On Arrival's team of Relocation Consultants

I’ve removed my wings for this picture, but I’d like to be your fairy godmother from the North. My name is Josie Robinson. I’m here to make your life easier, especially when it comes to moving you and yours from where you live, to Whangarei, up here in Northland New Zealand.

I’ve spent quite a few years studying at the University of Life, but have not yet completed all the courses. I’m currently working on my masters.

I’ve had a grasshopper life of moving around and have had some good and bad experiences in changing where I “hang my hat”. These experiences are called upon when helping you and your family to re-settle.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest of the US, the last 15 years or so, I have been a sailor, but have finally “swallowed the anchor” by re-settling here in Whangarei. It’s a ‘user-friendly’ city, and with each new client I’m learning more and more about my city and meeting lots of new and interesting people that I wouldn’t have, without your relocation. I thank you for that.

My aim is to make your move as stress-free as possible and to introduce you to your new city and all it has to offer. Out of this I hope to gain a new friend, not just an old client.

I must fly off, but look forward to meeting you.
Regards, Josie Robinson

Hi, my name is Averil Montoya and I am born and bred in Auckland.  Currently I live in East Auckland.  I love traveling and have traveled extensively around the globe, however there are still a number of cities and countries that I have yet to see.

I have a beautiful 2½ year old grandson who lives with my daughter and her husband in New York, I am very lucky that we have been able to visit each other regularly – and I think Skype is the greatest invention for keeping in touch!

For the past 12 years I have been working in the prestige fragrance industry, the last 8 for a French fragrance company as their Sales Development Manager - fine fragrance and aromatherapy is a passion of mine. 

Prior to that role I worked in the hospitality industry at some of Auckland’s most well regarded Restaurants and Hotels.  I also run a part-time home-based business in the Health Industry which I am currently developing.

I love meeting and interacting with new people and I enjoy discovering how I can help On Arrival clients make Auckland welcoming to them.  I know from traveling and living abroad how daunting it can be to move to a new city and in some cases to a new country, hopefully I can make this an easy and enjoyable experience for you!

I look forward to meeting with you soon.

Hi my name is Sandy Pardon and I live near Albany on the outskirts of Auckland with my husband Chris and daughter Sarah, our two eldest daughters having roosted elsewhere!

I am a fifth generation New Zealander whose Scottish ancestors made the perilous journey across the oceans finally landing in the South Island in 1855 where they eventually settled in Central Otago and Akaroa near Christchurch.

I have a great passion for this country of ours and know many parts of it intimately which has been fostered by my great love of the outdoors where, with Chris, we regularly hike, sail, surf and explore the countryside.

My family moved from the South Island in the 1950’s and I was bought up in the Waikato, where, after pursuing tertiary studies at the Waikato University Library, I took off to explore the world on what we refer to as our OE (overseas experience) I spent many years away travelling and working in Gt Britain, Europe, Asia then North and South America before settling in Singapore for nine years where my husband was working for an American Dilling Co. So I have a very good understanding of what it feels like to set up home in a foreign country.

On our return we made Auckland our home, we have schooled our three daughters here and lived in several different parts of the city. I adore this “City of Sails”, its multi cultural Pacifica makeup, its easy access to two ocean coasts, the brilliant recreational facilities and interesting suburbs in which to live , all make for a very modern, cosmopolitan city.

I look forward to assisting you in your resettlement here and hope I can share some of the spirit of this city with you.

Hello, my name is Janet Colby and I reside in central Auckland with my partner Dennis and our 14 year old son Jackson. I grew up in Auckland and have lived here most my life.

I spent two years in Australia and have travelled overseas for work and holidays. I am always a starter for an adventure.

Our son attends High School at Northcote college and is passionate about sports particularly cricket, rugby, snowboarding and surfing.

Winter months are spent at school rugby games and driving to the snow at Mt Ruapehu in the central North Island. Summer is spent at our beach house on the West coast of Auckland.

I enjoy the cultural diversity of Auckland city and close proximity to the sea.
I have a large range of interests and friends from all walks of life, enjoy people, the outdoors and the many summer festivals and events around Auckland .

My partner and I own film equipment that we contract out for movies or commercials.
I am also an active member on the Board of a Charitable Trust assisting people rehabilitate from dependency to alcohol and other drugs.

I love learning about the culture and countries people are relocating from finally getting the lessons on Geography I wouldn’t listen to at school !

I look forward to welcoming you to our country which I feel very passionate about.

I am committed to assisting you relocate with as much ease and comfort as possible.

Eve Casagranda - On Arrival Wellington

Hi there, my name is Eve Casagranda. My husband Don and I are the founders of On Arrival. We moved our family from Canada to New Zealand in 1986, and after that experience we recognised the need for a relocation service and the value it could provide to new immigrants.

Since 1987 we have assisted hundreds of individuals and families to adopt New Zealand as their home. We have also assisted many local New Zealanders to relocate to new cities in New Zealand.

