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Embarking on the journey to New Zealand can be a joyful decision that leads to a prosperous outcome. Preparing for the inevitable challenges can make the transition smoother and safer for all parties involved.
Just like countless migrants who came before you, you’ll discover that the difficulties you encounter are often eclipsed by the numerous advantages and opportunities that await you in your new home.
Ever since the Māori people bestowed upon New Zealand the name ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’, the significance of weather and climate has remained central to the lives of New Zealanders, especially those who rely on agriculture and farming for their livelihoods.
New Zealand boasts temperate conditions, moderately abundant rainfall, and ample sunshine hours across much of the nation. The climate in New Zealand is predominantly influenced by two prominent geographical elements: its mountainous terrain and its proximity to the ocean.
New Zealand experiences a primarily temperate climate. While the northern regions enjoy subtropical conditions during the summer months, and the inland alpine areas of the South Island can plunge to frigid temperatures as low as -10°C in winter, the majority of the country is situated near the coast. This coastal proximity results in mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and abundant sunshine.
Due to its location in the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand exhibits a gradual temperature decrease as one travels southward. The northern part of the country enjoys subtropical weather, while the southern regions experience temperate conditions. The warmest months are typically December, January, and February, while the coldest months are June, July, and August. During summer, average maximum temperatures typically range between 20 and 30°C, while in winter they typically fall within the 10 to 15°C range.
You can check on weather conditions in New Zealand on the MetService website.
Attire tends to be informal and laid-back for the most part. You can comfortably wear smart casual clothing in many restaurants and nightlife spots. Generally, men are not obliged to wear suits and ties, except for a handful of the most formal bars and restaurants in major cities.
During the summer season, it’s advisable to include a light jacket or sweater in your luggage, just in case the weather takes a cooler turn or if you plan to venture into high-altitude areas. Be prepared for some rain and consider packing a lightweight waterproof jacket or coat.
If you’re visiting between May and September, make sure to pack warm winter clothing and layer your outfits to stay comfortable in cooler temperatures.
The cost of living in New Zealand can vary significantly from your home country, and the comparison depends on your place of origin and the specific region in New Zealand where you choose to reside.
Numbeo has a very useful Cost of Living calculator you can use to compare costs between different countries.
Grocery shopping in New Zealand offers a diverse and high-quality selection of products. Supermarkets like Woolworths (formerly Countdown), New World and Pak’nSave are well stocked with a wide range of fresh produce, dairy items, meats and pantry staples.
New Zealanders place a strong emphasis on locally sourced and organic products, making it easy to find fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as organic and free-range meat and dairy options. The country is also known for its excellent seafood, including a variety of fish and shellfish.
Prices can vary depending on where you shop and the location in New Zealand, with larger cities generally having slightly higher costs. However, the overall grocery shopping experience in New Zealand is convenient, and the country’s commitment to quality and sustainability is evident throughout its supermarkets.
Most major New Zealand supermarkets offer online grocery shopping and regularly have special offers.
Owning a car in New Zealand provides a great deal of convenience, as it allows for flexibility in navigating the diverse landscapes of this stunning country. The roads are generally well maintained, and New Zealanders drive on the left-hand side of the road. However, it’s important to note that the cost of owning a car can add up.
Besides the initial purchase price, you’ll need to budget for fuel, insurance, registration and regular maintenance. New Zealand’s stringent vehicle safety and emissions standards mean cars also require periodic inspections.
Owning a car comes with the recurring expense of vehicle registration, which varies based on the car’s make and age. Additionally, all cars must undergo a Warrant of Fitness (WoF) inspection to ensure they are safe to drive. The frequency of these inspections depends on the car’s age, with most cars requiring an annual WoF check. Diesel vehicles also pay road user charges, calculated per kilometre.
In larger cities like Auckland and Wellington, traffic congestion and parking can be challenging, but public transport options are available. For those living in more remote or rural areas, a car becomes almost essential for daily life and exploration. Ultimately, owning a car in New Zealand offers the freedom to explore the country’s breathtaking landscapes at your own pace, but it’s essential to factor in the associated costs and responsibilities.
