News & Views
I LEFT HOME FIRST AND MY FAMILY CAME LATER
Mike Mackrill has lived in New Zealand for two years. He is a diagnostic medical imaging technologist (MRT) and works for the Hawkes Bay District Health Board.
I was dissatisfied with the way the NHS and the UK as a whole was heading. I though Britain was becoming intolerant and yobbish. I also wanted a change of scenery and climate. I felt New Zealand was similar enough to the UK for there not to be a huge culture shock, and different enough to be interesting.
I Googled some recruitment agencies looking for jobs and Tonix recruitment replied first. They gave me invaluable advice on getting registered and applying for a work visa.
Tonix applied for a number of jobs in New Zealand on my behalf. My first interview (over the phone) was for a post in Hawkes Bay, and I was successful. I had to leave home on my own and was joined by my family later. I shared a house with some medics and started work the day after I arrived.
New Zealand has different health needs and different solutions. Radiography is the same, but the laws and guidelines are different. You have to accept this and adapt. People here are very appreciative of health professionals. The working climate is relaxed and less litigious, and both patients and staff are very friendly.
Housing in NZ is cheaper and you get a lot more "bang for your buck". Radiographers' wages have recently improved, and we have a good standard of living. The quality of our lives has improved a lot and we never consider returning. There is something for everyone in New Zealand.
The Independent - UK
Thursday 8 September 2005 - Working Abroad
