Taupotreeman

I think it's diploma level.

We have one as a back up to the 200t because we didn't have funds to buy two 200s. Neat little saw with the right chain on it. Heaps better since we took the spark arrester off. Not quite as grunty as the 200 but a suitable fill in for the smaller jobs.

Klimba air Tirrols are nice and wide.

Heaps cheaper in NZ unless the law has changed. To get a class 2 you sit the theory (sniff and scratch 25 questions) and then you can drive as long as you have a full HT licence holder in the passenger seat. The practical test involved driving the truck around the streets for 15 minutes, job done. My car test in the UK was harder. The class 2 was ridiculously easy, ditto Drew. Cost at the time was about $90. Not sure what it is now but you don't have to have lessons with a qualified instructor so there's a saving there. Hawkes Bay is a fantastic part of the country, Napier will probably be where I retire. It's sunny for most of the year and the summer's are hot. Plenty of beaches and plenty of cheap housing if you get out of the main centres a little. Heaps to do without being in a large city. If you're in the UK and looking for an opportunity and have the skills this would definately be worth applying for.

Payscale is very good for NZ. Most guys that have been in the industry a while in NZ have a HT as they are pretty easy to come by (class 2 at least). Don't let the HGV thing put you off; it's a basic truck licence. Agreed that it limits the field a little with the requirements but it's a hell of an opportunity for someone. A couple of years ago I was looking to move there myself.

Still no bites on this? Surely there's someone who fancies some prime wine country and one of NZ's hot spots?

Just don't base tie it. Simple.

Hot and dry with more hot and dry to come with a chance of eruptions. Summer is here.

How do you get on using the wrench when contracting to the orange brigade Drew? Does the ban still apply?

you can do it off Gisborne pal -http://www.surfit.co.nz/page5903750.aspx. Boyd is great -passionate about fish and conservation, would reccommend him anyday. Enjoy the U.S trip sounds a cracker! Yeah but if you want the big fish it's either South Africa, South or Western Oz or SF mind you, if push comes to shove Gizzy is only a two and a half hour drive as opposed to several hours sniffing someone else's armpit on a plane Can't wait for the US trip but still 6 months to wait.

Done

Nice Mario, thanks for that. I still intend to spend a couple of days around the Redwoods, hiking, photographs etc but I also want to make the most of the trip down without hitting too many of the tourist traps but rather, enjoying what Mother Nature has to offer. A little bit of tranquility sandwiched between Washington DC and SF. Also looking at an outfit that runs day climbs up some of the bigger tree in Oregon (not Redwoods). Some of the scenery down the Pacific Coast looks fantastic and its supposed to be one of the best road trips. Hopefully when I get to SF ill get time to get out to Kings Canyon or similar just to top off the trip.

Well the idea was to head down from Seattle and stop in Portland overnight. I think the vehicle pick up is about mid-day so should give us enough time to head to Mt St Helens and then down to Portland. We figured on cutting out to the coast and stopping at Cannon Beach or somewhere similar but it depends on what there is to see on the way. It seems only a short journey from Portland to cannon beach so we might carry on but we didn't want to get stuck somewhere with limited accommodation. The main purpose is the redwoods but figured the opportunity to drive part of the Pacific coast was too good to pass up. We have no kids with us and it's purely for a break from the big cities and to see something from ground level rather than from the air. Mario, your advice is always appreciated, as is anyone elses who has done the trip. The more the merrier and it all helps with the planning. Otherwise it will be a case of just take it day by day.

It's difficult trying to work out where to stop when working from guide books and websites such as trip advisor. A lot of people reckoned Cannon Beach was a nice spot to stay for a night hence part of the plan Mario. It's basically only a stop off but as I say; I'm all ears if anyone has advice on places to stay or see. Obviously the main part of the trip will be to spend a couple of days around the Redwoods so the rest is just for the road trip, apart from a trip to Mt.St.Helens as I'm volcano mad. I've also read back over this thread and will be taking a few pointers with me when I go.

This is a hell of an opportunity for someone in an awesome part of NZ. There's got to be someone keen for this.

That's right, start of a British winter, still dark at 7. Good luck silky.

Haha haven't seen a Raleigh in a while. Preferred Dawes myself.

Saw this on FB yesterday and thought back to how many times I've double checked my tie ins and found something wrong. Just goes to show how easy it is to make a mistake. And like someone else said yesterday; took Some balls to post the video.

Tree motion, although I reckon the kolibri is better if you're dragging a big saw up trees on a regular basis.

Some say his pee is pure two stroke. Others say he has pistons for legs. All we know is he's called spud.

There's a heap of threads on NZ, just do a search. Most of the info on those threads is still applicable now. You can also check out Buy online and sell with NZ's #1 auction & classifieds site | Trade Me and Jobs on SEEK - New Zealand's no.1 Employment, Career and Recruitment site for jobs. The two big outfits, Asplundh and Treescape, are always looking. Check out the other threads and the websites then get emailing. I'd also sort out your time zones and make a phone call as you will more likely get an answer and better info that way.

I have a couple of friends who are professional photographers. Had a chat with them the other day and both said that if you have a half decent camera, the rest is up to the individual. You can have the best camera in the world but if you don't know how to use it your photos will still be rubbish. They also said that (if you want a DSLR), unless you're a pro, buy a base model body and spend the money on good lenses. I have two camers, a Canon EOS1000 with a bog standar lens and a 75 - 300mm zoom. I'll also be getting a wide angle for landscape type photos. Also, like John, I have one of the Panasonic waterproof, dustproof and shockproof point and shoot cameras for my everyday stuff as I cant take the Canon up the tree with me for fear of dropping it or getting sawdust through the lenses. I'd also recommend going to a proper camera shop rather than your local electrical store and having a play and feel of some different types. Maybe even grab a couple of books from the library. If you don't want to be faffing with setting exposure times etc then maybe a point and shoot would be better.

If you don't have the qualifications and NZ interests you checkout the work to residency option. I think both Treescape and Asplundh are signed up with immigration. It will depend on your experience and skill levels. You could also get a work visa in NZ and study for quals while you work. Again, it should be possible to get a 3 year visa but you'll need sponsorship to do it and, again, the two previously mentioned outfits are going to be a good starting point.

Yep, there's a few of us out here. Several ex pats too.

Does that include the French being called the most backward nation in the world? I'd find that offensive personally.