Trade Me Motors can give you a good idea of what used cars cost here.
Public transport in New Zealand offers a convenient and relatively reliable way to get around in both urban and some regional areas.
In major cities like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, you’ll find well-developed public transit systems comprising buses, trains and, in some cases, ferries. These services are generally clean and safe, making them a practical choice for commuting and exploring the city.
However, in more remote or rural areas, public transport options may be limited, and owning a car becomes more essential.
Overall, public transport in New Zealand provides a viable alternative to driving in urban centres, reducing congestion and contributing to the country’s environmental sustainability efforts.
Prices vary depending on the location. To explore your local public transport options, visit the NZ Transport Agency website.
You can find a wide range of options, from international brands to boutique stores and locally crafted items. New Zealanders embrace a relaxed and casual style, with a strong focus on outdoor activities and comfort.
Due to the country’s variable climate, you’ll find clothing suitable for all seasons, including outdoor gear designed for the country’s stunning landscapes. While larger cities have numerous shopping districts and malls, smaller towns also boast charming boutiques and markets where you can discover unique, locally made fashion items.
Keep in mind that prices can vary, and it’s advisable to explore different shopping options to find the best deals and styles that suit your preferences. There are also many second-hand, thrift and op shops across the country; here is a handy op shop directory.
Rent and house purchase prices vary widely depending on where you are in New Zealand, so find out the current rental prices. A popular place to start is online at Trade Me Property.
Rates are the local taxes imposed by councils to support their community initiatives and projects. These taxes are determined by the assessed value of your property and are billed to the property owner.
If you are renting a property, you won’t be responsible for paying these taxes directly. To find out the expected rates for a specific property, check the council’s official website; Local Government New Zealand lists council websites and maps.
You can find a list of mortgage, personal and business lenders on the privately operated website interest.co.nz.
There are several electricity, gas and internet providers in New Zealand, and they offer a variety of plans. You can look around for the best deal on the Powerswitch and Glimp websites.
Explore free or low-cost activities: New Zealand offers a plethora of stunning natural attractions, parks and beaches that are often free to access. Take advantage of the country’s beautiful landscapes for hiking, picnicking and outdoor adventures. Look for local events, festivals and exhibitions, which may offer affordable or even free entertainment.
Cook at home: eating out in New Zealand can be pricey, so consider cooking your meals at home. Buy groceries from local markets or supermarkets and enjoy homemade meals that not only save money but also let you explore New Zealand’s fresh produce and cuisine.
Use public transport: in major cities like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, public transport is a cost-effective way to get around. Invest in daily or monthly passes for buses, trains and ferries to save on commuting compared to owning a car.
Shop smart: look out for sales, discounts and local markets to buy essentials and souvenirs. Opt for generic or store-brand products when shopping for groceries and household items, as they are often more affordable than brand-name equivalents. Search sites such as PriceSpy before buying any electronics for the best deals.
You are allowed to drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months using either an International Driving Permit or your current overseas driving licence. After that you will need to get a New Zealand driving licence.
If your licence is not in English, you should get an International Driving Permit or bring an official English translation of your licence with you. Further licensing details are available from the NZ Transport Agency.
Vehicles drive on the left side of the road. The urban speed limit is usually 50 kph (31 mph); elsewhere it’s usually 100 kph (62 mph).
From Christchurch to:
* Ferry crossing time is normally 3hrs.
You can get more information at www.nzta.govt.nz.
We are often asked for information on childcare facilities and recommended schools. We have compiled some points we think you should take into account when considering where to live to accommodate your preferences.
If you have children who need looking after while you are at work, New Zealand has many childcare options, such as childcare centres, crèches, home-based care and family day care or nannies. Childcare centres for young children offer session care (up to four hours a day) and are open for up to eight or nine hours (between 7.30am and 6pm), or offer full day options. Some centres may offer casual care in morning or afternoon sessions. Childcare centres will charge a sessional, weekly or daily fee, and an hourly fee for casual care.
