Sell me your city please
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Category: General Chat
Forum Name: General Chat
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URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9397
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Topic: Sell me your city please
Posted By: mummy_becks
Subject: Sell me your city please
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 11:29am
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DH wants to move. He has had enough of Palmerston North as he has been here all his life and just wants to get out. He is keen to join the army (as an officer) and was going to at the beginning of this year but as I was pregnant with Josh he decided that he would put it off for a year. He started a new job here in May and isn't getting the right support from his boss and just wants to leave. I have tried to tell him stick it out 4 more months then you can be in the army where you want to go. But if he then decided not to go down that path I need to give him ideas of where to move. I know deep down he wants to go to Oz but doesn't want to go right now as my parents are about to move there and I think he would rather wait until they are set up so we have somewhere to go to over there. So tell me wh your town/city is so great and why we should move there please, then at least I can throw the ideas at him. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
Replies:
Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 11:47am
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Well I moved to the Manawatu via Auckland and Wellington. My DF is in the Airforce so while he is still there our choices are here, Akl or Blehheim.
I would move to Blenheim for the weather, but it is too far from family, travelling across the strait is expensive. If i was to choose between Auckland and Wellington, I would go with Wellington. It has all that a city has to offer, great jobs lots of opportunties and not as big. Everytime I go up to Auckland to visit friends and relatives it seems to get bigger, and I have friends with children that seem forced to work because the cost of living is high. I have to say coming from there to Feilding I love it here, and think its a great place for young children. Not sure what its like for teenagers and young adults, I think its probably a bit dull but great for the littlies. I'm a city/town person myself I couldn't live in the country completely. I lived in Bulls for 4 years and I always had to use the car to go and do anything. If he does the Army thing, how would you feel about being based in Waiouru?!  ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">   [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 11:58am
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I grew up if Feilding from the age of 7 to 20 (schooled in Palmy thou) and you are right great for raising children but not so good for the older children. Waiouru would be fine so long as my house has a fire. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
fleury wrote:Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 12:09pm
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I think most houses have two fires. If he's interested in the military thing - has he thought about the Airforce or the Police? The Airforce is much more family friendly, and a lot of Army guys join the Police.
------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 12:31pm
Wouldn't you get bored outta ya mind in Waiouru?? lol |
Posted By: daikini
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 12:36pm
I'm bored out of my mind in Ohakune, and that's only 20 minutes down the road! I'm so glad we're moving soon! BTW: it's cold today. Not quite double figures (9 degrees) outside, and we're 200m lower than Waiouru. My dad rung, said there's snow on the Desert Road - which means it was probably snowing in Waiouru as well even if it didn't settle. You sure you want to move to this part of the island? ------------- Becca, mum of 2 girls & 3 boys |
Posted By: sparkle
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 12:45pm
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Well I am an Auckland girl born and bred!!
I LOVE IT!!! yes the cost of living is high, yes house prices are ridiculously high but I guess their not as high as Sydney or London
Beaches are only ever a half hour drive away in most directions, and we have both the beautiful white sandy beaches on the North and East and dark black sand out West. Hmmmm, what else........ We have huge traffic problems.......oh, hang on, shouldn't mention that!! Auckland is so big that you don't run into people you don't want to see! We have 4 seasons in one day, normally every day!!! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: MumsyMoo
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 1:02pm
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The Kapiti Coast!
I love it there, I miss it every day! Got something for everyone... I'm the eldest of six, the youngest being 9 months, and honestly, there really is SO much to do... I was located in Raumati Beach and I think it's the lovliest place you could raise a family - If my DP wasn't so hell bent on raising his kids in Tawa, I'd be in Raumati... I've lived everywhere - Waikanae, Wellington, Porirua, OngaOnga (don't even get me started on that one horse town) Hastings, the States (I actually grew up in Atlanta GA) and of all places I've ever lived, socialised and been schooled, Raumati/Kapiti Coast is by far my favourite. Coming from a youngins perspective (I'm 19) I really do believe it's the best palce to be. Raumati in particular: You're 5 mins from everything - Schools, kindy's, beaches, parks, the shopping centres, It's just great... And it's cosy - Got that small town charm without the small town reputation. I really don't know what more to say as I've just realised I've only pretty much said the same thing over and over again, but at least check it out... I'm sure you won't be dissappointed
P.S: House prices are really reasonable aswell lol -------------  My wee girl is the love and light of my life!