Our expertise in corporate relocation management and family resettlement is impeccable, and is supported by excellent references.

We strongly believe that the best people to relocate you and your family are people who have already experienced life working and living overseas.

Phillipa Levy - On Arrival Wellington

Hi - My name is Philippa Levy and my passion is people.

I have always lived in the Wellington area but have traveled extensively within New Zealand and internationally.  I was bought up on a farm then ventured out into the real world.  I have worked for lawyers then into the Travel Industry which I loved.  Went into business for myself at a very early age and have pursued many business opportunities ever since.  I love being of service to people and going the extra mile, meeting new people and making a difference.  Customer service is of paramount importance.  I am very independent and a self starter so no problem is every too big to solve.

From traveling around the world, I am still very very happy to be living in Wellington.  It is a great city with a big friendly heart.  Because I have lived here my whole life I know my way around and have a lot of connections from a business perspective.  “What ever you need I shall find”.

Look forward to meeting you and working with you and to welcome you to this awesome city.

Philippa

Lisa Silestean - On Arrival Wellington

Hi, my name is Lisa Silestean.

I live in the beautiful capital city of Wellington with its stunning harbour and hills. Born in Wellington I have spent most of my life here though have lived overseas at different periods of my life.

I live with my partner Ivar and have a daughter who lives close by. I have also now become a proud 'Nana".

I wear many hats as I love to have a go at everything life has to offer. Currently I am part way through my art degree having returned as a 'mature student' and loving every minute of it. Amongst other ventures my partner and I renovate properties and I also run a boutique property management company with my best friend.

Over the years we have hosted many international students and prior to coming on board with On Arrival had always helped friends of friends relocating to New Zealand.

We love travelling and meeting people from different cultures. I get enormous pleasure in helping others and love organising a smooth transition for families relocating here. I am told I am a born net worker and I love to put people in touch with each other thus expanding their networks.

I am passionate about only working with top quality people hence I jumped at the opportunity to work with Don and Eve having seen the amazing service they offer through On Arrival.

I look forward to meeting you and helping you settle into our beautiful country.

See you soon.
Lisa Silestean :)

Alex Smith - On Arrival Wellington

Hi, my name is Alexandra Smith. My family and I have been back in Wellington for 4 years after having lived overseas for 16 years.

We spent 7 years in South Africa (I am very lucky to be married to a South African especially now they have won the world cup) and 9 years in the UK.

I have worked as a Management Consultant in both SA and the UK working in areas from BT and Aer Lingus to Amplats (Platinum mining company) and SAA.

I was brought up in Wellington and attended school and university here. It is a wonderful vibrant city, has a real soul and is very easy to access.

Having relocated several times I know what a relief it is to have someone help smooth the way and I look forward to meeting and assisting you to become a part of Wellington.

Tina Wootton - On Arrival Hawkes Bay

Kia ora, my name is Tina and I live in the beautiful area of Hawke’s Bay.  Wayne and I left the UK in 2006, and the last two years have flown by!

Apart from a wonderful, warm climate, Hawke’s Bay is renowned for its wineries, orchards, stunning scenery, golden beaches and art deco architecture. Imagine this, skiing or snow boarding in the morning on dramatic mountains followed by sailing or surfing in the afternoon on a shimmering, turquoise sea… Noted for excellent dining, entertainment, abundant outdoor activities combined with gorgeous backdrops and panoramic views.

Emigrating to New Zealand has  me quite an insight how much a person is capable of coping with of selling up and moving overseas, an experience that I can share with you and help make your move go smoothly.

Living in New Zealand with the great lifestyle it has to offer, has taken my sporting hobbies to the next level and the climate enables both Wayne and myself to make the most of the outdoor life.  We look forward to Art Deco Weekend mid-February each year and dress up in the spirit of the occasion and have a lot of fun!

I have met some great people here and look forward to meeting you soon and showing you around.

Tina

Diana Doyle - On Arrival Wanganui

Hi - My name is Diana Doyle. Born and educated in Wellington I moved to Wanganui – very reluctantly – many years ago when I married my Accountant husband Gavin. At that time large cities were perceived to be the centre of the universe and small provincial cities places to escape from.

At first it was very hard as most of our contemporaries had left for the cities so we were forced to make an effort and mix with a much wider age range and diversity of people than expected. This not only proved hugely rewarding but also made us aware of the richness of life in a smaller centre and the opportunities available.

Raising a family of three, one son and two daughters, we experienced the advantages of having superb educational and sporting facilities close at hand, and for a ski crazy family  the North Island skifields were just over an hour away. For these very reasons our son – another accountant – returned from living in the capital to enjoy the friendly relaxed lifestyle and affordability of living in our beautiful historic city.

Originally a librarian, through chance and circumstance I have diversified into unexpected occupations -  Office administration in my husband’s practice, establishing a travel agency and latterly, retail. Each occupation has broadened my life skills, knowledge and awareness of who and what makes our city tick and what it has to offer.