Childcare centres are licensed to take either under two-year-olds or over two-year-olds. Other options, such as Montessori or Rudolf Steiner centres, have their own aims and philosophy.
Home-based care services provide a caregiver for very small groups of children in supervised homes in the community where the family needing the care lives. The main organisations that provide family day care are Barnardos, PORSE, Home Grown and Selwyn Toddlers. Their fees are charged at an hourly rate and the times are flexible; they can include evenings and weekends to help parents who do shift work (irregular hours).
Most of these services can offer the 20 Hours ECE (early childhood education) subsidy funded by the Ministry of Education. Any three, four or five year old child in New Zealand can be enrolled in ECE and receive 20 Hours ECE even if they are not a New Zealand resident or citizen. For more information visit the Ministry of Education website.
In most circumstances, your children will attend the local school they are zoned for. If you choose to live outside the zone of your preferred school, your children may not get places, particularly if the school is a popular one with a reputation for high standards. Spare places at popular schools are allocated by ballot. Exceptions to zoning may include attendance at a school with a special character, such as a religious school.
School rules are set by the school board, which is elected by parents. School rules usually mean that school uniform is compulsory at secondary school. In addition to wearing the uniform, pupils usually must not wear make-up, jewellery, unusual hair colourings, nose piercings and so on.
In addition to the state sector, there is also a flourishing private education sector. Children who attend any of the better state schools in New Zealand receive a very good education.
State education in New Zealand is meant to be free of charge. However, there are costs. You need to pay for your children’s school uniforms, pencils, pens, glue sticks, stationery and so on. Textbooks can be provided free of charge, unless their use involves writing in them and they cannot be returned to the school. Some schools charge for textbooks.
Most state schools charge a fee of somewhere around $100 to $300 per year per child, although some charge considerably more than this. Some state high schools charge an annual fee of between $400 and $900. If more than one child attends the same school, it is usual to get a reduction in fees. Although payment of the fee is voluntary, and is called a donation, most parents pay. The donation pays for extra resources for your children’s school, photocopying and so on, and it is tax-deductible.
The New Zealand government provides more money to schools in socially deprived areas than it does to schools in better-off areas. As a result, in order to make ends meet, schools in better-off areas tend to charge higher “voluntary” fees than schools in poorer areas.
School days are Monday to Friday. Primary schools usually start at 9am, or a little earlier, and finish at 3pm. Secondary schools usually start at 8.30am and finish at 3pm or 3.15pm.
The school year runs from February to December and has four terms. Each term is roughly ten weeks long. Summer holidays last about five and a half weeks at primary schools and about a week longer at secondary schools. The autumn, winter and spring holidays each last two weeks. For more information on New Zealand education, please visit the Ministry of Education website.
Qualifications, such as degrees and certifications, are ranked to help determine eligibility under Immigration New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant Category. If your qualification is not on the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment, you will need to have it assessed by NZQA.
Getting your qualifications recognised is an important part of the moving process. Start the process as soon as possible to make it easier when you are offered a job.
Levels of qualification are ranked from 1 to 10, with 10 representing the highest level of qualification. Levels depend on the complexity of your education, rather than simply the time spent learning. Check your qualification ranking on the New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications to find out how many points your qualification is worth.
For many occupations, such as those in the medical, education and architectural fields, you will be required to register with a New Zealand occupational registration body in order to legally undertake employment. Immigration New Zealand can help you check if you need occupational registration for your job and who to contact.
Teachers, for example, need to be registered with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, which sets out the steps to validate overseas teaching qualifications in New Zealand.
Further qualifications, such as those for accountants, can be assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
Not all qualifications are required to be assessed. Immigration New Zealand keeps an up-to-date list of international qualifications exempt from assessment on its website.
If you tell NZQA that you are seeking professional registration, you will be given the contact details of the relevant New Zealand professional body when NZQA issues your assessment report.
