Languages in New Zealand - Aotearoa 

English is the most commonly used language in New Zealand - Aotearoa, however, New Zealand has 3 official languages: Māori (the language of our indiginous people), English, and NZ Sign Language. Te Reo Māori (Māori language) is also widely used as well as many Pacific languages, especially in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) which is the largest Pacific city in New Zealand - Aotearoa. We encourage you to check out how certain words are used, you can learn more about New Zealand slang here.

Getting a driver's licence

If you have a valid overseas driver's licence, you can convert it to a NZ driver's licence. A valid licence means that your licence is not suspended, disqualified or revoked in the country of issue and must either be current or expired within the last 12 months. You can only drive using an overseas licence for 12 months from your last date of entry into New Zealand.

If you’ve been in Aotearoa for more than 12 months, you won’t be able to drive on your overseas driver's licence anymore. You must have a NZ licence. You will need evidence of your identity, proof that your eyesight meets the required standard, a medical certificate if required, your overseas driver's licence and a translation if not in English, let the agent take your photo and signature, pay the application fee, provide high-quality colour photocopies of all original documents you have provided. Note that you will need to present your physical overseas driver's licence.

Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) provides advice on motor registration, buying a car, car licensing, vehicle change of ownership and warrant of fitness(WOF) for cars.

Cost of living

It is likely that the cost of living will be different than what you are accustomed to in your home country. Immigration NZ have a cost of living calculator or check out sorted.org.nz for various helpful budgeting resources and tools.

Click here to learn about our regions and cities 

Settlement Services 

Guide to New Zealand Workplaces 

Accommodation prices vary throughout the country, with higher prices in the main centres. New Zealand rental properties are usually unfurnished and may not have features like central heating or double glazing that you may be used to.

Find what accommodation could look like in the district you are moving to.

Temporary accommodation

You may consider booking temporary accommodation until you can find a longer-term rental - our relocation team can help you search, view and apply for rentals. Visit BookaBach, Holiday Houses, Airbnb, and Wotif. 

Renting a house

The rental market in Aotearoa is regulated by the government under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986. If you are renting for the first time you will need to sign an agreement with the landlord and pay a bond for up to four weeks rent in advance. The bond is lodged with the government's Tenancy Services. At the end of the tenancy, you will receive your bond back minus any damage costs or unpaid rent. Aotearoa protects long-term tenancies. Read the rules about changing the terms of the tenancy agreement.

Local rental agencies can help you to locate a property. Some to take a look at are TradeMe, OneRoof, RealEstate.co.nz and Homes.

Note that most rentals in Aotearoa are unfurnished however furniture and whiteware can be rented in some parts of the country. Find out more about renting in New Zealand.

Buying a house

Use the 'Help us assess if you can buy a house to live in' tool to determine if you can buy a house in Aotearoa. In general, only residents and citizens can buy a house to live in in New Zealand. 

Power and Internet - get connected

We suggest you take a look at www.powerswitch.org.nz

If you are renting a house you will need to access power, phone, and internet connection through private companies.

A variety of companies provide internet and phone connections. Immigration NZ provides advice about how your communications can get connected.

There are a range of power providers across the country including Mercury, Contact Energy, Meridian and Powershop. 

Power outlets in Aotearoa may vary from those in other countries and adaptors can be purchased from various electronic retail stores.

Click here to learn more about housing in New Zealand

Getting Paid

All staff are paid fortnightly by direct credit into their bank account. Payment is for the preceding fortnight worked. Queries about payments should be directed to the relevant Team Leader / Manager in the first instance.

Your Team Leader / Manager will be able to guide you on the local preferences however generally speaking:

• All leave must be applied for in advance through the Team Leader / Manager.
• The Expenses Claim Form must be completed, and receipts attached before expense claims can be approved and reimbursed (if offered in a bond agreement).

Advice about how to set up a bank account is covered in the Taxes and Personal Finances section.

Bond agreement (if offered)

Health New Zealand will provide you with financial support to relocate and get settled to the value outlined in your employment agreement. 

Annual leave entitlements

All employees are entitled to four (4) weeks paid annual leave days per year after 12 months of continuous employment. Sometimes employers offer additional entitlements - your employment agreement will state the exact amount of annual leave you are entitled to, and when.

