[JamieD]

Good point Ken but I get the feeling that it's the kind of office that one can't just "pop in to" as it appears to be a closed door with an intercom.

[Ken Gracey]

Well hit the door bell and ask for Dave, I am sure he would show you around the place in a heart beat.

[JamieD]

True I might flick him a message and see if I can arrange something. After all if I make a time it will be easier for him

[Ken Gracey]

He has told me to pop around and grab a coffee anytime I am around, not sure if he means at the niche office or the local coffee shop

But then come to think of it after last night, when I went past today, I did see him run out, and pull up the Welcome mat when he saw me get to close to the door

[Ken Gracey]

Well Jamie, I guess you are close to boaring a plane, and heading back to the land of the white long cloud ?

I hope you enjoyed your time over the ditch, and some time in the future, we can catch up for another beer, and this time you will be living in the lucky country.

[JamieD]

Yep Ken, will be on a plane just after 4:30pm tomorrow winging my way back to NZ. Have loved my time in Melbourne and an definitely trying to think of a plan in how I can come back, even if just for another visit to show my wife what it's like

[Ken Gracey]

I am Glad you enjoyed yourself, we are a friendly bunch on this side of the ditch, and it was nice to finally catch up with you, Dave and Geoff, lets hope it happens again next time you are over, but fingers crossed with a few more forum members.

O and PS did you get a peek inside Niche yet ?

[JamieD]

Yes it was great to meet people. Unfortunately I have been too busy to get over to Niche for a look around. I'll have to save that for next time.

[klytia]

See you later Jamie have a safe flight home, Melbourne isn't the centre of Australia either, come North, get some tropical paradise up ya guts.....

[Dave Bullard]

Seeya, Jamie ... sorry I dropped the ball with the Niche visit (not that there's anything to see!). Just been so bloody busy.

It was great to meet you with Ken & Geoff. Here's to being transferred to Aus!

Cheers
Dave

[Geoffals]

I hope you have enjoyed your time in oz Jamie and that all your phone problems sort themselves out when you arrive home.

[JamieD]

Sorry the dredge up such an old thread.

Given the changes to Australian laws in recent years how easy is it for an NZ citizen to get Australian citizenship these days? I know that pre 2001 (I think) it was almost automatic that you could get it but it doesn't appear to be so simple now.

There may be a chance for me to get a job in Melbourne so I want to know what my options are before we (myself, wife and little miss 2 years old next month) consider a move.

[Ken Gracey]

I can't see it being any different? I have tons of kiwi customers who have only been here a year or two.

[Dave Bullard]

I was speaking to a Kiwi about it this week, Jamie, and he was saying you just walk in.

Check out this Australian Immigration Fact Sheet, which says, in part:

"The 1973 Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement has allowed Australian and New Zealand citizens to enter each other's country to visit, live and work, without the need to apply for authority to enter the other country."

and:

"It is not necessary for a New Zealand citizen who holds an SCV to apply for or be granted permanent residence in Australia. The SCV allows a New Zealand citizen to remain and work in Australia lawfully as long as that person remains a New Zealand citizen."

As far as citizenship goes, it says:

"New Zealand citizens who arrive on or after 27 February 2001 may be eligible for Australian citizenship if they have a permanent visa".

So come on over, dude!

Cheers
Dave

[Ken Gracey]

Yeah come over Jamie, you still owe me, dave and Geoff dinner

[klytia]

Ken Gracey, on 23 February 2012 - 07:00 PM, said:

1329987650[/url]' post='76638']
Yeah come over Jamie, you still owe me, dave and Geoff dinner

As Dave said, it's easy as bro, just come on over like the rest of them, Ken you are a ugly baby, who looks even uglier now, we're you from Mt Morgan ????

[Ken Gracey]

Now there is a plan, Jamie the only way the gov is going to let any more kiwis in, is if one goes home, and I am recommending Mick, should go home.

[klytia]

To late Ken, my jandles are here at the door next to the chilli bin,
I am actually an Australian, by citizenship, mum was born in Wollongong, now when we look at your baby picture, I just cannot figure out how many bits were removed to make you look "normal"

[Some Random Bloke]

My wife just had to do an interview and say the oath. Lucky girl wasn't required to have to have the lobotomy. But she is married to an Aussie.

[Ken Gracey]

Hey Mick, I have friends in hi places, so i can get your citizen ship revoked

O and don't start on me you Half Cast, ( or should that read outcast) you also owe me dinner