INTRODUCTION

WE CONGRATULATE YOU ON YOUR DECISION

TO CONSIDER A NEW LIFE IN NEW ZEALAND
INTRODUCTION

WE CONGRATULATE YOU ON YOUR

DECISION TO CONSIDER A NEW LIFE
IN NEW ZEALAND
Migration is less daunting than it was in the 18th and 19th
centuries - but even so, it is still a journey that takes months
or even years to complete.
How can this be when international travel is such an everyday
activity?
- Because migration is more than a holiday.

Accepting the excitement and challenge of life in a new land "...MIGRATION IS 01

means getting used to new ways of doing things - even if your
language and culture seem to be the same. MORE THAN
However the aspect of migration that new migrants often miss A H O L I D A Y. . . "
is how much we all rely on our personal networks. Networks that
in a new country can take months to develop.
The NZ Government funded initiative SSNZ (Settlement Support
New Zealand) works to bridge this gap, once you arrive in New
Zealand.

This ‘Living in New Zealand’ e-book is a great place to start before

you arrive. There are facts and summaries on key topics for your
new life in New Zealand.
In the meantime, you can also visit the website
www.newzealandnow.govt.nz which extends Living in New Zealand
- with a registration page for prospective migrants, establishing
a personal connection between you and the government’s migration
marketing and settlement programmes.
Once established, our goal is to maintain this relationship with
you throughout your settlement journey.
 We can do this through the NZNOW website while you are
off-shore. Then on arrival in New Zealand you will receive a copy
of the booklet "Welcome to New Zealand", which includes a
subscription offer for ‘LINKZ’ - our magazine for new migrants,
which is offered free to new residents for the first two years.
Two years is how long it takes most new migrants to settle in
a new country. Some people settle more quickly, some take longer
- but regardless of the time, most new migrants experience similar
stages along the way.
For migrants, the first part of the settlement journey is fun.
It is filled with anticipation of new and interesting experiences
- and this mindset can continue for some time, through arrival
and for several months after.
However, at some point something happens that gives you a
fright - a relationship issue, a problem with the new job, bad
news from the home country, sickness, a budget crisis - whatever
02
the event, it makes you realise that this new country is different
from where you come from.
At this point a new migrant might choose to leave, or they
decide to stay and look for support.
The SSNZ initiative provides a clear first point of contact for
new migrants throughout New Zealand. Being locally situated
and locally focused, SSNZ responds to new migrants’ concerns
with local solutions and information.
But more than anything, SSNZ provides a person you can talk
to who understands the on-going challenges for migrants, in the
town or district where you choose to settle.
The government funds SSNZ to assist new migrants with their
settlement journey. We hope that with the right assistance at the
right time, every courageous new migrant will experience the
benefits of living in New Zealand.
A typical progression of the successful Settlement Journey
Settlement Stages
high
MOOD
low
6 15
MONTHS IN A NEW COUNTRY
Source: Nancy J Adler. International Dimensions of Organizational
Behaviour. 2002
ABOUT THIS E-BOOK
As a migrant destination New Zealand has a lot to offer. But life
is different in every country, and differences bring challenges as
well as opportunities.
Living in New Zealand is designed to provide you with a base
of reliable and up-to-date information that is useful to new
migrants. There are ten sections; The Treaty of Waitangi, First
Steps, SSNZ, Housing, Health, Education, Work, Business, The
Government, and Migrant Stories. Each section includes a list of
local websites and contact phone numbers.
Living in New Zealand is designed for browsing - the sections
can be read in any order.
Whatever your decision, we hope you find this guide helpful.
And, should your journey begin in earnest, we look forward to
welcoming you to a new life in New Zealand.
03
Immigration New Zealand
September 2009
01 THE TREATY OF
WAITANGI
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE TREATY
OF WAITANGI FOR MIGRANTS
THE TREATY OF WAITANGI
TE TIRITI O WAITANGI

A GREETING FOR NEW BEGINNINGS

Immigration New Zealand, on behalf of the New Zealand
Government, would like to welcome you to Aotearoa New Zealand.
We hope you will enjoy sharing in our strong and unique cultural
history. May we learn from each other and grow together to build
a greater nation. Welcome, welcome, welcome!

A PROVERB FOR NEW BEGINNINGS

HE MIHIMIHI
Nau mai e rea, e nga- mana, e nga- tini ma- ta- waka kua u- mai nei SET THE OVERGROWN BUSH 01
ki te whenua e hora nei te wha-riki mo-u a Aotearoa New Zealand. ALIGHT , AND THE NEW FLAX
Te-nei Te Ratonga Manene o Aotearoa e whakatau ana i a koutou
i raro i te korowai o te Karauna, me kı-, piki mai, nau mai, whakatau S H O O T S W I L L S P R I N G U P.
mai ra.
No- reira, wha- ia kia mau ki nga- morimoritanga kua waihotia -
HE WHAKATAUAKI
ake hei huarahi mo- Aotearoa New Zealand kei tua atu o a- po- po-.
Whakatau mai ra! Tukuna kia rere! TU N G I A T E U R U R U A K I A
TUPU WHAKARITORITO TE
TUPU O TE HARAKEKE.

Opposite: An extract of
signatures from the Treaty
of Waitangi.

WHAT IS THE TREATY OF WAITANGI?
The Treaty of Waitangi is an agreement between Ma-ori hapu-
(subtribes of Ma-ori people) and the New Zealand Government.
The Treaty of Waitangi:
• was signed on the 6th of February 1840 at Waitangi
• was signed by Ma-ori chiefs and representatives of the
British Crown
• is a starting place of discussion for Ma-ori and Government
• safeguards the development of Ma-ori culture, resources and
way of life
• maintains Ma-ori as the ancestral people of Aotearoa
(the Ma-ori name for New Zealand).
-
WHO ARE MAORI?
Ma-ori are a tribal people indigenous to Aotearoa New Zealand
and make up approximately 14.6% of the total population.
Ma-ori societal structure is composed of basically three levels:
the individual wha-nau or family, which is connected to the hapu-
or subtribe which in turn is connected to the iwi or main tribe
and then back to the ancestral waka or canoe.
Hapu- and iwi connection is important to Ma-ori as it:
• is a source of Ma-ori identity
• confirms family relationships
• connects Ma-ori with the land
• is the traditional base of decision-making
• is the heart of Ma-ori culture.

02

Waka
Ancestral Canoe

Iwi
The first Government Settlement
Tribe
on the Waitemata River,
1st October 1840.
[Unsigned, Dr John Johnson
1794-1848].

Hapu- Hapu- Hapu-

Subtribe Subtribe Subtribe

Wha-nau Wha-nau Wha-nau

Family Family Family
THE TREATY OF WAITANGI AND “BUT THEN WE MUST NOT
IMMIGRATION IN 1840
F O R G E T T H A T T H E TR E A T Y
The Treaty is recognised as the first immigration agreement
between Ma-ori and Pa-keha- (European settlers). The Treaty originally
I S N OT J U S T A B I L L O F R I G H T S
-
allowed settlers to emigrate peacefully to New Zealand under the F O R M AO R I . I T I S A B I L L O F
British flag. - -
R I G H T S F O R P A K E H A T O O.
The Treaty was important, firstly, to control the thousands
of future emigrants to Aotearoa New Zealand, and secondly, I T I S T H E TR E A T Y T H A T G I V E S
to protect the rights of Ma-ori people. The benefits to both parties - -
PAK E H A T H E R I G H T TO B E
were clear – settlement rights for Pa-keha- and the natural right
of the ta-ngata whenua (the people of the land) would be respected H E R E . W I T H O U T T H E TR E A T Y ,
and affirmed. THERE WOULD BE NO LAWFUL
- -
A U T H O R I T Y F O R T H E PAK E H A
WHAT DOES THE TREATY SAY?
PRESENCE IN THIS PART 03
The Treaty of Waitangi was written in Ma-ori and English.
The Government has established three main points:
OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC.”
CHIEF JUDGE EDDIE DURIE.
• Article One
Government makes law.
• Article Two
Ma-ori resources and way of life are protected.
• Article Three
The basic rights of all people within Aotearoa New Zealand
are protected.

However, the English and Ma-ori text are not an exact translation
of each other. Also, it was only the Ma- ori version of the Treaty
that was signed by most Ma- ori signatories.
 Article The Third
THE TREATY OF WAITANGI TEXT In consideration thereof Her Majesty, the Queen of England, extends to the
Natives of New Zealand Her Royal protection and imparts to them all the rights
THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH VERSION and privileges of British subjects.

Preamble to the Treaty of Waitangi

Her Majesty Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom, of Great Britain and Ireland
regarding with Her Royal favour the Native Chiefs and Tribes in New Zealand,
and anxious to protect their just rights and property, and to secure to them the W. Hobson
enjoyment of peace and good order, has deemed it necessary in consequence Consul and Lieutenant-Governor
of the great number of Her Majesty’s subjects who have already settled in Now, therefore, we the Chiefs of the Confederation of the United Tribes of
New Zealand, and the rapid extension of emigration both from Europe and New Zealand, being assembled in congress at Victoria, in Waitangi, and we
Australia which is still in progress, to constitute and appoint a functionary the separate and Independent Chiefs of New Zealand, claiming authority
properly authorised to treat with the Aborigines of New Zealand for the recognition over the Tribes and territories which are specified after our respective names,
of Her Majesty’s sovereign authority over the whole or any part of those islands. having being made fully to understand the provisions of the foregoing Treaty,
Her Majesty, therefore, being desirous to establish a settled form of Civil accept and enter into the same in the full spirit and meaning thereof; in witness
Government with a view to avert the evil consequences which must result from of which we have attached our signatures or marks at the places and the
the absence of the necessary laws and institutions, alike to the native population dates respectively specified.
and to Her subjects, has been graciously pleased to empower and authorise me,
William Hobson, a captain in Her Majesty’s Royal Navy, Consul and Lieutenant-
Governor of such parts of New Zealand as may be or hereafter shall be ceded
to Her Majesty, to invite the Confederate and Independent Chiefs of New Zealand
04 to concur in the following Articles and Conditions;
Article The First
The Chiefs of the Confederation of the United Tribes of New Zealand, and the
separate and Independent Chiefs who have not become members of the
Confederation, cede to Her Majesty the Queen of England, absolutely and without
reservation, all the rights and powers of sovereignty which the said Confederation
or Individual Chiefs respectively exercise or possess, or may be supposed to
exercise or possess over their respective territories as the sole Sovereigns thereof.
Article The Second
Her Majesty, the Queen of England, confirms and guarantees to the Chiefs and
Tribes of New Zealand, and to the respective families and individuals thereof
the full, exclusive and undisturbed possession of their lands and estates, forests,
fisheries, and other properties which they may collectively or individually possess,
so long as it is their wish and desire to retain the same in their possession;
but the Chiefs of the United Tribes and the Individual Chiefs yield to Her Majesty
the exclusive right of pre-emption over such lands as the proprietors thereof
may be disposed to alienate, at such prices as may be agreed upon between
the respective proprietors and persons appointed by Her Majesty to treat with
them in that behalf.
 -
T H E M AO R I V E R S I O N TRANSLATION
Preamble to the Treaty of Waitangi -
Ko Wikitoria, te Kuini o Ingarangi i tana mahara atawhai ki nga Rangatira me
T R A N S L A T I O N O F T H E M AO R I V E R S I O N
nga Hapu-, o Nu Tirani, i tana hiahia, hoki kia tohungia ki a ratou rangatiratanga,
( T H E A R T I C L E S O N LY ) ,
me to ratou whenua, a kia mau tonu hoki te Rongo ki a ratou me te ata noho
BY PROFESSOR SIR HUGH KAWHARU
hoki kau wakaaro ia he mea tike kia tukua mai tetahi Rangatira hei kai wakarite The First
ki nga tangata Ma-ori o Nu Tirini. Kia wakaaetia e nga Rangatira Ma- ori te The Chiefs of the Confederation and all the Chiefs who have not joined that
Kawanatanga o te Kuini ki nga wahi katoa o te wenua hei me nga motu. Confederation give absolutely to the Queen of England for ever the complete
Na te mea hoki he tokomaha ke nga tangata o tona iwi kua noho ki tenei wenua, government over their land.
a e mai nei.
The Second
Na, ko te Kuini e hiahia ana kia wakaritea te Kawanatanga, kia kaua ai nga
The Queen of England agrees to protect the Chiefs, the Subtribes and all the
kino e puta mai ki te tangata Ma- ori ki te Pa- keha- e noho enoho ture kore ana.
people of New Zealand in the unqualified exercise of their chieftainship over
Na, kau pai te Kuini kia tukua a hau, a Wiremu Hopihona, he Kapitana i te
their lands, villages and all their treasures. But on the other hand, the Chiefs
Roiara Nawi, hei Kawana mo nga wahi katoa o Nu Tirini, e tukua aianei amua
of the Confederation and all the Chiefs will sell land to the Queen at a price
atu ki te Kuini e mea atu ana ia ki nga Rangatira o te Wakaminenga o nga Hapu-
agreed to by the person owning it and by the person buying it (the latter being)
o Nu Tirini me era Rangatira atu enei ture ka korerotia nei.
appointed by the Queen as her purchase agent.
Ko Te Tuatahi
The Third
Ko nga Rangatira o te Wakaminenga, me nga Rangatira katoa hoki, kihai i uru
For this agreed arrangement therefore, concerning the Government of the Queen,
ki taua Wakaminenga, ka tuku rawa atu ki te Kuini o Ingarangi ake tonu atu te
the Queen of England will protect all the ordinary people of New Zealand
Kawanatanga katoa o ratou wenua.
(ie, the Ma- ori) and will give them the same rights and duties of citizenship
Ko Te Tuarua as the people of England. 05
Ko te Kuini o Ingarangi ka wakarite ka wakaae ki nga Rangatira, ki nga Hapu-,
ki nga tangata katoa o Nu Tirini, te tino Rangatiratanga o o ratou wenua o ratou
kainga me o ratou taonga katoa. Otiia ko nga Rangatira o te Wakaminenga me
nga Rangatira katoa atu, ka tuku ki te Kuini te hokonga o era wahi wenua e pai
ai te tangata nona te wenua, ki te ritenga o te utu e wakaritea ai e ratou ko te
kai hoko e meatia nei e te Kuini hei kai hoko mona.
Ko Te Tuatoru
Hei wakaritenga mai hoki mo te wakaaetanga ki te Kawanatanga o te Kuini.
A reconstruction
Ka tiakina e te Kuini o Ingarangi nga tangata Ma- ori katoa o Nu Tirani. Ka tukua
of the signing of the
ki a ratou nga tikanga katoa rite tahi ki ana mea ki nga tangata o Ingarangi.
Treaty at Waitangi
in the Bay of Islands.
Leonard C. Mitchell, A carving from the Waitangi
1901-1971. Meeting house.
W. Hobson
Consul and Lieutenant-Governor
Na ko matou, ko nga Rangatira o te Wakaminenga o nga Hapu o Nu Tirani,
ka huihui nei ki Waitangi. Ko matou hoki ko nga Rangatira o Nu Tirani, ka kite
nei i te ritenga o eni kupa, ka tangohia, ka wakaaetia katoatia e matou. Koia ka
tohungia ai o matou ingoa o matou tohu.
Ka meatia tenei ki Waitangi, i te ono o nga ra o Pepuere, i te tau kotahi mano,
e waru rau, e wha tekau, o to tatou Ariki.
 THE TREATY OF WAITANGI TODAY
The New Zealand Government has been responsible for all
immigration matters from 1852 until today. It recognises that the
Treaty is a ‘living’ agreement which must grow and develop
with time. Therefore, it has formed ‘principles’ to aid and help in
furthering the understanding of the Treaty. This means that
when the Government deals with Ma-ori, they must act with
regard to the following principles: the principle of government
(the Government has the right to govern and to make laws);
the principle of self-management (iwi Ma-ori have the right to
organise themselves, and, under the law to control the resources
they own); the principle of equality (all New Zealanders are
equal under the law); the principle of reasonable co-operation
(the Crown must act reasonably and in good faith towards its
Treaty partner); the principle of redress (the Crown is responsible
06 for providing effective processes for the resolution of grievances
in the expectation that reconciliation can occur).
Ma-ori political demonstration has kept the Treaty debate alive.
Although it has been a struggle for the political demonstrators,
and the following generation, we are now beginning to see the
rewards within mainstream society. And even though the gap
between Ma-ori and the Government in relation to the Treaty
continues, it is through the valid efforts of many people that the
dialogue has truly begun.
THE TREATY OF WAITANGI AND
IMMIGRATION IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Immigration New Zealand recognises that the Treaty of Waitangi
is the “founding document of our nation”. This means
that Immigration New Zealand will consult with Ma-ori on
immigration matters.
Immigration New Zealand understands also the social and
economic benefits that you will bring to our country. These benefits
will be shared with the rest of Aotearoa New Zealand.
When you come to live in Aotearoa New Zealand, it will be
useful for you to know about the Treaty, as it will help you to:
• understand the nature of society within Aotearoa New Zealand
• realise the significance of the Treaty within every aspect of life
in Aotearoa New Zealand.
“ TO D A Y W E A R E S T R O N G
ENOUGH AND HONEST ENOUGH
TO L E A R N T H E L E S S O N O F T H E
LAST 150 YEARS, AND TO
A D M I T T H A T T H E TR E A T Y H A S
BEEN IMPERFECTL Y OBSERVED.
I LOOK UPON IT AS
A LEGACY OF PROMISE.”
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
( TR E A T Y O F W A I T A N G I C E L E B R A T I O N S , 1 9 9 0 )
THE TREATY AND EMPLOYMENT
When looking for work, you may (in addition to relevant experience
and qualifications) also find knowledge of the Treaty of Waitangi
useful when:
• working alongside Ma-ori
• working on issues that affect Ma-ori
• Ma-ori protocol is recognised within your workplace
• Ma-ori health, economics and politics are points for
discussion
• applying for a job, especially in the public service.
An alternative to mainstream education is ‘immersion’. This uses
the Ma-ori language as the primary source of communication,
and is available through Ko-hanga Reo (similar to Kindergarten,
but taught in Ma-ori language and immersed in Ma-ori culture),
Kura Kaupapa (Ma-ori secondary school), and Whare Wa-nanga
(tertiary education in Ma-ori).
This option is favoured by over 10% of the current population
within Aotearoa New Zealand today.

In most cases, showing some regard for the Treaty relationship

in employment is encouraged.

THE TREATY AND EDUCATION 07

Te reo Ma-ori (the Ma-ori language) is an important aspect of the
education system and society within Aotearoa New Zealand.
Although English is primarily spoken, it is highly likely your children
will be exposed to Ma-ori language, culture and customs while
attending schools in Aotearoa New Zealand. However, the levels
of awareness regarding Ma-ori culture will vary from place to
place, so it is important that you anticipate Ma-ori language, Kaiako me nga- tamariki
culture, and its values in the education system. (teacher and children)
from a local Ko-hanga Reo
(Ma-ori preschool).
 WHAT CAN I DO TO LEARN MORE? The following websites are worth visiting if you require further
information on the Treaty of Waitangi and the past and present
To help you settle into Aotearoa New Zealand, it would be good history of Aotearoa New Zealand:
for you to be aware of/have an understanding of the following:

• the Ma-ori language www.govt.nz

• Ma-ori protocol Official government portal; provides comprehensive information
• Ma-ori culture and customs on Ma-ori culture, history and society.
• the Treaty and partnership. www.tpk.govt.nz
To find out more you can contact the following organisations, Run by the Ministry of Ma-ori Development provides comprehensive
or visit the websites listed. information on Ma-ori issues.

www.natlib.govt.nz
- Information on the Ma-ori holdings in New Zealand’s national library.
OTHER TREATY AND MAORI RESOURCES
• New Zealand/Ma-ori history www.tepapa.govt.nz
To view Ma-ori treasures (taonga) and learn more of Ma-ori Information on the Ma-ori treasures held in the national museum,
08 culture and history, visit New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa.
Te Papa Tongarewa/Our Place, in Wellington. www.archives.govt.nz
Visit: www.tepapa.govt.nz Information on the Ma-ori holdings in New Zealand’s national
• Ma-ori claims archives.
Contact The Waitangi Tribunal Information Service www.nzhistory.net.nz
for the latest information on Treaty claims. Popular guide to New Zealand history and culture.
Visit: www.waitangi-tribunal.govt.nz
www.waitangi.net.nz
• Ma-ori and Government Specialist site dealing with the Treaty of Waitangi.
Contact Te Puni Ko-kiri (Ministry of Ma-ori Development)
for the latest information on Ma-ori issues. www.teara.govt.nz
Visit: www.tpk.govt.nz Online encyclopaedia of New Zealand.

www.maori.org.nz
Ma-ori website providing links to iwi organisations.

www.tetaurawhiri.govt.nz
Bilingual Ma-ori Language Commission site.
 - -
GLOSSARY OF MAORI WORDS GLOSSARY OF MAORI NAMES
Hapu- subtribe Akaroa Long harbour
Harakeke flax bush Aotearoa Long white cloud (Ma-ori name for New Zealand)
He a, or one (pending sentence structure), or some (plural) Hokianga Returning
Hongi to press noses, a formal greeting Kaiko-ura To eat crayfish
Iwi tribal people Kaita-ia (Kaitata-ia) Food thrown about
Kaiako teacher Kapiti Crevice, joining
Kaupapa subject, topic Kawhia (Kaawhiawhi) To perform a ceremony
Kia let, so that, until = pending sentence structure Ko- hanga Reo Ma-ori preschool
Ko- hanga learning nest Kupe The great Polynesian navigator who
Ko- kiri to charge forward discovered Aotearoa
Kura school, college Kura Kaupapa Ma-ori secondary school
Marae a Ma-ori communal facility Mana Strength, prestige, power
(generally consisting of a meeting house, dining hall Manawatu- Heart stood still
and kitchen) Manukau Wading bird
Me and Ma-ori Indigenous person of Aotearoa
Mihimihi greeting Motunga-rara Insect or lizard island
-
Nga- the (plural) Opo- tiki The place of Potiki
O of Otago Correctly: Otakou – the place of red earth or ochre
-
Papa formally recognised as ‘Papatuanuku’ – Otaki To stick in
earth mother (the place where the staff was stuck in the ground)
09
Puni camp Paihia Good here (partial transliteration)
Rangatira high-ranking person Pa-keha- White person
Reo language Rangitoto Blood sky
Tamariki children Rotorua (The) second lake
Ta- ngata whenua (local) people of the land Ruapuke Two hills
Te the (singular) Ta-maki Battle
Tiriti treaty Tauranga Sheltered anchorage
Tongarewa transluscent greenstone, pounamu Te Herenga Waka The hitching post of the canoes
- ngia
Tu to set alight Te Kaha The rope (or boundary line)
Tupu develop Te Papa Tongarewa The Treasure Box (Our Place, The National Museum)
Ururua overgrown bush Te Puni Ko-kiri The group moving forward
Waka canoe, vessel (the Ministry of Ma-ori Development)
Wa-nanga university Tokomaru An ancestral canoe, or a staff shelter
Whakamutunga finish Waiapu Swallowing water
Whakataukı- proverb Waikanae Water, mullet (the glistening of the mullet)
Whakaritorito heart of the plant Waikato Flowing water
Wha-nau family Waimate Stagnant water
Whare house Waitangi Weeping water
Wanganui (properly: Whanganui) Big harbour
Whakarewarewa To prepare for war
Whakata-ne To act like a man
02 FIRST STEPS
KEY THINGS TO CONSIDER AT THE
BEGINNING OF YOUR SETTLEMENT
JOURNEY
FIRST STEPS

THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU LEAVE

FOR NEW ZEALAND
Bank accounts and credit cards
Your present bank should be able to help you set up a bank
account in New Zealand before you leave, so that you can make
credit card and other withdrawals when you arrive.

Documents, credit references and driver licences

Your first few days in New Zealand are more likely to be easy and
problem-free if you arrive with the following documents:
MOVING TO ANOTHER
• birth certificates
COUNTRY IS A COMPLEX 01

• marriage certificates VENTURE THAT REQUIRES

• academic qualifications
PLENTY OF ADVANCE
• references from previous employers
• curriculum vitae PLANNING.
• credit references
• an international driver licence or permit.

All documents should be originals, not copies. If documents are

not in English they should be accompanied by a certified translation.

Plan what to wear

The weather is changeable, so bring a range of clothes and do
not forget to include a raincoat. Remember, seasons are the
reverse of those in the northern hemisphere.
 Money requirements when you first arrive
If possible, arrive with some New Zealand money in mixed
denominations ($5, $10 and $20 notes; $50 and $100 notes
are unusual), as traveller’s cheques may not be accepted for
small purchases.
Mail
If you are expecting mail to arrive for you in New Zealand, but
you do not have a permanent address, then New Zealand Post
can set up a ‘private box’ or ‘private bag’ at a post office in the
city or town in which you plan to stay. Many organisations, such
as banks, will accept a post office box or private bag as your
official address. You will need to provide proof of identity to open
a PO Box.
Internet
New Zealand has a high rate of Internet use, with nearly 75% of
02
households having access to the Internet. Internet cafes and other
Internet services are also common. Wireless internet (WiFi) is
available in the central business districts of Auckland, Wellington
and Christchurch.
There are a number of internet service providers. To find them
go to Yellow Pages, www.yellowpages.co.nz
Bringing your belongings
The New Zealand Customs Service pamphlet, Advice on Importing
Goods into New Zealand, provides full information about
importing goods. The pamphlet is available from Immigration
New Zealand, diplomatic and trade offices or directly from:
www.customs.govt.nz
E-mail: feedback@customs.govt.nz
Televisions, computers and other electrical goods
Most people do not bring items such as televisions, telephones,
computers and other electrical goods, since most foreign electrical
appliances do not work here. New Zealand’s power system is
240 volts and 50 cycles per second, and plugs have two or three
narrow pins. (For prices of electrical goods see Appendix page 21.)
Pets
You may need to plan six months ahead if you wish to bring your
domestic pets into the country. For full information, contact the
Import Management Office of the Ministry of Agriculture and
Forestry (MAF). Telephone: +64 4 819 0100 , Fax: +64 4 474 4111,
or visit: www.maf.govt.nz
The Automobile Association
The New Zealand Automobile Association has a reciprocal
relationship with many overseas motoring associations, but you
will need to produce your membership card. Membership can also
be transferred before you leave for New Zealand or after you
arrive. For New Zealand membership, Freephone: 0800 500 444
or visit: www.aa.co.nz
WHEN YOU FIRST ARRIVE
Customs declarations
Plant and animal materials
New Zealand has strict laws to protect its agricultural industries
from imported pests and diseases. If you bring in items such as
food and plants, these must be declared to MAF officials. Making
an incorrect declaration may result in an instant fine of $200.
For more serious breaches, such as illegally importing plants,
animal materials and foodstuffs, you can be fined up to $100,000
and/or five years in prison. Items that need to be declared include:
• food, and the products and ingredients used for preparing food
• plants and parts of plants (alive or dead), including cane, straw
and rattan
• animals (alive or dead), or products from animals
• equipment used with animals
• camping gear, golf clubs, hiking boots, shoes, equestrian
equipment and used bicycles
• biological specimens.
If you are in doubt about any items, declare them. There is
no penalty for declaring items that cannot be brought into
New Zealand.
Like other countries, New Zealand has strict security concerning
drugs, firearms and other dangerous goods.
For more information, visit: www.biosecurity.govt.nz
The airport and the city
Money exchange
You will find at least one Bank, with Foreign Exchange facilities,
at all international airports within New Zealand.
Maps, city guides, accommodation
Free accommodation brochures, maps and city guides are available
from self-service information booths. Hotel and motel bookings
can also be made by freephone from the airport.
Transport
You can get to the central city by taxi, airport bus or a fixed-
price ‘shuttle’ van that will drop you off at your destination. Taxis
have reliable meters that calculate the fares – bargaining and
tipping are not practised. The taxi driver can estimate the likely
cost for you. Airport buses and shuttle vans (door-to-door) are
significantly cheaper and just as reliable.
All cities have bus and taxi services. Only Wellington and
03
Auckland have commuter train systems; there are no underground
rail networks. There are no rail services from international airports
at this time.
Information Centres
Free information on accommodation, transport, food, tourist
attractions and entertainment is available from Information
Centres. These are identified by a prominent ‘i’ logo.
Food
A good range of fresh food is available from local supermarkets,
and moderately priced cafes and restaurants are plentiful. Motels
also have cooking facilities where you can make your own meals.
(For food prices, see Appendix page 21.)
Tipping
New Zealanders do not generally tip service people. However,
tipping is appropriate in the more expensive restaurants and
hotels – particularly if you have received unusually good service.
A tip of between five and ten percent of the total bill is appropriate.
 Water
All New Zealand tap water is safe to drink and most is of very
high quality.
Shopping
Shops and supermarkets are similar to those in most Western
countries. New Zealanders use the word ‘dairy’ to refer to small
local shops that sell ice creams, sweets, newspapers, magazines
and some basic grocery items, and the word ‘superette’ to refer
to small local supermarkets.
Most shops are open during working hours, usually 9:00am to
5:30pm from Monday to Saturday. Late Thursday and Friday night
and Sunday shopping is also common. Many supermarkets are
open until 9:00pm, and some stay open for 24 hours, seven days
a week. Some shops, such as takeaway food outlets and those
attached to petrol stations, are also open for extended hours.
04 Getting help with speaking English
For contact details, see page 22. For further information,
see Education.
Telephones
There may be a phone at the property you move in to, or you can
buy one from a wide range of shops; an electrical goods specialist
or bargain chains. Prices vary widely. Skype works well in New
Zealand and is used by many new migrants due to the very low
rates achieved for international calling - for an overview visit the
website www.skype.com.
Telecommunications providers generally provide services to
the connection point in the dwelling, and it is the customer’s
responsibility to acquire a phone or other suitable hardware.
There are three main Telco providers - Telecom, Telstra-Clear, and
Vodafone - but their service offerings and capabilities do differ
from region to region, so it is worthwhile looking around.
Mobile phone services are widely available. Mobile phones are
sold at electronic goods shops or specialist phone shops. Public
phones are usually located in town centres and suburban areas
use pre-paid phone cards which are available from supermarkets,
newsagents or dairies (small local shops).
Directory assistance is available on 018, for a charge, or by
using the White Pages, www.whitepages.co.nz
Time
All parts of New Zealand operate in the same time zone.
Opening a bank account
Opening a bank account is easy – you do not need to be a resident
of New Zealand, or to provide references. You may be able to
open your account before you come to New Zealand. Most banks
will have an account operating for you within ten days, and often
much sooner. To find a bank, look under ‘Banks’ in the
Yellow Pages, www.yellowpages.co.nz. You will need to give
the bank a permanent address, either residential or a post office
box or private bag (see page 2). A hotel or motel address is not
acceptable.
If you want to open a cheque account, the bank
will need identification, such as your passport or driver licence,
and a deposit – usually about $200. When paying by cheque, it
is normal to show identification such as a driver’s licence, credit
card or passport.
If you earn income, you will need to give the bank an
IRD number. To get an IRD number, contact Inland Revenue
(IRD), Freephone: 0800 227 774 or visit www.ird.govt.nz For further
information, see Government.
Bank hours
Banks are normally open from 9:00am to 4:30pm, Monday to
Friday. ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) operate 24 hours a day.
Branches of Kiwibank, which is a crown owned entity operated
through the postal provider New Zealand Post, are also open on
Saturday mornings when the Post Shop is open.

