New partnership helps migrants

First National Group has teamed up with move2nz.com to help expatriates and skilled migrants resettle in New Zealand.

Move2nz.com is an international website providing free information for people intending on moving to New Zealand.

The First National Group, one of New Zealand’s leading property sales and rentals networks, has just become the exclusive real estate partner for www.move2nz.com.

First National Group (NZ) General Manager John Stewart said the partnership made move2nz.com even more of a one-stop-shop.

“Move2nz.com is a superb concept developed by Mike and Tammy Bell, based on the issues they faced while planning their own move to NZ almost a decade ago.

“They have addressed the issues well and are focused on resolving additional gaps in migrant support. Their wide membership base of over 33,000 now has exclusive access to First National’s nationwide network ensuring real estate information, opportunities and processes are clearly understood.

“With more than 6500 rental properties on our books and around 7500 properties listed for sale each month, First National offers plenty of options for accommodation.

“Having 70 member offices from Kaitaia to Invercargill means First National can provide an accurate picture of local market conditions in all of New Zealand’s regions.

Move2nz.com was started in 2005 by Mike and Tammy Bell.

“Migration can be difficult and stressful,” website founder Mike Bell said, from Christchurch.

“We moved from the UK to New Zealand in 2000 with three small children, no job, and no home to go to.

“Having achieved everything we set out to do we launched move2nz.com in 2005 to help your family make it through your move to New Zealand. Our website move2nz.com brings together a huge network of friends, many already living in New Zealand, to give you the help and information you need: fun, friendly and completely free.

Move2nz.com CEO Tammy said around 77% of their members indicated that they were looking to buy a property within the first 6 months of moving.

“Renting and especially buying a home can be a major problem for more than half of migrants, as confirmed by government statistics with 52 percent confirming this as their main concern.

"Having a real estate expert in your corner to explain the differences, help you stay in budget, avoid the pitfalls and give you the whole picture makes a huge positive difference.

“We had been on the look out for a trustworthy company and liked the way that First National Real Estate was structured. We think that First National will be a real asset to help our members find the home they need.”