13th November: Visiting agencies in Auckland

I'm up early. I dress in last night's clothes and have a light breakfast. Then, back to my room, shave, shower, get into my smart-casual clothes, and set off to the first meeting. It's ten minutes walk, during which time I take in the Auckland surroundings. Auckland, or this part of it, is just like any other city. Office blocks, with the usual supporting cast of bars, cafes, restaurants etc.

I arrive at the offices of High Street IT. I meet several of the consultants and have some good discussions about my prospects, my preferences, the timescales etc. It all sounds encouraging, and I get a good feeling about these people. They identify some clients who might be interested. One organisation in particular, that doesn't have a current vacancy but is always eager to see people who have particular skills and experience. My CV has caught everyone's attention, and they think this client will be keen. I leave High Street's offices feeling more optimistic than I've felt for weeks back in Australia.

At the next agency, I meet a guy who was actually my contact for a while when I worked back in Nottingham. Small world. He's been out in Auckland for about a year, and loves it so far. leaving that agency, I have some lunch and then go to see another agency and hear more positive noises. Then I visit Absolute IT - a contact that my friend Gary provided. Pauline is interested in my CV, and says I have good prospects of finding work. She also forwards my details to a colleague in the Wellington office.

When all the meetings are over, I walk around the CBD, and relax a little. I don't have any interviews lined up, but it does look like I'll find work in New Zealand. It's time to see just a little bit of Auckland. I see the sky tower up close, and walk up and down some of the surprisingly steep hills in the centre. But I'll need to get further out of the city before I can get a sense of Auckland's identity, and that will have to wait for another day. Today, it just feels like any other city.

But today has turned out well. I feel optimistic for the first time in several weeks.