You may still be able to apply for a job, but perhaps at a lower level of skill. Alternatively, you could consider:
Hospital treatment is free of charge for New Zealand citizens, permanent residents and holders of certain work visas. As a result, there can be long waiting lists for “non-emergency” cases. No one can be refused emergency care in New Zealand because they can’t pay. However, if you are not entitled to publicly funded care you may be sent a bill for some services. Many employed people pay for private medical insurance to avoid waiting for “non-emergency” treatment.
If you are arriving on a work visa of less than 2 years, in most cases you will not be eligible for publicly funded health care, and we suggest obtaining travel insurance before you arrive.
If you’re injured in New Zealand, regardless of cause or blame, the ACC scheme entitles you to:
The ACC scheme replaces the right to sue for damages. In New Zealand you cannot sue someone for causing you injury.
Cervical screening is free for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 69. The Ministry of Health estimates that, in women who are not screened, one in ninety will develop cervical cancer and around half of these women will die of the disease. In women who are screened, the death rate is much lower, at around one woman in 1,280 dying of cervical cancer. Overall, women who have regular screening reduce their likelihood of developing cervical cancer by about 90 percent. About 200 New Zealand women develop cervical cancer every year, and about 60 to 70 women die from it. Find out more about cervical screening from Health New Zealand.
All maternity services from pregnancy through to childbirth in New Zealand are free of charge for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents, or their spouses or partners. Fees are payable for care at private hospitals and treatment by private obstetricians. It is your choice where you have your baby and who cares for you during pregnancy and birth.
Most women choose to have a midwife as their Lead Maternity Carer. Typically, a midwife can offer or arrange pregnancy testing, care and assessments throughout pregnancy, blood tests or investigative procedures, consultation with an obstetrician or other specialist, support and care during labour and birth in the place of your choice (whether in a hospital, at home or in a location such as a birth pool), and support and care after your baby is born.
Babies born in New Zealand will only be eligible for New Zealand citizenship if at least one of their parents is a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
Note: for full, up-to-date information, refer to Inland Revenue. The information below is a guideline only.
Income tax on earnings is required to be paid to the New Zealand government. There are no local or regional income or sales taxes. All taxes are collected by Inland Revenue.
Most people pay their income tax as they earn their income. Employers deduct tax based on salary and wages; this is known as PAYE (Pay As You Earn) tax. Banks and other financial institutions deduct Resident Withholding Tax on interest as it is earned. People who do not pay tax on all of their income as it is earned are required to settle their taxes with Inland Revenue at the end of the tax year (31 March). In most cases Inland Revenue will send you all the material you need to do this. If you are in this category you may be required to pay ‘provisional tax’, in which case you must pay your tax in three instalments through the year.
If you receive any income you need an IRD number; find out how to apply by contacting Inland Revenue. You will need your IRD number before you start a job, or if you want to open a bank account.
For more information on tax for those moving to New Zealand permanently, visiting, or on a working holiday, please visit the IRD website.
All New Zealand tax residents are liable for income tax on their worldwide income. See Inland Revenue for more information on individual taxation, including the definition of a New Zealand tax resident and the current personal income tax rates.
GST is charged at the rate of 15% on virtually all goods and services, excluding exports, financial services, the rent or purchase price of residential property, and some other items. Price tags you see in shops always include GST, so you needn’t add anything to the display price.
If you are self-employed (or a business) and your annual turnover is above a certain threshold, you must ‘register’ for GST purposes and charge GST on all your services. You can then claim back the GST paid on any business-related purchases and expenses.
You can work out your take-home pay after tax by using the PAYE calculator.
Towns and regions raise money by levying property taxes. Each house or building has a “rateable value”, which determines the amount of local tax the owner of the building pays. These local taxes are called “rates”.
Owners of modest houses in rural areas will pay rates of a few hundred dollars each year. An average to above-average suburban home will attract rates in the region of $1,500 to $3,000 each year. Houses with very high values will attract higher rates.
Our team can help with relocation assistance for qualifying candidates.