1. Apply for a personal IRD (tax) number
If you are working you must pay tax. For more info, visit www.ird.govt.nz.To do this you need an IRD (Inland Revenue Department) number. Your children will also need to have IRD numbers to receive government benefits.
Website: Inland Revenue - Te Tari Taake
Application form for Personal IRD numbers: Adult IR 595, Child IR 594
You need to attach a photocopy of ONE of the following forms of identification:
• Birth certificate
• port (must show page with port number and personal details)
• NZ photo identification such as a driver’s licence.
• Certificate of identity
2. Open a bank
It is a good idea to open a bank as soon as possible. Banks usually ask for three forms of identification, one of which should have a photo on it, e.g. port, overseas driver’s licence. Many banks have multilingual call centres to help non-English-speaking customers. All banks are not the same and charge different fees for their services. They may also offer different types of services. If you get a credit card or bank (EFTPOS) card the bank will give you a PIN (Personal Identification Number). Do not tell your PIN to anyone. If you lose your bankcard or think someone else has your PIN, your bank straight away on their 0800 number.
EFTPOS: (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point Of Sale):
EFTPOS is available in most shops in New Zealand. You can use your bankcard to make payments in shops using EFTPOS machines. You also need a PIN number. Check it out with a bank near you.
Banks have many other services. They have competent staff who will discuss and explain their services. Be sure you ask all the questions and acquire knowledge of the services you may want to use.
• ANZ Banking Group: (New Zealand) Limited: Personal - Online Banking | ANZ
• ASB Bank Limited: www.asbbank.co.nz
• Bank of New Zealand: www.bnz.co.nz
• Kiwi Bank Limited: Kiwibank - Banking New Zealand
• National Bank: Redirect | ANZ
• Westpac Banking Corporation: Westpac New Zealand - Helping Kiwis with their personal banking
Most banks are open for business Monday to Friday between the hours of 9.00am - 5.00pm
3. Find a place to live and where to buy your food
Most newcomers decide to rent a house or apartment when they arrive until they know the areas and can find a house to buy in the suburb they choose. There are many types of houses available. You should also think about the school you want your children to attend because schools have home zones (see under Choose a school).
Renting a private house or flat:
Properties for rent are usually d in newspapers. Look in the classified ments section under Houses To Let and Accommodation Vacant. You can also visit or call a real estate agent to look at their list of houses for rent. You can also check on various websites such as trademe
Buying a house:
Properties for sale are d through local real estate agents. Listings are also found in the local newspapers, the New Zealand Herald, local community newspapers, as well as in Property Press available at your local real estate agencies. It is useful to consult your lawyer for advice, before making a final decision.
Where to buy your food
There are many supermarkets, butcher shops (fresh meat outlets), fresh fruit, and vegetable markets, all around the district. These are listed in the Yellow Pages of the telephone book. Some of these supermarkets carry stocks of international foods as do some smaller grocery stores.The main choices include New World (the most selection, but often agreed to be the more expensive), Countdown (a very good selection with average prices), and PaknSave (the cheapest, especially for bulk buying, but less choice).
4. Choose a school for your children
All children in New Zealand must be enrolled in school by the time they are age 6 to 16. Most children begin school on or soon after their 5th birthday. Visit the Ministry of Education website - Welcome to the Ministry of Education - Ministry of Education
Types of schools:
Most students attend state-funded public schools, but there are other options such as religious based schools (eg: Catholic, Christian), special schools, and boarding schools.
To obtain a government report on any particular school go to website -www.ero.govt.nz
Home zones:
Check the ‘school zone’ before enrolling your child in a school. If you live out-of-zone your child may have to go on a waiting list.
School :
School starts at the end of January and ends mid December and is sectioned into 4 . More information about the New Zealand education system can be found at Welcome to the Ministry of Education - Ministry of Education
VIP LAW - By law, children under the age of 14 years are not allowed to stay in a house unsupervised. To leave children under the supervision of other children who are under the age of 14 is also illegal.
5. Job search / self employment
To work in New Zealand you must have (a) citizenship in New Zealand or Australia; or (b)a residence permit, work permit or a Variation of Conditions which allows you to work on a student or visitor permit.
You should have an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV), one that is suitable to present to NZ Employers. A CV tells the potential employer about your education, work experience and skills. Your documents may have to be officially translated. See Yellow Pages of the telephone book and listed under the title of Interpreter & Translation Services.
