New Zealand struck me as a peaceful and clean country!

Challenges

The process of getting the visa was known, however, the biggest challenge we had was to provide all documentation properly. As we come from a developing country, many of the things are still not digitised or online. Therefore, we had to get most of the documents printed and certified by a lawyer, this was time-consuming and a bit costly.

Secondly, every document was required to be scanned and uploaded to the immigration agent’s system, this was simple as long as the documents were scanned.

Apart from documentation, we were also a bit anxious about settling in a new country, questions like where is the best place to find a house, which schools are good, and what documents will be required for schooling purposes? The immigration agency was very experienced, and they had all these answers in a well-prepared documentation guide, which they sent to us well in advance.

The immigration agency (NZ Shores) also helped me in applying for the postgraduate diploma at New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC). The immigration agent was very helpful in guiding me through the course selection process and ensured that all documentation was thoroughly reviewed. The only remaining challenge was securing temporary accommodation upon our arrival in New Zealand, which was also covered as part of the guidance provided.

Shortly after our arrival, I was able to secure a placement for my field practice, and I have found the kindergarten where I am currently based to be highly supportive and welcoming.

My children adjusted quickly to their new schools and were genuinely excited to engage with the local curriculum. They settled well into their new environment and now travel to and from school independently using public transport, which we have found to be both safe and reliable. (My husband is currently exploring employment opportunities in the IT sector.)

NZ Shores advisers

My adviser was Anastasiya Florets’ka from NZ Shores. She demonstrated remarkable professionalism and support throughout the entire process. From the initial stages, she provided clear, step-by-step guidance and maintained consistent communication while we were still in our home country, which helped make the transition much more manageable. Anastasya also assisted me in securing admission to New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC), an institution I have found to be both reputable and supportive. Her dedication and genuine care made a significant impact on our journey at the time, she was the only person we knew in New Zealand. I developed a strong sense of trust and appreciation for her support, and I remain truly grateful for her role in helping us settle successfully.

Impressions

New Zealand struck me as a peaceful and clean country, with welcoming and friendly people. The weather is very beautiful here in Auckland, which makes exploring outdoors very exciting.

What I miss from home

The only thing I miss from home is the strong sense of community, particularly during celebrations. However, overall, we can find here most of the foods we enjoyed in Tanzania, which has made the transition easier.

My advice to other migrants

New Zealand is a country that values cultural diversity, ensuring that newcomers never feel isolated. The people here are friendly, and even when walking on the streets, I feel respected. If you ever need advice on migration, NZ Shores is an excellent resource and support system.

One thing I wish I knew

One thing I wish I knew before I moved was how quickly my children could adapt to a new environment. I was initially concerned about how my family would adjust, but seeing how enthusiastic and resilient my children were gave me confidence and reassurance during the transition.

It was a big decision for us to leave everything behind in our home country, but looking back, I believe it was the right choice. New Zealand is a wonderful place to raise children, both personally and professionally. Now, as I pursue my studies to become an early childhood teacher, New Zealand has provided me with the opportunity to follow my dream.