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Posted By: MummyFreckle
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 1:48pm
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I have lived all over the world - born in the North of England, lived in Cyprus, lived in London but Auckland is my favourite. I love that we are so close to such incredible natural beauty - the habour, the gulf islands, the waitakere ranges, the west coast beaches. I know its big, noisey, expensive and has traffic problems, but after living in London its a breeze. I think that the North Shore is a great place for families, good schools, close to the beachs and has a great infrastructure (malls, swimming pools etc). I guess it all depends on the sort of lifestyle you are looking to lead.
------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: AnnC
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 1:48pm
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I would say come to Stratford, but nah why would anyone move here??? Actually a young couple from the Uk came into work for a home loan, they were buying in Stratford and i asked why here, they said they had traveled all over the world and statford was by far the best place in the world to live (I still can't beleive it) they said it was friendly, a lovely town, close to everything (Mountain, sea, surf) and houses were reasonably affordable. So maybe thats what you want??
BUT New Plymouth on the other hand is such a lovely city. Its got the mountain and its got the beach (sand, sea and surf). Now what does your hubby do for a job? Makes all the difference. I know he wants to be in the army but that does limit your places on where to live. ------------- Ann 
Also Mum to Josh (15) and Brooke (10) |
Posted By: Lulu
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 1:53pm
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Another Auckland lover here, lol!
Pros: 1. Lots to do 2.Individual communities - it's like living in a smaller town, but with access to all the 'big city' facilities 3. Earning potential normally better than in smaller cities 4. Beaches, beaches, beaches 5. Shopping, shopping, shopping In saying all that, I am North Shore born and bred and now live on the Hibiscus Coast (North Auckland). I'm sure there are parts of Auckland that aren't as appealing as it's a big place. But I can definately recommend the North Shore and Hib Coast! ------------- Lou http://www.babysfirstsite.com"> 
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Posted By: fattartsrock
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 1:57pm
Blenheim. it rocks, plus there is the airforce here if thats what he's after, I hear they are very family friendly. Ummm, the weather is super fantastic, its just a quick ferry ride to wellywood, 1.5hr to nelson/rotoiti/kaikoura, 3.5hr to chch, so nice and central. Quiet and safe, a great place to raise a family and lots of activities for preschoolers, plus the 2 best looking ohbabyers live there... ------------- The Honest Un PC Parent of 2, usually stuck in the naughty corner! :P |
Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 2:06pm
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Are they friendly in Blenheim? I heard there was a bit of a divide between Airforce wives/mums and Blenheim wives/mums?! ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: peanut butter
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 2:06pm
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I'm in christchurch but born in auckland. I have to say I prefer Chch. Its a big small town really. Has a nice central city thats easy to get into and out of. Has all the conveniences of a larger city. Has reasonably nice weather (apart from at the moment). Is very easy to get out of the city into the country side. Has view to the mountains and beach nearby
also has Burnham army base if thats what your looking for. In saying all this, we might be moving to Marlborough so I am pleased to hear nice things about Blenheim. |
Posted By: my2angels
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 2:07pm
| What about chch... we have burnham army camp plus chch is an awesome place to raise children. Although personally if i was going to make a drastic move it would be to aussie. But otherwise christchurch is awesome. |
Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 2:12pm
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Slight thread hijack, where in Aussie would people go to? And why? ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: fattartsrock
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 2:33pm
Not that I have noticed? Altbough I did find when I moved here 9 years ago, that as an "outsider" who hadn't gone to high school here, so no one knew if I was "cool" or not, the women treated me a little with "suspicion"? I think everywhere is like that, new single woman in town, after all the men, lol! It is easier if you "know" or "know of" someone. Just ask Newmum (Ana) ! ------------- The Honest Un PC Parent of 2, usually stuck in the naughty corner! :P |
Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 2:57pm
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If we go to Oz it would be to Queensland, I was born there and that is where home is and family. My parents are moving to the sunshine coast (where Oz Zoo is) so we would move to around that area. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
Posted By: mum2emj
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 3:14pm
oooh its lovely in Queensland  i LOVE the sunshine coast, noosa is just beautiful... ahhh- now i wanna go back!!!
nothing at all wrong with the top of the south island its beautiful, sunny, warm... i LOVE nelson. i HATE the drive to blenheim though, yuck the wangamoa hill is freaky, ok it isnt too bad but im not a good traveller over hills after going over one in a bus when i was 4, lucky there were trees that stopped us falling too far but those sorts of things stick with a little girl like i was.
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Posted By: mum2emj
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 3:17pm
lol- i completely went off topic there. 
new plymouth is great too just ask deb she has been trying to sell it to me for ages now
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Posted By: minik8e
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 3:53pm
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Ann - I would rather live in Stratford than NP anyday!!! But still prefer Eltham...
