MEDIA RELEASE
Kiwis Determined to Keep Flying
24 November 2003
Despite the increase in terrorism over the past few years, Kiwis remain undaunted about going on their ‘Big OE’,
according to Melanie Fletcher of UK-based 1st Contact Recruitment.
“Security does not seem to be top of mind for young New Zealanders heading overseas. Interestingly people are still
mostly concerned about job prospects and organising their finances,“ said Ms Fletcher, 1st Contact’s NZ Manager
“The three main questions we get from people thinking about going on their Big OE are how quickly can we find them a
job, how to organise a bank account and how to apply for a visa. Questions on safety and security when going on a
working holiday to the UK are not common,” she said.
With changes to the UK working holiday visas coming into effect this year, Kiwis can get all the details they need about
how to apply for visas, age of eligibility and other changes at expo-style British High Commission Overseas Experience
evenings coming up this week.
“The free Big OE Evenings are a one-stop-shop for all those questions about living and working in the United Kingdom,”
said Ms Fletcher.
“The OE Evenings are a great opportunity for anyone thinking about going overseas to come along and find out what the
opportunities are in the UK and how to get organised before leaving home,” she said.
At this year’s Big OE evenings, 1st Contact will be offering The Ultimate $1,000 UK OE Prize Pack, which includes a $500
Air New Zealand travel voucher, a Kodak CX4200 digital camera, a Kathmandu money belt and a 1st Contact Kickstart
package.
The British High Commission OE evenings will be held as detailed below
Tuesday 25th November
5.30 - 7.30pm
Auckland The West Lounge, Eden Park Stadium
Entrance F, Gate 26, Reimers Road.
Wednesday 26th November
5.30 - 7.30pm
Wellington Renouf Foyer, Michael Fowler Centre, Wakefield Street, Wellington.
Thursday 27th November
5.30 and 7.30pm Christchurch The Limes Room, Christchurch Town Hall
Kilmore Street.
ENDS
1st Contact
Assisting more than 750, 000 clients over the past 12 years, 1st Contact is one of the biggest providers of recruitment
and immigration services to New Zealanders, Australians and South Africans in the UK.
1st Contact focuses on providing recruitment (medical, teaching, social work) and banking facilities, as well as tax
consultation, financial management, visa/immigration issues, money, shipping and telecommunications services.
1st Contact was established in 1990 by New Zealander Mike Kaye and South African Reg Bamford; has offices in New
Zealand, Australia and South Africa and employs more than 250 staff in its central London offices.
www.1stcontact.co.uk/nz