Hello again everyone. Just thought to clarify a few things about programmers here in NZ. As I use the UT more and more, I am learning correct vernacular is a must in my communications with the 'mainstream' of the programming world out there (somewhere).

OK. Regarding programmers in NZ for VFP - There are some here; and some very good ones. However - there are not many 'indigenous' certified programmers!!! This lends credence to the first item of this thead: a single source reference becoming available to help people know what to study, etc., for certification. There is a vast pool of people here (vast enough for me to use that word) who are keen on VFP but cannot afford the time/money for a trip to the States (and I think there is one course in Australia now as well) for proper sit-in-the-class-and-listen-and-learn-and-you-will-be-great instruction.

Certification does not necessarily imply (in our book here) a programmer knows how to code IRL; just that the code generated SHOULD match some common norms and expectations; and harness some of the true power of VFP. So, back to the first thread: those in the 'second' and 'third' world markets can use this new resource to help them along.

So for those of you with inquiries regarding working in NZ, etc... here is some advice.

1) Check with the consulate in Washington DC. You can get work permits here. My division is currently augmented with three Americans on contract. They were able to work here as part of there 'education' was certifcation and training in MS products.

2) There is a strong IT job market here. Some places to check on are Lacy Lee Recruitment info.auckland@laceylee.co.nz and ITEC www.itec.co.nz. Mentioning these company names is not an endorsement of the products, services, and/or schemes used by the respective company; nor does this imply exclusion of other firms in NZ operating similar services; nor does this imply any responsibility on the part of the Pyne Gould Corporation or any of its' subsidiary companies (not bad for a I-hate-the-lawyer-talk type guy, huh?). :-)

3) As to tele-consultancy (I personally cannot see us 'tele-commuting'), I have been open minded to this for a long time and have recently used some services. I find this a valuable commodity and hope to contact all of you who have sent queries in the near future.

So, to all of you who have contributed help to me, I sincerely thank-you. I look forward to one day (if the budget gods ever decree me to be worthy) of meeting you at a DEVCON. They sound like a blast; as well as having some educational purpose. Seriously, a DEVCON sounds like a semester in school wrapped in a few days - so one day IRL!!!

Ric