Bank services
In addition to cheque and savings accounts and foreign exchange
services, banks offer a full range of services including personal
loans, home loans (Mortgages), business finance, insurance,
investments, safe deposit, credit cards, internet and phone banking.

EFTPOS Cards
New Zealand has the world’s highest rate of use of EFTPOS Cards.
EFTPOS stands for “Electronic Funds Transfer - Point Of Sale”. A
card is issued linked to your day to day transaction account. This
is now the single most common method of payment for goods
and services in New Zealand. When you open an bank account
“ A T T I T U D E I S I M P O R T A N T.
in New Zealand you can expect to be offered an EFTPOS card. 05
95% OF KIWIS ARE HARD-
Bank fees
Banks charge a fee for transactions, including ATM transactions, W O R K I N G , S T R A I G H T- TA L K I N G
cheques and savings withdrawals. Fees can vary between banks P E O P L E . YO U H A V E T O L E A R N
and the type of bank account. However, since 2008 many banks
have begun reviewing and reducing fees or removing them TO DO THINGS YOURSELF HERE.”
altogether. It is worth checking fee structures before deciding on INDIAN MIGRANT AND BUSINESS
a banking service provider.
PROFESSOR, KAMAL GHOSE.
Migrant banking services
Some major banks offer special services for new migrants, and
have multilingual staff who can help with advice and information.

Safe custody
Deposit boxes for the secure storage of personal valuables, such
as jewellery and financial and legal papers, are available at most
banks for a modest fee.
 GETTING AROUND NEW ZEALAND
Public transport
New Zealand has good air and bus links but rail services, except
for some tourist routes, are limited to suburban systems in
Auckland and Wellington. All services are listed in the Yellow
Pages. Schedules are available at most Information Centres and
on the Internet.
Driving
Driving in New Zealand is usually easy. Roads are good and by
international standards traffic volumes are light. However, city
traffic can be heavy during ‘rush hours’. Heavy congestion occurs
on the Auckland motorway network and to a lesser degree on
some arterials serving the other main centres. Speeding and drunk
driving both incur heavy penalties. Most ‘State Highways’
throughout the country are not large by overseas standards –
06 many have only two lanes. Rural roads require special care, because
many are winding and some have a gravel or metalled surface.
Driver’s licences
Before you can drive in New Zealand you must have a current
and valid driver’s licence. Always carry your licence with you
when you drive. You can be fined if you do not have your licence
on you when stopped by the Police.
If you have a current and valid driver licence from another
country, or an international driving permit (IDP), you can drive in
New Zealand for up to one continuous year. So Police can check
that the licence is current and valid, holders of licences issued
in languages other than English are also required to carry a
certified English translation.
If you are planning to stay and drive in New Zealand for more
than one year, you will need to apply for a New Zealand driver’s
licence as soon as possible after your arrival. This involves a driving
theory and practical test and an eye sight examination.
Freephone: 0800 822 422 or go to www.landtransport.govt.nz
to find out how to apply.
Driving rules
The road code in New Zealand is similar to that in most western
countries, but there are a few important features that need to be
noted in advance of your arrival.
Keep left
This is easy to forget when you first arrive as old habits die hard,
and New Zealand’s rural roads often don’t have other cars on them
to remind you - but such lapses can be fatal. Keep left at all times!
Speed limits
Speed limit signs show the maximum speed at which you can
travel. At times, you may need to drive at a lesser speed due to
road or weather conditions. Exceeding the speed limit is considered
a serious offence and carries heavy penalties. Speed limits are
variable but in general the following rules apply:
Towns and cities: 50 kilometres per hour
Open road and most motorways: 100 kilometres per hour
Give way rules
• at a ‘Give Way’ sign, slow down, be ready to stop and give way
to all traffic
• at a ‘Stop’ sign, stop completely and then give way to all traffic.
At intersections that do not have ‘Give Way’ or ‘Stop’ signs
or traffic lights, the following rules apply:
• if you are turning, give way to all vehicles that are not turning
• in all other situations give way to vehicles crossing or
approaching from your right. If you are turning left, this
includes any vehicle coming towards you that is turning right.
• An easy way to remember is, if the other vehicle is approaching
your driver side door, you should give way.
Parking
You are not allowed to park on or beside a broken, or dashed
yellow line, or within six metres of an intersection or a pedestrian
crossing. You are also not allowed to park or stop on the right
hand side of the road except in a one-way street.
Parking signs with red writing on a white background apply
at all times.
Parking signs with white writing on a blue background only
apply on certain days and times, for example, Monday to Saturday,
8:00am to 6:00pm. Read the sign carefully as it will state when
the rules apply.
Safety belts
All people in a car (in the front and rear seats) must wear safety
belts at all times.
Children in cars
If you are driving a car, you are responsible for ensuring that all
children under five years old are restrained in an approved child
seat. The only exception is when you are travelling in a taxi.
If the taxi has no restraint available, the child must sit in the
back seat. Children’s car seats are available for hire from Plunket.
Call freephone 0800 933 922 or visit www.plunket.org.nz
Drink driving rules
If you drink, don’t drive. Drinking more than the legal limit and
then driving is a very serious offence. The Police can test any
driver for alcohol at any time. If you are convicted of driving
while over the legal limit, you will automatically lose your licence
and could also be fined or imprisoned.
Helpful guides
A handy guide to New Zealand’s road rules New resident drivers
is available in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Fijian, Samaon, Hindi
and Malay.
For a copy in your preferred language:
Freephone: 0800 822 422 or visit: www.landtransport.govt.nz
For the New Zealand Road Code, visit:
www.landtransport.govt.nz/roadcode
07
Copies can also be purchased from most bookshops
and stationery outlets.

Safety helmets
Safety helmets are compulsory for all cyclists and motorcyclists.
This includes passengers and children being carried on bicycles.
The helmets must conform to the New Zealand Standard and be
securely fastened. Approved safety helmets can be bought from
cycle shops. A fine of $55 is imposed if a cyclist is caught cycling
without a helmet.
 WHAT TO DO
Natural beauty and National Parks
New Zealand has many wilderness areas, including National Parks
in Fiordland, Mt Cook, Tongariro and elsewhere, that attract
tourists from around the world. Exploring these wilderness reserves
is a great way to get a feel for the dramatic scenic contrasts and
unique outdoor opportunities New Zealand offers. More information
is available from:
www.doc.govt.nz
The Department of Conservation website. The Department is
responsible for maintaining the walking tracks and huts in the
National Parks.
www.newzealandnz.co.nz
A general tourism website. National Parks are listed under
08 ‘Top Resources’ in the left-hand menu bar.
www.newzealand.com
Tourism New Zealand’s promotional website, with many of the
country’s famous natural attractions and activities.
www.jasons.com
Provides a national directory of Visitor Information Centres. These
centres usually provide information on a regional basis.
However, there are also many large and attractive parks and
reserves close to major towns and cities - this proximity to nature
is a key feature of the New Zealand lifestyle. Local government
websites usually have very good areas on their parks and how to
access them.
Arts, culture, festivals and entertainment
New Zealand has a thriving cultural life, with a unique mix of
European, Ma-ori, Polynesian, Asian and, increasingly, other
traditions. Some of its orchestras and dance companies are
internationally regarded – of particular note are the New Zealand
Symphony and Auckland Philharmonic Orchestras, Royal
New Zealand Ballet and Black Grace Dance Company. There are
also numerous lesser-known professional theatre, dance and opera
companies. Theatre is strong in the main centres – particularly
Wellington and Christchurch – and offers a stimulating mix of
local and overseas productions. The local film industry is vibrant
– its famous exports include the Lord of the Rings trilogy,
Whale Rider, Once Were Warriors and King Kong. Overseas artists
and exhibitions also tour regularly.
Several centres hold International Arts Festivals featuring
a wide range of local and international artists. The most well-
known is probably the International Festival of the Arts which is
held in Wellington every two years and attracts a stellar cast of
international artists. Similarly, ‘Opera in the Park’ concerts have
become hugely popular, with many centres lending their own
interpretation to these events.
Ma-ori cultural traditions receive strong support from both the
-
Maori community and the general public. There has in recent
years been a dramatic revival in all Ma-ori art forms, from carving
and weaving to traditional dance. Kapa Haka – a range of
performing arts that includes haka, waiata, and poi dancing –
enjoys enormous cross-cultural support. Regional and national
competitions in these performing arts are a dominant feature of
contemporary cultural life.
Sport first Europeans to set foot on New Zealand soil. Eventually, sealers
New Zealand’s outdoor lifestyle and natural resources have fostered and whalers began to arrive, followed by Christian missionaries,
a nation of active sportspeople who compete regularly at an and the first European settlements were established.
international level. Extensive networks exist to encourage In 1840, New Zealand was established as a colony under the
participation. For more information visit www.sparc.govt.nz British Crown, when the chiefs of most Ma- ori tribes and
representatives of the Crown signed the Treaty of Waitangi on
Wine and food
6 February 1840. This agreement is recognised as the founding
New Zealand has world-class wines, and a distinctive Pacific Rim
document of the nation.
cuisine that combines Asian and European influences, using the
The British connection remained an important part of New
best local produce. High quality wine and food are not just the
Zealand culture, and Britain was often referred to as ‘home’. Just
preserve of the wealthy but are available to everyone. This is partly
over 100,000 New Zealanders fought with the Allied Forces in
a reflection of New Zealand’s lack of a traditional class system, and
World War I. New Zealand also made a significant contribution
the fact that the cost of eating out is low by international standards.
during World War II, with nearly 10% of the population serving
Most New Zealanders eat out regularly and the restaurant trade
overseas. After the war, New Zealand’s agricultural products were
has boomed in recent years. There are, for example, over 300
in demand and the 1950s saw prosperity, full employment and
restaurants and cafes in central Wellington, which now has more
considerable industrial growth.
restaurants per capita than any city in the world. 09
For more information on New Zealand history go to
What is a Kiwi? The Encyclopedia of New Zealand, www.teara.govt.nz
Our national native animal symbol. The Kiwi is an indigenous
flightless bird - but also an informal name for a New Zealand
citizen.

History
The first Polynesian settlers, the Ma-ori, arrived in New Zealand
in the 10th century and named it Aotearoa – Land of the Long
White Cloud. By the 12th century, there were scattered settlements
in favoured parts of the country. In 1840, the Ma-ori population
was estimated at 100,000.
In 1642, the Dutch navigator Abel Tasman sighted Aotearoa.
He mapped parts of the West Coast but did not land. In 1769,
the British naval captain James Cook and his crew became the
 Ma-ori culture
Ma-ori people have a distinctive culture, much of which is based
around the marae – the meeting place of an iwi (tribe) or hapu-
(subtribe). The word marae refers to the open ground in front of
a wharenui (meeting house), although the word is sometimes
used to refer simultaneously to the wharenui, the open space and
other communal facilities.
The marae is a spiritual place where the dead are mourned,
guests are housed, weddings are held, reunions are celebrated,
and matters of importance to the community are discussed. Each
iwi has a number of marae in its rohe (tribal area). In addition,
there are also urban marae – set up as increasing numbers of
Ma-ori people migrate to urban areas. Urban marae typically serve
as community centres for people from a number of iwi, and they
have modern as well as traditional carvings and decorations.
If you visit a marae with a group on a formal occasion, you will
10
receive a ceremonial welcome. The ceremony will differ according
to the kawa (protocol) of the iwi.
Languages
English
All New Zealanders speak English and many speak no other
language, so it is essential that you can speak English well if
you are to settle easily. It may take time to get used to the
New Zealand accent, so you may have to ask people to talk more
slowly, and to repeat what they have said. Do not be shy about
this. Most people will be intrigued by your interest and happy
to help.
Ma-ori
New Zealand Ma-ori, the indigenous language of New Zealand,
is spoken by about 50,000 Ma-ori people and a growing number
of Europeans. Interest in Ma-ori language (Te Reo) has increased
dramatically over the last 20 years. It is commonly heard on the
marae and in rural areas where Ma-ori people predominate.
Ma-ori is also taught in schools and universities.
For more information, see The Treaty of Waitangi in Section 01.
Becoming a citizen
New Zealand citizenship gives you the same rights as people born
in New Zealand, including the right to have a New Zealand
passport. Contact the Department of Internal Affairs for more
information, Freephone: 0800 22 51 51 or visit: www.dia.govt.nz
Pensions
All New Zealand residents become eligible for New Zealand
Superannuation (the State pension) at age 65. Arrangements
vary according to the length of residency and the terms of any
social security agreement between New Zealand and your home
country. The Ministry of Social Development can provide detailed
guidance on which provisions may apply.
For further information:
• visit: www.msd.govt.nz
• click on ‘Work and Income’
• locate the ‘Get Assistance’ box
• click on ‘International Services’.
Pension transfers can be complex and it advisable to seek
expert advice well before arriving in New Zealand.
For taxation agreements, see Government p 18.
GETTING TO KNOW US
Social values
New Zealanders have a very similar way of life and share values
common to most Western countries, but there are some special
features. We are passionate about sport, and have a firm belief
in social equality. The social welfare system prevents extreme
poverty, and the nation has neither a strong class system
nor major social tensions. Differences between high and low-
income people are not pronounced. Some minor ethnic tensions
exist, but are low by international standards, and goodwill
between races is usually evident.
Informality and friendliness
Forms of address
New Zealanders dislike formality and people tend to see each
other as ‘equals’. Neighbours and people in the workplace are
normally on first-name terms.
However, it is still quite common to speak more formally to
people in authority. For example, a doctor might be called ‘Doctor
Smith’ rather than ‘Mary’ or ‘Bill’. It is also, of course, standard
to address police as ‘Constable’ or ‘Officer’. However, this title is
normally used only when addressing a doctor or Police Officer in
his or her professional capacity.
It is also standard to address all correspondence, and particularly
job applications, formally to Mr. or Ms. or Mrs. ‘Smith’. However,
old-fashioned greetings such as ‘Honourable Sir’, ‘Esteemed Editor’
and closing phrases such as ‘I remain your humble servant’ would
be regarded with some surprise.
11

“ W H A T W E R E A L LY L I K E I S
THAT EVERYTHING IS
REASONABLY CLOSE TO WHERE
WE LIVE AND WORK. IT’S EASY
TO GET ABOUT THE CITY AND
SUBURBS, UNLIKE MUMBAI.
WE LOVE WELLINGTON,
IT’S JUST RIGHT FOR US.”
INDIAN MIGRANTS,

VENA AND MAHENDER PALIWAL.

 Social relations at work
New Zealanders dislike stuffiness and needless formality, and this
attitude is evident in the workplace. Most companies are small,
with between five and ten employees. In this context, formality
is unworkable and managers and business owners usually treat
their staff as they would friends. Although relations are inevitably
more structured in large organisations, informality and friendliness
are still generally the rule.
Relations between the sexes are egalitarian. Requests from
male staff for their female colleagues to ‘get a cup of tea’ or
‘wash the dishes’, and patronising or sexually motivated remarks
about women or girls, are not acceptable. However, old-fashioned
courtesies such as opening doors for female colleagues, although
no longer standard, are still generally appreciated.
Informality and friendliness also extend to social occasions,
and it is common for management to socialise with their staff
12
on equal terms. Particularly in small firms, this often extends to
entertainment at the manager’s or owner’s home – often barbeque
get-togethers held in the summer months. A standard and rather
charming feature of working life in New Zealand is ‘Friday Fives’,
which generally involves management and staff sharing drinks
together in the office after close of work on Friday.
Everyday behaviour
Many New Zealanders praise new migrants for their good manners
and politeness, and you will probably find that New Zealanders
are mostly similar to people everywhere when it comes to the
types of behaviour they like and dislike. For example, they like
people to wait their turn in queues, to ask if it is acceptable to
smoke, and not to make uninvited sexual advances. When walking
down pavements, it is normal to keep left so that people do not
have to dodge each other – it is considered rude for groups of
people to take up most of the pavement width when walking
together. It is not considered polite to spit in the street, or to
blow your nose on to the pavement. Littering is also frowned
upon and can incur fines or other penalties.
All forms of personal violence are now frowned upon. It is
now an offense punishable by the law to smack or otherwise
physically discipline children. Serious instances of family violence
are criminal offences punishable by fines and/or imprisonment.
LIFE AND LEISURE
Sports
New Zealand’s national sport is rugby. However, New Zealanders
also participate in a full range of other sporting activities – often
with considerable success at international level. Sports hold a
high profile in our education system and patterns established in
early life tend to continue well into adulthood. Many adults
actively participate in at least one team or individual sport, and
veterans teams catering for players forty years and older are a
standard feature of the sporting scene. As with all aspects of New
Zealand’s social life, a key feature of this and other sporting
activities is their accessibility. Almost 15% of New Zealand families
own their own boat, and the number of golf courses per capita
is the highest in the world. By international standards, club costs
are very low and membership is generally open.
Outdoor activities: the wilderness and the sea
Getting away from the crowds is never a problem, and the freedom
and safety New Zealanders enjoy in their outdoor pursuits is one
of the distinct advantages of life here. Even those living in the
major centres are often within less than a twenty-minute drive
of open and unspoilt countryside. As a result, many New Zealanders
spend their weekends and holidays in the outdoors. Even on
weekends, a walk on a lonely beach, alone with the sea and surf
is an option available to most urban residents.
Fishing
Fishing is New Zealand’s most popular sport with 25% of
New Zealanders fishing regularly. New Zealand is reputed to have
the best trout fishing in the world. There are no private waters
and the licence fee is modest. Fishing regulations are strictly
observed and trout fishermen are noted for their sporting ethic.
There is no licence fee for sea fishing, but strict regulations
apply to fishing methods, maximum catches, fishing seasons and
prohibited areas. Specific rules also apply to gathering shellfish.
It is forbidden to sell or trade your catch. Breaking the fishing
regulations, including those governing the collection of wild
shellfish, is totally unacceptable and can result in heavy fines,
the confiscation of any vehicles and equipment being used, and
even imprisonment.
For more information about fresh water fishing, contact the local
office of Fish and Game New Zealand, or a sporting goods shop, 13
or visit: www.fishandgame.org.nz
For information on sea fishing rules, contact the Ministry of
Fisheries. Freephone: 0800 478 537 (0800 4 RULES) or visit:
www.fish.govt.nz
 Water Safety
New Zealand’s coastline is extensive -and can be very changeable
and dangerous. There are drowning fatalities in NZ every summer,
and a high proportion of the victims are tourists and new migrants.
We strongly recommend visiting www.watersafety.org.nz for more
information before diving in to the many aquatic activities the
country has to offer.
Dinner parties and social events
At dinner parties, it is customary for guests to bring a bottle of
wine, or something you would enjoy drinking yourself. It is also
quite common, but not obligatory, to ask “Is there anything I can
bring?” Often, the hosts will decline the offer, but sometimes they
will suggest that you bring pre-dinner snacks, a salad, a dessert
or perhaps after-dinner mints. Sometimes guests will be asked
to ‘bring a plate’. This is a local phrase that means ‘bring some
14 food’. It does not mean that you give a plate to the hosts. If you
are asked to ‘bring a plate’, it is best to ask what sort of food is
expected, since this will vary depending on the event.
Parties and the ‘do’
If someone says “We’re having a ‘do’, and hope you can come”,
this means you are invited to a party. If it is a ‘do’ for your
workplace, then it is customary for the management to supply
food and drink. If it is a party organised by a club or a group of
friends, then it is likely that everyone will bring a share of the
food and drink, or will ‘chip in’ (contribute their share to pay
for it). If you are unsure what is expected, do ask – New Zealand
customs are very flexible, so ‘the locals’ often have to ask
questions as well.
Weddings
New Zealand weddings are generally less formal than in other
western countries, but this is not always the case. If you are
unsure what to expect, do not be afraid to ask.
Funerals
New migrants are often startled by the informality of some
New Zealand funerals. Personalised funerals designed in line
with family wishes, and which follow no particular liturgy, have
become increasingly popular. Solemnity and grieving is often
combined with ‘celebrating the life’ of the deceased, and lighter
moments are now a feature of most funerals. Formal dress is not
obligatory and semi-formal dress increasingly common.
An important exception to this pattern is the tangi, the traditional
Ma-ori funeral. These are solemn rituals, at which marae protocol
is strictly observed.
Holidays The National Anthem
New Zealand celebrates 11 public holidays a year, on days of New Zealand’s National Anthem is sung at many formal and
national, religious or cultural significance. The public holidays are: sporting occasions. Normally, only the first verse is sung, first in
Maori, then in English.

1. Christmas Day 25 December

2. Boxing Day 26 December
Ma-ori
3. New Year’s Day 1 January
E Ihoa, Atua
4. 2 January 2 January
O nga Iwi Matou ra.
5. Waitangi Day 6 February
Ata whakarongo na,
marking the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi
Me aroha noa.
6. Good Friday the Friday before Easter, which usually falls
Kia hua ko te pai
in late March or early April
Kia tau to atawhai.
7. Easter Monday the Monday after Easter
Manaakitia mai,
8. Anzac Day 25 April
Aotearoa.
a national day of remembrance that honours
the nation’s war dead Ona mano tangata
9. Queen’s Birthday the Monday after the first weekend in June Kiri whero, kiri ma,
10. Labour Day the last Monday in October Iwi Maori Pakeha,
celebrating the introduction of the eight-hour Rupeke katoa,
working day Nei ka tono ko nga he
11. Anniversary Day The Anniversary Day of each province – dates Mau e whakaahu ke. 15
vary from province to province. Kia ora marire,
Aotearoa.

Every person is entitled to these 11 days’ holiday. If any of the English

first four days happens to fall on a weekend when most people God of Nations! At thy feet
In the bonds of love we meet.
do not work, the holiday itself still occurs on that day, but the Hear our voices we entreat,
legal entitlement to a day off work is transferred to the next God defend our free land.
Guard Pacific’s triple star
Monday or Tuesday. From the shafts of strife and war.
Make her praises heard afar,
God defend New Zealand.
Men of every creed and race
Gather here before Thy face,
Asking Thee to bless this place,
God defend our free land.
From dissension, envy, hate
And corruption guard our State.
Make our country good and great,
God defend New Zealand.
 Television Radio
New Zealand is currently in transition from analogue to digital New Zealand has the most radio stations per capita in the world.
TV transmission. More than 200 private stations and two public networks that
There are thirteen free-to-air television channels, but to view provide national coverage through repeaters across the country.
all of them you need a digital TV receiver. Some larger private operators also network their programmes.
A consortium of national media operators has created a digital A good representative sample can be sampled before your arrival
transmission network called Freeview that is now being adopted at www.nzradioguide.co.nz where live internet streaming of over
in most New Zealand households. 80 NZ stations is available.
Most new TV’s now sold in New Zealand include a Freeview Information and some streamed content from the two public
receiver - or a separate Freeview box can be purchased to receive networks, Radio New Zealand National, and Radio New Zealand
the digital signal and convert it. Concert, can be found at www.radionz.co.nz
The government has committed to ending analogue TV
transmission once digital use levels are over 82% - which is
expected to happen between 2012 and 2015.
Subscribers to Pay-TV services such as Sky and Telstra-Clear
can usually access the free-to-air digital channels through their
16
pay provider as part of their package.
For a list of broadcasters and other information, visit the
Broadcasting Standards Authority: www.bsa.govt.nz/links.php
PRACTICAL MATTERS
Your rights
New Zealand is a modern democratic country in which human
rights are protected. It is illegal to discriminate on grounds such
as gender, race, religion or ethnicity. Complaints about
discrimination should be made to the Human Rights Commission
office listed under ‘Government Phone Listings’ at the front of
the White Pages. For contact details, see page 23.
Newcomers to New Zealand have the same rights and obligations
under New Zealand law as any other person living here. It is
against the law for anyone to steal or damage your property and
it is against the law for anyone to deliberately attempt to injure
you or anyone in your family.
Consumer rights
New Zealand has laws to protect you from misleading advertising,
faulty goods, poor workmanship, unfair trading and other problems
you might meet as a consumer. Help is available from the Citizens
Advice Bureau. Always keep receipts, quotations and estimates,
copies of agreements and other such documents, since these can
help if a dispute arises, (see Business).
Daylight saving time
During summer, ‘daylight saving time’ applies – all clocks are put
forward one hour on the last Sunday in September, and put back
one hour on the first Sunday in April.

Free help and advice

Citizens Advice Bureau 17
All major towns in New Zealand have a Citizens Advice Bureau
(CAB). These provide free information and assistance on matters
such as the law, translation services, social welfare, health,
education, housing, budgeting, employment rights, consumer
rights and personal and family issues. The service is confidential
and anyone can use it – you do not need to be a New Zealand
citizen.
Freephone: 0800 367 222
Community Law Centres
Community Law Centres offer free legal advice and information
(but usually not on business problems or buying or selling houses).
Look under C in the White Pages, www.whitepages.co.nz
 Electricity
The power system in New Zealand is 240 volts, 50 cycles.
In New Zealand, you are allowed to do minor electrical repair
work, such as changing fuses, replacing light bulbs, rewiring plugs
and installing new oven elements. However, for safety and insurance
reasons, registered electricians are required to do any other
electrical work. Look in the Yellow Pages, www.yellowpages.co.nz
under ‘Electricians’.
Telecommunications
The main telecommunications companies in New Zealand are
Telecom, Telstra- Clear and Vodafone. Pricing plans and availability
varies widely.
Most houses will have a physical telephone connection already
and often a phone, but it will generally not work until a contract
for service has been agreed with one of the Telco providers. If a
18 new connection is required, it is usually working within 2-3 days.
New phones can be purchased from a wide range of retailers;
specialist electronics shops, home appliance stores and mega-
stores. Some Telco providers recommend any hardware connected
to their network should be of an approved and tested standard
and will not warranty their network for non-approved hardware.
This doesn’t mean unapproved phones won’t work - most do -
but the Telco may choose not to prioritise service issues if an
unapproved appliance is being used.
Internet
Most Telco’s have their own ISP (Internet Service Provider)
associated with them, and offer packages for phone, internet and
where available, digital TV. However you are not obliged to accept
any package offered regardless of who is supplying the actual
physical connection. There are many independent ISP’s, easily
searchable on the internet.
Mobile phones
There are two major providers of mobile phone services in
New Zealand – Telecom and Vodafone. Both companies offer
a range of different phone brands and payment plans. These
include pre-paid plans (where you pay-as-you-go) or a contract
plan (where you pay a set monthly rental fee). For more information,
visit: www.telecom.co.nz or www.vodafone.co.nz
Earthquakes and other emergencies
New Zealand is not a dangerous country, but it is prone to
earthquakes and you are likely to feel a few minor tremors each
year. Although this is generally nothing to worry about, it is
advisable to take a few simple precautions. For information on
how to prepare for earthquakes and other emergencies, look in
the inside front or back cover of the Yellow Pages or visit:
www.getthru.govt.nz
Rubbish collection and recycling
When and how rubbish is collected from your home will depend
on where you live, so talk to your neighbours or contact your
local council for details.
Most councils provide rubbish bags that can be bought from
supermarkets. These must be left on the footpath outside the
home for collection on a specific day each week. A small number
of councils operate a bin system. Most councils also provide/sell
special bins for curbside recycling of paper, glass and plastics.
Most councils will not collect garden rubbish or large items.
These should be taken to the local tip – a council-run refuse
collection centre. There will usually be a fee for this service.
Call your local council for information. Freight-container-sized
rubbish skips can also be hired. Look under ‘Rubbish Bin Hire’
in the Yellow Pages.
Littering or dumping rubbish is illegal and can result in
heavy fines.
If you live in a rural area, you are responsible for the disposal
of your own rubbish.
Maintenance and home help
New Zealand families do not have full-time servants, gardeners
or cooks, but a small number hire ‘home help’ – usually an
individual who does their house cleaning for a few hours each
week. More common is the hiring of ‘handymen’ or small ‘odd
job’ contractors to mow lawns, maintain gardens and/or complete
minor repairs. However, electrical, gasfitting and plumbing work
must be done by registered tradesmen.
When you want someone to do some work for you, it is best
to ascertain costs first. There are two ways of doing this:
• Ask for a ‘quote’. A quote is an offer to do a job for a certain
price. If you accept the quote, the contractor has to do the
work for that price, unless you agree to change it.
• Ask for an ‘estimate’. An estimate is a price the contractor
thinks the work will cost. It is not a firm offer to do the job
for that price. If you decide to use that particular contractor,
make it clear that you want to be told – before work starts –
if the final price is going to be higher than the estimate.
Ask for quotes and estimates in writing. For advice on charges,
and on ways of making sure you get jobs done well, contact
your local Citizens Advice Bureau, Freephone: 0800 367 222 .
You can also visit: www.consumer.org.nz
Buying a car
Protection against mechanical faults
A number of organisations in New Zealand offer a pre-purchase
inspection for car buyers. VTNZ (Formerly Vehicle Testing New
Zealand) is the largest operator with over 80 outlets throughout
the country. Visit www.vtnz.co.nz
Protection against dishonesty
Car sales companies with LMVD after the name are Licensed
Motor Vehicle Dealers. These firms are bound by a code of ethics.
LMVD firms must also display the model name, year of manufacture,
number of previous owners, warranty category and full price.
By law, they must offer buyers a warranty for a set period,
although this varies with the age of the car.
To check if a dealer is licensed, Freephone: 0508 MOTORTRADERS
(0508 668 678) or visit: www.motortraders.med.govt.nz
Advice on motor registration, car licensing, and change of ownership
19
Contact Land Transport New Zealand.
Freephone: 0800 108 809, or visit: www.landtransport.govt.nz
Car Registration and Warrants of Fitness (WOF)
ALl vehicles sold and operated in New Zealand must have a current
registration and WOF. For more information about these, read the
Road Code - available online at www.landtransport.govt.nz/roadcode
 LEGAL MATTERS
Marriages
The legal age of marriage in New Zealand is 16 years. If one or
both partners are under the age of 20 and have not been married
before, then parental consent to marry is required.
Civil Union
A relationship may also be solemnised as a civil union and officially
registered in New Zealand. A civil union may be entered into by
couples of the same or different sexes.
Divorce
Divorce in New Zealand is simple. Couples can separate immediately
and a divorce is granted automatically after they have lived apart
for two years. Dissolution is granted on the basis of irreconcilable
differences. These grounds for divorce cover all reasons for ending
20 a marriage.
All matrimonial property is generally divided equally between
the partners if they are divorcing after three years of marriage.
This also applies to same-sex and de facto relationships.
For shorter marriages, the equal sharing rules may be modified.
Making a will
Anyone aged 18 years and over can make a will either through
the Public Trust Office, which provides a simple and low cost
service, or a private lawyer.
Freephone: 0800 371 471 or visit: www.publictrust.co.nz
Alcohol and the law
Wine and beer are available from most supermarkets seven days
a week, and wine, beer and spirits at specialist outlets (‘bottlestores’).
Anyone aged 18 years or over can go into ‘licensed premises’
and buy and drink alcohol. Licensed premises include hotels, pubs,
restaurants, clubs, bottle stores, supermarkets, cafes, bars and
nightclubs. If you are asked to prove you are aged 18 or over, you
can use either:
• a New Zealand photo driver licence
• a New Zealand or overseas passport, or
• an ‘evidence of age’ document from the Hospitality Association
of New Zealand (available at any New Zealand Post Shop
for $20).
People who are under 18 can be given alcohol by their parent
or legal guardian, either at home, in a licensed liquor outlet or
at a private social gathering. It is illegal for people under 18 to
drink in a public place.
Drink driving rules
If you drink, don’t drive. See page 7.
APPENDIX: TYPICAL COSTS AND PRICES
Prices of groceries and electrical goods
Representative weekly shop for a four person family
Navel Oranges 1 kg $1.98 Cat biscuits 1 kg $4.23
Braeburn Apples 1.5 kg $2.95 Rubbish bags 5 pack $2.29
Bananas 1 kg $2.95 Toothpaste 120 g $3.31
Carrots 1 kg $1.45 Tea bags 100 $3.49
Lettuce 1 head $3.69 Soft drink 2.25 L $2.87
Cauliflower 1 head $2.98
Potatoes 10 kg $9.97 Total $278.43
Flour 1.5 kg $2.69 Source: Mainstream NZ supermarket, September 2009
Sugar 1.5 kg $2.72
Pasta (spaghetti) 500 g $1.09 Prices of electrical goods
Rice 1 kg $2.99
Sliced wholemeal bread 1 loaf $3.50 Typical home PC
Butter (semi-soft) 500 g $2.89 Pavillion dv6-1203AX Notebook computer AMD Athlon X2
Margarine 500 g $2.50 Dual-Core Processor, 2GB RAM, 250 GB HDD, 15.6 inch display,
Eggs size 6 12 $2.75 WIndows Vista Home Premium $1,399.00
Honey 500 $3.59 5 kg washing machine $669.99
Milk 2L $3.09 21
Cheese 1 kg $9.89 Vacuum cleaner $199.99
Canned baked beans 420 g $1.15 Hair dryer $49.99
Cereal 750 g $4.89
Potato chips (crisps) 150 g $1.50 Double dishdraw dishwasher $1399.99
Biscuits (plain) 250 g $2.60 6 kg clothes dryer $899.99
Water crackers 125 g $1.39
Instant coffee 100 g $6.99 Phone with cord and caller ID $39.99
Vacuum packed ground coffee 200 g $4.99 Mini HiFi stereo system $249.00
Apple juice 3L $6.30
Beer (330ml bottles) 12 pack $22.99 DVD player/recorder $399.00
Wine 750 ml $12.99 42" Plasma television $1,598.00
Premium beef mince 1 kg $16.99
Steak, scotch fillet 500 g $13.49 DVD Home theatre $449.00
Fresh fish fillets, tarakihi 1 kg $23.99 40" LCD television $2,599.99
Frozen fish, hoki 360 g $6.79
Lamb chops 1 kg $16.99 Source: Mid-priced NZ Appliance Retailer. September 2009.
Pork chops 6 pack $20.70
Pork Sausages 1 kg $13.49
Olive oil 1L $11.88
Toilet paper 6 rolls $5.89
Bleach 1.25 L $2.49
Laundry powder 1 kg $8.98
Detergent 600 ml $2.00
Dishwasher powder 1 kg $6.14
Soap (bar) 4 pack $4.18
Cat litter 3L $3.49
 GETTING HELP WITH SPEAKING ENGLISH
WEBSITES AND NEW ZEALAND
If you need help improving your English, the local SSNZ office or Citizens Advice
FREEPHONES
Bureau are good places to start. Staff abon assisting new migrants and will be able
to refer you to local ESOL training organisations, colleges and schools that can provide
IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND
the type of tuition you require. Local CAB offices are listed in the White Pages.
www.immigration.govt.nz
www.tec.govt.nz
Official site of Immigration New Zealand.
The Tertiary Education Commission also produces an English for Migrants Course
Comprehensive information on all aspects of New Zealand
Directory. You can obtain this by calling free on: 0800 376 569 or download it
immigration policy and procedures. All policy guidelines and
from the website.
most application forms can be downloaded. Freephone 0508 558 855.
www.esolht.org.nz
The National Association of ESOL Home Tutor schemes has recently changed
its name to English Language Partners (ELP). It is likely you will see both
NEW ZEALAND NOW
names in print and on internet sites for a year or two from 2009.
ELP runs one-to-one ESOL teaching at home, social English groups, special www.newzealandnow.govt.nz
focus groups for learning skills such as driver licence theory and social events. Goverment site that links you to all the information that you need to know
Telephone +64 4 471 2382 about living and working in New Zealand.