Becks - what does your DH do for a career, as that could narrow down places? I would say Taranaki, but I'm biased. Stratford, Inglewood, Eltham...they're all such friendly towns, amazing views, close to both mountain and sea and house prices are fairly reasonable. |
Posted By: Lisha
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 4:19pm
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Come to Christchurch! I have lived all over NZ and some parts of the world, but CHCH does it for me... I was born in the Naki, and many, many, many years later arrived in CHCH, I met my husband here.
It's great, apart from being a wee bit cold in the winter time, the summer time is excellent, nice and hot most of the time, close to the mountains, beaches and being central in the south island, it's not far to travel really to anywhere, and the scenery down here is to die for ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 7:21pm
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He currently does rehab with physically disabled people, he is enjoying it. He had a Bachelor of Human Performance which is really a sports medicine degree. He like the gym side of things but it doesn't pay all that much. If he wwent into the army i'm sure he would be asking for a posting in Burnham. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 7:24pm
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Will the Army help with moving costs? So would it work out better to stay here until he gets posted? Or move to Sth Isl first? ------------- |
Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 7:36pm
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If he goes into the army then I think they do so we won't be doing anything until he has made a descion. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
Posted By: SquishysMum
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 10:59pm
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I put a vote in for Blenheim too!!! I lived there from age 10 to 16 when I moved to Palmy for uni.
Blenheim is such a great place for families - the weather is good, there are lots of small culdesacs where it's safe to bike round, the schools are pretty good (I went to Witherlea/bohally/girls college, but others are good, and the boys college has some really cool things happening with their technology and internet side of things). The airforce is a little out of town, my DH was in when we met (out now) and it is a great little community out there. Not too much of a gap between A/F wives and others as far as I saw... So yeah, I love Blenheim, and would move back to raise our family if I could convince my DH (plus my parents live there, I hate being in AKL so far away). All the best with your decision. |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 11:35pm
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I'm an Auckland girl thru and thru, I'll probably never leave Did the Sydney thing for a few months after mum and dad moved there in '99 and hated it. Auckland is ridiculously expensive but it's always been home and I guess it always will be where I lay my roots. ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
 (02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: Jennz
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 11:51pm
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I've lived in Palmerston North, Nelson, Hamilton, Auckland, Wellington and now London. We're having a big dilema about where to go when we get back. I think it depends on what kind of place you like to live- if you prefer city life then Wellington was my favourite big city, if you want a place that isn't too big but has everything (plus gorgeous weather etc) then Nelson is great too.
I think we would go to Nelson if we could but I doubt DH would be able to get the right kind of work there. We really need to go to one of the big 3 cities (NI) but we both hated Auckland, I refuse to go to Hamilton because of his family and he doesn't want to go back to Wellington because of mine  To be honest I think we're probably going to wind up in Melbourne.------------- Jen, Charlotte 7 & Kate 3 
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 24 July 2007 at 11:53pm
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I could live in London, the only downside is that it is so far away from my family. But I was in love with it when I was there a couple of years ago, and I have British citizenship, so maybe one day... ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: Jennz
Date Posted: 25 July 2007 at 3:22am
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DH wants to stay here- but like you say, its too far away from family for my liking. Its just so much money for people to come over that they can only come every couple of years and even though DH is earning enough we can come back more often its such a long horrible flight. ------------- Jen, Charlotte 7 & Kate 3
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Posted By: hailstones
Date Posted: 25 July 2007 at 7:44am
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I am such a Mainlander! Yes its a bit colder (ok - alot colder here in Dunedin!), but it is just beautiful, and not quite as busy/fast paced as the North Island Cities.
