From Research to Relocation: Terry’s Recruitment Journey with NZ Skills in Demand

If you are considering working in New Zealand, the idea can be both exciting and daunting. Moving overseas involves securing a job, navigating visa requirements, relocating, and settling into a completely new way of life.

For Terry Scott, a scaffolder who moved to New Zealand in 2025, support from NZ Skills in Demand helped turn that goal into reality. Looking for better work-life balance, less stress, and a fresh start, he began exploring opportunities abroad and quickly identified New Zealand as his preferred destination.

Choosing New Zealand

Terry was drawn to New Zealand's outdoor lifestyle, stunning scenery, and relaxed pace of life. He wanted more than a change of job. He wanted a lifestyle that offered more time to enjoy life outside work.

When researching where scaffolders were in demand, Australia and New Zealand emerged as his top options. Wanting to move beyond simply researching, Terry contacted NZ Skills in Demand and completed their online application form, giving him a clear pathway forward.

Recruitment Support Throughout the Process

At the time, Terry was working long hours, making it difficult to organise an international move. He says NZ Skills in Demand played a major role in helping him secure employment and kept him informed throughout the process with regular communication and updates.

For Terry, one of the biggest benefits was knowing someone was managing the recruitment journey behind the scenes. Rather than trying to navigate everything alone, he had support coordinating employers, timelines, and next steps.

This is one of the key advantages of working with a specialist recruitment agency. The support goes beyond submitting a CV, providing guidance and communication throughout the process.

Interview and Visa Assistance

Terry found the interview process straightforward and relaxed. Conducted via Zoom, the interview felt more like a conversation than a formal assessment, helping him feel comfortable throughout.

He also describes the visa process as smooth and stress-free. Terry credits Borey Chum from NZ Skills in Demand for providing support from beginning to end.

He says the process was clearly explained from the outset, with regular communication and guidance whenever questions arose. Having someone available to explain requirements and timelines helped remove much of the uncertainty often associated with visa applications.

Making the Move

Fortunately, Terry experienced no major setbacks during the recruitment or visa process. While moving overseas always comes with challenges, he felt supported and informed every step of the way.

One of the most difficult parts was telling family and friends. Although it was emotional, they understood his reasons for moving and supported his decision.

As departure approached, he also had to sell or donate many of his belongings. Like many people relocating internationally, this felt like closing one chapter of life before beginning another.

Arriving and Settling In

Terry arrived in New Zealand on 4 September 2025 and started work on 15 September 2025.

A memorable part of his arrival was being met at the airport by Borey, who provided a welcome bag and helped him settle in during his first few days. Support continued throughout his first 90 days, with regular check-ins to ensure everything was going well.

Those early weeks can be challenging for anyone moving countries, and Terry believes this ongoing support made the transition much easier.

Life in New Zealand

Today, Terry says life is less hectic and far more balanced. He has more time for himself, enjoys exploring New Zealand, and has taken up new hobbies.

While he misses aspects of home, including the social scene, sporting events, and the convenience of European travel, he feels the positives far outweigh the negatives. He particularly appreciates the friendly people, reduced traffic, lower population density, and relaxed lifestyle.

Terry's Advice

For anyone thinking about working in New Zealand, Terry's message is simple:

Take the opportunity. Don't let doubts or other people's opinions hold you back.

Based on his experience with NZ Skills in Demand and the life he has built in New Zealand, Terry believes the move was well worth it and a decision he would make again