I’m an Occupational Therapist from the UK and came to NZ in August of 2021.
The process to come to New Zealand took me three months because I already had state registration.The easiest part of the process was getting a job and a visa with thanks to Accent.The most challenging part of the process was getting a spot in MIQ.My first impressions of New Zealand were everyone here is ‘your mate’, all kind and decent types. The country is so green and beautiful, and I haven’t even seen the scenic parts yet due to lockdown.The best parts of NZ are the people and the land. My teammates are uber professional but super friendly. What I miss the most is friends and family. My advice if you are planning to come to NZ is to ‘just do it’.
’m just so happy to be here and excited to travel to all the beautiful places I keep hearing about. I plan to visit Tararua hills, then Waitomo Caves, Tongariro Crossing and Lake Taupo. Followed by the Pouakai Circuit and Rotorua because I love nature. I look forward to going to South Island at some point which everyone says is stunning. I like where I live because there is lots of green space and beautiful public parks.
There is so much that’s different from the UK because everything here is about contracts. It’s so limiting and bureaucratic and hard for the client and the therapist. The essential principles of OT are the same, I love visiting clients in the community and feeling confident that I have the skills to support them to achieve their rehab goals.
Thanks for making things so accessible and easy for me!
Yours,
Grace