I have lived in Invercargill (grew up there - great for families), Christchurch (love this city - so Beautiful with all its parks, easy to find your way round it, has everything you need), Milford sound (OMG - how amazing was that, but definately not practicle for your circumstances) and now living in Dunedin (which I like, but here mainly due to DH's family living here). Personally if my DH was going into army, I would like a Burnam Posting (its sooo close to CHCH), but then as I said I am a very biased Sth Island girl. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 25 July 2007 at 9:27am
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We had a little talk last night and he is keen for the South Island. So hopefully he will get his army application up and running again. I told him that I would be happy to move and rent our house out and live in an Army house down there (fingers crossed we could get one) that way if he did have to come up to Linton we already have a house here. We were looking at the major cities in NZ, he hates Auckland yet I love it (I am a real city person) both are fine with Wellington but we want to get a bit away from his family (and his mum's family live in the Hutt) so Christchurch was left. Hopefully in the next few months things will get better for him. Thanks all for your inputs. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
Posted By: Lisha
Date Posted: 25 July 2007 at 11:47am
Another little boast about Christchurch, is that right at this very moment, it is 16.C.. a very but hot NW day! You can bet that there will be more HOT, but windy days in the summer!  ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: nuttymama
Date Posted: 25 July 2007 at 11:55am
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YAY go Christchurch. We do have a beautiful city here and most people are very friendly. And as Lisha said we have a beautiful day down here today. ------------- Abigail 06/01/2005 Jayden 21/11/2001 Micheal 03/04/1997 |
Posted By: callalily
Date Posted: 25 July 2007 at 12:09pm
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mummy_becks has your DH been into the army recruitment center on the corner of King Street? My BIL is running it at the moment and would be a great person to talk to, his name is Matt. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Kellz
Date Posted: 25 July 2007 at 3:31pm
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Whakatane was the sunniest place in NZ this year so far Not good if you like shopping, we have none,..lol,..not many anyways!
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Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 25 July 2007 at 3:46pm
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I'd love to live in Nelson.
Considering moving to CHCH when I next move. I think I'm possibly getting over Wellington. I want room and there is none! (That could just be a short term thing tho) Dunedin is lovely. |
Posted By: emz
Date Posted: 25 July 2007 at 4:53pm
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Becks - I would check the whole army paying for moving thing. From my knowledge (which yes is limited being with an army guy for only 4 years, but my aunt's been with one for 25) they only pay for you to move if THEY transfer you, not if YOU asked to be transferred.
There's also a nice place 5 mins from Burnham (which is 1/2hr from Chch) called Rolleston, which is basically a 2nd housing area, as all the army people who were sick of the state housing out at camp built houses there. Has a shopping centre etc so its not too country bumpkin like. Another option - has Nigel thought about looking for sports med jobs elsewhere? Burwood Spinal Unit down here does a lot of rehab work for injuries, and there are quite a few special ed units in schools for spina bifida etc. |
Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 25 July 2007 at 5:07pm
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Thanks Emz, I was sure they would pay if they move you not if you ask to move. Once he is in thou I know they get to put forward where they would like to go and if it means moving (and for a lot of people it would) i'm sure they would help out. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
Posted By: my2angels
Date Posted: 25 July 2007 at 5:34pm
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we just built and sold a house out at Rolleston and its great. You can still get really cheap land there and decent size sections to or you can buy a brand new house for aroung $380k give or take and there is everything you need, supermarket, video shop, pub, restaurant, takeaways etc... and its only about 10minutes to hornby which has even more, warehouse, mall etc...
Rolly is a really good place for army people cos its close to everything and if you want any info about out there just let me know, not that Im an expert but know the area pretty well. My brother used to be based out at burnham and now my mum lives by rolly so kind of know the area. Oh and schools and preschool are great out there! |
Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 25 July 2007 at 8:53pm
My Dad's partner is one of the managery types there, could even put in a good word hehe
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Posted By: Mazzy
Date Posted: 25 July 2007 at 9:48pm
Well, I'm a bit late to the party, but I would totally have sold Hamilton to you!! Really! 
Christchurch is the one other place in NZ that both DH and I would really love to live, so yay for chch! Exciting, I love moving. How cool to have the options that you do. |
Posted By: Chovynz
Date Posted: 25 July 2007 at 10:16pm
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Antarctica. It's got penguins. ------------- Defending the male species since 1980
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Posted By: Chovynz
Date Posted: 25 July 2007 at 10:17pm
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Oh oh! Arctic! You can float all winter! ------------- Defending the male species since 1980
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Posted By: Chovynz
Date Posted: 25 July 2007 at 10:17pm
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Actually, no. Go to Ireland. They have good beer. ------------- Defending the male species since 1980
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Posted By: deharn
Date Posted: 25 July 2007 at 11:38pm
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Just a little hint form inside the Aussie Defence Force. We do lateral transfers, where a NZ Defence member decides to become one of us and if recruited into the Aus Defence Force it is my job to move you and family to Aus. Complete removal, outgoing and incoming temp accomodation, business class flights for all the family ++++++ etc etc. Of course there are several criteria to meet.
Maybe a long term consideration if you are keen on going to Aus. It's certainly a cheap way of getting there if you are prepared to commit to a few years service over there. Oh and I have to put a vote in for Wellington, it is a great place to live. But I do believe your home/town/city is what you make of it. |