I have been to New Zealand North Island the 2nd time as I do have my wife sister and my Kiwi Brother In Law living in Paeroa currently and in the past, they lived in Aukland, Pukakohe, New Plymouth, Inglewood and Putaruru in New Zealand. I am probably out of possibility to apply for a residency through work but I am hopeful to have a job that let me live the Kiwi experience for 2 years. Is there such a thing for US citizen who are interested in New Zealand?

I am currently in California Bay Area and I have been work in Software Engineering for over 15+ years. My LinkedIn profile are as follows:

Hin Man - LinkedIn

And much thanks if you can provide me information or contacts to go about finding an engineering job with work permit. My 1st city to live in is somewhere close in North Island to a job. I prefer a < 40 minute commute and live in area where family can relax. Beaches, parks, out-door activities, birds, mountains, swimming, boating, appreciating birds and trees, fishing are things my family enjoy.

Here is a show of my 2nd visit that includes Colomandel Walkway, some hiking trail that I will never forget. And the Waihi beach, Hauka Fall, Taupo Lake, Metameta etc.

New Zealand Trip Sample Slide-show in Flickr

Need your help and much appreciation from a non-kiwi.

Hin

We're much more active over in the kiwi Pentaxians thread

However, I've got some general answers for you, especially given I'm also in the software field (in Auckland.)

Working in the software industry in NZ, especially at the more senior end of the scale as it looks like you'd be going for, usually means working in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch. That's not to say those are the only places, but they are the places with many jobs on offer. Wellington, in particular has some largish local companies who focus heavily on government contracts.

If you want some advice on salaries, I'm less experienced than you are (~5 years, .Net developer), but PM me and I'll give you some ranges. Salaries won't be as high as you're used to, but it sounds like you're moving for lifestyle reasons, so I wouldn't worry too much.

The main job website in use here is SEEK - New Zealand's no. 1 jobs, employment, career and recruitment site, and you'll generally find that the jobs listed anywhere else are also listed there.

The Immigration Service website is found here, and has some information on how to qualify for residency or a work permit.

What he said.

Thank you for all the pointers and I have placed a comment in the Kiwi discussion thread. I will look up the immigration link and the job seeking pointer. I have great interest in Wellington and my recent trip has not gone to visit Wellington. I have been more fascinated with Wellington than Auckland though I have not fully explored Auckland other than the airport. I love my visit to Pukekohe and the visit to a coffee shop sold me for another visit in the future. My younger son has Asthma and I am not sure if the Windy city in Wellington with colder temperature will play a negative role to his Asthma. It may just be the opposite as he does fine so far in Paeroa in this Winter weather with freezing/frosting temperature in the early morning. My wife and my two boys currently stay in Paeroa till end of August and they will attend a Christian local school for the summer.

Warmest and thanks,
Hin

Cpopham beat me to providing you with the link to the Immigration website. This is your one-stop information shop for all things "immigration".

Through that website you can get to a page listing "Essential Skills in Demand". Unfortunately, software engineers don't appear to be neither on the "Long Term Skill Shortage List" nor on the "Immediate Skill Shortage List". But professional engineers (with a degree complying to the Washington accord) are wanted...

In any event, probably it will be not a big problem for you to find a job. If you are adventurous, you can come over and look for a job over here while your visitor visa lasts. If a company offers you a job, you can then take the job offer to immigration which will then issue with a long-term visa (eventually leading to residency).

Regarding your son's Asthma, the clear NZ air should be good for him but watch out what house you move into. Unfortunately, there are many old houses with little to none insulation around so cold and dampness can be a problem. The resulting (often mouldy) climate can create and/or aggravate Asthma. Just move into a warm or modern place and you should be fine, but it is something to pay attention to.

Much thanks for the links and the thoughtful reply. It is a shame that in my 2nd visit, I never find the time to visit Wellington. I saw many software jobs from that area and I kind of like a city that offers both in harbor view, easier and relax in traffic while very scenic and close to scenic places in the South for easy weekend traveling.

If you're worried about asthma I would recommend Auckland rather than Wellington. It is colder in Wellington.

Stopped the painted apple moth spraying have they

Good luck with it Hin
Drop in for a cuppa if you visit Wanganui !
Pete

Jeez Pete - just cos you been away doesn't mean you have to reopen ages old threads!!!

Bloody Nora it's the time warp again...a Wanganui thing