Cost of stuff - What to bring & What to leave behind....

[AliJax]

Heya can you folks in NZ, give me a run down on price of a couple of items, & white goods - we're trying to decide what to bring and what to sell in the UK.

We are frequent Campers and camping is great, I know camping is a passtime for Kiwis and hope this is reflected in the cost of things (we don't want to bring our tent, get it fumigated at customs - then find out that they are cheaper over there etc).

Items like Computers, fridge freezers, washing machines, Gore-Tex (TM), Garden tools (S.S.).

Or if you prefer direct me to a decent shopping website in NZ.

[Carrington]

Hi - there is a retailer who specialises in home appliances and computers - they are Noel Leeming and web site is http://www.noelleeming.co.nz. For camping goods I suggest Kiwi Outdoors. These are both chains and have retail outlets in most places.

Sounds like you are really getting 'sorted' as we say here!!!

[kiwiruss]

Small household goods (toasters etc) are now quite cheap here due to a large retail chain called "The Warehouse" who have underpriced all the high st retailers. I wouldn't recommend bringing things like this over, the same for video players and TVs which are now also cheap.

Larger electrical items and computers might be a bit pricey compared to the UK. Computers can be bought over the internet and I've not had a problem with this. Noel Leeming's website will give you an idea of the price and range and you can research the items in the stores then buy them online for less

The Kiwi Camping and Doyles chains sell camping gear for prices less than the UK equivalent. Imported clothing brands like Berghaus or Timberland are not cheap but there is often an Aus/NZ equivalent which is not too pricey
Good luck!

[Carrington]

How are you guys gtting on? I think pre Christmas is your probable date for arrival? If you are having any difficulty or just need some more info there is an excellent book for new immigrants. Check out the top thread from Kay... Keep in touch eh...

[AliJax]

yep, we're good - browsing the surrounding areas in Auckland, keeping fingers crossed that we could be in NZ before Christmas.

I think we we're a little optimistic about October

[Marky C]

You can buy PCs from www.dell.co.nz I think they are actualy built in Australia and then shipped, but it makes no difference to the purchase.

The prices are a little higher than the UK.

For comparison, if you can find a uk price, we have just paid:

Bosch 3230 Washing Machine NZ$2649
Bosch 6500 Dryer NZ$1999

Marky C

[Carrington]

Why is it - that when people come to NZ they want to buy european whiteware? These, like Bosch cost at least double those produced by NZ companies for obvious reasons. Fisher and Paykel have been in NZ forever producing washing machines, fridges, freezers, dryers etc. all at a reasonable cost - I have had one of their washing machines for over 20 years and it is still doing a great job........most if not all of the washing machines produced and used in NZ for the past 30 years have been top loaders. This is because we dont do our dirty washing in the kitchen and dont have to fit it in under a bench - in actual fact I think there is a law gainst it LOL. All washing is done in the laundry - I have never bought a house - 14 at last count that has not had a laundry. Dryers go on the wall on a special bracket. I have just looked in the 'junk mail' and the most recent fisher and paykel advertised is a combo - washer and dryer, both for NZ $1,000.Of course, if you want to get the old front loaders which take forever to wash and use more water than can be afforded during summer months in some places, then you get a european one.

[Carrington]

Just wondering how your plans are getting on? Keep in touch and let me know if there is anything further I can do or if there is any more info required.

[Purley]

I just read this post. The "old" front loaders are what are recommended here now. The top loaders fill up with gallons and gallons of water and the government give you a tax rebate if you buy a front loader as - here - they use loads less water.

Isn't that strange how things are different, but again in Canada if you buy Bosch or Miele - you will be paying twice as much as if you buy a Canadian make.

$2649 NZ dollars is the same as $2,206 Canadian. I paid about $1,100 Canadian for my top of the line front loader from Sears.

[Carrington]

I think your top loaders must be larger than ours! Most of our machines only hold 5 ks of washing and the larger ones about 6.5 ks.!

[ngaire]

the laundry thing was new to us,its quite posh to have a as we call it Utility room at home(in other words a laundry)I love having a laundry and it seems standard in all homes

[banshigirl]

What other bits and bobs would you recommend we bring with us?

I have a house that I am going to rent out so need to keep it furnished with the basics.

If I bring computer (laptop) would it not work over there?

Thanks

Debi