Following on from the last post, today we received our UK Passports back from NZ Immigration with the blue NZ Residence Permit and Visas inside. This means we are now officially New Zealand Residents! I can’t tell you how nice it is to read the bit that says “Date of Expiry: Indefinite”

The Work Permit lets us stay here to work (indefinitely!) while the Residence Visa lets us get back into the country if we leave and want to get back in – which is quite likely. The Visa is valid for two years, but we can renew it when it runs out. We’ve been through the Work Permit application process three times now and it’s never fun, it’s just nice to know we won’t have to go through it again.

If we want to, we can apply for NZ Citizenship after five years of being residents, but that’s not as important. All it gives us is dual citizenship (and the ability to apply for NZ passports). It may be something we end up doing, but for now we’re just happy to be residents.

It’s been a long slog to get to this point and we are so glad that it’s finally over – and before Christmas too.

My employer (the awesome Trade Me) have been fantastic and really supportive thoughout. We’re celebrating our success tonight with a bottle of Jacob’s Creek Cuvée.