Bernadette Shea, Merchandise Assistant, Pumpkin Patch

I first meet Rag Trade Recruitment in London 2005, having responded to their advertisement in a UK Apparel Magazine, Drapers. We discussed my skills and the roles which were on offer in New Zealand and I was immediately excited about the opportunities and what I could offer having gained a BA (Hons) in Textiles and 5 years work experience in the UK fashion industry. Although it then took me 2 years to finally get the courage and make the move here, I am very pleased and happy I did.

I found the Rag Trade team to be extremely helpful and supportive before and during my move over to New Zealand

I am now working for Pumpkin Patch as their Merchandise Assistant within Design and Buying. Moving here on my own was initially daunting and leaving friends and family behind was difficult but I feel very at home in just a short space of time and I've been made to feel very welcome. I have gained many new friends along the way and my work background has been extremely valued and recognized here. I hope to progress my career further here in New Zealand and can't see myself returning back to the UK anytime soon.

Colin Vose, General Manager, Snowy Peak

I noticed Rag Trade Recruitment's advert in a UK Apparel Magazine and was intrigued by the fact New Zealand had a prospering clothing industry looking for experienced people. Following several exchanges of e-mails I met with their Managing Director Gaye Harford in London and was further impressed by what New Zealand had to offer as a country as well as its clothing industry. Within weeks I was informed of a strong potential interest from a company and decided to commit to spending one week in New Zealand to assess the opportunities. The trip proved successful in both allowing me to see the company and its management team and also for my partner Lynn and I to check out Christchurch as a potential home. One week after returning to the UK I was offered the position and the wheels were in motion for us to emigrate. The process was fairly lengthy but with help from many sources, including Rag Trade, we left the UK in November 2006 to start a new chapter of our lives in Christchurch. A year or so on, we still love the country, the city Christchurch and the friendliness of the people. Lynn found work, also in the clothing industry, and we are both doing well and enjoying the working environment here.

 

Amit Gupta, Designer, Snowy Peak

During my studies back in the UK I developed a desire to learn about people and different cultures. With my passion for traveling and working overseas I saw New Zealand as a great opportunity to do so. I had seen New Zealand in documentaries and have always been fascinated by its natural beauty, but never thought the dream would become a reality for me. While I was in my final stages of my degree I came across Rag Trade Recruitment in Drapers, a UK Apparel Magazine and decided to make contact. The communication with them was outstanding. I met with Gaye Harford their Managing Director early on in 2007 and it was soon after I had a job offer. Rag Trade and the company I am working with were so helpful throughout the entire process. It's been a great experience moving here and look forward to what the future holds here in beautiful New Zealand.