings but when it is still and hot, it's friggen hot. Napier has the breeze from the sea which is nice. I'm still interested in a transfer up there though. A few on here would probably like to see me gone too! ;)

Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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over 11 years ago

Have had an offer accepted on a property in Clive (half way between Napier and Hastings). Looking forward to it going unconditional without too many hitches!!!

"Ive just re-visited this and once again realised that C-Diddy is a genius - a drunk, Newcastle bred disgrace - but a genius." - Hard News, 11:39am 4th June 2009

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over 11 years ago

C-Diddy wrote:

Have had an offer accepted on a property in Clive (half way between Napier and Hastings). Looking forward to it going unconditional without too many hitches!!!

Don't you already live here?

Salmon swim upstream

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over 11 years ago

been renting in Greenmeadows for last 4 years. Where are you?

"Ive just re-visited this and once again realised that C-Diddy is a genius - a drunk, Newcastle bred disgrace - but a genius." - Hard News, 11:39am 4th June 2009

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over 11 years ago

C-Diddy wrote:

been renting in Greenmeadows for last 4 years. Where are you?

bought in Napier South-been here 10 months after living in Wellington for 18 years-must be crazy

Salmon swim upstream

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over 11 years ago

Napier Phoenix has suggested the Station as the meeting place to watch Phoenix matches. Keen?

"Ive just re-visited this and once again realised that C-Diddy is a genius - a drunk, Newcastle bred disgrace - but a genius." - Hard News, 11:39am 4th June 2009

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over 11 years ago

I'm going to be spending some time in the Hawkes Bay this summer, and keen to meet up.

Normo's coming home

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over 11 years ago

C-Diddy wrote:

Napier Phoenix has suggested the Station as the meeting place to watch Phoenix matches. Keen?

Yep, cos its a stumble from mine.. but would prefer Westshore due to the great array of craft beer on offer!

Salmon swim upstream

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over 11 years ago

Make it Indigo, and I will drive up!

Incredible stamina. No shame. Yellow Fever.

Phoenix fans. We have to win them over one fan at a time.

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