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...
Reassuring, patient
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Used you before
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?
Good name
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Reassuring, patient
How would you rate our communication?
9/10
How can we improve our service?
No idea
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Had to move odd bulky items; a piano, grandfather clock, bike, heavy furniture. They were amazing!
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
I have used you before. Got info from website.
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
8/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
8/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
I have used you before and was happy with the service
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Paul, Alan, Anthony, Adrian, Adam, and Gareth were all efficient, professional , kind and helpful.
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
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?
Move team had to move odd bulky items; a piano, grandfather clock, bike, heavy furniture. They were amazing!
More than happy to move furniture around on two occasions, when I changed my mind
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Compare website
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?
Our date at the enquiry time was unknown but Claire from the office kept in regular contact on our progress
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
John, Rob, Andy, Anthony and Lee were superb. Nothing was too much trouble. The packing up was excellent and performed very efficiently and quickly. In our new home, John and Rob took the time with us on where to place everything, more than happy to move furniture around on two occasions, when I changed my mind.
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
I honestly don't think it could be any better
ow 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?
N/A
Everything was completed with care and expertise
Email to Cat
Please would you kindly pass my thanks to Paul and Alan for their calm efficiency in carrying out the move on Wednesday. Everything was completed with care and expertise: I am very grateful.
Thank you all so much for helping to make the move as stress free as possible.
With every good wish,
Dr Elizabeth GodwinUK Quote
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