www.correspondence.school.nz
New Zealand Correspondence School
Provides ESOL correspondence courses at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.
22 NEW ZEALAND EDGE
www.nzedge.com
The nation’s hottest cultural website with lots of sparkling stories and hot
Telephone directories news items about every aspect of New Zealand culture and identity.
In New Zealand telephone directories are referred to as the White and Yellow
Pages. These terms are used throughout this guide.
The White Pages lists residential and business numbers in alphabetical
order. It also includes special sections on Government and Medical services.
The Yellow Pages is a classified business directory categorised by service
or product type.
There are White and Yellow Pages for each region – there is no national directory.
For national listings, visit: www.whitepages.co.nz or www.yellowpages.co.nz
GOVERNMENT SITES
SSNZ
www.civildefence.govt.nz SSNZ (Settlement Support New Zealand) is a government funded initiative
Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management that provides a local point of first contact for new migrants, in 18 locations
Information on how to prepare for earthquakes and other emergencies. throughout the country. Think of it as, “Phone a friend”.
www.customs.govt.nz SSNZ is a FREE service for new migrants, linking you to the information you
New Zealand Customs Service need.
Information on all aspects of customs formalities and also what
cannot be brought into New Zealand with you, focusing particularly Phone 0800 SSNZ4U (0800 776 948). Visit www.ssnz.govt.nz
on illegal items such as drugs and weapons.
www.dia.govt.nz
Department of Internal Affairs
Processes citizenship applications, as well as many other documents
such as birth, death, and marriage registers, and certificates and passports. In an emergency, dial 111 – The operator will answer
www.fish.govt.nz and ask, "Which Service do you require?"
Ministry of Fisheries
Information on sea fishing. Fire, Ambulance or Police.
Freephone: 0800 478 537 (0800 4 RULES)
www.fishandgame.org.nz
Fish and Game New Zealand www.quarantine.govt.nz
Information on fresh water fishing and game hunting. Information on bringing plants and animals into New Zealand.
23
www.hrc.co.nz
Human Rights Commission GENERAL SITES
An independent agency responsible for investigating and www.aa.co.nz
resolving complaints about discrimination and other human rights issues. New Zealand Automobile Association Inc.
Freephone: 0800 496 877 Website provides prices of new cars in New Zealand.
www.ird.govt.nz The Association provides services ranging from travel advice, insurance and loans
Inland Revenue to a 24 hour breakdown service for members.
Information on taxes Freephone: 0800 500 444
Freephone: 0800 227 774 from within New Zealand, if calling from outside www.consumer.org.nz
New Zealand +64 4 978 0779 Consumers Institute of New Zealand
www.landtransport.govt.nz For consumer advice and information about what constitutes misleading
Land Transport New Zealand advertising and unfair trading practices and what to do about it. Membership
Allocates government funding for land transport and promotes land transport fee required.
safety. Website includes information on New Zealand’s land transport system, www.nzpost.co.nz
driver licensing, road rules and private vehicle imports. New Zealand Post
Driver Licensing: 0800 822 422 Main operator of postal services in New Zealand and home of Kiwibank outlets.
At Post Shop outlets you can also pay utility bills. Freephone: 0800 501 501.
Road User Charges: 0800 655 644 To use the services of Kiwibank, visit: www.kiwibank.co.nz
Motor Vehicle Registration: 0800 108 809 www.watersafety.org.nz
www.maf.govt.nz Water Safety New Zealand
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Raises awareness of water safety.
Comprehensive information on New Zealand’s agricultural, horticultural and
forestry industries.
 NEWS SITES TRANSPORT SITES
www.stuff.co.nz Auckland: www.maxx.co.nz
www.nzherald.co.nz Timetables and fares for bus, train or ferry services in the Auckland region.
Phone: 09 366 6400
Text: 3666
TV SITES
Hamilton: www.ew.govt.nz
www.freeview.nz.tv Timetables and fares of bus services both within Hamilton city
Digital TV options in New Zealand. and the Waikato region.
www.tvnz.co.nz Freephone: 0800 4287 5463 (0800 4 BUSLINE)
Television New Zealand Wellington: www.metlink.org.nz
Owns TV One and TV Two, their website includes the weekly schedule Access bus and train timetables and fares.
for both channels. Freephone: 0800 801 700

www.tv3.co.nz Christchurch: www.metroinfo.org.nz

TV Three Bus timetables.
Phone: (03) 66 88 55
www.c4tv.co.nz
C4TV Music Channel Dunedin: www.orc.govt.nz
Bus timetables and fares.
www.maoritelevision.com Freephone: 0800 474 082
Maori Television
www.primetv.co.nz BANK SITES
24 Prime TV
www.anz.com
www.skytv.co.nz www.asbbank.co.nz
Sky TV www.bnz.co.nz
Pay TV channel. www.kiwibank.co.nz
www.telstraclear.co.nz www.nationalbank.co.nz
TelstraClear offers pay TV on cable. www.tsb.co.nz
www.westpac.co.nz

WEB LISTINGS FOR ACCOMMODATION

www.accommodationnewzealand.co.nz
Online guide to accommodation in New Zealand
Tourism is New Zealand's largest industry - so there is a wide range of
accommodation available, from 4 and 5 star hotels, to houses and flats for rent
or sale -and everything in between.
Prices will vary widely depending on location, time of year, and of course quality.
Hotel and motel web sites abound.
Private houses for short term rental can be found through real estate agents,
and web sites such as www.trademe.co.nz
BANKING INFORMATION
www.interest.co.nz
A comprehensive, up-to-date listing of all New Zealand financial institutions.
Interest rates are recorded for products such as savings accounts, term deposits,
mortgages and credit cards and are updated daily.
Please note: Freephone numbers do not accept
international calls.
03 INTRODUCING
SSNZ
A GUIDE TO THE SSNZ (SETTLEMENT
SUPPORT NEW ZEALAND) NATIONAL
NETWORK, CONNECTING NEW MIGRANTS
TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES.
BECAUSE MIGRATION IS MORE
THAN A HOLIDAY

This Living in New Zealand guide is produced by the Department

of Labour to provide potential migrants with information that is
likely to be useful in the first stages of settlement in New Zealand.
It is information we hope will prove useful to you. However,
migration is a very personal experience, and every migrant faces
their own challenges.
Our experience is that the best response we can offer is an
individual one - a person you can contact first, in the region of
New Zealand you choose to settle.
“THERE IS A UNIQUE
TOLERANCE IN NEW ZEALAND 01
“Phone a friend”
One sure way you know you’re at home is, if you have a question,
SOCIETY – A GENUINE LACK
the first thing you do is phone a friend. This can be less OF PREJUDICE AND A
successful when those friends are several oceans away.
WILLINGNESS TO JUDGE
SSNZ (Settlement Support New Zealand) is a government funded
initiative that provides a local point of first contact for new P E O P L E O N T H E I R M E R I T. ”
migrants, in 18 locations throughout the country. Think of it
B U L G A R I A N M I G R A N T, P O E T A N D N O V E L I S T,
as, “Phone a friend”.
SSNZ is a FREE service for new migrants, linking you to the KAPKA KASSABOVA.
information you need.
PHONE 0800 SSNZ4U (0800 776 948).
VISIT WWW.SSNZ.GOVT.NZ
 INTRODUCING SSNZ LOOK FOR THE LOGO
Funded by the Government through the Department of Labour, All you will need to do is look out for the Settlement Support
Settlement Support New Zealand (SSNZ) currently has coordinators New Zealand brand in community and local government agencies,
based in eighteen of New Zealand’s most popular migrant over the Internet or in newspapers and other publications that
destinations. are available in your neighbourhood. The brand can only be used
Settlement Support New Zealand recognises that newcomers by approved agencies that are part of the national Settlement
are from a variety of backgrounds and have a range of different Support New Zealand network. It indicates that the services and
concerns and questions about living in New Zealand. Connecting information available meet recognised standards and are available
migrants with the information and services they need to settle free-of–charge.
easily into their new communities is what the Settlement Support
New Zealand network is all about.
Settlement Support New Zealand provides easy access to
information on just about everything you’ll need to know in order
to settle in your new home. Whether you need to know about
local health services, or where to find a doctor who speaks your
02 language, Settlement Support New Zealand will help with answers
to your questions.
CLEAR POINT-OF-CONTACT
If you are moving into an area supported by the 18 Settlement
Support initiatives, you will be able to locate information in a variety
of ways. These may include local websites, information brochures,
a local phone number or personalised service provided by a local
Settlement Support Co-ordinator – whatever works best in your
area.
Services
Other community and local government organisations also offer
a variety of services for new migrants. These range from helping
with housing and health through to deciding on education and work.
The Settlement Support Initiatives aim to ensure that government,
non-government and local groups are strongly linked to provide
a seamless service for new migrants.
The local Settlement Support Co-ordinator will also periodically
arrange workshops for migrants on orientation, or particular areas
of settlement need, such as job search advice or understanding the
New Zealand tax system. Accessing the clear point-of-contact for
your region will put you in touch with these services.
If you go to your local Settlement Support New Zealand office
and are not comfortable speaking English, you can access the Multi-
lingual Information Service, a service of the Citizens Advice Bureau.
This national telephone service is available free of charge if accessed
through Settlement Support New Zealand.
FINDING THE RIGHT INFORMATION
Whether it’s finding out who to contact locally about many basic
services such as schooling, healthcare, motor vehicle licensing
and council rubbish collections, the task is often time consuming
and difficult. No matter where you come from, some things are
different. You will sometimes also need information about services
and issues that is even less readily available. Choosing the right
English language courses, locating suitable employment
opportunities or arranging the transfer of pension funds are just
some of the challenges you may face. Locating these services and
making informed judgements about the options available is
something that would test the skills of even well settled residents.
Settlement Support New Zealand is available to help you with
these and other questions.
03
LOCAL SETTLEMENT SUPPORT INITIATIVES
Each local Settlement Support Initiative in the 18 locations shown
opposite carries out the following functions:
• identifies local settlement support needs and the services
that can meet them
• connects individuals with information and services that support
their settlement
• supports mainstream services in meeting the needs
of migrants
• ensures there is a clear point-of-contact for migrants
to access the information that they need.
 A NATIONAL NETWORK SETTLEMENT SUPPORT CONTACTS
Settlement Support New Zealand operates in 18 locations around
New Zealand:

• Whangarei
• North Shore Whangarei
• Waitakere
North Shore
• Auckland City Waitakere
• Manukau Auckland
Manukau
• Tauranga Tauranga
Hamilton
• Hamilton Rotorua/Taupo
• Rotorua/Taupo
• Hastings/Napier New Plymouth
• New Plymouth Hastings/Napier
• Palmerston North
Palmerston North
04 • Porirua
• Hutt Valley
• Wellington City Nelson/Tasman
Wellington
• Nelson/Tasman Porirua
Hutt
• Christchurch
• Dunedin
• Invercargill Christchurch

To find your nearest Settlement Support New Zealand location:

• Call: 0800 SSNZ4U (0800 77 69 48). This is a free call from a

landline and your call will be directed to the SSNZ office
nearest to you. Dunedin
• Go to: www.ssnz.govt.nz Invercargill
05
04 HOUSING
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
ABOUT FINDING A HOME
IN NEW ZEALAND
RENTING A HOME

W H E N YO U A R R I V E I N N E W Z E A L A N D I T I S A G O O D

I D E A I N I T I A L LY TO R E N T A H O M E W H I L E YO U D E C I D E

W H E R E YO U W I S H T O L I V E .
WHEN RENTING A HOME,
Since New Zealand has a high level of home ownership, the stock
I T I S A LW AY S I M P O R T A N T
of rental housing is less extensive than in most other developed T O V I E W I T F I R S T,
countries. Prices and quality vary and it is always advisable to
visit a property personally before signing a Tenancy Agreement
AND CHECK EVERYTHING
(also known as a lease). First appearances can be deceptive – C A R E F U L LY B E F O R E
make sure you check the basics. Parts of New Zealand can be cold
S I G N I N G A N A G R E E M E N T. 01
and houses that do not get a lot of direct sun may have problems
with dampness during the winter months. Factors such as proximity
to transport, shops and schools, as well as the general feel of the
neighbourhood, also need to be taken into account. It is a good
idea to find out about all your legal rights and responsibilities
well before signing a lease. The Tenancy Services division of the
Department of Building and Housing can help you with this.
Most rental properties are unfurnished, apart from an oven,
a laundry facility and things like curtains and carpet. The landlord
does not have to provide a heater so, in some cases, you may
have to provide your own.
Demand for good quality rentals is high. It may take some time
to find a suitable property and, when you do, you will usually
have to make a quick decision.
 Where to look
The To Let columns in the newspaper, especially on Wednesdays
and Saturdays, are a good place to start. You need to phone about
places early, as the best flats/apartments and houses go quickly.
You can also pay for an advertisement in the newspaper’s
Wanted to Rent column.

Median weekly rental prices in New Zealand

(for the three months to May 2007)
Two Three
Region Bedrooms Bedrooms
Northern Auckland $321 $395
Western Auckland $265 $325
Central Auckland $330 $410
Southern Auckland $285 $345
Hamilton $220 $295
02 Tauranga $240 $300
Rotorua $175 $230
Napier $220 $300
New Plymouth $220 $280
Palmerston North $180 $250
Upper Hutt $187 $300
Lower Hutt $300 $360
Porirua $240 $280
Wellington City $330 $400
Nelson $235 $290
“ YO U C A N N O T B E R E F U S E D Christchurch $240 $300
A R E N T A L B E C A U S E YO U Dunedin $220 $255
Invercargill $147 $140
HAVE CHILDREN.” New Zealand average $250 $300
LEE CHISHOLM – NORTHERN Source: Tenancy Services, Department of Building and Housing
www.dbh.govt.nz
REGIONAL MANAGER, TENANCY SERVICES.
The Latest Rents
Detailed rental information for every suburb in New Zealand is
updated monthly and can be found at www.dbh.govt.nz/market-rent
HOW TO READ A REAL ESTATE ADVERTISEMENT

A brief guide to common abbreviations

ac air conditioning oil/htr oil heater
alc alcove ono or nearest offer
BBO Buyer Budget Over ophws off-peak hot water system
BEO Buyer Enquiry Over osp off-street car parking
bi built-in oyo own your own
bics built-in cupboards pa per annum
bir built-in wardrobe pmth per month
bt brick walls with tile roof pol flr polished floor
bv brick veneer posn position
CBD Central Business District pw per week
cpds cupboards QV Quotable Valuation (same as GV)
ctl cement tile rc reverse cycle
CV Commercial Value rend rendered 03
det detached rf roof
elf electric light fittings row right of way
elhws electric hot water service RV Rateable Value
ens en suite bathroom sb solid brick
fib fibro cement shwr rcs shower recess
fitts fittings s’out sleep-out cabin
fl covs floor coverings stca subject to council approval
f/furn fully furnished tc tile terracotta tiles
f tld fully tiled tf timber frame
ghws gas hot water service tld rf tiled roof
GV Government Valuation (same as QV) umr under main roof
ingr pl in-ground pool ven blds venetian blinds
k’ette kitchenette ver verandah
ldr lounge dining room vp vacant possession
l’fitt light fittings wb weatherboard
lug lock-up garage wi wrought iron
LV Land Value wi pant walk-in pantry
neg negotiable ww crpt wall-to-wall carpet
ofp open fireplace
 Real estate agents
Many real estate agents also deal in rental properties. Their
commission charges are due only once a rental contract is
completed, and these should not exceed one week’s rent.

Letting centres
These centres will usually charge a fee for you to look at their
listed properties. The fee is generally less than that charged by
real estate agents, but it may be charged even if you do not find
a home through their lists. If you are referred to a real estate
agent by the letting centre, you may also have to pay the real
estate agent’s fee.

Discrimination
By law, a landlord cannot discriminate against you because
of your colour, race, gender, ethnic origin, disability or religious
beliefs.
04
If you think you have been discriminated against, contact either:
Tenancy Advice Line
Visit: www.dbh.govt.nz
A LANDLORD CANNOT
Freephone: 0800 83 62 62 (0800 TENANCY) ENFORCE WHAT IS OUTSIDE
The Human Rights Commission THE LAW AND TENANTS
Visit: www.hrc.co.nz
Freephone: 0800 496 877
C A N N O T G I V E A W AY T H E I R
LEGAL RIGHTS.
Bonds
Most landlords require tenants to pay a bond that is generally
equivalent to 2 or 4 weeks’ rent. Landlords cannot ask for more
than 4 weeks’ rent as bond.
The landlord will provide you with a Bond Lodgement Form
that both you and the landlord are required to complete and sign.
The landlord must deposit the form and your accompanying
cheque for the bond with the Department of Building and Housing
within 23 working days of receiving it. A receipt will then be sent
to both you and your landlord. If you don’t receive this receipt
you should contact the Tenancy Advice office of the Department
of Building and Housing (See P18 for contact details).
The bond will be refunded to you when you leave the property,
unless you have rent owing or have caused damage. If the property
is damaged, some or all of your bond is used to pay for the repair.
When you give notice to move out, the landlord will inspect
the property to make sure you have not caused damage. To recover
your bond, complete a Bond Refund Form, signed by both you and
the landlord, and send it to the Department of Building and
Housing. If you cannot reach agreement with the landlord over
the return of your bond, contact the Tenancy Advice office at the
Department of Building and Housing.
To download Bond Lodgement and Bond Refund forms, visit:
www.dbh.govt.nz
Tenancy Agreements
It is the landlord’s responsibility to provide you with a Tenancy
Agreement Form.
The Tenancy Agreement sets out the conditions of the lease.
This should be in plain language and a tenant should never sign
anything they do not understand. Both the tenants and landlord
sign the agreement and keep a copy. However, anything in the
agreement which is different from the law has no effect. For
example, if the agreement says tenants can be given a month’s
notice, this cannot be enforced, as the law says tenants are
entitled to either 42 or 90 days’ notice, depending on the situation.
A landlord cannot enforce what is outside the law and tenants
cannot give away their legal rights.
Property Inspection Report
It is important to record with your landlord not only the furniture
and fittings provided, but the condition of the property and 05
chattels. For instance, if the kitchen bench has a burn mark, this
needs to be noted so you are not held responsible for it when the
tenancy ends. Property Inspection Report Forms are usually part
of Tenancy Agreement Forms.
To download Tenancy Agreement Forms, visit: www.dbh.govt.nz
Forms can also be purchased from major stationery shops.
 A Tenancy Agreement must include:
• the names and addresses of the landlord and tenant,
and the address of the property
• the date the Tenancy Agreement is signed
• the date the tenancy starts
• addresses for service for both the landlord and the tenant
(this needs to be a permanent, physical address; perhaps
a family member’s or friend’s)
• whether the tenant is under the age of 18
• the bond amount
• the rent amount and how often it will be paid
• the place or bank account number where the rent
is to be paid
• any real estate agent’s or solicitor’s fees paid
• if the tenant is to pay for metered water
06 • a list of chattels (eg. light fittings, curtains, oven,
and washing machine) provided by the landlord “THE FIRST THING MIGRANT
• the date a fixed-term tenancy will end.
Optional conditions include:
TENANTS AND LANDLORDS
• how many people can live on the premises NEED TO KNOW IS THAT
• not attaching anything to the house or flat
• not subletting or giving the tenancy to someone else
NEW ZEALAND HAS A LAW
• whether smoking is permitted THAT APPLIES WHENEVER
• whether an animal is permitted.
A PERSON IS RENTING
A PLACE TO LIVE IN.
EVEN IF THERE ISN’T
A W R I T T E N A G R E E M E N T,
T H E R U L E S S T I L L A P P LY. ”
LEE CHISHOLM, NORTHERN REGIONAL MANAGER,

TENANCY SERVICES.
 “WE CHOSE A CLASSIC
VICTORIAN VILLA – WE LOVE
THE WARMTH OF THE
NATIVE TIMBER FINISH.
W E ’ V E A LW AY S M U C H
PREFERRED OLDER HOUSES
WITH CHARM AND STYLE.”
C A N A D I A N M I G R A N T, C A R O L E W I L L S O N .
 WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO PAY TYPES OF TENANCIES
When you agree to rent a property, you usually need to pay: Periodic tenancies
A periodic tenancy is any tenancy that is not for a fixed time, and
• a fee to the letting agent if you have used one
continues until the landlord or the tenant ends it by giving notice,
• a bond
or the Tenancy Tribunal orders that the tenancy is over. This is
• rent in advance.
the most common form of tenancy.
You will also need to pay for getting the telephone, electricity
Fixed-term tenancies
and, where applicable, gas connected. For example, if your rent
These finish on a date recorded in the agreement, and neither the
is $250 per week, you may need:
landlord nor the tenant can end the tenancy earlier.
• 4 weeks’ rent as bond $1,000
Fixed-term tenancies not fully covered by the Residential
• 2 weeks’ rent in advance $500
Tenancies Act 1986:
• 1 week’s rent for the agent’s commission
(including Goods and Services Tax or GST) $281 • tenancies of less than 120 days
• telephone, power and gas connections $300 • tenancies of five years or more, in which the Tenancy Agreement
08 Total you will need (approximately) $2,081 states that the Residential Tenancies Act does not apply.

It is a good idea to seek advice from the Department of Building

and Housing before signing an agreement for these types of
tenancies.
ENDING A TENANCY
Periodic tenancies
Tenants wanting to leave must give 21 days’ signed notice in
writing and provide their tenancy address and leaving date.
If notice is sent by mail, four working days must be added to the
notice period. A landlord must give a tenant written notice of at
least 90 days, or 42 days if the property is needed for family or
employees, or has been sold.
If a landlord gives a tenant notice, the tenant can live in the
property until the tenancy ends. Tenants can, however, move out
sooner if they give 21 days’ written notice to the landlord.
Fixed-term tenancies
A fixed-term tenancy automatically ends on the stated date, so
you do not need to give notice. You can talk with the landlord
about renewing the tenancy, although he or she will be entitled
to raise the rent at the end of the term.
PAYING RENT
A landlord cannot demand payment of more than two weeks’ rent
in advance. However, it is possible to make monthly payments if
you and your landlord agree. The landlord must give you a receipt
for any rent you pay by either cash or cheque. If you use automatic
payments, your bank records act as receipts.
Rents are determined by market demand and can vary widely
depending on the desirability of the property. You can check out
market rents in your area on the Department of Building and
Housing website. If you think your rent is higher than it should
be compared with similar properties, you can apply to the Tenancy
Tribunal through the Department of Building and Housing for
a market rent assessment. If the Tribunal orders a lower rent,
the landlord must comply with this ruling and also cannot increase
the new rent for a period set by the Tribunal (usually six months).
09
If you have a periodic tenancy, your landlord cannot increase
the rent within six months of either the start of the tenancy or
the last rent increase. Rents for fixed-term tenancies also cannot
be increased more frequently unless the Tenancy Agreement
specifically provides for this.
 REPAIRS
If something needs repairing, talk to the landlord first.
However, if something needs fixing urgently, for instance
a leaking hot water cylinder, or a blocked toilet, and you cannot
contact the landlord, you may get the repair work done yourself.
In this case the landlord must refund the repair cost.
If you ask the landlord to do necessary repairs, and nothing is
done, send your landlord a letter requesting that the work be
done within 10 working days. If the repairs are still not done,
HELPFUL HINTS
make an application to the Tenancy Tribunal. If the problem is
serious, the landlord may be ordered to pay you compensation,
or you may be able to end the tenancy.
If you damage a rental property, or make it unfit to live in,
the landlord can give you 10 working days to put things right. If
the work is not done, the landlord may ask the Tenancy Tribunal
10
to order you to do the required cleaning/repairs, or for the tenancy
to be ended.
DISPUTES
First, talk to your landlord. If talking does not work, contact
Tenancy Services at the Department of Building and Housing.
Interpreting services can be provided by Tenancy Services
if you need to attend mediation or a Tenancy Tribunal hearing
as a result of a dispute.
INSURANCE
Contents insurance is important for people who are renting
accommodation as it can cover both household possessions and
liability for accidental damage to a rental property. It may also
provide for the cost of temporary accommodation if an accident
makes your home uninhabitable. Insurance of the actual
property/building is the landlord’s responsibility.
The Department of Building and Housing publishes two free
booklets on renting. What to do when you’re renting is a handy,
step-by-step guide for tenants. Renting and you is a more
comprehensive guide designed for both landlords and
tenants. It is available in Samoan, Tongan, Chinese Traditional,
Chinese Simplified, Arabic and Korean as well as the standard
Ma-ori and English versions. Both publications can be downloaded
from: www.dbh.govt.nz
For free advice and information on renting:
Freephone: 0800 83 62 62 (0800 TENANCY), or
visit: www.dbh.govt.nz
12
 TENANTS’ RIGHTS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
A TENANT MUST:
• pay the rent on time
• pay all charges for telephone, electricity, gas and other
agreed charges
• use the property mainly as a home
• keep the property clean and tidy
• promptly report any damage/repairs
• repair any damage caused by the tenant or guests
• permit no more than the specified number of residents.
At the end of the tenancy:
• depart on or before the due date
12 • remove all goods and rubbish
• leave the property clean and tidy
• return all keys and pass cards
• leave all chattels in good order
• provide access to prospective tenants or buyers
• pay electricity, telephone and other agreed charges.
A TENANT MUST NOT :
• damage the property or allow others to do so
• use the property for unlawful purposes or allow others
to do so
• disturb the peace of other tenants or neighbours
• alter the property or change the locks
• refuse rightful entry to the landlord or their agent
• sublet or transfer the tenancy without permission.
LANDLORDS’ RIGHTS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
A LANDLORD MUST :
• give 60 days’ notice of a rent increase
• give 48 hours’ notice of an inspection
• give 24 hours’ notice of entry for repairs
• give 42 days’ notice of plans to sell the property
• ensure locks and fastenings work
• provide receipts for cash/cheque payments
• provide rent statements if requested
• do any necessary repairs
• pay for urgent repairs
• present a clean and habitable property
• pay costs such as rates and insurance of the property/building
• ensure tenants are not unreasonably disturbed.
A LANDLORD MUST NOT:
• block reasonable subletting or tenancy re-assignment
• prohibit the use of suitable interior fixtures
• change locks without consent
• enter without consent or legal right.
BUYING A HOME