My husband and I have a passion for travel and meeting people from other countries. As a result we have traveled extensively through many parts of the world, hosted overseas guests and made far flung friends. An interest in languages, particularly French and Spanish, has provided opportunities to help newcomers settle into Wanganui which I thoroughly enjoy.

From a reluctant re-location I am now a passionate and committed advocate of our vibrant and family friendly city with its rich cultural heritage. I look forward to introducing you to it.

Diana

Judy Meyers - On Arrival Wanganui

Hi, my name is Judy Meyers and I live in Wanganui with my accountant husband Graeme. Our two sons live overseas, one in Singapore and one in Perth WA, so we travel regularly to visit our grandchildren and see other parts of the world.

We both love Wanganui, which is highly regarded for it's friendly people, temperate climate, and first class cultural, sporting, and educational facilities.

I have lived here for more than 40 years and look forward to the cultural experiences to be had over the year, glass festival week which features world class local artists, the annual opera school featuring emerging NZ talent, visiting opera productions, and the annual artists open studio week.

Wanganui has the facilities of a much larger centre and is only two hours from Wellington and just over an hour from the Ruapehu ski fields. My background includes a variety of careers—teacher, women's fashion retailer, and currently, kitchen & bathroom designer. As a result I know a wide range of people within the community and am well able to assist people relocating to this part of New Zealand.

I look forward to meeting you, welcoming you, and assisting in your transition to becoming part of our Vibrant and cultural community.

Randi Westphal - On Arrival Nelson

Hi, my name is Randi Westphal. My husband, three children, dog, cat, and furniture all moved from Colorado, U.S. to Nelson, New Zealand in 2002.

When we arrived we didn’t know anyone, and we knew very little about housing, schools, shopping, utilities, the medical system, government, etc. I refer to our first few months as “the blind leading the blind!”

We have since acclimated well to our new home. My children are flourishing in our great schools, scouts, and wonderful outdoor environment!

My husband has started a new computer business, and together we have started www.nelsonholidayhouses.co.nz; which helps both immigrants and holidaymakers to find accommodations when they come to Nelson.

I take great pleasure in helping people “find their feet” in New Zealand! Having made all the mistakes myself, I can help other people around the rough spots! I look forward to welcoming you to our little piece of paradise!

Our expertise in corporate relocation management and family resettlement is impeccable, and is supported by excellent references.

We strongly believe that the best people to relocate you and your family are people who have already experienced life working and living overseas.

Linda Telfer - On Arrival Christchurch

Kia ora, Greetings.

I am Linda Telfer and live in the South Island garden city Christchurch with my husband Lex. We have lived in Christchurch for the longest continuous period of our married life after many resettlements for professional reasons. We are a global family with two sons residing overseas. Our older son Simon is in London while Shane is relocating from Tokyo to Montreal and marries, Maiko, in Tokyo in April 2005.

Initially, I commenced professional employment as a radiographer in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

In fact, Lex and I met in London as part of our Kiwi OE (overseas experience). A career change saw me enter the education sector and a return to University where I majored in Education and Sociology.

Twenty-four years later another major life change and I am now actively involved with the Disabled Persons’ Assembly and the Human Rights Commission.

Lex and I have a diverse group of wonderful friends whose company we enjoy sharing the pleasures of the cinema, theatre, weekends away at any number of nearby superb retreats, and home hospitality. My other interests include gardening, travel, current affairs and people.

Our home has an open door policy and we have hosted many guests from overseas and within New Zealand. We have two Swiss “hobby daughters” – their translation for study exchange daughters – whose families have become entwined with ours. We have just returned from a visit and oh my do they spoil us while there! All that chocolate and kirsch and cheese and cream and…. make us pleased the airlines only weigh your luggage when traveling.

All my life experiences enable me to empathise with people. I find it particularly satisfying to be of help to other when they are realizing a dream be it the everyday like finding a new school, hairdresser, doctor or dentist, power supplier or on the other hand the nearest Mahjong group, skydiving club, Wagner Society, Polar Bear Club or bonsai society. In other words, whatever your unique needs are I look forward to meeting and greeting you and assisting in any way to ease your transition to your ‘new home’, Christchurch, and introducing you to all the city has to offer.

Linda

Delyse Langhorn - On Arrival Christchurch

Hi - My name is Delyse Langhorn, and I’ve lived in Christchurch for the past 22 years.

Born in the UK, itchy feet led me to travel, live, and work in various parts of the world. Nothing, however, prepared me for New Zealand, I came here on an around the world trip and instantly decided to stay.

The spectacular scenery, small population, and relaxed lifestyle were too great a temptation.

I met my partner, Jorge Santos, and his two daughters later that year and have never regretted my decision to stay.

Having enjoyed a career in social work, education, and counselling has given me a wide experience of Kiwi life.

I look forward to assisting others enjoy their re-settlement in this very special part of paradise.

Delyse