New Zealand I.T Opportunities attract Eastern Europeans
Where were you born?
Ukraine
Where did you move to NZ from? Moscow, Russia
What is your current role? Solutions/Scala Developer
Why did you want to make a move?
From living virtually on the other side of the world how did you come to choose New Zealand?
At the time I was evaluating several options including Germany, Netherlands and Malta. New Zealand was on my list of highly desirable countries to live in with better tax options, a nice lifestyle and good I.T career opportunities. Having no formal degree was a road block in some countries like Germany for example. Movies like ‘The Lord of The Rings’ trilogy which showcased the New Zealand landscape also had an influence on my choice.
Having identified New Zealand as your country of choice, how easy was it for you to get here?
I interviewed with Enterprise Recruitment July 31st this year and the final decision was given to me within four weeks. I arrived in New Zealand October 27th. It was easier for me to get a visa to work in New Zealand than other countries. If you are able to get a job offer with an accredited New Zealand employer then this really speeds up the process. The Enterprise IT recruitment team was very helpful, advising me of the processes and Barry helped me to prepare for my interviews.
What has been a pleasant surprise for you?
I have had to get used to complete strangers saying ‘Hi’ to me. The people here are very friendly and coming from Moscow I wasn’t used to that. In Russia we used to shake hands every time we meet or say goodbye to every person/friend/colleague at work or anywhere. But in NZ there is no such tradition, and people are rarely shake each other hands. This still seems strange and unusual to me.
How does the cost of living compare to Moscow?
Living here, in absolute values, is much more expensive when compared to Moscow. But your compensation level will also be much higher. This not only helps you to cover expenses but to save much more than you could save in other countries. Buying a house here in Auckland is quite expensive, repaying your mortgage could take you nearly a decade, if not longer. But a nice thing is that the banks here are really flexible.
How does the I.T working environment in New Zealand compare?
The New Zealand IT environment is really multicultural with so many different nationalities in one team. There also seems to be a lot more private enterprise projects here than in Russia. In New Zealand the employment contracts and business processes are more formal, which I think is a good thing. Here you are more protected and have a greater understanding of your rights as an employee.
Are there any other changes that you have had to make?
Yes -people here wake up at a very early time! If a few years ago someone told me that I will need to get out of bed before 9am, I would have laughed at that. But here I am in Auckland, waking up at 6:45am. Life is a strange thing. There are two other things I will probably never get used to; driving on the left hand side of the road and the incredibly friendly and open people. Not sure about the driving thing but people are the reason why New Zealand is such a lovely place to live.
Do you have any tips for other I.T professionals that are interested in moving to New Zealand?
The New Zealand market is smaller than Russia but is an actively growing market. Your character and relationship building skills are as important as your technical skills here. If your intentions are genuine, your I.T knowledge is valuable, and your English is not so bad – there is nothing easier than to make New Zealand your new home!
If you are interested in finding out more about the opportunities available to you in New Zealand with Enterprise Recruitment please Contact Steve Martin at Steve.Martin@enterprise.co.nz
Meet Our Wellington Business Manager, Tarryn.
At Enterprise Recruitment Wellington, every placement is a story - a story of growth, opportunity, and success.
Janine Altenburg, our Technology and Systems Manager, is at the forefront of driving innovation.
For over two decades, Dean MacKay has been a staple figure in Christchurch's recruitment industry, particularly in the industrial sector.
As part of our Global Solutions Team, Jessie Eagle plays a key role in connecting skilled overseas talent with New Zealand employers.
Our Invercargill Business Manager shares his recruitment insights.
General Manager of Enterprise Recruitment, Kurt McInerney reflects on the recruitment industry over the past few years...
There is a new priority processing order for skilled residence applications takes effect from 29 September. This covers applications under Work to Residence, Straight to Residence and the Skilled Migrant Category.
Enterprise Recruitment offer bespoke training with overseas recruitment
Read the latest in New Zealand immigration updates from August 2023.
