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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
Look forward to your team moving us again in the next couple of weeks
We were delighted with the move this week and look forward to your team moving us again in the next couple of weeks all being well… Please congratulate your entire team who helped us this week. They were all extremely considerate and consummately professional throughout.
With our very best regards
Pat DaviesTreated our goods with the utmost care and respect
No room for improvement in my experience.
Why did you use us? They could meet our requirements on the dates we needed at an acceptable price
Do you have any additional comments or concerns regarding any portion of the service you received?
From the minute Catherine answered the phone to deal with my query, Darren conducted the FaceTime survey of
the considerable amount of items that needed moving and gave us a quote for the job, Clive, Lee, Ant and Rob did
our packing then, joined by Paul and Alan on day two to effect the move, unloaded everything, we did not have one
anxious moment during what can be a stressful experience. Everyone, especially the six involved in the move, was
unfailingly polite, could not have been more helpful and treated our goods with the utmost care and respect.
Hopefully, the supply of tea, coffee and carbonated beverages on day two, were some sort of recompense for a job
well done. In short, Top Job, boys and a BIG thank you is due. Looking ahead, if we move again, hopefully not
anytime soon, we'd have no hesitation is using this company again.
Catherine, the lady who took the initial enquiry call, could not have been more helpful and inspired confidence in your company.
Adrian MilledgeI really felt they went the extra mile for me
They were wonderful… very helpful courteous and understanding. I could not fault them. Paul, Gareth and Dan were very helpful and I really felt they went the extra mile for me very happy with the service. Easy to set up a virtual quote too.
Why did you use us? Availability and price
Joanne ReddingsHeard of your good reputation
Good helpful and friendly. Keep up the good work as it is at the moment.
Why did you use us? Heard of your good reputation.
Comments regarding your initial enquiry - Very patient and understanding
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