Thread: Volunteering in NZ, advice needed!

Hi all, I'm new to the site and really just looking for a bit of advice really. I'm seriously interested in moving out to New Zealand in the next 2-3 years but before doing so I'm planning on going out there for a month next year (July/August 2013) in order to get a feel the place and to see if it is for me.

I am a primary school teacher, and by the time I move I would have at least 3 years experience. I am aware that teachers are no longer in need but I'm currently considered an 'outstanding' teacher and am confident in my ability to teach. While out there next year I plan to volunteer for 2-3 weeks in a primary school. (Would I need any kind of Visa for volunteer work?)

I've been researching areas to stay/live within New Zealand and my initial thought was Christchurch but now with the earthquakes, and the building work I'm not so sure. Then my thougts moved to Nelson, Napier, Hawke's Bay, Bay of Plenty so obviously a lot of options.

I would be moving out to New Zealand alone (+ dog if possibe), would be looking to rent a property intially. I would be looking for a lively enough area, bars, restuarants and places to meet people and socialise. I'm interested in sports; played women's football for years, go to the gym etc. I would like to go to a place where the weather is good.

What places would you recommend? Ideally it would be nice to go a place next year on my visit and what to live there a few years after but I know it doesn't always work out like that. Sorry for the long post!

First of all I would start contacting schools and just generally ask around. The north island is know more for good weather but again it just depends how good you want. I loved Wellington and Taupo although wellie is known a the windy city...
just go and visit, while your there introduce yourself to schools and find out the general feel, they are more likely to hire someone in the long run that they remember. NZ is an amazing country, I loved it and would love to live there again...getting expensive though. Bringing a pet in is hard, lots of restrictions...good luck