[wellylug] Linux geek from the USA

Ben Whaley bwhaley at gmail.com
Sat Apr 26 18:27:02 NZST 2008


Hi Wellylug,

I'm was very happy to see an active LUG in kiwiland. I am an American
(Boulder, CO), active in my local LUG, pondering a change in the form of a
move across the world. I have actually not yet visited NZ, so obviously that
comes first, but I've read/researched a lot and from what I can tell it
looks like a fantastic place to live. I thought I might pick the brains of
my counterparts down under on the trials and tribulations of IT life on the
islands. I'm particularly interested in the Wellington, thus my post to
Wellylug rather than to an Auckland group.

First (and, unfortunately, foremost), how are job prospects in IT,
particularly in the Linux space? My specialty happens to be security, which
here in the US is in high demand due to excessive legislation. I have a
background in consulting, but I'm open to all suggestions.

I can see from the mailing list that Wellylug is an active bunch, and I
imagine there are folks relocated from all over in the group. I'm curious -
how is the relocation experience? Is it relatively easy to find housing,
traverse immigration, get used to the general swing of things? For any US
expats, how does working life in IT differ from the USA?

I read on the immigration site that IT is in the "skilled migrant" category
and is a needed skill at the moment. I realize that, as residents, most of
the group will likely not know as much about immigration, but does anyone
know how much weight this really holds? It seems like it could be very
beneficial, but it could also be a load of crap.

Thanks all, Looking forward to your thoughts.

- Ben
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