Career Services has free services for migrant job seekers. These include information, advice, guidance and strategies for effective job seeking. They will also help you prepare your CV. Ph: (09) 438 8875 or 0800 222 733, or visit Homepage :: Careers New Zealand.
Where to look for jobs
Recruitment Agencies: These are listed in the Yellow Pages of the local telephone book under “Personnel Consultants” and “Human Resources Management Consultants.”
Newspapers: Local newspapers, and The NZ Herald for jobs d in the region you are living in. There are many recruitment agencies listed in the Yellow Pages.
Jobs on SEEK - New Zealand's no.1 Employment, Career and Recruitment site
Homepage :: Careers New Zealand
www.newkiwis.govt.nz
JobCafe - NZ's Best online Talent Pool & Job Site; Jobs, Job Seekers, Job Advertísing, Job Board, Head Hunting, Employees, Employers, IT Jobs, Retail Jobs, Health Jobs, Engineering Jobs, Government Jobs, Manufacturing Jobs, Management Jobs, Recruitme
NZ Herald Jobs - New Zealand Employment, Careers & Job Search
www.jobstuff.co.nz
www.worksite.govt.nz
NZ Herald: New Zealand's Latest News, Business, Sport, Weather, Travel, Technology, Entertainment, Politics, Finance, Health, Environment and Science
Buy online and sell with NZ's #1 auction & classifieds site | Trade Me
Careerjet.co.nz - Jobs & Careers in New Zealand
6. Driving in New Zealand:
You can drive using a current overseas licence or an international driving permit for a maximum of one year after you arrive. It is recommended that you read a Road Safety brochure. Some are available in different languages. They can advise you about “What’s Different About Driving in New Zealand” or you can visit NZ Transport Agency | NZ Transport Agency or phone 0800 822 422
You must convert your overseas licence to a New Zealand driver’s licence before one year has transpired. You will have to a theory test and, depending on the country you have come from, a practical driving test as well.
The Transport Safety Authority and its driver licensing agents can supply you with an application form for an overseas licence conversion.
In New Zealand you must carry your driver’s licence or permit at all times when you are driving. If your overseas licence is not in English, NZTA suggest you carry an official translation with you.
Drivers who are new to this country, people learning to drive and people wanting to gain a new licence class need to refer to the ROAD CODE. You can buy a copy or read one at your public library. For more information: www.ltsa.govt.nz or phone 0800 822 422
If you have young children in the car, they must use an approved child safety seat. Do not leave unsupervised children in the car. Car seats are available for hire from Plunket
7. Find a regular doctor (GP) or a Primary Health Care ProviderFind a family doctorIt is a good idea to with a family doctor or GP (General Practitioner) when you move into the District. A GP is your primary health care provider. To find a GP look in the front section of the telephone directory under ed Medical Practitioners & Medical Centres. If a member of your family is sick, your GP is the first person you should call.
You are free to with a GP of your choice. See listings for local ed general practitioners in the front of the white pages of the telephone book.
GPs set their own fees and provide different services from other GPs. Fees vary so check with the GP before deciding which one to enrol with.
Children under 6 years can visit the doctor for free.
If you have health insurance, some or all of your costs may be covered. To find a health insurer go to the Yellow Pages of the local telephone book for listings under - Insurance Medical.
For an explanation of the New Zealand health system and health insurance see Home Page - Everybody - Health Information for New Zealanders
Healthline | Ministry of Health
Having a Baby
Permanent residents and long term work permit holders are entitled to free maternity care in New Zealand. Once you find out you are pregnant you need to with a midwife who will look after your health while you are pregnant and deliver your baby.
Midwifery practices can be found in the Yellow Pages.
Plunket is a national society providing services for children under 5 years. Plunket has information for new parents at parent centres. For help and . Plunket - Parenting advice, car seat hire, PlunketLine, Plunket nurse visits, Plunket clinics or free phone: 0800 933 922. Children’s car seats can also be rented from the Plunket Society.
8. Emergency Services
Accident and sudden sickness:
In the case of a sudden sickness or serious accident, you can visit an Accident and Medical Centre, often called an A and E (Accident and Emergency) Clinic, in your local area, or the emergency department of a public hospital.
You can call the Ambulance service by ringing 111. There is usually a call-out fee approxiamtely $80
Hope this helps. Please feel free to add to it!!