NEW ZEALANDERS ARE RENOWNED FOR BEING Average Property Values

August 2009
PASSIONATE ABOUT THEIR HOMES. THE LEVEL
Area Price
OF INDIVIDUAL HOME OWNERSHIP IS AMONGST Whangarei $326,074
THE HIGHEST IN THE WORLD. Auckland $502,022
Hamilton $339,298
Housing stocks are extensive and provide an unusual range of Tauranga $412,320
opportunity for those seeking to match their home to a particular Rotorua $272,609
lifestyle. Rural ‘lifestyle blocks’ comprising custom-built homes New Plymouth $312,358
with several acres of farmland are particularly popular. Most offer Napier $317,835
easy access to the main urban centres. City housing ranges from Hastings $299,502 13
restored villas, dating from the early 1900s, to modern suburban Palmerston North $288,508
homes with large gardens, or ‘sections’ as they are termed in New Wellington $421,615
Zealand. Inner city apartments, featuring the latest in metropolitan Nelson $364,747
living, have also become a feature of the major cities. Christchurch $344,401
Most urban homes are stand-alone and built of wood. Although Queenstown $582,258
many are insulated, most do not have central heating or double- Dunedin $254,619
glazed windows. Most have open fires, wood burners, gas or Invercargill $208,551
electrical heating. Source: QV online (website: www.qv.co.nz)
Prices for homes in New Zealand vary considerably. A lot
depends on where they are located – homes in Auckland, for A current snapshot of recent house values is available online at
example, are generally more expensive than homes in Wellington. www.qv.co.nz/onlinereports/propertyvaluemap.html
House prices in smaller cities and towns tend to be less expensive.
Costs also vary within neighbourhoods and it is important to find
out as much as possible about an area before purchasing.
 FINDING A HOME Open homes
People who are selling their houses often hold ‘open homes’
Take time to look around and become familiar with the market. at the weekend so you can visit the house without having to
As a new migrant, you may wish to purchase a home immediately, make an appointment with the real estate agent. ‘Open homes’
because you feel this will help you and your family feel more are usually open for up to two hours – the times are advertised
settled. Although this is understandable, do not let the urge to in the local paper and weekly real estate publications.
settle or any sales pressure unduly hasten your decision. Buying A real estate agent, not the owner, will be at the house during
a home is an important decision and should not be taken lightly. the ‘open home’.
Once you have acquired a good knowledge of the local market
and are sure you have found what you want, buying a home can
be completed within three or four weeks.
Special property features are run in the Wednesday and Saturday
editions of most major newspapers. A range of free publications
providing illustrated property listings is also available from real
estate companies. The Real Estate Institute provides national
listings at: www.realestate.co.nz
14 Most houses are sold through real estate agents who operate
on sales commissions. These are agreed with the vendor before
the property is offered for sale and generally vary between 1-3%
of the sale price. Agents will make appointments for you to see
specific properties – they will usually also provide transport
if requested. You may use any number of agents, but when you
decide to buy you will deal only with the agent managing
the sale.
 “WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO
BUILD OUR DREAMS HERE.”
SINGAPOREAN MIGRANTS,

E N G A N D L I N A Y E O.
 BORROWING MONEY THE SALE PROCESS
Banks and financial services organisations offer a wide range of Since property law varies from country to country, it is often
mortgage options and combinations. Bank processing is efficient advisable for migrants to use an experienced licensed conveyancer
and mortgage finance can be arranged within as little as 24 hours. or property lawyer. Services generally include:
The rate of payment and value of your mortgage is dependent on
• helping you negotiate the purchase and the price with
your financial circumstances. However, mortgages are usually
the current owners
capped at 95% of the property’s sale price. The mortgage market
• a ‘title search’ (to make sure there are no legal problems
is highly competitive and it is well worth shopping around for
with the property)
the best deal.
• checking the contract
A good place to start is: www.realestate.co.nz which provides
• advising you of any tax factors that may affect you
an up-to-date survey of mortgage interest rates and access to
• drawing up the documents to transfer ownership
a handy Mortgage Calculator.
• arranging the settlement
• letting you know your rights.
RATING VALUATIONS
16 The territorial authority (local or regional council) provides owners
with a ‘rating valuation’ – what they consider the property
(land and buildings) is worth. Local authorities use the rating
valuation to set ‘rates’, which property owners pay to cover water
supply, road maintenance, rubbish collection and public services
such as libraries, parks and swimming pools. The rating valuation
is often used as a guide when setting the sale price. However,
houses can sell for more or less than the rating valuation –
the selling price will depend on market demand, interest rates
and when the rating valuation was completed.
MAKING AN OFFER
When you find the house you want, you will need to make a
formal offer in writing (your real estate agent, licensed conveyancer
or lawyer will have a standard form). It is usual to have your
lawyer or conveyancer look over the offer before it is presented
to the agent or the seller.
The offer document will say which ‘chattels’ go with the sale
– this may include curtains, light fittings, oven and dishwasher.
The chattels are negotiable. There can sometimes be several
counter-offers, so your proposed purchase is not a certainty at
this point. Most first offers are ‘conditional’.
The conditions may include:
• finance being approved
• a satisfactory independent valuation
• a satisfactory title search
• a satisfactory building inspection
• a Land Information Memorandum
• sale of another property.
A deposit – usually about 10% – is paid to your licensed
conveyancer, lawyer or real estate agent when an agreement to
purchase is reached. The licensed conveyancer, lawyer or real estate
agent is legally required to hold the deposit for a minimum 10
working days or until the conditions of sale are met.
The contract will also state the ‘settlement date’ – this is the
date when the house becomes your legal property, and you can
move in. It is when your licensed conveyancer or lawyer pays the
17
final purchase amount to the seller. Once everything is in order,
the contract becomes unconditional. There are penalties if the
sale does not go ahead.
INSURANCE
Make sure your house insurance starts on the day you take
possession of the house. In some house auctions, insurance risks
pass to the purchaser immediately upon purchase.
In New Zealand, house insurance includes a level of cover for
earthquake damage.
You should also insure the contents of your house. Your
insurance company can organise this for you.
 WEBSITES AND NEW ZEALAND REAL ESTATE AGENCIES
FREEPHONES www.realestate.co.nz
Real Estate Institute of New Zealand
An essential site – deals authoritatively with all aspects of property purchase
and rental. Provides comprehensive national and regional property listings,
NEW ZEALAND NOW
as well as guidelines on matters such as mortgage rates. Up-to-date price surveys
www.newzealandnow.govt.nz available at national, regional, city and neighbourhood levels.
Goverment site that links you to all the information that you need to know Freephone: 0800 732 536 (0800 REALENZ)
about living and working in New Zealand.
www.real-estate-nz.com
Real estate guide designed for migrants and overseas investors
with special emphasis on Christchurch.
IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND SITE Phone: 03 942 7653
Email: info@real-estate-nz.com
www.immigration.govt.nz
Official site of Immigration New Zealand. www.open2view.com
Comprehensive information on all aspects of New Zealand National directory providing virtual tours of hundreds of properties.
immigration policy and procedures. All policy guidelines and
most application forms can be downloaded. NATIONAL REAL ESTATE COMPANIES
www.harcourts.co.nz
Harcourts
GOVERNMENT SITES
18 www.remax.co.nz
www.govt.nz RE/MAX
The official gateway to New Zealand Government online.
www.ljhooker.co.nz
www.dbh.govt.nz LJ Hooker
Department of Building and Housing
Comprehensive information on building regulations and controls. www.professionals.co.nz
Freephone: 0800 242 243 Professionals
Tenancy Advice provides free advice on all aspects of renting,
mediates rental disputes, manages tenancy bonds and supplies standard CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
rental forms. Local offices listed in the White Pages.
Freephone: 0800 83 62 62 (0800 TENANCY) www.nzherald.co.nz
Email: info@dbh.govt.nz www.stuff.co.nz
www.hnzc.co.nz www.trademe.co.nz
Housing New Zealand Corporation
Provides subsidised rental accommodation to those on low incomes.
Freephone: 0800 801 601 GENERAL SITES
www.nzrab.org.nz
www.hrc.co.nz New Zealand Registered Architects Board
Human Rights Commission Maintains database of registered architects.
An independent agency responsible for investigating and resolving
complaints about discrimination and other human rights issues. www.buildingsurveyor.co.nz
Freephone: 0800 496 877 New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors Inc.
Email: infoline@hrc.co.nz Represents professional building consultants – provides list of services and
affiliated members. Freephone: 0800 11 34 00
www.landonline.govt.nz
www.certified.co.nz
Land-online survey and title office.
Certified Builders Association of New Zealand
Database of land title and survey information – available on a user-pays basis.
Lists Registered Certified Builders and provides advice for home builders.
Freephone: 0800 665 463 (0800 ONLINE)
Freephone: 0800 237 843
 www.consumer.org.nz
SSNZ Consumers Institute of New Zealand
SSNZ (Settlement Support New Zealand) is a government funded initiative Up-to-date consumers’ guide to property rental and purchase –
that provides a local point of first contact for new migrants, in 18 locations also covers legal rights of landlords and tenants. Membership fee required.
throughout the country. Think of it as, “Phone a friend”. www.yellowpages.co.nz
SSNZ is a FREE service for new migrants, linking you to the information you Telephone listings for New Zealand businesses.
need.
PHONE 0800 SSNZ4U (0800 776 948). VISIT WWW.SSNZ.GOVT.NZ BUILDING INSPECTION REPORTS
New homes
Building inspections undertaken by local councils.
Existing homes
www.conveyancer.co.nz/nzic.htm Building inspections completed by private consultants.
New Zealand Institute of Conveyancers Inc
Outlines functions and services of licensed conveyancers.
LAND INFORMATION MEMORANDA
www.icnz.org.nz
Insurance Council of New Zealand Land Information Memoranda (generally called a ‘LIM’ Report) are provided
Provides comprehensive guidance on all aspects of property and other by local councils.
insurance matters. Lists affiliated members. Listings in the White Pages under ‘Local Government Services’.
www.masterbuilder.org.nz
New Zealand Registered Master Builders Federation
Lists certified master builders and useful information about building a home.
Please note: Freephone numbers do not accept 19
Freephone: 0800 269 119 international calls.
Tenants Protection Association (Chch) Inc.
Information on rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords.
Phone: 03 379 2297 Telephone directories
Email: tpa@xtra.co.nz In New Zealand telephone directories are referred to as the White and Yellow
Pages. These terms are used throughout this guide.
www.nzia.co.nz The White Pages lists residential and business numbers in alphabetical
New Zealand Institute of Architects
order. It also includes special sections on Government and Medical services.
Professional association of architects – lists affiliated architects.
The Yellow Pages is a classified business directory categorised by service
www.property.org.nz or product type.
New Zealand Property Institute (NZPI) There are White and Yellow Pages for each region – there is no national directory.
Sets standards for property valuers. Maintains database of affiliated valuers. For national listings, visit: www.whitepages.co.nz or www.yellowpages.co.nz
www.qv.co.nz
QV Valuations
Responsible for the rating valuations in New Zealand.
Freephone: 0800 16 44 44
www.rics.org.au
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
www.valgroup.co.nz
ValGroup is an association of independent valuing firms.
05 HEALTH
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
ABOUT THE HEALTH SYSTEM
IN NEW ZEALAND
HEALTH

N E W Z E A L A N D ’ S P U B L I C H E A LT H S Y S T E M I S G O O D

BY WORLD STANDARDS.

Comprehensive life-long medical care is available to everyone.

All essential health care is provided free through the public health
system. This means that while some routine services, such as visits
to local doctors and dentists, have to be paid for, more costly
services, such as hospital treatment are, with minor exceptions, UNDER NEW ZEALAND’S
available free to all residents.
PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM,
ALL ESSENTIAL HOSPITAL 01

TREATMENT IS FREE
TO ALL RESIDENTS.
 PUBLICLY FUNDED HEALTH SERVICES INCLUDE:
• FREE PUBLIC HOSPIT AL TREA TMENT

• FREE TREA TMENT A T PUBLIC HOSPIT AL 24-HOUR ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY (A&E) CLINICS

• SUBSIDIES ON PRESCRIPTION ITEMS

• SUBSIDISED FEES FOR VISITS TO GENERAL PRACTITIONERS (GPs)

• SUBSIDISED FEES FOR SPECIALIST CARE SUCH AS PHYSIOTHERAPISTS, CHIROPRACTORS AND OSTEOPA THS WHEN REFERRED

BY A GP FOR AN ACCIDENT CASE

• FREE OR SUBSIDISED HEAL TH CARE FOR THOSE SUFFERING FROM ACUTE OR CHRONIC MEDICAL CONDITIONS

• NO CHARGE FOR MOST LABORA TORY TESTS AND X-RA YS, EXCEPT A T PRIV A TEL Y OPERA TED CLINICS

• NO CHARGE FOR HEAL TH CARE DURING PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH, UNLESS PROVIDED BY THE PRIV A TE MEDICAL SECTOR

• NO CHARGE FOR GP REFERRALS TO A PUBLIC HOSPIT AL FOR TREA TMENT

02
• SUBSIDIES FOR CHILDREN UNDER SIX FOR VISITS TO THE DOCTOR AND FOR PRESCRIPTIONS

• FREE BREAST SCREENING FOR WOMEN AGED BETWEEN 45 AND 69.

 YO U R F I R S T P O I N T O F C O N TA C T W I T H T H E H E A LT H S Y S T E M W I L L P R O B A B LY B E YO U R G P ( G E N E R A L P R A C T I T I O N E R ) ,

A L S O K N O W N A S YO U R F A M I LY D O C TO R . N E W Z E A L A N D H A S A B O U T 3 , 2 0 0 G P s . T H E S E A R E L O C AT E D I N A L M O S T

E V E R Y C I T Y, S U B U R B A N D T O W N T H R O U G H O U T T H E C O U N T R Y. L O C A L G P s A R E L I S T E D I N T H E F R O N T O F T H E

T E L E P H O N E W H I T E P A G E S , U N D E R ‘ R E G I S T E R E D M E D I C A L P R A C T I T I O N E R S & M E D I C A L C E N T R E S ’.

GENERAL PRACTITIONERS Costs

Registration
Registering with a GP is free and easy. Simply provide the doctor’s
receptionist with your address, phone number, and the names
and ages of your family.
You can choose which GP to register with, even if that doctor
is not in your suburb. So, if you would prefer to deal with a female
GP or a GP who shares your national or ethnic background,
you are quite free to choose any doctor you wish. You are also
free to change your GP at any time.
Opening hours
Most GPs are open from 8:00am-6:00pm – these are known as
surgery hours. Some practices are also open one or two evenings
a week, and sometimes on Saturday mornings.
Emergencies
In emergencies, most GPs will either provide an immediate
appointment or make home visits – sometimes referred to as
house calls – any time during the day or night.
Medical examinations
You have the right to have a friend or support person with you
during medical examinations. Female patients may also request
that a female nurse or other female staff member be present
during examinations by a male nurse or doctor. Routine services
such as cervical screening, blood pressure checks, and immunisation
are often conducted by the GP’s Practice Nurse.
The Government partly subsidises the cost of GP visits for patients
aged under 18 and those aged 45 and over, while others pay the full
cost. Patients aged 18-44 may expect to pay between $10.50 and
$65 depending on where they live. However, only a small number of
‘Access PHOs’ in poorer areas would charge fees within the lower
range. There is an additional charge, usually ranging from $10-$25,
for house calls. Visits to a GP on the weekend or at night are also
more expensive and can cost up to double the usual fee. The Government
pays $38 of the fee for children under six; many doctors do not charge 03
a fee on top of this, which means the visit costs you nothing.
Lower charges may apply if you have a Community Services
Card or High Use Health Card.
Primary Health Organisations (PHOS)
Reduced charges are available to patients registered with a PHO.
Most GPs belong to PHOs and when you register with a GP you
will usually also be enrolled as a member of the PHO. If your GP
is not a member of a PHO, you can transfer to one who is although
you can only enroll in one PHO at a time. PHOs receive government
funding on the basis of need with poorer areas attracting the largest
subsidies. Consequently, costs vary from area to area.
 SPECIALISTS AND PRIVATE WHERE TO FIND HEALTH SERVICES
HEALTH SERVICES General Practitioners (family doctors), Specialists, After Hours
Should you require specialist medical care, you will need a ‘referral’ and other Medical Centres are listed in the front section
from your GP. If you prefer a private specialist you (or your insurer) of the White Pages under ‘Registered Medical Practitioners
will be required to pay all fees. & Medical Centres’.
The public health system is free, but you may be put on a
Public and Private Hospitals, Residential Care Centres, After
waiting list depending on the status of your condition relative
Hours Pharmacists, Registered Nurses and Midwives and
to other patients.
Specialist Clinics are listed in the front section of the White
Pages under ‘Hospitals & other health service providers’.
HOSPITALS
Physiotherapists, Dentists, Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Opticians,
New Zealand has 40 public hospitals, including some with
Pharmacists and Natural Therapists are listed under their
specialised facilities for the elderly and people with disabilities.
respective sections in the Yellow Pages.
Free comprehensive service
Healthline
With minor exceptions, such as some kinds of cosmetic surgery,
04 hospital treatment is provided free of charge. Nobody can be refused
For free health advice and reference to local health services:
Freephone: 0800 611 116 – 24 hours, seven days a week.
emergency care because they cannot pay. If they are not a
New Zealand resident, they may have to pay for some services.
Waiting times for surgery vary from hospital to hospital. If your
case is urgent, you will be put on an urgent waiting list.

Interpreting services
Most of the bigger public hospitals have an interpreting service
for patients whose first language is not English, but patients can
use family members or friends as interpreters if they wish. Some
areas offer an interpreting service free of charge.

Ambulance services
Ambulances are provided by non-profit, community-based services.
In some regions services are free; in others there may be a part-
charge for emergency call-outs. Charges vary according to location;
the highest rate for a medical emergency call-out is $67.50.
“HERE PATIENTS CAN EITHER MATERNITY CARE
HAVE THEIR BABY AT HOME The care needed during pregnancy and childbirth is free. This
covers everything from the diagnosis of pregnancy to pre- and
OR IN HOSPITAL – BOTH ARE post-natal care for mother and baby. You can choose to have
E Q U A L LY A C C E P T A B L E . ” your baby at home, although most babies are born in hospital.
There is no charge for hospital stays, which generally last from two
S O U T H A F R I C A N M I G R A N T,
to five days. Women who have miscarriages are also cared for
MAGDALENE LE GRANGE. without charge. Approved abortions are free.

Midwives
Most women are cared for throughout their pregnancy and at
the birth by an independent midwife, though some women choose
a local maternity hospital, or a GP who provides maternity care.
If women need specialist care they can choose to be referred to
a free hospital clinic or to a private specialist.

Specialist care 05
Should your family doctor, or a midwife, refer you to specialist
services within the public system, these will be provided free
of charge.
If you choose a private specialist for your maternity care,
you will have to pay all fees.
Further information is available from any GP or Midwifery
Centre listed under ‘Registered Medical Practitioners & Medical
Centres’ in the White Pages. A Maternity Helpline is also
available, freephone: 0800 686 223 (0800 MUM2BE).
 Family planning
It is common for family planning services to be provided by GPs
before pregnancy and by midwives after the birth of the child.
Most towns also have Family Planning Association clinics which
provide advice to single and married people, regardless of whether
they are parents or not. The Government helps with the costs of
these services which are provided free of charge to people under
22 years and at the lower cost of $15 to holders of Community
Services Cards.
CHILD HEALTH
Many health services for children are free. These include
immunisation against serious diseases, regular eyesight and
hearing checks at school and visits to the doctor. Basic dental
care is also free while children are at school.
06
WellChild Care Service
WellChild is a free service designed to ensure that parents receive
support in all aspects of their child’s development. Assistance is
provided through programmes on:
Plunket Society
The Plunket Society provides free care for mothers and babies.
This includes child health and development checks, and parenting
advice. You can either arrange for home visits by a Plunket nurse,
or visit one of the many clinics located throughout the country.
Every child is entitled to eight WellChild visits, where your child’s
health, development and well-being will be assessed and you will
be provided with ongoing parent education and support. Additional
visits are provided for families with high need or first time parents.
Your visits with the Plunket Nurse will monitor your child’s health
and development. Plunket also has a car seat rental service which
provides safety restraints for babies and small children. The use
of car seats and safety restraints for children and babies is
compulsory by law.
Freephone: 0800 933 922 or visit: www.plunket.org.nz

• Health Education and Health Promotion

• Health Protection and Clinical Assessment
• Family Care and Support.

Information is available from GPs and local Medical Centres, at

www.wellchild.org.nz or freephone: 0800 686 223 (0800 MUM2BE).
“THE POST-NATAL SUPPORT
H A S B E E N G R E A T.
THE PLUNKET NURSE HAS
R E A L LY H E L P E D . ”
I R A N I A N M I G R A N T, H A S Y L Z O N O B I .

07
 PRESCRIPTIONS After hours service
If you need urgent medicine outside normal shopping hours,
GPs do not dispense medicines directly. However, they do provide go to an Urgent Pharmacy. These are open until 10:00pm or
written prescriptions or scripts (orders for medicine). These are 11:00pm. You will find them listed under ‘Urgent Pharmacies’
dispensed by registered pharmacists. There are plenty of outlets in the ‘Hospitals & other health service providers’ section in the
to choose from, since most of the bigger shopping centres include front of the White Pages.
several retail pharmacies. Although you are free to present your
prescription at any pharmacy, repeat prescriptions can be obtained
only from the pharmacy that issued your first prescription.
Otherwise, you will need to obtain a new prescription from
your GP.

Standard costs
Prescription medicines are generally free for children under six
years old. For everyone else, prescription costs are $15 or less for
medicines that are fully subsidised by the health service. Medicines
08 that are not fully subsidised may cost more. Non-subsidised items
are charged at full cost although alternative subsidised medicines
are usually available.
Lower prescription charges may apply if you have a Community
Services Card, a High Use Health Card or a Pharmaceutical Subsidy
Card. For information on these cards see Patient Rights and
Extra Help.

Non-prescription medicines
Pharmacists are trained to give advice on medicines and on some
health problems. They can also sell medicines that do not need
a prescription. Pharmacists do not usually charge for their advice.
HEALTH COSTS PRIVATE HEALTH CARE
General practitioner visits Many New Zealanders have elected to take out private health
Children under 6 Many doctors don’t charge for this service insurance because it provides access to private hospitals for the
6-17 year olds $10.50-$25 immediate treatment of non-urgent conditions.
17-44 year olds $15.50-$65 The network of private hospitals and clinics provides a range
45 and over $15.50-$35 of services that include recuperative care, elective procedures,
House calls may cost from $10-$25 extra. and general surgical procedures through to specialist procedures
Visits to a GP on the weekend or at night can cost up to double the usual fee. such as cardiothoracic operations. There are also private radiology
If you think you are paying too much for visits to your doctor, first, talk to the clinics and testing laboratories.
Practice or PHO Manager. If this does not resolve matters, contact your local Several insurance companies offer a range of health policies
District Health Board. See the ‘Hospitals & other health service providers’ – from basic care to comprehensive cover. Policy premiums
section in the front of the White Pages. vary widely.
Even if you do have private health insurance, you are still
Subsidised prescriptions entitled to free public health services which cover all accident
Six and over $15 maximum and emergency care.
Under six free Health insurance companies are listed in the Yellow Pages 09
under ‘Insurance – Medical’.
Dentist
Standard check-up, x-ray and clean $75-upwards
DENTAL CARE
Routine dental checks are provided free for all children through
school clinics. Free dental treatment is also available if requested.
However, many families prefer dental work to be undertaken
by a private dentist. The Government’s Dental Benefits Scheme
aims to cover the cost of this type of care for teenagers aged
13 to 18. But involvement in this subsidised scheme is voluntary
and many dentists prefer not to participate. There are also
restrictions on the types of dental care available. To obtain
this free service you must register with a dentist who subscribes
to the scheme. For details of local school clinics and dentists
offering free services to adolescents, contact the Dental Service
Manager in your local District Health Board (see the ‘Hospitals
& other health service providers’ section in the front of the
White Pages).
 Most public hospital dental units provide some basic and emergency
services for people on low incomes. A small fee is usually charged
for these services. However, their priority is to provide care for
in-patients undergoing treatment for other conditions. The Accident
Compensation Corporation meets the cost of care resulting from
accidental injuries.
Except for the treatment of children under 18, dentists do not
receive a government subsidy. Their charges vary widely and
are higher than those charged by GPs. Dentists are listed in the
Yellow Pages. Fluoridated water has been adopted as a standard
dental health practice in most parts of New Zealand.
PERSONAL HELP AND MENTAL
HEALTH SERVICES
Mental health
10
Generally, mental health care is provided by public hospitals,
but some community-based services are also available.
Private counselling services are also available, but these are
generally not subsidised and costs must be met in full. However,
free counselling is available at most secondary schools and tertiary
education institutions.
PATIENT RIGHTS
All patients have certain rights when receiving a health
or disability service. You have the right to:
• always be treated with respect
• not be discriminated against, pressured or taken
advantage of
• services that promote dignified and independent lives
• be treated with care and skill and receive correctly
administered treatment
• medical staff who listen to you and communicate clearly
• an interpreter if required
• a clear explanation of your medical condition
and the types of treatment available
• an honest description of the risks and costs
as well as the benefits of a proposed treatment
• ask questions and receive competent answers
• make your own decisions
• change your mind if you have already said
“yes” or “no” to a course of treatment
• refuse to participate in teaching or research
• have a support person present at most times
• register a complaint.
These rights also apply to patients taking part
in teaching or research.
“KEEPING ACTIVE IS EASY
– THERE ARE LOTS OF
O P P O R T U N I T I E S . A N D YO U
DON’T HAVE TO BE
R I C H T O P L AY A G O O D
R O U N D O F G O L F. ”

11
 ACCIDENT INSURANCE SERVICES FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Residents are covered for personal injury by a government-run Assistance is available for those aged 65 or over who need help
accident insurance scheme. at home or may need to move to a rest home or hospital. This is
The scheme is managed by the Accident Compensation provided on the basis of a ‘needs assessment’. Services include
Corporation (ACC) and covers the full range of personal injuries home support, caregiver services and 24 hour residential care.
– whether at work, at home or during sports or other leisure The level of government subsidy varies according to individual
activities. Claims may also be made for personal injury caused by circumstances.
a medical mistake or error, sexual assault or abuse, and some To access state funded care at home, you will need to contact
work-related conditions such as discomfort, pain and injury. your District Health Board (listed in the ‘Hospitals & other
In New Zealand, you cannot generally sue anyone for health service providers’ section in the front of the White Pages)
compensatory damages if you are injured. Instead, ACC helps to and ask about having a Needs Assessment Service Co-ordination
pay for a broad range of treatment and rehabilitation services. (NASC) assessment.
These include free hospital treatment, the cost of treatment by
registered health professionals, personal services such as residential
nursing care, home help and childcare. However, patients may
12 pay a part-charge for some treatments.
In some cases involving permanent physical impairment,
compensation, or “lump sum” financial payments may also be
made. If your injury stops you from working, you may be eligible
for weekly compensaiton from ACC of up to 80% of your weekly
income before tax.
For further information, freephone: 0800 844 657 (0800
THINKSAFE) or visit: www.acc.co.nz
 HELP FOR PEOPLE ON LOW INCOMES
OR WITH HIGH HEALTH NEEDS
Community Services Card
People on low incomes may be eligible for a Community Services
Card, which entitles them to higher government subsidies on
visits to their family doctor and the purchase of prescription
items. The Community Services Card can also be used to access
IT’S SO WONDERFUL TO secondary health services from public hospitals, including home
and travel and accommodation assistance.
COME HOME FROM
High Use Health Card
WORK, RELAX ON THE This card is for individuals who visit their family doctor 12 times
DECK WITH A DRINK IN or more in a 12 month period for an ongoing illness. This card
also accesses higher subsidies on visits to the family doctor and
HAND, AND HEAT UP on prescription items.
THE BARBEQUE Pharmaceutical Subsidy Card 13
If you or your family have paid for 20 prescription items from
1 February in a given year, you may be eligible for a Pharmaceutical
Subsidy Card. This card can be obtained from your local chemist/
pharmacy.

For more information about the Community Services Card,

freephone: 0800 999 999.
For more information about the High Use Health Card, talk
to your General Practitioner.
 WEBSITES AND NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT SITES
FREEPHONES www.newzealand.govt.nz
The official gateway to New Zealand Government online.
www.acc.co.nz
NEW ZEALAND NOW Accident Compensation Corporation
Provides information on injury prevention, claims and care.
www.newzealandnow.govt.nz
Freephone: 0800 844 657
Goverment site that links you to all the information that you need to know
about living and working in New Zealand. www.hdc.org.nz
Health and Disability Commissioner
An independent agency dealing with patient rights.
Freephone: 0800 11 22 33
IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND SITE
www.healthed.govt.nz
www.immigration.govt.nz
Provides easy access to popular brochures on health matters.
Official site of Immigration New Zealand.
Comprehensive information on all aspects of New Zealand www.hrc.co.nz
immigration policy and procedures. All policy guidelines and Human Rights Commission
most application forms can be downloaded. An independent agency responsible for investigating and
resolving complaints about discrimination and other human rights issues.
Freephone: 0800 496 877

In an emergency, dial 111 for: www.moh.govt.nz

14 Ministry of Health
• Ambulance Information on all areas of the public health system. Links to District Health Board
• Fire websites – these outline the services available in your area.

