Moving to New Zealand? Here are some tips to help you settle into life.
You're at the start of a big adventure. We've put together a few tips to help you get started and settle in.
Checklist of moving to New Zealand
The New Zealand Government has created a helpful tool that provides you a checklist of what you need to do based off your personal circumstances:
You can find it here.
Banks in New Zealand
It's likely you will need to open a bank account in New Zealand. Some of the major banks include: ANZ, Westpac, Kiwibank, BNZ, ASB
Transferring Money
You may decide to transfer money at the start, during or towards the end of your time in New Zealand.
- You can often do this via your bank or an online provider.
- An option is also Halo Financial, and you can can get in touch with Geraldine Collett: Geraldine.collett@halofinancial.com
- They are also at www.halofinancial.com
Tax Rates
All workers in New Zealand are required to pay tax. The amount of tax you’ll pay will depend on how much you earn.
You can find out more about how tax works and different tax rates here.
Tax Returns
- Tax returns cover the financial year from 1st April to 31st March and are due to be submitted by 7th July.
- For more information, it's best to visit the New Zealand Inland Tax Revenue's website.
Kiwisaver
Kiwisaver is the name of New Zealand’s voluntary retirement savings scheme.
- Full details can be found here.
Health System
NZ has a National Public Health Network that provides health support & cover for eligible people.
- You can find out more about it here.
- A good place to check your eligibility is here.
- Another great resource is NZ's 'After Hours Healthcare' (non-emergency): Healthline – free health advice from registered nurses 24/7 on 0800 611 116. Or, for more information visit thier website here.
Taking care of your mental health
No matter what, the process of moving can be quite mentally taxing and moving back to a country you have been away from for a while can be a bit of a culture shock so it is important to look after your mental health.
There is a wealth of knowledge and support services that can be found here.
Leave & Holidays
- Annual Leave: all employees become entitled to four week’s annual holidays after 12 months of continuous employment. Please note that annual leave is accrued monthly, and you will not receive your full year’s entitlement at the beginning of each year.
- Sick Leave: 10 paid days of sick leave per year is available to employees so they can care for themselves or their dependents.
- Public Holidays: there are 11 annual public holidays in New Zealand and employees get a paid day off on public holidays if it’s an otherwise working day for them.
- Alternative Holidays: an employee gets an alternative holiday for working on a public holiday that is an otherwise working.
Public Transport
Each city in New Zealand has its own public transport ticketing system
- Auckland: AT
- Wellington: Metlink
- Christchurch: Metro card
Making Connections
The New Zealand government has advice and support for settling in to New Zealand. You can check this out here.
Mobile Network Providers
One of the most frequently asked questions is about mobile phone providers!
New Zealand has three main mobile phone providers and they are:
- Spark
- Vodafone
- 2Degrees
Broadband Network Providers
There are multiple broadband companies across New Zealand. You can compare broadband providers here.
Accommodation
The key local websites for rental accommodation, include:
Joining Facebook groups specifically for advertising property rentals
If you're returning to NZ and looking to make a more permanent move a good resource for information can be found here.
Setting up a home
Most rental properties in NZ are unfurnished or partially furnished so if you are looking to furnish your new home here are some places that will be of help:
- Briscoes
- Kmart
- The Warehouse
- Farmers
- Harvey Norman
- Freedom Furniture
Shipping
Robert Walters works with a partner to get New Zealander’s returning home or people moving to New Zealand competitive shipping rates.
We recommend Solaris Relocations. Out contact is John Morris: john.morris@solarisrelocations.com
Things to do
New Zealand is a beautiful country with many sights to see. To help you explore New Zealand visit the New Zealand Tourism website.
There are some great websites and Facebook pages that you can follow where local events, restaurants, bars and shops are shared and reviewed:
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