CASE STUDY: OLTMAN JOUBERT & FAMILY
BOILERMAKER/FABRICATOR
ACCREDITED EMPLOYER WORK VISA
What sparked your initial desire to emigrate?
New beginnings, a new and better future for my family, self-growth and most of all, the love for the country’s natural beauty.
What about NZ appealed to you?
Better living conditions for our two daughters, free education and the opportunities to grow as a family, as well as professionally. We felt stuck in SA and saw it as a more fitting place for our family to flourish in.
What initial steps did you take when exploring your move?
A LOT of research. We made sure we knew everything we could about what it would take and what we needed to do, not just financially and professionally, but also emotionally. We took months to make sure this move was for us. We then contacted an Immigration advisor who helped to point us in the correct direction and helped getting all documentation in order.
What next steps did you take?
I joined the recruit ZA family. It took me one week to get into contact with Borey Chum at New Zealand Skills in Demand who is a well-established recruiter in NZ.
How did you find the job search?
Did New Zealand Skills in Demand assist you in securing a job?
Yes
What was the interview process like?
I was contacted first to do an initial assessment interview to see if we would qualify to immigrate to NZ. Our options were well weighed out for us and what our chances would be, which were all positive. Borey was very hands-on in the whole process, keeping me up to date with the stance of the journey.
I was incredibly appreciative to have had the support I received from him as he helped me prepare for the interview, phoned me before to make sure I had everything I needed, and also phoned after to ask how it went. This was major as it made me feel at ease with it happening at such a great speed.
How did you find the visa application process?
Stressful but quick. All documentation was submitted correctly with everything needed from the employment aspect done well.
Was there anything particularly difficult about your application that Migration Associates helped you through?
Their professionalism together with their welcoming nature made it easy. We felt like family.
How did you find the process of telling your family and friends?
Difficult, though we saw it as the best decision we made for us. Although our family and friends were very supportive, it was sad to leave them behind as they were just as much part of our journey to make this a possibility.
How was the big move itself?
Looking back, I think this was one of the most exciting parts. Having the opportunity to start fresh. The long travel to NZ from SA was tiring but we would do it again if we had the chance. It showed our family’s resilience and strength we had together.
How are you finding life now you’re in NZ?
We are still settling, but quicker than we thought. Everyone's positive and welcoming nature was a breath of fresh air to us. The friendliness we have been met with will always be something we will share and talk about. We are looking forward to everything we wish to achieve and more.
What do you miss most from home? And what are you enjoying most about NZ?
Family, friends and BILTONG! We are enjoying the nature and scenery we are able to look at every day, and the welcoming spirit of everyone around us.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone considering moving to NZ?
Just remember to do it for yourselves. There will be a lot of people telling you it’s not possible, but it is. Come with an open mindset and accept a helping hand.