• Police Maternity care

Freephone: 0800 686 223 (0800 MUM2BE)
If you aren’t sure it’s an emergency contact Healthline: www.plunket.org.nz
The Plunket Society provides free care for mothers and babies.
Freephone: 0800 611 116 – 24 hours, seven days Freephone: 0800 933 922
a week. www.wellchild.org.nz
WellChild Care Service
To find hospitals, look under the ‘Hospitals & other Free service providing support on all aspects of a child’s development.
health service providers’ section in the front of your www.workandincome.govt.nz
Work and Income
White Pages.
Information about all benefits and allowances, including the
Residential Care Subsidy and the Disability Allowance.
To find a doctor, look under the ‘Registered Medical Freephone: 0800 559 009
Practitioners & Medical Centres’ section in the Community Services Card
front of your White Pages. Freephone: 0800 999 999
 www.healthywomen.org.nz
SSNZ Government breast and cervical screening programmes.
SSNZ (Settlement Support New Zealand) is a government funded initiative Freephone: 0800 729 729
that provides a local point of first contact for new migrants, in 18 locations
www.ihc.org.nz
throughout the country. Think of it as, “Phone a friend”.
IHC New Zealand Inc.
SSNZ is a FREE service for new migrants, linking you to the information you Services available for the intellectually handicapped and their families.
need.
www.ps.org.nz
PHONE 0800 SSNZ4U (0800 776 948). Presbyterian Support
Community services and counselling.
VISIT WWW.SSNZ.GOVT.NZ
www.pvi.org.nz
Parents of Vision Impaired (NZ) Inc.
Freephone: 0800 312 019
GENERAL HEAL TH SITES www.rnzfb.org.nz
The Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind
Asian Healthline
Freephone: 0800 243 333
Public health information service providing free advice in Mandarin,
Cantonese and Korean. Available only in the Auckland region. www.womens-health.org.nz
Freephone: Outline of women’s health services and how to access them.
0800 375 069 (Cantonese)
0800 375 068 (Mandarin)
0800 375 067 (Korean)
GENERAL SITES
15
www.consumer.org.nz
www.arthritis.org.nz
Consumers’ Institute of New Zealand
Arthritis Foundation of New Zealand Inc.
Up-to-date guide to consumer health information. Membership fee required,
www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz to view some material.
CCS Disability Action.
www.yellowpages.co.nz
Services available for the disabled and their families.
Telephone listings for New Zealand businesses.
www.deaf.co.nz
Deaf Association of New Zealand Inc.
Please note: Freephone numbers do not accept
www.diabetes.org.nz
Diabetes New Zealand international calls.
Freephone: 0800 342 238
www.eldernet.co.nz
Provides information on services available to the elderly, Telephone directories
including comprehensive information on retirement housing, In New Zealand telephone directories are referred to as the White and Yellow
and residential and hospital care. Pages. These terms are used throughout this guide.
The White Pages lists residential and business numbers in alphabetical
www.everybody.co.nz order. It also includes special sections on Government and Medical services.
Overview of the health and social security system, The Yellow Pages is a classified business directory categorised by service
and lots of consumer health information. or product type.
www.healthpages.co.nz There are White and Yellow Pages for each region – there is no national directory.
Online directory of health professionals. For national listings, visit: www.whitepages.co.nz or www.yellowpages.co.nz
06 EDUCATION
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
ABOUT THE EDUCATION SYSTEM
IN NEW ZEALAND
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

NEW ZEALAND HAS A WIDE RANGE OF EARL Y

CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SERVICES PROVIDING

E D U C A T I O N A N D C A R E F O R YO U N G C H I L D R E N ,

FROM BABIES TO SCHOOL AGE.

To access government funding, early childhood education (ECE)

services must meet certain regulatory requirements. For most
services this includes being licensed and chartered. Licensing
standards are set by the Ministry of Education. Criteria include
minimum ratios of staff to children and restrictions on class sizes. 01
The services are regularly monitored by the Education Review
Office (ERO).
Three and four-year-olds enrolled in a teacher-led ECE THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
service and some other services qualify for up to 20 hours of free
early childhood education. For more information go to the
PROVIDES FREE ADVICE ON
Minstry of Education’s Team Up website (www.teamup.co.nz) PRE-SCHOOL SERVICES.
or call 0800 20 44 33.
 The Ministry of Education provides free information on early
childhood services, including the following guides that are all
available on the www.teamup.co.nz website:
• Listing of ECE services by region and type of service
• Choices in Early Childhood Education
• Off to a good start
• Team Up Early Childhood booklet
• Information on 20 hours free ECE
Other useful sources of information are the ERO guide Early
Childhood Education: A Guide for Parents June 2006, your
neighbours, local Citizens Advice Bureau or Plunket (see Health).
Each kind of early childhood education service has its own way
of working with children and their parents. There are full-day,
part-day and casual options. Some early childhood education
centres are led by registered teachers, while in others, parents or
02
caregivers provide the education. There are also services where
people can look after your child at their or your home, and get
support from teachers who visit and provide advice and support.
TEACHER-LED CENTRES
In teacher-led centres, one or more of the adults providing
education and care are registered teachers. All teacher-led
centres are licensed to standards set by the Ministry of Education
and/or chartered.
Education and care centres
Education and care centres can be run by the community or
private owners, and provide full or part-time education and care.
They usually charge fees. At least one of the teachers must be a
registered teacher. Depending on the centre, they may accept
children from birth to school age, or children of specific ages.
Some education and care services also have programmes based
on a specific culture, or on different beliefs, such as Montessori
or Rudolph Steiner centres.
Kindergartens
Kindergartens are similar to education and care centres except
that all the teachers must be registered. They usually ask for
a donation, depending on the age of the child and hours
of attendance, Most kindergartens offer services to children
aged between two and a half and five years old. Mostly older
children attend morning sessions five days a week, while younger
children attend afternoon sessions three days a week. Some
kindergartens are now open all day or have some sessions that
are longer than others.
Home-based education
Home-based education involves an educator providing education
and care for up to four children, under the supervision of a
registered teacher who visits the educator at least once a month
to provide advice and support. This takes place in the caregiver’s
home, or at the child’s home, on a full-day or part-day basis.
PARENT-LED SERVICES
In parent-led early childhood education services, parents or
caregivers provide the education and care for their children.
Playcentre
Playcentres are run as parent cooperatives and cater for children
from birth to school age. Children can attend up to five sessions
a week. Parents or caregivers of children under 21/2 years must
attend with their children. There is a higher overall adult to child
ratio than at other services. All playcentres are members of the
New Zealand Playcentre Federation. Playcentre Associations also
operate playgroups. Playcentres usually charge fees, but these
are generally low.
Playgroups
Playgroups are community-based groups where parents and
caregivers meet together and provide play, social and learning
programmes for their children. Playgroups receive funding from
the Ministry of Education, and get support from early childhood
education coordinators.
OTHER OPTIONS
The Correspondence School
The Correspondence School provides learning programmes
for three to five year old children who are not able to attend
early childhood education centres for reasons such as living in
remote areas.
Special needs
The Ministry of Education provides early intervention support
for young children from birth, or the time that they are
identified as having special education needs, until transition to
school. For more information about Early Intervention call the
Special Education Information Line – 0800 622 222 or email
special.education@minedu.govt.nz
Nannies
03
Nannies are listed in the Yellow Pages. A wide range of services
is available. Although certification is not required, many nannies
are professionally trained.

Pacific Islands early childhood education groups

These are playgroups that build young children’s knowledge of
their own Pasifika language and cultures. They are often church
or community-based, and parents help run the sessions. Learning
may be in both English and a Pasifika language or in a Pasifika
language only. Pacific Islands early childhood education groups
may ask for parent donations.

Te Ko-hanga Reo and Nga- Puna Kohungahunga

These services focus on Ma-ori language and culture.
 “WHEN OUR CHILDREN
STARTED SCHOOL THEY
K N E W H A R D LY A N Y E N G L I S H .
B U T T H E Y W E R E YO U N G
AND SOON MADE FRIENDS
A N D Q U I C K LY P I C K E D U P
THE LANGUAGE.”
TAIWANESE MIGRANTS,

LINDA AND DANNY SHEE.

04
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION

FREE UNIVERSAL EDUCATION

FREE SECULAR EDUCATION IS AVAILABLE AT ALL

STATE (GOVERNMENT-FUNDED) SCHOOLS.

Schooling is compulsory for all children from their sixth until their
sixteenth birthday, although most start on their fifth birthday
or soon after. Students can stay at school until the age of 19,
or 21 for special education students with disabilities.
Although the Government meets almost all state schooling
costs, parents are expected to pay some fees. These include the 05
cost of schoolbooks, stationery, materials for art/trade classes,
uniforms and school trips. Fees vary widely depending on individual
school requirements.
The school day usually begins about 9:00am and finishes about
“MY CHILDREN LOVE THE
3:00pm (the secondary school day ends around 3:30pm). There SPORTS HERE AND ARE
is generally a short break in the morning, about an hour for lunch
and sometimes a short afternoon break.
NOW REAL KIWIS.”
S O U T H A F R I C A N M I G R A N T,

MAGDALENE LE GRANGE.
 SCHOOLING LEVELS
Students are classified in year levels, beginning at Year 1 and
moving up one class each year to the final Year 13. Years 1 and
2 are often referred to as ‘primers’ or ‘juniors’ and Years 3 to 6
as ‘standards’. Years 7 and 8 are known as forms 1 and 2 and
Years 9 to 13 as forms 3 to 7. Class sizes are set by the school
in accordance with Ministry of Education guidelines. Some junior
classes may include children of different ages and year levels in
the same classroom. These are called ‘composite’ classes. Students
16 years and over may choose not to finish their secondary
education and leave in Year 11 or 12. By contrast, students can
also attend school until the end of the year in which they reach
19 years of age if they choose. State schools are co-educational
at primary and intermediate level. Some offer single-sex education
at secondary level.
06
Primary schools
Children must be enrolled at primary school by their sixth birthday.
However, most attend from age five (Year 1) to the end of Year 6.
Many schools have waiting lists and it is consequently advisable
to pre-enrol children before their fifth birthday. Depending on
local options, children in their seventh and eighth years
either continue to attend primary school or move to a separate
intermediate school. Intermediate schools (for Years 7 and 8 only)
operate only in urban areas.
Secondary schools
From age 12 or 13 through to 17 or 18 (Year 9 to Year 13),
students attend secondary school – also known as high school,
college or grammar. Usually students are grouped in classes,
but have different teachers and go to different classrooms for
each subject. Some secondary schools enrol students early and
it is advisable to contact schools at least six months before the
official enrolment date.
Area schools
Also known as composite schools, these usually operate in rural
areas and combine primary, intermediate and secondary schooling
in one location.
THE NEW ZEALAND CURRICULUM SUBJECTS TAUGHT AT NEW ZEALAND
The New Zealand Curriculum focuses on five key skills that students
SCHOOLS
will develop over time: The following is a general list of subjects taught in New Zealand
schools. Not all schools offer all the subjects listed and others
• Thinking
may offer additional disciplines. Some subjects are compulsory.
• Using language, symbols and texts
• Managing self
• Relating to others
Years 1-10 compulsory subjects:
• Participating and contributing. – English – Health and Physical Education
– Mathematics – Technology
The curriculum focuses on eight learning areas: – Art – Social Sciences
– Science
• English
• Mathematics and Statistics
• the Arts Secondary schools:
• Health and Physical Education – Accounting – Information Management
– Agriculture and Horticulture – Legal Studies
• learning languages 07
– Art History – Languages
• Science – Biology – Latin
• Social Sciences – Chemistry – Mathematics
– Classical Studies – Media Studies
• Technology – Dance – Music
– Drama – Physical Education
English, Te Reo Ma-ori (the Ma-ori language) and New Zealand – Economics – Physics
Sign Language can all be studied as first or additional languages. – English – Science
– Geography – Social Studies
They may also be used by teachers to give instruction. – Graphics – Technology
Schools are expected to report to parents on the progress of – Health – Te Reo Ma-ori
– History – Te Reo Rangatira
their children. Each term, most schools prepare written progress
– Home Economics – Visual Arts
reports and hold parent-teacher evenings. Parents can meet – Human Biology
teachers to talk about their children and may ask for a meeting
at any time.
 “NOW I CAN SPEND TIME
WITH MY CHILDREN,
HELP WITH THEIR HOMEWORK
A N D E N J OY S C H O O L S P O R T S . ”
K O R E A N M I G R A N T,

WOO CHANG HONG.

08
School terms/semesters
The school year begins in late January or early February, after a
summer holiday of about six weeks, and ends in December. It is
divided into four terms with breaks of two to three weeks between
them. Secondary school students have slightly longer holidays
than primary school students.
The terms usually run as follows:
To gain a National Certificate of Educational Achievement you
must earn 80 credits.
In the case of Levels 2 and 3 at least 60 must be from the
relevant level.
Students can also study at a mix of levels depending on their
interests and strengths.

Term 1: End of January to mid-April

Term 2: Late April to the beginning of July
Term 3: Mid-July to late September
Term 4: Mid-October to mid-December
(or early December for secondary schools).

Check with your local school for exact dates or visit:

www.moe.govt.nz

National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) 09

New Zealand’s national secondary school qualification is the
National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA). Students
may gain NCEA at three levels – usually in years 11, 12 and 13.
Under NCEA, subjects are divided into specific skills or pieces of
knowledge called standards. For example, in English there are
separate standards for speaking, reading, writing and research.
Each standard is worth a number of credits, and students achieve
NCEA when they have gained enough credits at each level.
There are two types of standards. Unit standards are internally
assessed by teachers at school. Unit standards are also used
in qualifications outside secondary schools in the tertiary
sector. Achievement standards are only used in secondary schools,
and may be assessed by teachers at school or through national
examinations at the end of the school year. About 60% of
the achievement standards are assessed externally and the
rest internally.
 NCEA Level 1 New Zealand Scholarship
This equates to Year 11. Comparable overseas qualifications New Zealand Scholarship is a series of stand-alone examinations
include: designed to extend very able students. Scholarship is not a
qualification in itself, but a formal recognition of achievement
• the British 'O' Level (now available outside Britain only)
for top-level students, and in some cases carries a monetary
• the Canadian or United States Grade 10
award.
• in different Australian states: Year 10 Awards, School
Although a much higher level of thinking and analysis
Certificate, Junior Certificate, Achievement Certificate.
is required, the subject matter assessed is the same as that
NCEA Level 2 covered for Level 3 NCEA. Students enter external scholarship
This equates to Year 12. Comparable overseas qualifications assessments in addition to those required for NCEA Level 3.
include: To be eligible for the monetary award, students must be either
NZ citizens or Permanent Residents. International students
• the British GCSE grades A to C
entering the Scholarship examinations are not eligible for
• Canadian or United States Grade 11
monetary awards but can have their Scholarship success
NCEA Level 3 acknowledged on their Record of Achievement. For further
This equates to Year 13. Comparable overseas qualifications are: details, visit the Scholarship Eligibilty and Awards section on
10
the NZQA website www.nzqa.govt.nz
• GCE A Level
• Australian Year 12 Awards.

University entrance can be gained by meeting a standard established

by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
Choosing a school
Most New Zealand students attend state-funded schools.
Every student has the right to enrol at the state school nearest
to their home. If the school is at risk of overcrowding, it can set
a ‘home zone’ that is geographically defined. Students living in
this zone have the right to go to that school. Those living outside
the zone can be enrolled only under special circumstances.
These include situations where students have brothers or sisters
attending the school or require access to special programmes
such as special education or Ma-ori language. If the school
is still at risk of overcrowding, selection is made through
a supervised ballot.
ERO reports are available at no charge from schools, ERO offices
or at: www.ero.govt.nz
Families also have the right to visit schools and meet with
the principal and staff before deciding to enrol their children
11
as students.

State schools
State schools are fully funded by the Government. At primary and
intermediate level they are co-educational with classes that
include boys and girls. Both co-educational and single-sex schooling
is available at secondary level.
State schools do not charge fees. However, parents are expected
to make donations towards the support of special programmes
or services. There are also charges for stationery and uniforms.
Meals are not provided. Snacks can generally be purchased
from the school shop, but many parents prefer to provide a
packed lunch.
12

“AS A NEW ZEALAND

TRAINED TEACHER, I CAN
PUT SOMETHING BACK
I N T O M Y C O M M U N I T Y. ”
SEU SOLOI-COLLINS,
.
T E A C H E R A N D S A M O A N M I G R A N T.
Integrated schools Boarding schools
The term ‘integrated schools’ generally refers to schools with Boarding schools exist mainly at secondary school level. There is
a religious focus – usually Roman Catholic in denomination – currently a total of 96 boarding schools operating in the state,
that used to operate as private institutions. In recent years, these integrated and private sectors. All charge boarding fees.
schools have been integrated into the state system – hence the
Correspondence School
name ‘integrated schools’. Integrated schools receive the same
The Correspondence School teaches a full range of school-level
Government funding for each student as state schools but their
courses. Criteria for school age enrolment are similar to those
buildings and land are privately owned so they charge attendance
outlined on page 6.
dues to meet their property costs. Although they follow the state
curriculum requirements, all have retained their special religious Home-based schooling
or philosophical character. A small number of institutions, such Home-based schooling must meet the same standards as registered
as Montessori or Rudolf Steiner schools, are secular in character. schools, and approval to exempt the student from regular schooling
must be obtained from the Ministry of Education. A small annual
Private/independent schools
grant is available for teaching materials. Home schooling accounts
Private or independent schools receive only limited government
for less than 1% of school enrolments.
funding and are almost entirely dependent on income derived
from student fees. There are no standard fees as each school 13
determines its own fee scale. Fees also vary according to levels,
with fees in Years 12 and 13 usually significantly higher than
those charged in Years 9 and 10. Fees at primary school also vary
according to level, although these are generally much lower than
secondary school fees. Private schools are governed by their own
independent boards but must meet government standards in order
to be registered. They are also subject to the same ERO audits as
state schools.
 Education for children with special needs
Wherever possible, children with special education needs are
enrolled with other children in ordinary classes. As in the case of
early childhood education, a range of specialist support services
is available.

School management
Each state and state-integrated school is managed by a Board of
Trustees. The Board is elected every three years by parents and
includes parent and community representatives, the school principal
and a staff representative. Secondary school boards must also
have a student representative. The Board is responsible for both
setting and meeting the objectives identified in the school’s
charter. Management of the school’s finances and general
administration is also a Board’s responsibility. All parents can
stand for election as Board trustees. Participation in Parent Teacher
Associations is also open to all parents.
14
Attendance
Parents or guardians are legally responsible for making sure
children are enrolled at, and regularly attend, school between the
ages of six and 16 years.
If a child cannot go to school on a particular day, the school
should be advised by 9:00am. Most schools have a special phone
number, or absence line, for reporting absence. Children may be
excused from school for such standard things as medical and
dental appointments and for special family reasons. Parents or
guardians may also request that a child be excused from religious
or sex education classes.

EACH SCHOOL HAS ITS OWN

RULES ABOUT THE AMOUNT OF
HOMEWORK NEEDED.
Uniforms Changing schools
Most schools require students to wear a uniform unless the school If you plan to change schools, the principal of your child’s current
has an optional uniform policy. School uniforms are sold by most school should be informed as soon as possible. Transfers involving
major department stores. Some schools also operate their own a change in the level of schooling – such as from primary to
uniform shops and sell both new and second-hand items. intermediate or intermediate to secondary – require additional
documentation. Details of application procedures for the school
Discipline
the student plans to transfer to are usually given to students in
Teachers are not allowed to physically punish students in their
Years 3 and 8 while they are still at their current school. Most
care. Legal disciplinary methods include removal of privileges,
intermediate and secondary schools have open days.
extra homework or detention. Parents or guardians are advised
in advance if a child is given detention, as this will require the
child to stay at school for a specified time after the end of the
standard school day.
For serious offences, students may be suspended from school
for a period of time. If they are over 16, they can be expelled
permanently. Expulsion generally occurs when a student’s conduct
either sets a dangerous example to other students or threatens
15
their safety. There are formal procedures for suspending or expelling
a student.

Homework
Most secondary and primary schools expect students to do
homework. Each school has its own rules on the amount and type
of homework.

School transport
Parents or guardians are responsible for ensuring that a child can
get to school. Each year, about 100,000 children use school buses.
Although school bus services are contracted by the Ministry of
Education, students are expected to meet the cost of fares. If a
child has to travel a long distance to school, and there is no public
transport or school bus service, financial assistance can be provided.
Financial assistance and/or bus and taxi services are provided for
special education students.
 TERTIARY EDUCATION

UNIVERSITIES
New Zealand has eight universities. All offer general undergraduate
and graduate degrees and diplomas in arts, sciences and commerce,
as well as specialist degrees in particular disciplines. The specialist
disciplines offered by each university are identified in the University
Guide on page 17.
Undergraduate degrees such as a BA (Bachelor of Arts) or a
BSc (Bachelor of Science) usually take three years to complete.
Vocational or professional training may take longer.
16 Each university publishes an annual Calendar detailing the
terms, entry requirements, fees and courses scheduled for the
academic year. This information is also made available on university
websites. Term dates and fees vary between universities. The
reference sections of most public libraries hold copies of the latest
Calendars. These can also be purchased from leading booksellers
and university bookshops. ALL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
All university students must be able to speak English and some MUST BE ABLE TO SPEAK
universities have a set level of competency.
ENGLISH AND SOME
UNIVERSITIES HAVE A SET
L E V E L O F C O M P E T E N C Y.
UNIVERSITY GUIDE: SPECIALIST SUBJECTS SPECIALIST SUBJECTS
Auckland University Victoria University
of Technology www.vuw.ac.nz
www.aut.ac.nz (Wellington)
– Business – Architecture
– Health – Criminology
– Sport & Recreation – Design
– Sciences – Public Administration
– Art & Design – Social Work
– Communications – Law
– Computing & Mathematical Science – Political Science
– Education
The University of Canterbury
– Languages
www.canterbury.ac.nz
– Hospitality & Tourism
(Christchurch)
– Social Sciences
– Engineering
– Te Ara Poutama
– Forestry
The University of Waikato – Fine Arts
www.waikato.ac.nz – Journalism
(Hamilton) – Speech and Language Therapy
– Arts & Social Sciences – Teacher Education
– Computing & Mathematical Sciences – Law 17
– Education – Music
The University of Auckland
– Law – Social Work
www.auckland.ac.nz
– Management
– Architectural Studies Lincoln University
– Maori & Pacific Development
– Education/Teaching www.lincoln.ac.nz
– Science & Engineering
– Engineering (near Christchurch)
– Fine Arts Massey University – Agriculture & Horticulture
– Health Sciences www.massey.ac.nz – Natural Resource Management
– Human Services (Palmerston North,
The University of Otago
– Law Wellington and Auckland)
www.otago.ac.nz
– Medicine – Agriculture & Horticulture
(Dunedin)
– Music – Aviation Studies
– Dentistry
– Nursing – Business Studies
– Law
– Optometry – Design
– Medical Laboratory Science
– Performing Arts – Food Technology
– Medicine
– Pharmacy – Social Sciences
– Pharmacy
– Physical Education – Veterinary Science
– Physical Education
– Planning
– Physiotherapy
– Property
– Surveying
– Social Work
– Theology
– Technology
– Applied Science
– Theology
– Dental Technology
– Visual Arts
– Oral Health
– Medical Radiation Therapy
Dietetics (Post Grad)
 UNIVERSITY GUIDE: BY AREA
POLYTECHNICS
New Zealand has 20 polytechnics and institutes of technology
offering a wide range of academic, vocational and professional
courses. As well as three and four-year degrees, polytechnics also
offer short full-time and part-time courses. These courses are
scheduled throughout the year.
Each polytechnic publishes an annual Prospectus detailing the
courses scheduled during the academic year. Fees and entry
requirements are also included in the Prospectus.

Auckland
INDUSTRY TRAINING ORGANISATIONS
Hamilton
These organisations provide on-the-job training in many industries.
Industry training concentrates on workplace learning that
raises skills and provides nationally recognised qualifications.
18 Workplace learning can be undertaken either on the job or off
the job through a registered training provider, or as a combination
Palmerston North
of both. There are 40 Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) around
the country, established by particular industries or groups of
industries. Industry training is also a useful way of gaining New
Wellington
Zealand experience by upskilling in your chosen trade. For more
information visit www.itf.org.nz

Christchurch
TEACHER TRAINING
Lincoln
Teaching qualifications are offered by a range of universities,
polytechnics and private providers. For a list of training providers
see www.teachnz.govt.nz
Dunedin
PRIVATE TRAINING ESTABLISHMENTS
There are several thousand private training establishments in
New Zealand offering a wide range of courses, although most tend
to specialise in particular subjects. Over 900 are registered with the
New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and a small number
offer degrees. About a quarter are Ma-ori owned and operated.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
University entrance
NCEA is the common entry standard for university. To gain entry,
students must have achieved at least 42 credits at Level 3 or
higher, including at least 14 credits in Mathematics at Level 1 or
higher, and eight in English or Te Reo Maori (four in Reading, four
in Writing). Students must also have 14 credits at Level 3 or
higher in each of two approved subjects and another 14 credits
from no more than two other subjects. For detailed information
on NCEA entrance requirements see the website of the NZ Vice
Chancellors' Committee www.nzvcc.ac.nz
For students who have other types of educational achievements,
information on university entrance standards is available on the
Vice Chancellors' Committee website.
Discretionary and provisional entrance
These provide a route to university for students who have not
continued secondary education beyond Year 12. For information
on the criteria see the NZ Vice-Chancellors' Committee website
www.nzvcc.ac.nz
Polytechnics and colleges of education
Entry requirements for polytechnics and colleges of education
vary, depending on the course. Some have no pre-requisites, for
others you may need to have done several years at secondary
school or an appropriate entry level polytechnic course.
Overseas students
Students who have not been educated in the New Zealand school
system may still undertake tertiary studies. Each university,
polytechnic and college of education has its own entry requirements
for students educated overseas. For further details, visit the
websites listed in the directory on pages 22-24.
English language requirements
Most tertiary institutions require evidence of competency in both
spoken and written English. Requirements vary but universities
generally ask for at least IELTS Level 6.0 or a score of 79-80 in
19
TOEFL iBT. More information on requirements at specific universities
is available on the VIce-Chancellors’ Committee website.
Applications
Tertiary institutions generally begin their academic year in February.
Closing dates for applications vary. For courses starting in February,
it is advisable to apply by September of the previous year. This is
particularly so with the more popular courses. Half-year courses
run by polytechnics generally begin in July and, as in the case of
universities, early enrolment is advisable for popular courses.
Application forms are available directly from each individual
institution. Certified translations should be provided for all
educational certificates in any language other than English.
 FEES
The Government subsidises the tuition of students at state tertiary
institutions and approved private training establishments.
Currently, students contribute about 26% of the cost of a course.
Costs vary depending on the type and level of courses taken. For
example, the first year of full-time study for an Arts degree may
cost about $3,000, while fees for the final year’s training as
a doctor or dentist can be as much as $10,000.
STUDENT ALLOWANCES AND
STUDENT LOANS
If you are over 16 years and studying, you may be eligible for
a Student Allowance or Student Loan.
A Student Allowance can help with your living expenses while
20 you study. It's money that you don't have to pay back.
In general, to be eligible for a Student Allowance, you need to:
• be 18 or over (some 16-17 year olds can also get it)
• study full-time (or limited full-time with our approval)
• be at secondary school or on a tertiary course approved by the
Tertiary Education Commission
• be a New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or refugee.
A Student Loan can help with your study costs. It's a loan that
you do have to pay back.
In general, to be eligible for a Student Loan, you need to:
• be a New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or refugee
• sign a contract with the Government
• be enrolled on a Tertiary Education Commission approved
course. The course must be full-time (or limited full-time with
our approval) or part-time and 32 weeks or longer.
StudyLink also offer two scholarships and other types of support
and help with costs if you are studying.
For further information, visit StudyLink at www.studylink.govt.nz
or call freephone 0800 88 99 00.
STUDENT ASSOCIATIONS
Students enrolled at most public tertiary institutions become
members of student associations. Fees range from $50 to $200 a
year. Student associations provide a range of services and facilities
that differ between institutions.
They also represent students’ interests on the institution’s decision-
making bodies.
OTHER STUDENT SUPPORT SYSTEMS
The range of other support systems available to tertiary students
and trainees includes:
• course and career advice in schools and other
educational institutions
• scholarships funded from public and private sources
• counselling and other student services (such as accommodation,
health and recreation)
• courses that allow disadvantaged students to meet
entry requirements and learning support for students throughout
their degree.
DISTANCE LEARNING
The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand (TOPNZ) offers courses
by correspondence. Several other polytechnics and universities also
offer distance learning.
ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER WEBSITES AND NEW ZEALAND
LANGUAGES (ESOL) FREEPHONES
Adult education courses
These range from courses for beginners, to advanced courses in NEW ZEALAND NOW
Business English, and are available at most polytechnics and www.newzealandnow.govt.nz
Goverment site that links you to all the information that you need to know
universities. about living and working in New Zealand.

Secondary school courses

Most schools offer ESOL tuition for non-English speaking students.
Assistance is also available through a wide range of private
English language schools.
English Language Partners (ELP)
Formerly ESOL Home Tutors, this is a national network of volunteer
IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND SITE
www.immigration.govt.nz
Official site of Immigration New Zealand.
Comprehensive information on all aspects of New Zealand
immigration policy and procedures. All policy guidelines and
most application forms can be downloaded.

home tutors offering free elementary tuition for adult migrants.