Jen
If you are working you must pay tax. For more info, visit www.ird.govt.nz.To do this you need an IRD (Inland Revenue Department) number. Your children will also need to have IRD numbers to receive government benefits.
Website: Inland Revenue - Te Tari Taake
Application form for Personal IRD numbers: Adult IR 595, Child IR 594
You need to attach a photocopy of ONE of the following forms of identification:
• Birth certificate
• port (must show page with port number and personal details)
• NZ photo identification such as a driver’s licence.
• Certificate of identity
2. Open a bank
It is a good idea to open a bank as soon as possible. Banks usually ask for three forms of identification, one of which should have a photo on it, e.g. port, overseas driver’s licence. Many banks have multilingual call centres to help non-English-speaking customers. All banks are not the same and charge different fees for their services. They may also offer different types of services. If you get a credit card or bank (EFTPOS) card the bank will give you a PIN (Personal Identification Number). Do not tell your PIN to anyone. If you lose your bankcard or think someone else has your PIN, your bank straight away on their 0800 number.
EFTPOS: (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point Of Sale):
EFTPOS is available in most shops in New Zealand. You can use your bankcard to make payments in shops using EFTPOS machines. You also need a PIN number. Check it out with a bank near you.
Banks have many other services. They have competent staff who will discuss and explain their services. Be sure you ask all the questions and acquire knowledge of the services you may want to use.
• ANZ Banking Group: (New Zealand) Limited: Personal - Online Banking | ANZ
• ASB Bank Limited: www.asbbank.co.nz
• Bank of New Zealand: www.bnz.co.nz
• Kiwi Bank Limited: Kiwibank - Banking New Zealand
• National Bank: Redirect | ANZ
• Westpac Banking Corporation: Westpac New Zealand - Helping Kiwis with their personal banking
Most banks are open for business Monday to Friday between the hours of 9.00am - 5.00pm
3. Find a place to live and where to buy your food
Most newcomers decide to rent a house or apartment when they arrive until they know the areas and can find a house to buy in the suburb they choose. There are many types of houses available. You should also think about the school you want your children to attend because schools have home zones (see under Choose a school).
Renting a private house or flat:
Properties for rent are usually d in newspapers. Look in the classified ments section under Houses To Let and Accommodation Vacant. You can also visit or call a real estate agent to look at their list of houses for rent. You can also check on various websites such as trademe
Buying a house:
Properties for sale are d through local real estate agents. Listings are also found in the local newspapers, the New Zealand Herald, local community newspapers, as well as in Property Press available at your local real estate agencies. It is useful to consult your lawyer for advice, before making a final decision.
Where to buy your food
There are many supermarkets, butcher shops (fresh meat outlets), fresh fruit, and vegetable markets, all around the district. These are listed in the Yellow Pages of the telephone book. Some of these supermarkets carry stocks of international foods as do some smaller grocery stores.The main choices include New World (the most selection, but often agreed to be the more expensive), Countdown (a very good selection with average prices), and PaknSave (the cheapest, especially for bulk buying, but less choice).
4. Choose a school for your children
All children in New Zealand must be enrolled in school by the time they are age 6 to 16. Most children begin school on or soon after their 5th birthday. Visit the Ministry of Education website - Welcome to the Ministry of Education - Ministry of Education
Types of schools:
Most students attend state-funded public schools, but there are other options such as religious based schools (eg: Catholic, Christian), special schools, and boarding schools.
To obtain a government report on any particular school go to website -www.ero.govt.nz
Home zones:
Check the ‘school zone’ before enrolling your child in a school. If you live out-of-zone your child may have to go on a waiting list.
School :
School starts at the end of January and ends mid December and is sectioned into 4 . More information about the New Zealand education system can be found at Welcome to the Ministry of Education - Ministry of Education
VIP LAW - By law, children under the age of 14 years are not allowed to stay in a house unsupervised. To leave children under the supervision of other children who are under the age of 14 is also illegal.
5. Job search / self employment
To work in New Zealand you must have (a) citizenship in New Zealand or Australia; or (b)a residence permit, work permit or a Variation of Conditions which allows you to work on a student or visitor permit.
You should have an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV), one that is suitable to present to NZ Employers. A CV tells the potential employer about your education, work experience and skills. Your documents may have to be officially translated. See Yellow Pages of the telephone book and listed under the title of Interpreter & Translation Services.
