Living in New Zealand

New Zealand offers a friendly environment which attracts many expats but be aware that they are several different cultural attitudes which you should be aware of before relocating. Its diverse topography offers much in the way of beautiful landscapes from the Southern Alpine mountains to intriguing natural phenomena like the Emerald Lakes. One third of the country is a protected national park so expect gorgeous scenery in abundance.

What to expect when you arrive in New Zealand

English is the de facto language of New Zealand but Maori and Samoan are also spoken in some areas. Maori in particular is enjoying a regeneration, being taught in schools and having dedicated television channels.

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Living in New Zealand

Banking as an expat

New Zealanders are big fans of debit and credit cards with 75% of all transactions being conducted in this manner. Migrant bank accounts are available for both personal and business use. Opening an account prior to your arrival will help establish your credit rating. The Bank of New Zealand offers a bank account for migrants, which you may want to investigate. Some banks will also charge a premium for using your credit card overseas or in ATMs so it is best to read up on what the major banks have to offer. You will need a nine digit IRD number from the Inland Revenue to set up an account. The main banks in NZ are Westpac, Kiwi Bank, ASB and Bank of New Zealand.

Living in New Zealand

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Living in New Zealand

Driving in New Zealand

It is important to be aware that while New Zealanders drive on the same side of the road we Britons do that there are several differences regarding rules of the road. You will need to convert your UK licence to a New Zealand one and it is wise to prepare yourself by reading up on the rules of the road. Distance and speeds are measured in kilometres rather than miles. The AA also provides a visiting driver training program which is worth a look. A largely rural country, New Zealand has many narrow winding roads outside of its big cities which can take some getting used to especially Baldwin Street in Dunedin, the world’s steepest street which has a thirty eight percent gradient at its steepest section.

Finding a home

Wellington and Auckland are two rich and diverse cities. The former is New Zealand’s political centre and is famous for its harbour view and the Te Papa National Museum. Its varied rental market attracts many young professionals with 24 per cent of them being in the 24-35 age group. Auckland ranked an impressive third in Mercer’s quality of life survey which assessed all major world cities.

Living in New Zealand

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Living in New Zealand

Education in New Zealand

The New Zealand education system is excellent with an adult literacy rate of 99%. Primary and Secondary education is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 16 and those living in the country indefinitely are entitled to free state education between the ages of 5 and 19. Around 14% of adults are educated to Bachelor’s Degree level or higher in the country’s universities or the Maori equivalent Wānanga.

Get support for your settlement in New Zealand

Sign up for social clubs, playgroups for your children and even expat groups to help you get make adjustments and learn about the differences in New Zealand society. You can also get professional resettlement advice, which can pay for itself in helping you avoid costly mistakes in your new homeland.

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Meet our movers

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Removal quote appointment booking service

Britannia Goodwins Removals & Storage can help your overseas move go smoothly. Contact us for a free, no obligation quote, or by calling 01785 251161 and speaking with one of our Stafford and Cheshire removals specialists.

How are our appointments carried out

In the current times you might prefer that we don't visit your house in person to carry out a survey. This is fully understandable and we can just as easily undertake the survey by video call, using whatever method you're comfortable with, usually FaceTime or WhatsApp.

See what our customers think of us...

Friendly, efficient and helpful

Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
I knew Robert Goodwin and the good reputation.

How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10

How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10

Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Excellent reputation

How would you rate your move team?
10/10

Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Friendly, efficient and helpful

How would you rate our communication?
10/10

How can we improve our service?
Better online forms maybe?

How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your move?
Nothing really

Brian Woods

You guys were friendly and efficient and we felt like we were in experienced hands.

Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Google

How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10

How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10

Why did you choose to move/store with us?
You guys were friendly and efficient and we felt like we were in experienced hands.

How would you rate your move team?
10/10

Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Alan, Paul, Tony and Rob were a lovely bunch working in the coldest days of the year! They did a great job at packing our belongings safely and delivering our things as well as building furniture.

How would you rate our communication?
10/10

How can we improve our service?
Nothing

How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your move?
Thanks so much it was faultless.

Robyn Duffy

You made it stress-free and we now have the opportunity to just enjoy our new home.

Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
We googled "Movers Staffordshire" and came across your company. The high review rating drew us to visit your website for more details.

How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10

How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10

Why did you choose to move/store with us?
We appreciated the transparency of being able to get an instant quote range so that we had a good idea of how much the final quote would be. We were also pleased with the prompt replies and ease of making all of the arrangements throughout the process. Because the initial inquiry was dealt with so well, we felt comfortable enough to choose you without shopping around for other quotes.

How would you rate your move team?
10/10

Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Kim, Matthew, and Darren were delightful. They were efficient, friendly, and considerate. Kim went above and beyond to make sure that all of our essentials (keys, dog food, phones) were set aside. When unpacking, we noticed how carefully wrapped the items were. Everyone was very patient with our dog who was keen to get in their way.

How would you rate our communication?
8/10

How can we improve our service?
Communication was excellent for the most part. We would have appreciated confirmation the day before the packing to know around what time we should have been expecting you.

How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
0/10

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your move?
We are so grateful for your help in our move. You made it stress-free and we now have the opportunity to just enjoy our new home.

Justin Chung

The overall experience at a time of stress was good

Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Recommended by two people who used your company.

How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
9/10

How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
9/10

Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Because of others experience

How would you rate your move team?
9/10

Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Very pleasant. Courteous, helpful guys

How would you rate our communication?
9/10

How can we improve our service?
Not sure

How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your move?
The overall experience at a time of stress was good 

Iris Ramsey,

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Please note: Our Price Guide tool is intended for moves within the UK Mainland only.

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