The volunteer tutors visit homes and provide migrants unable to
GOVERNMENT SITES
attend formal language classes with individual tuition. 21
www.govt.nz
Visit: www.esolht.org.nz The official gateway to New Zealand government online.
www.edcentre.govt.nz
ENGLISH FOR MIGRANTS (PRE-PAID ESOL) A portal to online information about education in New Zealand.
www.ero.govt.nz
When new migrants pay in advance for English language tuition Education Review Office
Provides quality assessments of schools and pre-schools.
they will receive once in New Zealand, it is often referred to as
www.hrc.co.nz
'Pre-paid ESOL'. This tuition is facilitated by the Tertiary Education
Human Rights Commission
Commission (TEC). An independent agency responsible for investigating and
The TEC funds a range of programmes for people who are new resolving complaints about discrimination and other human rights issues.
Freephone: 0800 496 877
to New Zealand and need assistance to develop their English
www.moe.govt.nz
language skills. Ministry of Education
There may be a choice of providers available - you might like Information on early childhood, primary and secondary education.
to visit the potential campus before enrolling. Costs are likely to www.ncea.govt.nz
vary depending on the type and length of the course. Details the national qualification for senior secondary students.
Freephone: 0800 623 243 (0800 NCEA HELP)
For a full list of the courses and providers available, visit
www.nzqa.govt.nz
www.tec.govt.nz New Zealand Qualifications Authority
Information on New Zealand qualifications and overseas equivalents.
 www.teachnz.govt.nz TEACHER TRAINING
Information on becoming a teacher in New Zealand.
Freephone: 0800 832 246 (0800 TEACHNZ) www.acenz.ac.nz
Links to teacher training at Auckland, Victoria, Canterbury and
www.studylink.govt.nz Dunedin universities.
StudyLink
Details of student allowances and loan schemes.
Freephone: 0800 88 99 00 U N I V E R S I T Y WE B S I T E S
www.tec.govt.nz www.auckland.ac.nz
Tertiary Education Commission The University of Auckland
Comprehensive guide to vocational training courses and apprenticeships Freephone: 0800 61 62 63
across all industries. Also information on ESOL courses for migrants. www.aut.ac.nz
Freephone: 0800 832 463 (0800 TEC INFO) Auckland University of Technology
Freephone: 0800 288 864 (0800 AUT UNI)
ASSOCIA TIONS OF SCHOOLS www.canterbury.ac.nz
www.boarding.org.nz The University of Canterbury
New Zealand Boarding Schools’ Association Freephone: 0800 827 748 (0800 VARSITY)

www.isnz.org.nz www.lincoln.ac.nz
Independent Schools of New Zealand Lincoln University
Information on 44 independent (private) schools. Freephone: 0800 10 60 10

22 www.massey.ac.nz
Massey University
E A R LY C H I L D H O O D
Freephone: 0800 627 739 (0800 MASSEY)
www.nzkindergarten.org.nz
www.otago.ac.nz
New Zealand Kindergartens Incorporated
The University of Otago
www.playcentre.org.nz Freephone: 0800 80 80 98
New Zealand Playcentre Federation
www.vuw.ac.nz
Victoria University of Wellington
POL YTECHNICS Freephone: 0800 842 864 (0800 VIC UNI)
www.itpnz.ac.nz www.waikato.ac.nz
The Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics of New Zealand The University of Waikato
Information on tertiary education in New Zealand and links and Freephone: 0800 924 528 (0800 WAIKATO)
contact details for polytechnics and institutes of technology.
www.openpolytechnic.ac.nz INDUSTRY TRAINING ORGANISATIONS
The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
www.itf.org.nz
Specialises in distance learning at tertiary level.
The Industry Training Federation (ITF) is a membership-based organisation,
representing industry training organisations (ITOs). Comprehensive links
to specific industry training organisations (i.e. motor industry, building and
construction, and apparel and textile industries, etc) can be found on their website.
EDUCA TION IN NEW ZEALAND
GETTING HELP WITH SPEAKING ENGLISH
www.correspondence.school.nz
Correspondence courses at all levels. If you need help in learning English, your local Citizens Advice Bureau
Freephone: 0800 659 988 (CAB) is a good place to start. CAB staff are trained in assisting new migrants
and will be able to refer you to local ESOL training organisations, colleges
www.edusearch.co.nz
and schools that can provide the type of tuition you require. Local CAB offices
EduSearch
are listed under CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAUX (INC) in the White Pages.
Information on New Zealand’s education system –
pre-school to adult education. www.tec.govt.nz
The Tertiary Education Commission also publishes an English for Migrants
www.nzapep.co.nz
Course Directory. You can obtain this by calling free on: 0800 832 463
New Zealand Association of Private Education Providers
(0800 TEC INFO) or download it from the website.
Freephone: 0800 692 737 (0800 NZAPEP)
www.esolht.org.nz
www.newzealandeducated.com
National Association of ESOL Home Tutor Schemes.
Information for overseas students wanting to study here.
Runs one-to-one ESOL teaching at home, social English groups, special focus
Search by region and subject.
groups for learning skills such as driver licence theory and social events.
www.yellowpages.co.nz
www.correspondence.school.nz
Telephone listings for New Zealand businesses.
New Zealand Correspondence School
Provides ESOL correspondence courses at beginner, intermediate and
advanced levels.

23
SSNZ
SSNZ (Settlement Support New Zealand) is a government funded initiative
that provides a local point of first contact for new migrants, in 18 locations
throughout the country. Think of it as, “Phone a friend”.
SSNZ is a FREE service for new migrants, linking you to the information you
need.
PHONE 0800 SSNZ4U (0800 776 948). VISIT WWW.SSNZ.GOVT.NZ

Please note: Freephone numbers do not accept

international calls.

Telephone directories
In New Zealand telephone directories are referred to as the White and Yellow
Pages. These terms are used throughout this guide.
The White Pages lists residential and business numbers in alphabetical
order. It also includes special sections on Government and Medical services.
The Yellow Pages is a classified business directory categorised by service
or product type.
There are White and Yellow Pages for each region – there is no national directory.
For national listings, visit: www.whitepages.co.nz or www.yellowpages.co.nz
07 WORK
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
ABOUT WORKING IN NEW ZEALAND,
INCLUDING EMPLOYERS’ AND EMPLOYEES’
RIGHTS AND THE JOB MARKET
WORK

NEW ZEALAND’S ECONOMY IS GROWING BUT THE “OVER THE YEARS I HAVE
JOB MARKET REMAINS COMPETITIVE. W O R K E D H E R E I H AV E A LWAY S
There is strong demand for skilled migrants in a number of FELT PART OF THE TEAM AND
industries, but getting a job can still be a challenge if you have
not arranged work before arriving. The New Zealand job market RESPECTED FOR MY
is very different from most countries. Businesses are small with KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS.”
the average company employing between five and ten staff.
ADRIAN CHIVERS.
Consequently, job and personality fit is critical and this can
sometimes make finding a position more difficult than market
demand would indicate. The more experience and qualifications 01
you have to offer, the better your chances of securing a suitable
position. However, even well qualified migrants can take six or
more months to find appropriate employment and will often need
to move out of their specialist field.
It is also common for migrants to accept more junior positions
than they held at home. Disappointing as this may be, it does
provide an opportunity to acquire the New Zealand work experience
most employers demand. These difficulties tend to diminish with
time, but it is important to be prepared for a period of adjustment
during at least the first year of residence.
 MAJOR NEW ZEALAND INDUSTRIES
BY REGION

Northland Manawatu, Wanganui, Taranaki Canterbury

– Dairy farming – Pastoral and dairy farming – Pastoral and dairy farming
– Fruit growing – Education – Horticulture
– Tourism – Scientific and industrial research – Viticulture
– Forestry – Vocational development – Tourism
– Fishing and training – Education
– Boat-building – Oil, gas and petrochemical – Research and development
– Ceramic clay and cement mining production – Manufacturing
– Processing and engineering – Electronics, telecommunications,
Auckland – Forestry software development
– Education – Biotechnology
– Manufacturing Wellington – Food processing
(40% of New Zealand’s – Finance
manufacturing) – Government Otago, Southland
– Distribution – Education – Pastoral and dairy farming
(around 45% of New Zealand’s – Scientific and industrial research – Fishing and seafood processing
wholesalers are based – Tourism – Forestry and wood processing
in Auckland) – Film and television – Tourism
02
– Service industries – Information technology and – Education
telecommunications – Engineering and manufacturing
Waikato, Bay of Plenty – Secondary processing – Gold mining
– Dairy farming industries
– Forestry and timber processing Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast
– Pulp and paper production – Tourism
– Tourism – Viticulture
– Fishing – Horticulture
– Horse breeding – Pastoral farming
– Horticulture and floriculture – Food processing
– Food processing – Fishing and seafood processing
– Mining – Forestry and wood processing
– Scientific and industrial – Mining
research and development
– Education

Hawkes Bay, Gisborne

– Pastoral farming
– Horticulture and viticulture
– Fishing
– Food processing
– Tourism
– Forestry and wood processing
– Light industrial manufacturing
FINDING A JOB APPLYING FOR A JOB
For information about employment, New Zealand-style curriculum Speaking English
vitae (CV)/resume, job hunting, and interview techniques go to: Employers will require that you understand and speak English.
The standard of English demanded by most employers is much
• Career Services: phone 0800 222 733 or www.careers.govt.nz
higher than the qualifying International English Language Testing
• New Kiwis: www.newkiwis.co.nz
System (IELTS) score required for permanent residence. The more
To find jobs, go to: skilled your job, the better your English will need to be.
Consequentl y, even if you have scored 6.5 or higher in the
• Situations vacant listings in newspapers. The largest listings
IELTS, there is much to be gained from continuing to improve
can be found in The New Zealand Herald (Auckland region),
your skills in spoken and written English. A wide range of English
The Dominion Post (Wellington region) and The Press (Canterbury
language courses is available at all levels. See Education.
region). Wednesday and Saturday editions carry the most
extensive job vacancy sections
• Job vacancy websites e.g. www.seek.co.nz, www.trademejobs.co.nz
• Private recruitment agencies listed in the Yellow Pages or at
www.yellowpages.co.nz 03
• Work and Income: www.workandincome.govt.nz
• New Kiwis: www.newkiwis.co.nz

Professional journals and company websites

Job vacancies are often listed in professional journals and sometimes
on the websites of individual companies.

Career opportunities in education

Primary and secondary school posts are advertised in The Education
Gazette, published by the Ministry of Education, and can be
accessed at www.edgazette.govt.nz
Vacancies within universities and polytechnics are advertised
in major papers and on the websites of individual institutions.
University websites are listed in Education.

For primary and secondary school teaching positions:

Freephone: 0800 832 246 (0800 TEACHNZ)
Visit: www.teachnz.govt.nz
04

“ YO U H A V E T O L E A R N A N E W
SET OF RULES HERE. WORKING
CONDITIONS AND LABOUR
L A W S A R E V E R Y D I F F E R E N T. ”
C H I N E S E M I G R A N T, L I N D A Z H A N G –

O W N E R , C H I N E S E M E D I C A L S H O P.
YOUR SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Professional trade and academic qualifications are evaluated
by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
NZQA’s Qualification Recognition Services will establish the
nearest comparable New Zealand qualification(s) to your
international qualification(s). If an international qualification is
not comparable to any New Zealand qualification this is stated
on the assessment report.
The report is not binding on any institution or registration body
and it is based on information available to NZQA at the time of
the assessment.
It is advisable to contact the NZQA before leaving for
New Zealand. You should also ensure that you bring original
or certified copies of all certificates, diplomas, degrees and
professional qualifications with you, as these are required as
part of NZQA assessment and may need to be sighted by
prospective employers.
For further information, see Education or visit: www.nzqa.govt.nz
CVs/RESUMES
When responding to a job advertisement in writing, you will be
required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV)/professional resume,
along with your letter of application.
Your curriculum vitae should be brief. Most employers prefer
CVs of between two and four pages.
It should provide a concise summary of your:
• contact details
• residence status – eg. permanent residence, work visa
• qualifications and computer skills
• professional/trade skills
• work experience and achievements
• referees.
It is not necessary to include letters of reference or academic/
professional certificates with your application. These will be
requested later for review during the job selection process.
Make sure that you either deliver these personally or by courier,
and that they are returned once the job selection is completed.
Acceptability of professional/trade qualifications
Some employers require you to have professional registration
even if this is not a legal requirement. Consequently, the status
of your professional training and qualifications is extremely
important. Although you may be professionally qualified in your
home country and have practised for a number of years, this does
not mean your experience and qualifications will be recognised
automatically in New Zealand. If your qualification does not gain
comparability with the New Zealand professional or trade
qualification, you may have to undertake extra study or re-training
to secure the job you want. 05
Registration
Many professional and trades people (such as doctors, lawyers,
plumbers and electricians) need to register with a Registration
Board before they can work in New Zealand. A complete list of
these boards is provided on pages 17-18 of this section.
 CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Average Annual Earnings by Occupation Sector
(As at June 2008)
Rates of pay
Legislators, administrators and managers $65,000
The following table provides information on average earnings
Professionals $60,000
in major New Zealand sectors. It should be used only as a guide,
Technicians and associate professionals $49,000
as the amount of pay usually depends on your employment
Clerks $40,000
agreement, your experience and qualifications and your employer’s
Service and sales workers $33,000
employment policies. There are also significant regional differences
Agriculture and fisheries workers $37,000
in average earnings.
Trades workers $43,000
Useful additional sources of salary information include:
Plant and machine operators and assemblers $39,000
www.kiwicareers.govt.nz
Elementary occupations $33,000
www.hays-hps.co.nz/salary/default/aspx
Average Annual Earnings by Industry Group
For sample data and advice on how to use the Kiwi Careers
(As at June 2008)
website, see next page.
Agriculture, forestry and fishing $38,000
The Hays Recruitment website features the latest Hays
Manufacturing $47,000
Salary Survey. Salaries quoted reflect those actually being paid
06 Construction $46,000
or offered by employers over the past 12 months. It covers mainly
Wholesale and retail trade etc(5) $37,000
professional positions.
Transport, storage and communication(6) $50,000
Business and financial services(7) $57,000
Education $51,000
Health and community services $47,000
Other services(8) $50,000
Source: Statistics New Zealand Income Survey, June Quarter 2008
THE KIWI CAREERS WEBSITE
The Kiwi Careers website offers a comprehensive range
of information about working in New Zealand.
It offers general advice on making career decisions, finding
and applying for a job, and getting further training.
Detailed information is also available on specific jobs in
New Zealand. Information is grouped either by job, by industry
or by interest areas.

Information available includes:

• a general look at the make-up of the sector, including what

it involves and some interesting facts and statistics
• current industry outlook
• a list of jobs in the sector, including salary ranges, turnover
and other important trends
• qualifications required and links to where courses are available 07
• some information about the industry and jobs by region.

To get information about a particular job, visit:

www.kiwicareers.govt.nz and select ‘Jobs’.

From here, you can find out what the job involves, the training
and skills required, working conditions, and pay and prospects.
There are also case studies where people talk about their job
and what it involves.

A dedicated website matching prospective migrants’ skills to

employer needs in New Zealand is available at www.newkiwis.co.nz
 “THERE’S A GOOD BALANCE
B E T W E E N W O R K A N D F A M I LY
LIFE. IN KOREA WORK
D O M I N AT E D E V E R Y T H I N G A N D
I H A R D LY S A W M Y F A M I LY. ”
K O R E A N M I G R A N T, W O O C H A N G H O N G –

COMPUTER SYSTEMS MANAGER,

08
INLAND REVENUE.
Minimum Wage Rates from 1 April 2009
NZ$ before Tax
Children Under 16 - No Minimum Wage
Children under 16 may work outside school hours. All other
Employment Rights apply.
New Entrants - $10.00 an hour*
New Entrants are employees aged 16 and 17 except for:
– those who have completed 200 hours or three months of
employment, whichever is shorter (Adult Minimum applies)
– those who are supervising or training other workers (Adult
Minimum applies)
The Training Minimum Wage - $10.00 an hour*
Applies to those who are doing recognised industry training
involving at least 60 credits a year.
The Adult Minimum Wage - $12.50 an hour.
Applies to all employees aged 16 and over who are not new
entrants or trainees
* The New Entrants Wage and the Training Minimum Wage are
two separate entities in law and may differ from time to time.
Current Government policy is that they are the same.
Accident insurance
Workplace injuries are covered by the Government’s accident
insurance scheme, which is managed by the Accident Compensation
Corporation (ACC).
In order to reduce the incidence of workplace injuries, the ACC
also runs incentive programmes which provide employers with
discounts on their premiums if certain safety targets are met.
For further information, see Health.
Health and safety
New Zealand’s occupational health and safety laws require all
employers to provide a safe working environment. Likewise,
employees must follow all safety procedures.
For further information, visit: www.osh.dol.govt.nz
If you need income support
Migrants are responsible for their own welfare during their first
09
two years of residence. However, in circumstances of special
hardship, new residents can still apply for financial support from
Work and Income.
For further information, freephone: 0800 559 009 or visit:
www.workandincome.govt.nz

Paying tax
As a New Zealand resident you will be required to pay tax on all
the income you receive, whether this is generated in New Zealand
or overseas. To do so you will need to apply to Inland Revenue
for an IRD number. This number is required to start a job. It also
ensures that personal tax records are recorded properly.
For further information, see Government.
 YO U A R E E N T I T L E D
TO MINIMUM
E M P L OY M E N T R I G H T S
WHETHER OR NOT THEY
ARE INCLUDED IN
YO U R E M P L OY M E N T
A G R E E M E N T.
10
EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS
Everyone has the same basic rights at work. These include:
• Your employer has to give you a written Employment Agreement
You are allowed four weeks paid annual holidays after 12 months
employment
• You are allowed 11 paid public holidays if they are days when
you would normally work
• You are allowed five days paid sick leave a year after six months
in the job. If you do not use your leave, it is carried over to the
next year – up to a maximum of 20 days
• You are allowed three days bereavement leave on the death
of an immediate family member, or one day of leave where
your employer recognises that you have suffered a bereavement
(entitled after six months in the job)
• You can choose for yourself whether to join or not to join
a union
• You are entitled to be paid at least the minimum wage
• You have the right to health and safety at work
• You have the right to parental leave
• You have the right to undertake voluntary military service
• You should be protected from discrimination and sexual
harrassment at work
Minimum wage
As of 1 April 2009 the minimum adult wage in New Zealand is
$12.50 an hour before tax. ALL people in paid employment over
the age of 16 are entitled to this rate except where the New
Entrants or Training Minimums apply - the table on the previous
page outlines these exceptions. For more information on wage
rates and other conditions of employment in New Zealand, visit:
www.ers.govt.nz
Parental leave
You are eligible for parental leave if you have worked for the
same employer for an average of at least 10 hours a week (including
at least one hour in every week or 40 hours in every month) in
the six or 12 months immediately before the baby’s expected due
date or the date you have assumed the care of a child you intend
to adopt.
Parental leave includes the following types of unpaid leave
(some of which can be shared with your spouse/partner if they
are also eligible):
• Maternity leave of 14 continuous weeks
• Special leave of up to 10 days for reasons connected with
pregnancy (e.g. antenatal checks)
• Partner’s/paternity leave (where the spouse/partner is an
employee) of either one week (for a spouse/partner with
six months eligible service), or two weeks (for a spouse/partner
with 12 months eligible service)
• Extended leave of up to 52 weeks is available for employees
with 12 months eligible service.
Paid parental leave
You may be eligible for parental leave payments if you:
• Are an employee who meets either the six or 12 month eligibility
criteria described above
• Have been self-employed for an average of at least 10 hours
a week for either the six or 12 months before your due date,
or the date you assume care of a child under the age of six
you intend to adopt.
Parental leave payments are made for 14 weeks. You are entitled
to these minimum employment rights whether or not they are
included in your Employment Agreement. For further information,
freephone: 0800 20 90 20 or visit the Department of Labour.
If problems do arise in an employment relationship,
employees and employers can get information and
guidance by contacting the Department of Labour.
Freephone: 0800 20 90 20
Visit: www.ers.dol.govt.nz
Employment Agreements
All employees must have an Employment Agreement. If an employee
belongs to a union this will be the Collective Employment
Agreement negotiated between their employer and the union.
If an employee is not part of a union they will have an Individual
Employment Agreement. By law, Individual Employment
Agreements must be in writing and must include:
• the names of the employer and employee 11
• a description of the work the employee is expected to do
• where the work will be done
• the hours of work
• wage rates or salary
• a plain language explanation of services is available to help
sort out employment relationship problems
• a requirement to pay at least time and a half for work on
a public holiday
• for most employees, an employment protection provision that
will still apply if the employer’s business is sold, or transferred
or the employee’s work is contracted out.
Other topics can be covered in Employment Agreements,
including training that will be given, company rules and policies,
and processes that will be followed if the employment ends.
Fixed-term Employment Agreements
Fixed-term agreements can ony be offered when a fixed term is
genuinely required as in the case of seasonal or temporary work.
12

“ T H I S I S A N A M A Z I N G LY
CREATIVE ENVIRONMENT
TO WORK IN.”
PATRICIA PAWLAK, CANADIAN MIGRANT –

CREATURE TECHNICAL DIRECTOR FOR

‘ T H E L O R D O F T H E R I N G S ’.
The employer must make this clear to the employee before work
starts and explain why this is the case.
If these conditions are met there is no automatic right to the
renewal or extension of a fixed-term employment agreement.
As a general rule, a fixed-term agreement means just that.
So it pays to be cautious about your expectations of continued
employment, even though you may feel you have performed well in
a temporary position. However, most agreements are open-ended.
Resignation
Employees can resign at any time within the term of their
employment agreement if they provide reasonable notice.
Employees who choose not to belong to a union must negotiate
an Individual Employment Agreement.
New employees
Conditions depend on whether a Collective Agreement covers the
employee’s work.
If there is no Collective Agreement, then an Individual
Employment Agreement can be negotiated. The employer must
make a written offer and give the employee the opportunity to
get advice about it.
If there is a Collective Agreement, the following options
are available if the employee:

Dismissal • belongs to the union

There must be good reason for a dismissal and the dismissal must Conditions of employment are those in the Collective Agreement.
be carried out fairly. If the employee believes they have been The employer and employee can also negotiate extra conditions.
treated unfairly in their employment, whether they have been • is not a union member
13
dismissed or not, they may take action against their employer in The employee has an Individual Employment Agreement.
the form of a ‘personal grievance’. This comprises the conditions in the Collective Agreement and
any extra conditions negotiated with the employer. After
Redundancy
30 days the employee must decide whether to join the union.
There is no right to redundancy compensation unless employers
• chooses not to join the union
and employees and/or their union have agreed to it. This can be
The employer and employee negotiate an Individual Employment
before or after an actual redundancy is planned.
Agreement.
Retirement
Pension entitlements under New Zealand’s National Superannuation
EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS
Scheme begin at the age of 65. Residence requirements vary.
There is no set age to retire and it is illegal to force retirement The Department of Labour provides information on all aspects
because of an employee’s age. of employer/employee relations.
If problems arise in an employment relationship, employees
Unions and bargaining
or employers can get help from the Department of Labour,
Employees can choose whether they wish to join a union. Jobs
Freephone: 0800 20 90 20 or visit: www.ers.dol.govt.nz
cannot be withheld on the basis of membership or non-membership
of a union. Employees who choose to belong to a union are
covered by the union’s Collective Employment Agreement but are
also free to negotiate extra conditions.
 New Zealand unemployment rates UNEMPLOYMENT RATES
In June 2009, New Zealand’s unemployment rate was 6.0%,
lower than the United Kingdom at 7.2%, Canada at 8.6% and International comparisons
the USA at 9.3%. The OECD average in June 2009 was 8.3%. Unemployment Jun 09 Mar 09
Country Rate % Ranking Ranking
Norway 3.1 1 2
Netherlands 3.2 2 1
Korea, Republic of 3.9 3= 3
Switzerland 3.9 3= 4
Austria 4.3 5 5
Japan 5.2 6 6
Denmark 5.7 7 7
Australia 5.8 8 10
New Zealand 6.0 9 9
Czech Republic 6.1 10= 8
Mexico 6.1 10= 11
14 Luxembourg 6.4 12 12
United Kingdom 7.2 13 13
Italy 7.4 14 15
Iceland 7.6 15 17=
Germany 7.7 16 15=
Finland 8.1 17= 14
Poland 8.1 17= 19=
Belgium 8.2 19 19=
All OECD 8.3 … …
Canada 8.6 20 17=
Greece 8.7 21 23
Sweden 8.9 22 19=
Portugal 9.3 23= 24=
France 9.3 23= 24=
United States 9.3 25 22
Hungary 10.2 26 26
Slovak Republic 11.1 27 27=
Ireland 11.7 28 27=
Spain 18.7 30 30=
Source: OECD/Statistics NZ
 15

WORK-LIFE BALANCE
IS AN IMPORTANT
CONSIDERATION FOR
MANY NEW ZEALANDERS.
 Medical Radiation Technologists
NEW ZEALAND REGISTRATION BOARDS Medical Radiation Technologists Board
PO Box 7242, Wellington South
Accountants
Telephone: +64 4 801 6250
New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants
Facsimile: +64 4 381 0270
PO Box 11-342, Wellington
Website: www.mrtboard.org.nz
Telephone: +64 4 474 7840
Facsimile: +64 4 473 6303 Electrical Workers
Website: www.nzica.com Electrical Workers Registration Board
Email: registry@nzica.com PO Box 10-156, Wellington
NZ Freephone: 0800 661 000
Architects
Facsimile: +64 4 978 3125
New Zealand Registered Architects Board
Website: www.ewrb.govt.nz
PO Box 11-106, Wellington
Email: info@ewr.govt.nz
Telephone: +64 4 471 1336
Facsimile: +64 4 472 5352 Engineers
Website: www.nzrab.org.nz The Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand
Email: into@nzrab.org.nz PO Box 12-241, Wellington
Telephone: +64 4 473 9444
Barristers & Solicitors
Facsimile: +64 4 474 8933
New Zealand Law Society
Website: www.ipenz.org.nz
PO Box 5041, Wellington
Email: membership@ipenz.org.nz
Telephone: +64 4 472 7837
Facsimile: +64 4 473 7909 Enrolled Nurses & Nurses
16 Nursing Council of New Zealand
Website: www.lawyers.org.nz
Email: inquiries@lawyers.org.nz PO Box 9644, Wellington
Telephone: +64 4 385 9589
Chiropractors, Dietitians, Dispensing Opticians, Midwives, Osteopaths,
Facsimile: +64 4 801 8502
Optometrists, Podiatrists and Psychologists
Website: www.nursingcouncil.org.nz
Website: www.regboards.co.nz
Email: admin@nursingcouncil.org.nz
Click onto “our customers” for a list of links to websites run by registration
boards and councils Medical Practitioners
Medical Council of New Zealand
Dental/Clinical Dental Technicians and Dental Surgeons
PO Box 11-649, Wellington
Dental Council of New Zealand
Telephone: +64 4 384 7635
PO Box 10-448, Wellington
NZ Freephone: 0800 268 801
Telephone: +64 4 499 4820
Facsimile: +64 4 385 8902
Facsimile: +64 4 499 1668
Website: www.mcnz.org.nz
Website: www.dcnz.org.nz
Email: firstenquiry@mcnz.org.nz
Email: inquiries@dcnz.org.nz
Occupational Therapists
Medical Laboratory Scientists
Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand
Medical Laboratory Science Board
PO Box 10-202, The Terrace, Wellington
PO Box 7242, Wellington South
Telephone: +64 4 918 4740
Telephone: +64 4 801 6250
Facsimile: +64 4 918 4746
Facsimile: +64 4 381 0270
Website: www.otboard.org.nz
Website: www.misboard.org.nz
Email: enquiries@otboard.org.nz
Pharmacists
Pharmacy Council of New Zealand
PO Box 25-137, Wellington 6146
Telephone: +64 4 495 0330
Facsimile: +64 4 495 0331
Website: www.pharmacycouncil.org.nz
Email: enquiries@pharmacycouncil.org.nz
Physiotherapists
Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand
PO Box 10-734, Wellington
Telephone: +64 4 471 2610
Facsimile: +64 4 471 2613
Website: www.physioboard.org.nz
Email: physio@physioboard.org.nz
Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers
New Zealand Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board
PO Box 10-655, Wellington 6143
Telephone: +64 4 494 2970
Facsimile: +64 4 494 2975
Website: www.pgdb.co.nz
Email: registrar@pgdb.co.nz
Real Estate Agents
17
Real Estate Agents Licensing Board
PO Box 99-881, Newmarket, Auckland
Telephone: +64 9 520 6949
Facsimile: +64 9 520 6995
Surveyors
New Zealand Institute of Surveyors
PO Box 831, Wellington
Telephone: +64 4 471 1774
Facsimile: +64 4 471 1907
Website: www.surveyors.org.nz
Email: nzis@surveyors.org.nz
Teachers
New Zealand Teachers Council
PO Box 5326, Wellington 6145
Telephone: +64 4 471 0852
Facsimile: +64 4 471 0870
Website: www.teacherscouncil.org.nz
Email: inquiries@teacherscouncil.org.nz
Veterinarians/Veterinary Surgeons
Veterinary Council of New Zealand
PO Box 10-563, Wellington 6143
Telephone: +64 4 473 9600
Facsimile: +64 4 473 8869
Website: www.vetcouncil.org.nz
Email: vet@vetcouncil.org.nz
 Freephone: 0800 222 733
WEBSITES AND NEW ZEALAND
FREEPHONES www.tec.govt.nz
Tertiary Education Commission
Comprehensive guide to vocational training courses and apprenticeships
across all industries.
NEW ZEALAND NOW Freephone: 0800 832 463 (0800 TEC INFO)
www.newzealandnow.govt.nz www.hrc.co.nz
Goverment site that links you to all the information about living Human Rights Commission
and working in New Zealand. An independent agency responsible for investigating and
resolving complaints about discrimination and other human rights issues.
Freephone: 0800 496 877 (0800 4 YOUR RIGHTS)
IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND SITE www.ird.govt.nz
www.immigration.govt.nz Inland Revenue
Official site of Immigration New Zealand. Government department responsible for administering New Zealand’s
Comprehensive information on all aspects of New Zealand tax system.
immigration policy and procedures. All policy guidelines and Freephone: 0800 277 774
most application forms can be downloaded.
www.jobs.govt.nz
New Zealand Government Jobs Online
Lists state sector employment vacancies.
www.nzqa.govt.nz
18 New Zealand Qualifications Authority
IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND SPONSORED Information on New Zealand qualifications and overseas equivalents.
E M P L OY M E N T S I T E
www.teachnz.govt.nz
www.newkiwis.co.nz Teacher training and job opportunities
Specialises in placing resident migrants in appropriate work. Freephone: 0800 832 246 (0800 TEACHNZ)
You can register only after you have arrived in New Zealand.
www.workandincome.govt.nz
Work and Income
GOVERNMENT SITES Information about finding work or getting income support.
www.govt.nz Freephone: 0800 559 009
The official gateway to New Zealand Government online.
www.acc.co.nz CVs
Accident Compensation Corporation
Freephone: 0800 101 996 Assistance with the preparation of CVs is available on a fee-paying basis
from a range of private consultants. Services generally include CV evaluation,
www.dol.govt.nz
interview coaching and translation. For local contacts, use New Zealand
Department of Labour
search engine: www.google.co.nz
Comprehensive information on all aspects of work in New Zealand. Publishes
a useful range of free booklets on such topics as employment relations and
occupational safety and health. Many can be downloaded from the site.
Freephone: 0800 20 90 20
www.kiwicareers.govt.nz
Career Services Rapuara
Provides comprehensive information about training courses,
job applications, CVs and employment opportunities.
JOBSEEKER SITES IN NEW ZEALAND
www.eeotrust.org.nz
An employer group with active programmes to ensure equal opportunities
exist for migrants. Website includes a list of recruitment consultants.
www.hays-hps.co.nz
The Hays Salary Survey is derived from over 12,000 job vacancies and collected
from 42 location in Australia and New Zealand. Salaries quoted reflect those
actually being paid or offered by employers over the past 12 months.
www.seek.co.nz
General employment website with job vacancies, as well as company profiles
and an online CV writing service.
www.trademe.co.nz
General site with job vacancies.
www.search4jobs.co.nz
Job vacancies, employer profiles, help for job-seekers.
A list of other online job sites can be found at:
http://www.netguide.co.nz/Home/TheGuide/BestSites/BestSitesArticle/tabid/
198/Default.aspx?ArticleID=11215
Many recruitment agencies also list vacancies on their websites. You can search
for these websites using New Zealand search engine www.google.co.nz
SSNZ
SSNZ (Settlement Support New Zealand) is a government funded initiative
that provides a local point of first contact for new migrants, in 18 locations
throughout the country. Think of it as, “Phone a friend”.
SSNZ is a FREE service for new migrants, linking you to the information you
need.
PHONE 0800 SSNZ4U (0800 776 948).
VISIT WWW.SSNZ.GOVT.NZ
Telephone directories
In New Zealand telephone directories are referred to as the White and Yellow
Pages. These terms are used throughout this guide.
The White Pages lists residential and business numbers in alphabetical
order. It also includes special sections on Government and Medical services.
The Yellow Pages is a classified business directory categorised by service
or product type.
There are White and Yellow Pages for each region – there is no national directory. 19
For national listings, visit: www.whitepages.co.nz or www.yellowpages.co.nz

UNIONS

www.union.org.nz
New Zealand Council of Trade Unions
Listings for all New Zealand trade unions.