Career Services has free services for migrant job seekers. These include information, advice, guidance and strategies for effective job seeking. They will also help you prepare your CV. Ph: (09) 438 8875 or 0800 222 733, or visit Homepage :: Careers New Zealand.
Where to look for jobs
Recruitment Agencies: These are listed in the Yellow Pages of the local telephone book under “Personnel Consultants” and “Human Resources Management Consultants.”
Newspapers: Local newspapers, and The NZ Herald for jobs d in the region you are living in. There are many recruitment agencies listed in the Yellow Pages.
Jobs on SEEK - New Zealand's no.1 Employment, Career and Recruitment site
Homepage :: Careers New Zealand
www.newkiwis.govt.nz
JobCafe - NZ's Best online Talent Pool & Job Site; Jobs, Job Seekers, Job Advertísing, Job Board, Head Hunting, Employees, Employers, IT Jobs, Retail Jobs, Health Jobs, Engineering Jobs, Government Jobs, Manufacturing Jobs, Management Jobs, Recruitme
NZ Herald Jobs - New Zealand Employment, Careers & Job Search
www.jobstuff.co.nz
www.worksite.govt.nz
NZ Herald: New Zealand's Latest News, Business, Sport, Weather, Travel, Technology, Entertainment, Politics, Finance, Health, Environment and Science
Buy online and sell with NZ's #1 auction & classifieds site | Trade Me
Careerjet.co.nz - Jobs & Careers in New Zealand
6. Driving in New Zealand:
You can drive using a current overseas licence or an international driving permit for a maximum of one year after you arrive. It is recommended that you read a Road Safety brochure. Some are available in different languages. They can advise you about “What’s Different About Driving in New Zealand” or you can visit NZ Transport Agency | NZ Transport Agency or phone 0800 822 422
You must convert your overseas licence to a New Zealand driver’s licence before one year has transpired. You will have to a theory test and, depending on the country you have come from, a practical driving test as well.
The Transport Safety Authority and its driver licensing agents can supply you with an application form for an overseas licence conversion.
In New Zealand you must carry your driver’s licence or permit at all times when you are driving. If your overseas licence is not in English, NZTA suggest you carry an official translation with you.
Drivers who are new to this country, people learning to drive and people wanting to gain a new licence class need to refer to the ROAD CODE. You can buy a copy or read one at your public library. For more information: www.ltsa.govt.nz or phone 0800 822 422
If you have young children in the car, they must use an approved child safety seat. Do not leave unsupervised children in the car. Car seats are available for hire from Plunket
7. Find a regular doctor (GP) or a Primary Health Care ProviderFind a family doctorIt is a good idea to with a family doctor or GP (General Practitioner) when you move into the District. A GP is your primary health care provider. To find a GP look in the front section of the telephone directory under ed Medical Practitioners & Medical Centres. If a member of your family is sick, your GP is the first person you should call.
You are free to with a GP of your choice. See listings for local ed general practitioners in the front of the white pages of the telephone book.
GPs set their own fees and provide different services from other GPs. Fees vary so check with the GP before deciding which one to enrol with.
Children under 6 years can visit the doctor for free.
If you have health insurance, some or all of your costs may be covered. To find a health insurer go to the Yellow Pages of the local telephone book for listings under - Insurance Medical.
For an explanation of the New Zealand health system and health insurance see Home Page - Everybody - Health Information for New Zealanders
Healthline | Ministry of Health
Having a Baby
Permanent residents and long term work permit holders are entitled to free maternity care in New Zealand. Once you find out you are pregnant you need to with a midwife who will look after your health while you are pregnant and deliver your baby.
Midwifery practices can be found in the Yellow Pages.
Plunket is a national society providing services for children under 5 years. Plunket has information for new parents at parent centres. For help and . Plunket - Parenting advice, car seat hire, PlunketLine, Plunket nurse visits, Plunket clinics or free phone: 0800 933 922. Children’s car seats can also be rented from the Plunket Society.
8. Emergency Services
Accident and sudden sickness:
In the case of a sudden sickness or serious accident, you can visit an Accident and Medical Centre, often called an A and E (Accident and Emergency) Clinic, in your local area, or the emergency department of a public hospital.
You can call the Ambulance service by ringing 111. There is usually a call-out fee approxiamtely $80
Hope this helps. Please feel free to add to it!!
Jen