GENERAL SITES

www.consumer.org.nz
Consumers Institute of New Zealand
Up-to-date guide on consumer rights and prices of goods in New Zealand.
Membership fee required to access some information.
www.ubd.co.nz
Online directory of New Zealand businesses.
Freephone: 0800 823 225
www.yellowpages.co.nz
Telephone listings for New Zealand businesses.

Please note: Freephone numbers do not accept

international calls.
08 BUSINESS
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
ABOUT CONDUCTING BUSINESS
IN NEW ZEALAND
BUSINESS THE NEW ZEALAND WAY

BUSINESS “AT FIRST WE THOUGHT OF

The three main forms of business in New Zealand are: JUST GROWING PROTEAS
• sole traders
• partnerships
AS A HOBBY BUT SOON
• companies. REALISED THERE’S REAL
Sole traders EXPORT POTENTIAL.”
A sole trader owns all the assets of the business and is solely
SOUTH AFRICAN MIGRANTS,
responsible for all the business’s risks, obligations and debts.
A N N A T J I E A N D W I L L I E S T E E N K A M P.
Business partnerships 01
If you want to operate a business with other people in
New Zealand, you can establish an ordinary or special partnership
under the guidelines established by the Partnership Act 1908.

Companies
The Companies Act 1993 provides the basic rules for establishing
and operating a limited liability company in New Zealand.
Any person may, either alone or together with another person,
apply for registration of a company.
 What constitutes a company?
– A registered name
– At least one share, one shareholder and one director
– A registered office where the company records are kept
– An address for service where legal documents can be served
– An address for communication which can be a PO Box.
• A company may have a constitution and, in certain circum-
stances, a constitution can be adopted to alter the Act’s rules
to suit a company’s individual requirements. Constitutions are
optional and if a constitution is not adopted the company is
governed by the Companies Act 1993.
02
• A company is a legal entity in its own right, separate from
its shareholders, and continues in existence until it is removed
from the Companies Register.
• A company may enter into contracts with its shareholders.
• Under the Financial Reporting Act 1993 only companies that
are ‘reporting entities’ need to prepare and register financial
statements. Reporting entities are companies that issue shares,
overseas companies, subsidiary companies or companies with
at least one subsidiary. Companies with assets valued at
NZ$10 million, $20 million annual turnover, or 50 or more full-
time employees must also file financial statements.
• Companies that offer securities, including shares, to the public,
and overseas-owned or overseas-controlled companies,
must be independently audited.
• The company is liable in full for all obligations that it incurs.
It is the liability of the shareholders that is limited. They are
only liable for any unpaid money owing on their shares (subject
to any personal guarantees given.)
• A company has access to the Australian market under CER
(Australia New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade
Agreement).
Freephone: 0508 266 726 (0508 COMPANIES)
Visit: www.companies.govt.nz
BUSINESS CONDUCT
Business in New Zealand is not strictly controlled. However,
all businesses have to follow some standard principles. Business
conduct is overseen by three government agencies – the Commerce
Commission, Securities Commission and Takeovers Panel.
Commerce Commission
The Commission is an independent organisation. It promotes
competition so that New Zealanders benefit from competitive
prices, better quality goods and greater consumer choice.
It is responsible for ensuring that businesses meet the
provisions of a number of laws including the Commerce Act,
Fair Trading Act, Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act,
Electricity Industry Reform Act, Dairy Industry Restructuring Act
and Telecommunications Act.
The Commission undertakes a range of activities including:
Industry Regulation
The Commission is responsible for the specific regulation of
infrastructure industries, such as telecommunications, electricity
and gas.
Regulation of the telecommunications industry involves defining
principles for access to telecommunications, the resolution of
disputes about pricing, and the monitoring of costs and allocation
between parties.
The Commission’s role includes enforcement of a specific section
of the Commerce Act which provides the framework for a targeted
control regime for electricity lines businesses. The Commission
conducts investigations, facilitates control decisions and provides
for authorisations in respect of prices, revenues and quality
standards of controlled goods and services.
03

• investigating and prosecuting breaches of the Commerce Act,

Fair Trading Act, Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act
• adjudicating on proposed business acquisitions or mergers
• regulating competition in the telecommunications, dairy, gas
and electricity industries.

The Commerce Act 1986

The Commerce Act promotes competition in markets within
New Zealand by:
• prohibiting conduct that restricts competition
• prohibiting the purchase of a business's shares or assets if that
would lead to less competition in a market
• authorising practices that lessen competition if this will benefit
the public.
04

“ YO U ’ V E G O T T O A D A P T A N D
D O T H I N G S I N N E W W AY S .
WE SELL A TRADITIONAL
CHINESE PRODUCT BUT MOST
OF OUR CUSTOMERS
ARE KIWIS.”
C H I N E S E M I G R A N T, L I N D A Z H A N G –

O W N E R , C H I N E S E M E D I C A L S H O P.
The Fair Trading Act 1986
The Fair Trading Act protects the public from misleading conduct
by businesses. The Act applies to all aspects of the promotion
of goods and services – from advertising and pricing to sales
techniques and finance agreements.
The Act prohibits:
• misleading conduct
• misleading information about employment, goods or services
• false claims about the price, standard, quality, history or origin
of particular goods and services
• pyramid schemes.
The Act also provides for consumer information and product
safety standards.
The Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003
The Act covers:
• the obligations on creditors to disclose all necessary information
to consumers
• the ability of consumers to seek reasonable changes to credit
contracts on the grounds of unforeseen hardship
• the calculation of fees and charges.
The Act also allows the Court to reopen contracts if they
are oppressive.
Business and consumer complaints
Suspected instances of anti-competitive business practices
can be reported to the Commerce Commission Contract Centre.
The Centre gathers information on consumer complaints and
investigates if necessary. A range of handy booklets on business
and consumer topics is also available. There is no charge for
these services.
Freephone: 0800 943 600
Visit: www.comcom.govt.nz
Securities Commission
An independent body established under the Securities Act 1978,
the Commission promotes the efficient and cost-effective regulation
of New Zealand’s capital markets. The Securities Commission
maintains oversight of securities market activities including offers
of securities to the public. It has oversight of securities exchanges
05
and has powers to investigate insider trading, substantial security
holder disclosure, and disclosure by listed companies and their
directors. The Commission recommends reform of securities law.
It cooperates with securities commissions in other countries to
combat cross-border securities fraud.
 The Securities Act 1978
The Securities Act established the Commission, and sets out its
functions and powers. The Act, together with the Securities
Regulations, defines ‘securities’ and the requirements for offers
of securities to the public. These include the information that
must be disclosed to investors both before they invest and on an
ongoing basis.

The Securities Markets Act 1988

This Act regulates various activities on securities markets including
registration of stock exchanges, regulation of insider trading,
market manipulation, disclosure by listed companies and their
directors, disclosure of changes to substantial securities holdings,
investment adviser disclosure and dealing in futures contracts.

Takeovers Panel
Established as a body corporate under the Takeovers Act 1993,
06
the Panel is responsible for both the operation of the Takeovers
Code and promoting public awareness of issues relating
to takeovers.
The Takeovers Code Approval Order 2000
The Takeovers Code ensures that takeovers take place in an orderly
way. It establishes standards of proper disclosure and requires
that all shareholders be treated equally.
Visit: www.takeovers.govt.nz
Health and safety
The Department of Labour is the main organisation responsible
for setting occupational health and safety standards. The
Department of Labour provides guidance to employers on issues
such as:
• hazard identification and control
• employee training and supervision
• emergency management.
It also publishes a range of booklets on health and safety in the
workplace designed for both employers and employees.
For further information, visit: www.osh.dol.govt.nz
The Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992
This legislation aims to prevent harm to employees while they
are at work. It requires employers to ensure that employees work
in a safe and healthy environment.
Employment Relations
The Department of Labour provides information on all aspects
of employer/employee responsibilities under the Employment
Relations Act 2000.
The Department’s website has information about all aspects of
employer/employee relationships. It provides a handy series of
booklets in English and other languages, dealing with the concept
of good faith relationships and explaining how the various provisions
of the Employment Relations Act 2000 influence employer/employee
responsibilities.
All publications are downloadable in whole or in part.
If problems arise in an employment relationship, employers
can get help from the Department of Labour.
Freephone: 0800 20 90 20
or visit: www.ers.dol.govt.nz
The Employment Relations Act 2000
The Employment Relations Act 2000 recognises that good
employment relationships are built on good faith behaviour.
It promotes collective bargaining through unions, but also protects
the rights of individuals who choose not to join a union and who
wish to negotiate their own individual Employment Agreement.
For further information on employer/employee relations, see Work.
Resource management
If your business activity either uses or affects a natural resource, you
may need to apply for a resource consent from your local authority 07
(see Government). Application forms are available from your local
council. You will need to provide an assessment of the effects your
business activity will have on the local environment. Land use consents
are dealt with by city and district councils. Consents for the use of
air, water or coastal areas are managed by regional councils.
The Resource Management Act 1991
This Act provides for the sustainable management of New Zealand’s
natural resources and establishes compliance standards for both
private and business activities.
 NEW ZEALAND’S STOCKMARKET To be listed on the NZDX Market a company must have:

New Zealand Exchange Limited (NZX) • at least 500 security holders who are members of the public,
New Zealand Exchange Limited (NZX) was established as a company who together hold at least 25% of the debt securities
on 31 December 2002 after members of the New Zealand Stock • an estimated market capitalisation (market value) of at
Exchange (NZSE) voted to demutualise the organisation. NZX is least $5 million.
now a revenue-generating corporate. Through its listing rules,
To be listed on the NZAX Market, designed for smaller companies,
NZX is responsible for the frontline regulation of companies listed
a company must have:
on its three securities markets: the NZSX, NZDX and NZAX Markets.
NZX also regulates the conduct of a wide range of market • an existing board of directors
participants, including NZX Firms (sharebroking firms), dealing • at least 50 shareholders.
and clearing participants, and futures and options dealers. In June
Once a company is listed on any of NZX’s markets, it must follow
2003, NZX listed on its own NZSX Market. A special division of
the NZX Listing Rules that apply to the relevant market. These
NZX Discipline (a body set up to determine breaches of NZX’s
rules are designed to protect shareholders and investors and
rules) regulates the conduct of NZX as a listed company.
ensure companies comply with continuous disclosure obligations.
Trading on NZX’s markets is conducted through NZX Advisors
08 who are accredited by NZX to give investment advice and enter
orders into the market. NZX operates a screen-based trading
system called FASTER (Fully Automatic Screen Trading and Electronic
Registration) that replaced the trading floors in 1991. NZX has
a user-pays data service that provides a number of products based THE NZX LISTING RULES
on trading data. Email: data@nzx.com for more information. The GOVERN THE CONDUCT OF
NZX website contains a directory of NZX Firms (sharebroking
firms) and a useful ’Education‘ section that includes information LISTED COMPANIES
on how to get started in sharemarket investing. AND ARE DESIGNED TO
Visit: www.nzx.com
PROTECT INVESTORS.
Listing on NZX’s markets
To be listed on the NZSX Market a company must have:

• an existing board of directors

• at least 500 shareholders who are members of the public
and who together hold at least 25% of the shares
• an estimated market capitalisation (market value) of at least
$5 million.
BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS
Finding helpful information and expert advice is very important
when entering a new business environment. In these early stages,
the following organisations may prove particularly helpful.
BIZ centres and business.govt.nz
The Government-funded BIZ centres provide help to improve the
management skills and ability of small- and medium-sized
businesses. The range of services includes assessment, skills
training, coaching and networking. These services are provided
by a wide range of affiliated organisations.
The business.govt.nz website provides a comprehensive range
of information, including a directory of business and industry
contacts.
The business.govt website is at www.business.govt.nz
To contact the face-to-face BIZ service call 0800 424 946, or
visit one of the 30 BIZ offices located around New Zealand. To
find your local office, visit the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
website or look in The White Pages under BIZ.
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise is the Government's overseas
trade and business enterprise development agency.
It provides market intelligence and market development services
through a network of offices in New Zealand and around the
world. This global capability is aligned with local strategies to
develop sectors from a national and regional perspective, while
assisting individual firms to improve their capabilities to take up
these new opportunities.
Freephone: 0800 555 888 or visit: www.nzte.govt.nz
Economic Development Association of New Zealand (EDANZ)
The Association represents more than 70 Economic Development
Agencies and Economic Development Units run by regional, district
and city councils. These agencies and development units provide
a range of services for business migrants.
Visit: www.edanz.org.nz 09

Technology New Zealand

Technology New Zealand helps companies undertake research
and development projects which result in new products, processes
or services. A range of research grants is available for companies
with high growth, global potential.
Freephone: 0800 832 469 (0800 TechNZ) or visit:
www.frst.govt.nz
 New Zealand Chambers of Commerce & Industry (NZCCI)
The Chambers of Commerce are voluntary, membership-based
organisations. Membership is open to all types of businesses, and
this is a particularly effective way to establish new business
contacts and find out about local business conditions. Chamber
services include:

• advocacy
• business education
• international trade services
• issuing Carnets and Certificates of Origin
• business advice/mentoring
• social functions for meeting/networking with new members
and developing business.

10
11
 BUSINESS TAX
Tax is an important part of being in business.
Getting the right information and advice and setting
up the right systems from the start will help your
business meet its obligations.
Basic business tax rules
Businesses in New Zealand must follow certain tax laws. We also
discuss some of these in our booklet Government. We recommend,
if you have not already done so, that you read the outline of the
taxation system provided in Government before proceeding with
this section.
There are a number of taxes that businesses will or may be
12 involved with. For all of these taxes your business will need to:
• have an Inland Revenue (IRD) number
• complete and send various tax return forms to Inland
Revenue each year
• make a number of tax payments each year
• keep sufficient records, in English, so you can complete
the various tax returns and calculate any taxes to pay
or to be refunded to you.
Your IRD number
If you already have an IRD number for non-business income and
you are a sole trader, you use the same number for your business.
You would also use this number if, as a sole trader, you need to
register either for GST or as an employer.
If you are going to operate your business as a company,
partnership or trust, you will need to get a separate IRD number.
See Government pages 13-14 for information on getting an
IRD number.
Income tax
You will need to complete an income tax return each tax
year. The tax year for most businesses is 1 April to 31 March.
As a New Zealand resident you will be taxed on your worldwide
income. When you complete a tax return, you must include your
income from all sources (including that from overseas).
If you are operating your business as a company, partner-
ship or trust, you will need to file a separate tax return for
your business.

You may also need to:

• charge Goods and Services Tax (GST) to your business’s customers

• deduct tax from anyone your business employs in New Zealand.
Income tax is payable on the net profit from your business, which However, certain types of deductions are not permitted. These
is the income earned less any business expenses. Some expenses include deductions from your business income for:
that can be deducted from the income are:
• personal expenses
• rent, rates, power and phone costs for the business premises • money drawn as personal remuneration.
• purchases of raw materials or trading stock
Paying income tax
• business vehicle and transport costs
Income tax rates can vary from time to time. For the tax year
• wages paid to employees
from 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010 the rates are:
• stationery and supplies for the business.

Taxable Income PAYE rate for

every $1 of taxable income
(excluding ACC earners’ levy)
up to $14,000 12.5 cents
$14,001 to $48,000 inclusive 21 cents
$48,001 to $70,000 33 cents
$70,001 and over 38 cents 13
No notification 45 cents
Company tax (from 2009) 30 cents

There are rebates available to sole traders and partners in a partner-

ship that reduce the tax rates if their income is under $38,000.
A business usually needs to pay income tax through the year
in instalments (known as provisional tax). When you send in your
tax return, you pay or receive the difference between what you
have already paid in provisional tax and the actual tax payable
for the year.
 Goods and Services Tax (GST)
GST is New Zealand’s form of indirect value-added tax. It is a tax
on the goods and services provided by a GST-registered person
in their business. It is charged at the rate of 12.5% to the person
(including other businesses) who buys the goods or services. It is
not a tax on the business.
You must register for GST if you carry out a taxable activity
and if your turnover:
• was over $60,000 for the last 12 months, or
• is expected to go over $60,000 for the next 12 months
(This equates to $5,000 per month. If your turnover is $5,000
per month and you expect to maintain that level all year, you'll
need to register for GST.), or
• was less than $60,000, but you include GST in your prices,
14 for example taxi drivers who have included 12.5% in their taxi
fares.
Employing people
Your business is an employer if it:
• hires someone to work as part of your business
• controls the way in which the person works
• supplies any equipment for that person to use when working
for you.
Your business will need to register with Inland Revenue as an
employer and make pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) and other deductions
(such as student loan repayments) from its employees’ wages
each pay day.
Each month your business lets Inland Revenue know who its
employees are, how much they earned and what was deducted
from their wages, and pays those deductions to Inland Revenue.
Your business will also need to keep wages records, such as a
wage book.

You can choose to register for GST even if your annual turnover
it less than $60,000. This is referred to as voluntary registration.
When registered, the business completes regular GST returns and
pays or receives the difference between the GST charged and GST
paid on business expenses. If a business is not registered for GST,
it cannot charge or claim back GST.
Some goods and services, such as rent from domestic
accommodation and income from financial services, are exempt
from GST.
 15

“BUSINESS HERE IS NOT JUST

A B O U T W O R K I N G H A R D . YO U ’ V E
GOT TO HAVE THE ABILITY AND
W I L L I N G N E S S T O A D A P T. W E ’ V E
ADJUSTED OUR CUISINE TO
SUIT LOCAL TASTES.”
H O N G K O N G M I G R A N T, L A W R E N C E C H A N –

RESTAURATEUR.
 Getting help
Inland Revenue has all the information your business needs
on tax.
Inland Revenue’s website, www.ird.govt.nz, has information
about starting up and running a business.
Inland Revenue also offers a free business tax information
service to help new businesses meet their tax obligations. You can
find out more about this service and make an appointment through
Inland Revenue’s website, or by freephone: 0800 377 774 when
you arrive in New Zealand.
You can also get Inland Revenue’s book Smart Business –
an introductory guide for businesses and non-profit organisations
(IR 320) from the website or by phoning:

• +64 4 978 0779 from outside New Zealand

• 0800 377 774 when you are in New Zealand.
16

Remember, keeping good records will help your

business meet its tax obligations, and means
your business can deduct the right expenses from
its income.
 WEBSITES AND NEW ZEALAND
FREEPHONES

NEW ZEALAND NOW

www.newzealandnow.govt.nz
Goverment site that links you to all the information that you need to know
about living and working in New Zealand.

IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND

www.immigration.govt.nz
Official site of Immigration New Zealand.
Comprehensive information on all aspects of New Zealand
immigration policy and procedures. All policy guidelines and
most application forms can be downloaded.

“THERE’S NO SOCIAL
C L A S S S Y S T E M A N D YO U 17
HAVE THE CHANCE TO
T A K E L I F E I N YO U R H A N D S .
NEW ZEALANDERS ARE
INVIGORATING, POSITIVE
AND CREATIVE.”
E N G L I S H M I G R A N T, R AY T H O M P S O N –

SCREENWRITER AND PRODUCER.

 GOVERNMENT SITES
www.govt.nz www.frst.govt.nz
The official gateway to New Zealand Government online. Foundation for Research Science and Technology
Searchable site providing comprehensive technological advice
www.acc.co.nz
and assistance. Provides details of government-funded business assistance schemes.
Accident Compensation Corporation
Administers New Zealand’s accident compensation scheme which provides personal www.hrc.co.nz
injury cover for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors. Human Rights Commission
For Workplace Injury Prevention information, freephone: 0800 844 657 An independent agency responsible for investigating and resolving complaints
(0800 THINKSAFE) about discrimination and other human rights issues.
For information about Employer Levies, freephone: 0800 222 776 Freephone: 0800 496 877 (0800 4 YOUR RIGHTS)
www.business.govt.nz www.ird.govt.nz
Government website with compliance and other information for small to medium Inland Revenue
sized businesses. For all information on business tax rules, including IRD numbers and GST.
To contact a BIZ Centre call 0800 424 946 Freephone: 0800 377 774
www.companies.govt.nz www.maf.govt.nz
New Zealand Companies Office Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Registers all new companies. Their database includes comprehensive company Import and export regulations and biosecurity issues.
records which are available to the public; however, some searches incur a
www.med.govt.nz
small fee.
Ministry of Economic Development
Freephone: 0508 266 726 (0508 COMPANIES)
18 Information about business law, company registration and also advice
www.comcom.govt.nz for consumers.
Commerce Commission
www.mfe.govt.nz
Responsible for the Commerce, Fair Trading, and Credit Contracts and Consumer
Ministry for the Environment
Finance Acts. A range of handy guides is available free. These explain how individual
Reports on the state of the environment. Day-to-day environmental management
Acts apply to particular business operations.
is handled by local government. Also provides useful publications on hazardous
Freephone: 0800 943 600
substances and land issues.
www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz
www.seccom.govt.nz
Ministry of Consumer Affairs
Securities Commission
Works with consumers and businesses to achieve a fair and informed marketplace.
Facilitates capital investment in New Zealand in accordance with the Securities Act.
Good advice about the Fair Trading and Consumer Guarantees Acts.
www.takeovers.govt.nz
www.dol.govt.nz
Takeovers Panel
Department of Labour
For information on the Takeovers Code.
Comprehensive information on all aspects of work in New Zealand. Publishes
a useful range of free booklets on such topics as employment relations and www.nzte.govt.nz
occupational health and safety. Many can be downloaded from the site. New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
Freephone: 0800 20 90 20 Government agency responsible for overseas trade and business enterprise
development. For the Enterprise Hotline, freephone: 0800 555 888
 GENERAL SITES
SSNZ
SSNZ (Settlement Support New Zealand) is a government funded initiative www.businessnz.org.nz
that provides a local point of first contact for new migrants, in 18 locations Policy and advocacy wing of regional business associations.
throughout the country. Think of it as, “Phone a friend”. www.edanz.org.nz
SSNZ is a FREE service for new migrants, linking you to the information you Economic Development Association of New Zealand
need. Provides links to regional associations that offer a range of services to
business migrants.
PHONE 0800 SSNZ4U (0800 776 948).
www.lgnz.co.nz
VISIT WWW.SSNZ.GOVT.NZ Local Government New Zealand
For information on New Zealand’s local government and links to your council.
Local councils are also listed in the front of the White Pages on the ‘Local
Government Services’ page.
www.nzx.com
New Zealand Exchange
Lists current stock prices and New Zealand Exchange rules.
www.consumer.org.nz
Consumers Institute of New Zealand
Up-to-date guide to prices and consumers' rights and issues.
Membership fee required.
www.ubd.co.nz 19
A comprehensive directory, listing businesses, products and trade suppliers.
Freephone: 0800 823 225
www.yellowpages.co.nz
Telephone listings for New Zealand businesses.

Please note: Freephone numbers do not accept

international calls.

Telephone directories
In New Zealand telephone directories are referred to as the White and Yellow
Pages. These terms are used throughout this guide.
The White Pages lists residential and business numbers in alphabetical order.
It also includes special sections on Government and Medical services.
The Yellow Pages is a classified business directory categorised by service
or product type.
There are White and Yellow Pages for each region – there is no national directory.
For national listings, visit: www.whitepages.co.nz or www.yellowpages.co.nz
20
09 GOVERNMENT
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
ABOUT THE NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT,
JUDICIAL SYSTEM, VOTING, LAWS AND TAXES
GOVERNMENT

A PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY
New Zealand is a democratic country in which the members of
parliament (MPs) are chosen in free and fair elections. Citizens
and permanent residents who are aged 18 years and over are
required to enrol to vote. Voting is not compulsory, but turnout
is high by international standards (although trending lower).
New Zealand’s voting system is known as MMP, which stands
for Mixed Member Proportional. In this system you get two votes
in a parliamentary election: an electorate vote and a party vote.
This is because parliament’s 120 MPs are either electorate MPs
“THE COMMONWEALTH 01
or list MPs. There are 70 electorate seats and 50 list seats available.
Electorate MPs are voted for by people in a particular electorate, CONNECTION MADE
while the nationwide party vote decides how many seats each NEW ZEALAND A LOGICAL
party gets in total. List MPs fill up each party’s share of seats on
top of any electorate seats won. P L A C E T O S T U DY L A W. ”
New Zealand has a single chamber of parliament which consists HONG KONG MIGRANT AND LAWYER,
of the House of Representatives and the Governor-General
C A N DY C H A N .
(who does not personally attend the house). The house is elected
for a maximum three-year term using the mixed member
proportional (MMP) system. Every New Zealand citizen who is
enrolled as an elector is eligible to be a candidate for election as
an MP. The next general election is scheduled to take place no
later than 7 January 2012.
 The government is accountable to parliament for its actions and
policies. So ministers are answerable to parliament for their own
actions and policies and for the actions and policies of the
departments and state agencies for which they are responsible.
Most ministers are members of cabinet, which is the main decision-
making body of the government. Much of parliament’s scrutiny
role is carried out by select committees.
New Zealand has an unwritten constitution and is a
constitutional monarchy. The Queen of New Zealand, Queen
Elizabeth II, is the Head of State. The Queen’s representative in
this country is the Governor-General who has all the powers of
the Queen in relation to New Zealand. Although an integral part
of the process of government, the Queen and the Governor-
General remain politically neutral and do not get involved in the
political contest. The Governor-General does play an important
role in the calling of elections, the life of Parliament, and the
02
formation of a government.
ELECTING A GOVERNMENT
Your eligibility to vote
Voting is not compulsory in New Zealand but, if you are eligible
to vote, you are required to enrol as an elector. To enrol to vote
you must be a permanent resident and at least 18 years old.
You also need to have lived here on a continuous basis for a year
and have resided in your electorate for at least one month.
Electoral records are maintained by the Registrar of Electors
and are updated twice every three years. However, if you change
your address it is advisable to advise the Registrar directly.
Both enrolment and address changes can be arranged through
New Zealand Post Shops. If there are special reasons why your
name and address should not be published in the Electoral Roll,
they can be registered on the unpublished roll.
The electoral process
Your party vote...
... helps decide how many seats each party gets in parliament.
Every voter in every general and every Maori electorate has
the same selection of parties to choose from.
The government will be formed by one or more parties with
the support of enough seats to win important votes in parliament.
Your electorate vote...
... helps decide who becomes your local MP.
Each electorate has a different selection of candidates to
choose from.
Electorate candidates can include independents and candidates
from parties not contesting the party vote.
The candidate who gets the most votes wins the seat.
How do party votes turn into seats?
Parties getting seats will get a share of seats in parliament
close to their share of party votes.
A party's share of seats is filled first by any of its candidates
who win electorate seats and then by taking other candidates
from the party list.
 A party will get seats in parliament based on its party vote if
it wins:
5% or more of all the party votes, or
one or more electorate seats.
This is called the "threshold".
Local government
Local government operates on two levels: regional councils, and
district and city councils.
There are 12 regional councils. These are responsible for such
matters as water supply, parks and reserves, land transport planning
and resource management.
The role of the regional councils is complemented by the work
of district and city councils (often referred to as ‘territorial
authorities’). There are 57 district councils and 16 city councils.
Their areas of responsibility include water supply, land use, building
controls, roading and transport, as well as community development.
Local government elections are held every three years.
Regional council electorates are known as ‘constituencies’;
district and city council electorates as ‘wards’. If you are registered
as a parliamentary elector, you can vote in the local government
elections. Voting is usually by postal ballot.
THE LAW IN NEW ZEALAND
The judicial system
New Zealand has an independent judiciary. The Chief Justice
is appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime
Minister. Judges are appointed by the Governor-General – generally,
on the recommendation of the Attorney-General.
Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court judges can
only be removed from office by the Queen or the Governor-
General, acting on a recommendation from the House of
Representatives. District Court judges can be removed from office
by the Governor-General.
Lawyers who have held a practising certificate for at least
seven years are eligible for appointment as judges.
Courts of general jurisdiction
The courts of general jurisdiction deal with criminal and 03
civil matters.
Criminal matters are offences against the law that result
in imprisonment or other penalties. Civil matters usually involve
disputes, such as a breach of contract, defamation or claims
for damages.
The four courts of general jurisdiction are the Supreme Court,
the Court of Appeal, the High Court, and the District Court.
Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is the highest court in New Zealand. Established
in January 2004, it hears appeals in both civil and criminal cases.
The Chief Justice of New Zealand sits on the Court along with four
other Supreme Court judges. It is the role of the Supreme Court to
determine the law on issues of particular public or legal significance.
Prior to 2004, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (which
sits in London) provided these services to New Zealand.
04

“IT’S GREAT TO HAVE

A CHANCE TO WORK WITH
NEW MIGRANTS AND SHARE
SOME OF MY EXPERIENCE.
HERE THE GOVERNMENT
R E A L LY H E L P S P E O P L E . ”
ETHIOPIAN MIGRANT AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

E T H N I C L I A I S O N O F F I C E R , G E T A W C H E R I N E T.
Court of Appeal
The Court of Appeal hears civil and criminal appeals from the
High Court, the District Court and the Employment Court. Its role
is to determine the law of New Zealand and resolve conflicting
court decisions. It consists of the President of the Court of Appeal
and eight other judges.
High Court
The High Court is made up of the Chief Judge of the High Court
and 39 other judges. The judges are based in Auckland, Wellington
and Christchurch, but travel on circuit to 14 other centres from
Whangarei to Invercargill. The High Court deals with major crimes
and the more significant civil claims. It also hears appeals from
lower courts and tribunals.
District Court
New Zealand presently has 66 District Courts located throughout
the country. They have extensive civil and criminal jurisdiction.
Serious crimes, such as rape and armed robbery, can be transferred
from the District Court to a High Court for trial.
Specialist courts
New Zealand has a number of specialist courts.
• The Employment Court deals with labour relations.
• Family Courts deal with matters such as custody,
parental access, divorce, adoption, protection orders
and the care and protection of children.
• Youth Courts deal with offences committed by young people
(older than 13 but younger than 17).
• The Ma-ori Land Court and Ma-ori Appellate Court deal with
matters relating to Ma-ori land.
• The Environment Court deals with resource management,
planning and development matters.
There are more than 100 tribunals, authorities, boards and
committees. These deal with a wide range of disputes involving
issues such as censorship, taxation, tenancy and employment.
Some of the better known ones are the Employment, Disputes,
Tenancy and Treaty of Waitangi Tribunals.
Justices of the Peace
Justices of the Peace (JPs) are appointed by the Governor-General
on the recommendation of the Minister of Justice following
nomination by Members of Parliament. There are about 10,000
JPs in New Zealand.
Justices of the Peace are involved in a number of matters
within the community and the courts. In the District Court,
suitably trained Justices of the Peace carry out functions such as
adjudicating minor criminal and traffic charges. Within their
communities, Ministerial duties of a Justice of the Peace principally
comprise the witnessing of documents, such as statutory 05
declarations, wills and insurance claims, although they can also
grant search warrants and sometimes assist District Courts in
adjudicating minor criminal and traffic charges. JPs are listed
under ‘Justices of the Peace’ in the Yellow Pages.
Jury service
Juries in New Zealand are selected at random from the Electoral
Roll. If you are enrolled as an elector and aged between 20 and
65, you may be selected to perform this important service.
On most occasions, you will be asked to hear a criminal case.
You can request to be excused from jury service only if there
is a good reason, such as undue hardship, personal beliefs,
permanent disability or if you have served on a jury within the
last two years.
 Getting legal help Fees
Lawyers are listed in the Yellow Pages under both ‘Lawyers’ and Legal fees vary widely. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it is always
‘Barristers & Solicitors’. The distinction reflects the type of legal advisable to enquire about fees before commissioning any
work lawyers specialise in: barristers deal with court work; legal work.
solicitors with other legal work that does not require them to
Free legal help
represent their clients in court. Most lawyers are qualified both
Legal aid is available only for matters that you cannot resolve
as barristers and solicitors, but tend not to act in both capacities.
without a lawyer acting for you in court, or to help you settle a
Lawyers are required to treat all business as confidential, provide
matter out of court. You cannot get legal aid for divorce, or if you
independent advice and use their skill for their clients’ benefit.
only want to talk to a lawyer. The aid is subject to numerous
As a profession, lawyers undertake a vast range of legal work.
restrictions and may have to be paid back at a later date.
However, as far as most private citizens are concerned, they are
Information on legal aid is available from Citizens Advice Bureaux
generally employed to:
and Community Law Centres, District Courts and other agencies.
• provide advice on legal rights Most lawyers will also provide guidance.
• check legal documents
Human rights
• assist with immigration applications
New Zealand is a modern democratic country in which human
06 • provide conveyancing services for properties and businesses
rights are protected. The Human Rights Commission is responsible
• prepare rental and lease agreements
for investigating complaints about discrimination and other human
• draft wills
rights issues. It is an independent agency charged with protecting
• undertake divorce proceedings
individual rights, resolving disputes and eliminating unfair
• arrange redress in cases of fraud or misrepresentation
and illegal practices. The Commission also has the power to
• provide representation in cases involving the Police.
prosecute individuals and/or agencies contravening the Human
Rights Act.

Office of the Ombudsmen

In New Zealand, the Office of the Ombudsmen is an independent
agency. Its main function is to assist private citizens with requests
for official information, and complaints about local and central
government agencies. There is no fee for making a complaint or
an application to the Ombudsmen.
THE NEW ZEALAND POLICE
By international standards, New Zealand is a remarkably safe and
law-abiding society. The New Zealand Police do not routinely
carry firearms. They have an excellent reputation and are generally
considered helpful and friendly. Cases of police corruption are
exceedingly rare. The Police enforce both criminal and traffic laws
and undertake search and rescue missions. They also operate
a range of community programmes, including Youth Education
and Youth Aid services.
Contacting the Police
In emergencies dial 111. This is the general emergency number
and operates free of charge from all private and public phones.
In non-urgent situations, contact the nearest Police Station
listed under P in the ‘Government phone listings’ at the front of
the White Pages.
For traffic incidents, *555 can be dialled from a mobile phone.
For all emergencies dial 111 from
anywhere in New Zealand.
Neighbourhood Support
Neighbourhood Support is a community-based programme actively
promoted by the Police. It encourages citizens to take standard
precautions and co-operate with their neighbours in crime prevention.
These include common-sense procedures, such as keeping properties
secure, depositing large amounts of cash at a bank and not holding
money at home, safely depositing and/or insuring jewellery and
other valuables, keeping an eye on neighbouring properties and
reporting anything suspicious. It is advisable always to lock
windows and doors when you leave home, and let your neighbours
know if you plan to be away for any length of time. It is also
a good idea to install deadlocks and leave your home looking
‘lived in’ when you go away. Most communities have Neighbourhood
Support groups and it is best to ask about these when moving
into a new home.
07
08
“MY MOTHER’S STILL IN
THE COOK ISLANDS AND
M Y B A C K G R O U N D R E A L LY
HELPS WHEN WORKING WITH
T H E L O C A L C O M M U N I T Y. ”
SAM BRACKEN –

C O M M U N I T Y C O N S T A B L E / YO U T H A I D O F F I C E R .
YOU AND THE POLICE
Dealing with the Police
In New Zealand relations with the Police are good. In part, this
is because the public has clear rights and obligations when dealing
with the Police. The Police may not act arbitrarily; the public is
expected to act responsibly. The following provides a brief outline
of some of the rights and obligations that apply to the Police and
private citizens.
If the Police ask you to stop...
The rule is simple – you must stop. If you are driving, you must
stop and give your name, address and any other details needed
for identification. You are required to carry your driver licence
when you are driving and may be asked to present it. You must
also give the name and details of the vehicle’s owner or hirer.
However, once you have provided this information, it is your
decision whether you answer any more questions – you do not
have to. If you are arrested or detained, you are entitled to talk
to a lawyer and do not have to make a statement.
If the Police ask you to go with them...
You do not have to unless you agree to do so, are under arrest,
or the next paragraph applies.
If the Police suspect you have been driving under the
influence of alcohol or drugs...
The Police will ask you to undergo a compulsory roadside alcohol
breath test. If this test is positive, you are required to accompany
the Police to a testing station for the purposes of giving an
evidential breath test, blood test or both.
If the Police want to search you or your home,
vehicle or property...
The Police cannot conduct a search without your consent, unless
the next paragraph applies.
If the Police have a search warrant, or specific statutory authority...
They must, first, tell you what this specific authority is – there is
a range of search powers. Common cases include specific
powers to:
• stop a vehicle if someone in it is subject to an arrest warrant
or has committed an offence punishable by imprisonment
• search a vehicle for an offender or for evidence of an offence
in respect of which the vehicle was stopped
• search premises or a vehicle for controlled drugs.
If the Police want to take your fingerprints...
They can do so only if you agree, or if you have been formally
09
placed under arrest.
If you are questioned by the Police, make sure that...
• The person is a Police Officer – a Police Officer in plain clothes
must show their identification card which includes their
photograph and name.
• What you say to, or write for, the Police is exactly what
you mean. If you have difficulties, ask for assistance and/
or an interpreter.
If you are suspected of having committed a crime,
but have not been arrested, you can...
• Choose whether or not to answer any questions, or whether
to make a written or oral statement.
• Generally, leave the Police Station when you wish.
However, if you have been detained for a blood/alcohol test,
you cannot leave until this has been completed.

“LIFE IS SAFE AND
SECURE HERE. WE CAN
E N J OY T H E S I M P L E
THINGS AGAIN.”
SOUTH AFRICAN MIGRANTS,
JAMES AND MARIE FARRELL.
10
If you are suspected of having committed a crime,
and have been arrested, you...
• Have the right to consult a lawyer without delay and in
private – there should be a list of lawyers at the Police Station.
If you request advice from a lawyer included on the Police
Station’s list, this initial legal advice is provided free of charge.
• Must give your name, address, occupation, and date and
place of birth.
• Must allow the Police to take fingerprints and photographs
and, in certain circumstances, conduct a search. The Police can,
for example, search for criminal evidence or for weapons
or objects that could be used in an escape. However, it is
generally illegal for the Police to search a person (or their car
or house) for no other reason than the fact of their arrest.
• May be permitted to contact a friend or relative and request
permission for them to visit you at the Police Station.
Such requests are usually granted, but can be declined.
• May ask to be ‘released on bail’. This means you are allowed
to go home until you have to appear in court on a set date
to ‘face charges’. Bail is not an automatic right. There are
usually conditions attached – such as not being allowed
to leave the country. There are special rights for children
and young people aged under 17 years. The Police Officer
must explain their rights in a way they can clearly understand
and ensure that another adult or a lawyer is present when they
make a statement.
FIREARMS PAYING TAX
In New Zealand it is illegal to carry a gun for self-defence. Inland Revenue is the government department that collects taxes
Before you can own/possess a firearm, you need to have a licence. – it is popularly referred to as the IRD. The New Zealand tax year
is from 1 April to 31 March. Most people pay their taxes as they
earn their income. Employers deduct tax on salary and wages.
PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY/
Banks and other financial institutions deduct tax on interest as
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
it is derived. People who do not pay tax on all of their income as
The New Zealand Police take family/domestic violence very it is earned are required to file tax returns at the end of the tax
seriously. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Violence is unacceptable year (31 March). In most cases, Inland Revenue will send you all
wherever it happens and no matter who is the victim or the the material you need to file tax returns and make payment.
perpetrator. The Domestic Violence Act provides protection against If you are thinking of going into business, see Business.
physical, sexual and psychological violence. Psychological violence
Personal and company tax rates in New Zealand
includes the use of intimidation, harassment, damage to property,
New Zealand tax rates for the tax year 1 April 2009 to 31 March
threats of abuse, and allowing a child to see or hear abuse.
2010 the rates are:
‘Protection orders’ can be granted under the Domestic Violence
Act for people who are, or have been, in a relationship with 11
Taxable Income PAYE rate for
a person who has used violence against them. This includes every $1 of taxable income
married and unmarried couples, children and relatives, and same (excluding ACC earners’ levy)
sex partners. A protection order can be obtained whether or not up to $14,000 12.5 cents
the Police take criminal action. Help is available from a number $14,001 to $48,000 inclusive 21 cents
of agencies including the Police, Community Law Centres $48,001 to $70,000 33 cents
and Citizens Advice Bureaux. High school counsellors are also $70,001 and over 38 cents
available to assist and the Women’s Refuge provides sanctuary No notification 45 cents
for all women. Company tax (from 2009) 30 cents
All forms of violence against children are unacceptable.
Substantial penalties can be imposed for abuse, neglect and
assault of children.
12

“THE TAXATION AND

ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS
HERE ARE VERY EASY TO
WORK WITH – I’VE HAD NO
PROBLEMS SINCE ARRIVING
S E V E N Y E A R S A G O. ”
AMERICAN MIGRANT AND OFFICE MANAGER,

MARY IANNUCCI.
Tax residency
New Zealand residents are liable for income tax on their worldwide
income. If you are a New Zealand tax resident, you will need to
pay income tax on all income you receive from both New Zealand
and overseas. If you have a taxable activity in New Zealand, you
may need to be Goods and Services Tax (GST) registered.
For more information visit: www.ird.govt.nz.
You are a New Zealand resident for tax purposes if:
• you are in New Zealand for more than 183 days in any
12-month period. You are considered to be resident from
the day you arrive in New Zealand. The 183 days need
not be consecutive
• you are overseas in the service of the New Zealand Government
• you have an ‘enduring relationship’ with New Zealand.
To decide whether you have an enduring relationship with
New Zealand, Inland Revenue considers things such as:
– whether you are here for continuous periods or from
time to time
– whether you own, lease or have access to property
in New Zealand
– your social ties (where your immediate family lives,
if you have children being educated here, if you belong
to any New Zealand associations)
– your economic ties (if you have bank accounts, credit cards,
life insurance, investments or superannuation funds here)
– your employment (if you work here)
– your personal property (if you own or keep possessions here)
– whether you intend to live in New Zealand
– whether you receive welfare benefits, pensions and
other payments.
You may be a tax resident in New Zealand and another country.
This means you are resident in two countries under the tax laws
of each of those countries. If both countries tax their residents
on worldwide income, you could be taxed twice on the same
income. To prevent this, New Zealand has double tax agreements
with many other countries. These agreements establish which
country has the first or sole right to tax certain types of income.
Inland Revenue provides expert advice on these issues.
IRD numbers
An IRD number is a unique identifying number that you use for
all your contacts with Inland Revenue (similar to a bank account
number). If you do not have an IRD number before you start a
job or open a bank account, your employer or bank will deduct
the ‘no declaration’ rate of tax from your salary or interest earned.
This rate is much higher than the standard deduction rates
and will significantly reduce the net income you receive. Every 13
individual or entity that interacts with IRD needs an IRD number.
To find out how to get an IRD number visit the IRD website
www.ird.govt.nz

Note: You can keep similar ties, or even a home, in other countries, but still be
a New Zealand resident for tax purposes.
 INCOME TAX
PAYE
If you earn income from salary, wages or a social security benefit,
your tax will be deducted under the pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) system.
This means that the pay you get from your employer has already
had tax deducted.
ACC levies
Inland Revenue is the agent for collection of the employees’ earner
levy as part of your PAYE deductions. These levies provide insurance
cover when people suffer an accident outside of their work.
Provisional Tax
People who operate a business as a sole trader, limited liability
company or other business entity may have to account and pay
for their own tax progressively during the year. This is referred to
14 as provisional tax. If the tax you have to pay is $2,500 or more
on your end-of-year tax return, you need to pay provisional tax
for the following year.
Provisional tax is payable in instalments during the year.
The amount of provisional tax you pay is then deducted from your
tax bill at the end of the year. For more information, see the IRD’s
Provisional Tax booklet (IR 289).
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
GST is charged on almost all goods and services in New Zealand.
It is a consumer tax. The GST rate is 12.5% of the price of goods
or services. For more information, see Business.
Resident Withholding Tax (RWT)
You pay resident withholding tax on interest you earn from bank
accounts or other investments. The bank or investing organisation
deducts this when they credit interest to your account.
You need to provide your IRD number and choose the correct
rate of tax for your income level.
Companies may also deduct withholding tax from dividends
paid to shareholders.
Working for Families Tax Credits
Working for Families Tax Credits are an entitlement for families
with children who are 18 years or younger and not financially
independent. It is not a benefit but recognition that not everyone
can comfortably afford all the costs of bringing up a family.
There are four types of Working for Families Tax Credits available:
1. Family Tax Credit – paid to all eligible families with children
18 years or younger.
2. In Work Tax Credit – to receive this payment, couples must
normally work 30 hours between them, and sole parents must
normally work 20 hours a week.
3. Minimum Family Tax Credit – an extra payment to ensure that
the after-tax income of families does not fall below a minimum
amount. To receive this payment, couples must normally work
30 hours between them, and sole parents must normally work
20 hours a week.
4. Parental Tax Credit – paid for the first 56 days (eight weeks)
after the birth of a child. This payment does not apply if
you are on Paid Parental Leave or receiving an income-
tested benefit.
To be able to receive Working for Families Tax Credits you must KiwiSaver
be aged 16 or over and either: KiwiSaver is a voluntary savings initiative that’s designed to make
• be a New Zealand resident and have been in New Zealand it easier for you to save for your future. You’ll be able to access
continuously for at least 12 months at any time. You need your savings when you’re eligible for NZ Super (currently 65) or
to be a tax resident and be resident in New Zealand when after five years’ membership, whichever is later. Being a KiwiSaver
you apply for your payments member won’t affect your eligibility for NZ Super.
• be caring for a child who is both resident and living in The Government will help you save with KiwiSaver by giving
New Zealand. you a $1,000 kick-start, a tax credit of up to $1,042.86, a fee
subsidy and, if you qualify, a first-home deposit subsidy.
If you and your children are in New Zealand unlawfully or
For more information, visit the KiwiSaver website
hold only a temporary permit or visa, you are not considered a
www.kiwisaver.govt.nz
New Zealand resident for the purposes of Working for Families
Tax Credits.
If you recently arrived in New Zealand and meet the residence
conditions, you will need to attach a copy of your residence
permit to your application for Working for Families Tax Credits.
15
How much you can get depends on:
• how many children 18 years or younger you have living
with you
• how much you and your partner earn (your total family income)
• where you get your income from.

Inland Revenue pays Working for Families Tax Credits to families

whose main income is from working. It can be paid weekly,
fortnightly or as a lump sum after the end of the tax year
(31 March).
If your only income is from an income-tested benefit,
Work and Income pay any entitlement to you as part of
your benefit.
For more information visit: www.workingforfamilies.govt.nz
or www.ird.govt.nz
16
Student loans
The Student Loan Scheme is available to students studying at
tertiary level (after secondary school). This helps towards the cost
of studies, books and living expenses.
The three organisations involved in the Student Loan Scheme are:
• the Ministry of Education, which advises the Government about
student loan policies
• StudyLink (a service of the Ministry of Social Development),
which processes loan applications and manages student loan
accounts in the year the money is borrowed
• Inland Revenue, which manages the loan accounts after each
year of study and collects student loan repayments when
you start to earn over the repayment threshold.
Repaying your student loan
• If you have been living in New Zealand for 183 or more
consecutive days (about six months), you are considered to be
a New Zealand-based borrower and are eligible for an interest-
free student loan.
• You are required to start repaying your student loan once you
earn over the annual repayment threshold.
• If you have been living overseas for 184 or more consecutive
days (about six months) you are considered to be an overseas-
based borrower. Overseas-based borrowers are not entitled to
an interest-free student loan.
For more information about repaying your student loan, see:
www.ird.govt.nz/studentloans

To get a student loan you need to be enrolled in an approved

qualification at a tertiary institution, recognised by the Minister
17
of Education. You must also be 18 years or older (if you are under
18 years, you need a parent’s consent). You need to be a
New Zealand citizen, a permanent resident, or a refugee entitled
to live in New Zealand indefinitely.

The amount you get depends on:

• how much your fees are
• whether you are studying full or part-time
• the duration of your study programme
• whether you receive a student allowance (for living costs)
• whether you or your partner get a benefit.

A student loan has four parts:

• compulsory fees
• course-related costs
• living costs
• a $50 administration fee.
 Absence overseas parent needs to pay. The amount is worked out each year using
If you are planning to travel overseas for six months or more, a formula which takes into account the number of children to be
you must inform IRD. supported, and the liable parent’s income and living expenses.
To be assesssed to pay Child Support, a liable parent must
Salary and wage earners
be either a New Zealand citizen, or ordinarily resident in
Most people who earn salary and wages will pay the correct
either New Zealand or Australia.
amount of tax during the year. There are some people though,
Inland Revenue usually administers Child Support payments.
who need to square-up at the end of the year. If you are one of
For further information, freephone: 0800 221 221.
those people, or you think you might be entitled to a tax refund,
you can get a personal tax summary (PTS). Overseas pensions
A PTS is available for salary and wage earners if you need to If you're a New Zealand tax resident and receive either an overseas
pay additional tax at the end of the year, or believe you are social security or private pension or life insurance annuity, these
entitled to a tax refund. will be subject to taxation.
The personal tax summary uses information provided to Inland
Pension transfers can be complex and it advisable to seek expert
Revenue by your employer(s) so it can pre-print a PTS with your
advice well before arriving in New Zealand.
income and deduction details for the year. If you receive a PTS
For Ministry of Social Development guidelines, see On Arrival, p10.
18 you must check it for any missing or incorrect details.
Personal tax summaries are issued from June onwards and Contacting Inland Revenue
anyone can request one. Complete listings of Inland Revenue’s Freephone numbers and
office locations are included under ‘Government Phone Listings’
IR 3 Tax Returns
at the front of the White Pages.
You would be sent an IR 3 if you:
If you have an IRD number please have it ready when you call.
• are self-employed
• had income from a business or rental property
• received income that is not taxed
• received overseas income.

Child Support
Child Support is money paid by parents not living with their
children full-time, to help financially support those children.
If parents cannot reach an agreement themselves, Inland
Revenue can work out the amount of Child Support the liable
 An independent agency responsible for investigating and resolving
WEBSITES AND NEW ZEALAND complaints about discrimination and other human rights issues.
FREEPHONES Freephone: 0800 496 877 (0800 4 YOUR RIGHTS)
www.workandincome.govt.nz
Work and Income
NEW ZEALAND NOW A service of the Ministry of Social Development
www.newzealandnow.govt.nz Information on Family and Income Support. Freephone: 0800 559 009
Goverment site that links you to all the information that you need to know
about living and working in New Zealand.
INLAND REVENUE
www.ird.govt.nz
Detailed information about tax and social policy, and online access
I ME M
N WI GZ R
E A TL IAONND NI M
EWM IZGERAALTAI O
NND SERVICE SITES to booklets, returns, forms, newsletters and public rulings, and the
www.immigration.govt.nz many other services offered.
Migrant Helpline
Official site of Immigration New Zealand. Calls within New Zealand
A freephone referral service that helps new migrants find the answers
Comprehensive information on all aspects of New Zealand
to questions about life in New Zealand. Personal tax enquiries: 0800 227 774
immigration policy and procedures. All policy guidelines and
The service is free and aims to put migrants in touch with the (Includes getting an IRD number and information on refunds and rebates)
most application forms can be downloaded.
right organisations and people who are ready and waiting to help.
Issues covered include: housing, health, schooling, ESOL courses, Working for Families Tax Credits: 0800 227 773 (Working for Families)
employment and many other everyday topics. Overdue tax and returns: 0800 227 771
Operates from 9:00am–5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
G O Vnot
Does E Rdeal
NM E Nbusiness
with T S I Tinquiries.
ES Business tax enquiries: 0800 377 774 19
Freephone: 0508 55 88 55 (for calls outside Auckland)
www.govt.nz Goods and Services Tax (GST): 0800 377 776
09 914
The 4100gateway
official (for Auckland
to Newand all mobile
Zealand phone calls).
Government online. Student loan enquiries: 0800 377 778
www.immigration.govt.nz
www.acc.co.nz
Official site of the New Zealand Immigration Service. Child Support: 0800 221 221
Accident Compensation Corporation
Comprehensive
Provides information
information on allinsurance
on accident aspects ofscheme
New Zealand
payments. KiwiSaver: 0800 549 472
immigration0800
Freephone: policy
222and procedures.
776 to make a All policy guidelines and
claim.
most application forms can be downloaded. Calling from overseas
www.beehive.govt.nz The numbers over the page include dialling codes for New Zealand, but not the
Updates on Government news and policies. international access prefix, because this varies from country to country.
www.justice.govt.nz All business, student loan and personal customers
Ministry of Justice
Comprehensive information on the structure of New Zealand’s All enquiries: +64 4 978 0779
judicial and courts system. Child Support
(www.justice.govt.nz/pubs/other/pamphlets/2001/legal_system.html
has a good outline of the New Zealand legal system). All enquiries: +64 4 984 2536

www.elections.org.nz If you have an IRD number please have it ready when you call.
Information on the electoral system, upcoming elections and www.lsa.govt.nz
registering to vote. Legal Services Agency
Freephone: 0800 36 76 56 (0800 ENROLNOW) Government-funded agency providing legal aid.
www.hrc.co.nz www.landtransport.govt.nz
Human Rights Commission Land Transport New Zealand
 Allocates government funding for land transport and promotes land transport
sustainability and safety. Website includes information on New Zealand’s land
transport system, driver licensing, road rules and private vehicle imports.
Freephone: 0800 822 422 for licensing enquiries
0800 699 000 for general road safety information.
www.parliament.govt.nz
Guide to New Zealand’s parliamentary system.
POLICE
www.police.govt.nz
New Zealand Police
General information, including safety tips, crime statistics and Police recruiting.
In an emergency: dial 111 free from any phone including mobile phones.
In non-urgent situations: contact the nearest Police Station listed under
‘Government Phone Listings’ at the front of the White Pages.
To report traffic incidents: dial *555 from a mobile phone or report to
your local Police Station.
www.victimsupport.org.nz
Advocacy and counselling support services.
20
Freephone: 0800 842 846 (0800 VICTIM)
www.neighbourhoodsupport.org.nz
Community-based crime prevention programmes.
SSNZ
SSNZ (Settlement Support New Zealand) is a government funded initiative
that provides a local point of first contact for new migrants, in 18 locations
throughout the country. Think of it as, “Phone a friend”.
SSNZ is a FREE service for new migrants, linking you to the information you
need.
PHONE 0800 SSNZ4U (0800 776 948).
VISIT WWW.SSNZ.GOVT.NZ
GENERAL SITES
www.lgnz.co.nz
Local Government New Zealand
For information on New Zealand’s local government and links to your council.
For local listings refer to the ‘Local Government Services’ page at the front of
the White Pages or visit: www.whitepages.co.nz
Community Law Centres
Local listings in the White Pages or visit: www.whitepages.co.nz
Justices of the Peace
Look in the Yellow Pages or visit: www.yellowpages.co.nz
www.consumer.org.nz
Consumers’ Institute of New Zealand
Up-to-date guide on consumer rights and prices of goods in New Zealand.
Membership fee required to access some information.
www.yellowpages.co.nz
Telephone listings for New Zealand businesses.
Please note: Freephone numbers do not accept
international calls.
Telephone directories
In New Zealand telephone directories are referred to as the White and Yellow
Pages. These terms are used throughout this guide.
The White Pages lists residential and business numbers in alphabetical
order. It also includes special sections on Government and Medical services.
The Yellow Pages is a classified business directory categorised by service
or product type.
There are White and Yellow Pages for each region – there is no national directory.
For national listings, visit: www.whitepages.co.nz or www.yellowpages.co.nz
10 MIGRANTS
SOME BRIEF FIRST-HAND REFLECTIONS
ON LIFE AND LIVING IN NEW ZEALAND
 ALL MIGRANTS ARE DRIVEN BY THE VISION OF A NEW LIFE. HERE, WE LOOK BRIEFLY AT HOW
SOME HAVE REALISED THEIR VISION. THE MIGRANTS PROFILED COME FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS
01
AND WALKS OF LIFE. SOME ARE RECENT RESIDENTS; OTHERS HAVE LIVED HERE FOR MANY
YEARS; SOME, AS THE CHILDREN OF MIGRANTS, CAME HERE AS TEENAGERS. THE RANGE OF
OCCUPATIONS IS EQUALLY DIVERSE. SOME ARE WELL ESTABLISHED PROFESSIONALS; OTHERS
RUN THEIR OWN BUSINESSES; SOME ARE JUST STARTING OUT IN THEIR CAREERS. ALL ARE NOW
02
NEW ZEALANDERS. WE HOPE THESE SHARED REFLECTIONS ON LIFE AND LIVING MAY HELP YOU
AS YOU CONSIDER SETTLING IN A NEW AND VIBRANT LAND.
03
PATRICIA PAWLAK
MONTREAL, CANADA

THE MAGIC OF ‘THE RING’ DREW

PATRICIA PAWLAK FROM COSMOPOLITAN
MONTREAL TO SUBURBAN WELLINGTON.
Two years and twelve thousand kilometres later, she’s still under
its spell.

“Working at Weta has provided opportunities I’d never have

got in Montreal. Peter Jackson and Richard Taylor have been
an inspiration.

“This is an amazingly creative environment to work in. I’ve grown 04

professionally and truly enjoyed living in Wellington. And I’ve
realised my best because of this. You could say I’ve grown with
‘The Ring’...”
“NEW ZEALAND IS A UNIQUE
PLACE AND IT’S BECOMING
EVER MORE PRECIOUS AS
THE REST OF THE WORLD
BECOMES OVER POPULATED
AND POLLUTED.”
PAT R I C I A PAW L A K , C R E AT U R E T E C H N I C A L D I R E C TO R

FOR ‘LORD OF THE RINGS’ – WETA STUDIOS.

05
KIT WONG
HONG KONG

HONG KONG MIGRANT, KIT WONG IS “ I T ’S A N I D E A L P L A C E T O

DRIVEN BY A VISION.
BRING UP CHILDREN AND,
In the south-east Auckland suburb of Howick, that vision is rapidly
taking shape. The Somerville Business Park is New Zealand’s first
O N C E YO U K N O W T H E W A Y
multicultural business centre. It has over 90 shops, including T H I N G S A R E D O N E , T H E R E ’S
professional offices, retail shops selling Asian products, an Asian-
operated medical clinic and ethnic restaurants. Kit sees Somerville
GREA T OPPORTUNITY .
not just as a business, but also as a way of helping new migrants NEW ZEALAND HAS THE
06
settle in.
POTENTIAL TO BECOME
“You have to go through a learning curve to learn the New Zealand THE BEST ECO-COUNTRY
way of doing business. It’s very different from Hong Kong. Somerville
provides the sort of support migrants need. It’s not only a social IN THE WORLD.”
and economic centre, it’s a cultural centre.” KIT WONG, PROPERTY DEVELOPER.
Kit and his wife, Teresa, admit that it’s not easy to start
a business here and that the social transition can be difficult.
But having made the transition they love their life here.
“We chose New Zealand because of the lifestyle – its green
environment, pure water and clean air.”
07
07
ANNATJIE AND WILLIE STEENKAMP
PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA

IN THE ROLLING VALLEYS NORTH OF

AUCKLAND, ANNATJIE AND WILLIE
STEENKAMP HAVE CREATED A LITTLE
BIT OF HOME.
On the seven acres of land around their Cape-Dutch styled
homestead grow row upon row of proteas – South Africa’s
national flower.
A dentist by profession, Willie first thought of growing proteas
for export as a retirement scheme and a hobby. Planting started
with over 2,000 protea and leucadendron plants of several varieties.
“IT IS SUCH A PLEASURE
08
“We planned to start it slowly. However, it was so exciting and
TO BE OUT HERE WITH THESE
had so much potential that it just took off with a huge bang.” BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS AND
Shortly, they will be adding another thousand new plants and P L A N T S S U R R O U N D I N G YO U ,
concentrating on Annatjie’s favourite plant, Silver Tree. The couple
see real export potential for the variety in America, Europe and
PICKING A WA Y TO MAKE
Japan but, with a three-year growing period, this is still some S O M E B O DY ’S D A Y W I T H
time off.
A LOVEL Y BUNCH OF
Meanwhile, with strong support from local flower growers,
Annatjie is concentrating on developing local markets. H O M E - G R O W N P R OT E A S .
WHEN I LOOK A T THEM,
I FEEL LIKE I’M A T HOME.”
A N N A T J I E A N D W I L L I E S T E E N K A M P,

PROTEA GROWERS.
09
RAYMOND THOMPSON
LONDON, ENGLAND

ENGLISH MIGRANT RAY THOMPSON “THE COUNTRY HAS HUGE

CREDITS HIS ROMANY GYPSY MOTHER P O T E N T I A L T O S U P P LY N I C H E
WITH HIS PASSION FOR STORYTELLING.
It’s a passion that’s led to a successful screenwriting career
MARKETS. I’M CONVINCED
spanning London and Hollywood and generated a multi-million NEW ZEALAND WILL EVOLVE
dollar business.
INTO A MAJOR INFLUENCE,
He founded Cloud 9 in London in 1994 with the aim of producing
quality family programming – a mixture of moral guidance and G L O B A L LY. I L O V E I T H E R E
good storytelling. He holds firmly to this principle and refuses to AND SEE A VIBRANT AND
produce what he dubs “fast-food, karate-chop television”. 10
When he moved the company to New Zealand in 1999, it already E X C I T I N G T O M O R R O W. ”
had a string of international credits to its name. Cloud 9 has R AY M O N D T H O M P S O N ,
since gone on to produce such internationally acclaimed series
SCREENWRITER AND PRODUCER – CLOUD 9.
as The Tribe and Atlantis High. He sees the move as both smart
business and a choice about quality of life.

“There’s opportunity here, the chance to take life in your hands.

New Zealanders are invigorating, positive and creative. There’s
no social class system and you can have a great lifestyle.”