Sick leave entitlements 

All employees are entitled to a minimum of 10 days paid sick leave per annum after the first 6 months in their role, and 10 days can be carried over to a maximum of 20 days. Sometimes employers offer additional entitlements - your employment agreement will state the exact amount of sick leave you are entitled to, and when.

Parental Leave

You can read more about parental leave entitlements and types and your eligibility here. 

Public holidays

There are 12 public holidays per year including national holidays (recognised nationwide) and may or may not fall under the same date as well as regional (anniversary) holidays.

Enrolling children at school and preschool – compulsory attendance

You can enrol your child in school before they’re 5, though they won’t start until they turn 5 and must have started by the time they are 6.

Children must stay at school until they turn 16 years of age. Parents may apply to educate children at home.

Tip: If you have children, and have a school in mind, you may need to live within the school zone.

Childcare

Early childhood education (ECE) provides education and care for children before they are old enough to go to primary school. It is not compulsory. For three to four-year-olds, the first 20 hours per week are fully funded by the government.

Most children in Aotearoa (95%) get some form of early childhood education, usually for 20-22 hours a week.

Education.govt.nz provides practical information about education for parents and carers.

Click here to read more about the school system here

Taxes in New Zealand

New Zealand operates under a progressive tax system, where individuals with higher incomes pay a higher percentage of their earnings in taxes. Tax rates are divided into different income bands. All personal income is taxed. If you are a New Zealand resident, you will need to pay income tax on all income you receive from New Zealand and overseas. You can use this income tax calculator from the IRD to work out what percentage of tax you will pay in Aotearoa. You will need to have an IRD number before you can start, you can apply for an IRD number on the IRD website here. 

Banking in New Zealand

You can open a bank account in Aotearoa before you travel but will need to visit a branch to activate it once you arrive. You need a visa that allows you to stay in the country for some time such as a work, residence, or student visa. You may wish to provide the NZ bank with a reference letter from your current bank which includes a credit score or rating. Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora can provide you with a letter of a confirmed work address to speed up the process. Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale (EFTPOS) is a way to use funds from your bank account when shopping.

To open a bank account, you will need the following:

• Proof of identity – NZ ID or passport
• Proof of address – could be your current overseas address but will need to provide a permanent address in Aotearoa
• A NZ IRD (Internal Revenue Department) number – if you don’t have one yet, you can use your tax number or tax declaration from your country of origin
• Proof of your visa – could be work, residence, or student visa

Here's a list of registered banks in New Zealand. 

KiwiSaver Savings Scheme

KiwiSaver is a government-supported savings scheme designed to help employees save for retirement. If you choose to contribute your employer will also contribute to your KiwiSaver account, and the New Zealand government may also contribute.

Here’s a little bit about what you need to know:

You can opt to contribute a percentage of your salary - 3%, 4%, 6%, 8%, or 10%

Health New Zealand as your employer will also contribute a minimum 3% of your salary some workforces may be eligible for get up to 6%

If you contribute at least $1,042.86 annually, The New Zealand Government will match up to $521.43 per year.

You’re eligible if you are living (or normally living) in New Zealand and are either:
• a New Zealand citizen or entitled to be in New Zealand indefinitely
• an Australian citizen
• a New Zealand or Australian residence permit holder.

KiwiSaver is a valuable benefit that helps you secure your financial future with minimal effort. For more info, visit the official KiwiSaver website.

Access to publicly funded healthcare

Aotearoa has a universal public health system. It is one of the top 20 healthcare systems in the world, on a par with the United States and the United Kingdom. As a migrant, you may be eligible for publicly funded healthcare if:

• You hold a residence visa or
• You have a work visa valid for 2 years or more 

You can check here if you are eligible for publicly funded health care. 

Accessing primary medical care

Primary care is the health care that you receive in your local community. Primary health care covers a broad range of health and preventative services, including health education, counselling, disease prevention and screening. Visits to community clinics cost less if you are enrolled as a patient prior to appointments; so be sure to enrol with a primary care provider. You can search for a doctor near you on Healthline, or freephone Healthline on 0800 611 116. 

Be sure to check your and your family's access to free health care and health insurance.

Dental care

General dental care for people over 18 years is not funded by the government in New Zealand. However, basic dental care for eligible school children is free up to 18 years of age, and Te Whatu Ora provides oral health services at many schools across the country with permanent clinics or mobile dental units.

Dentists can be found all over the country, visit the Healthline website for more.

Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)

Here in Aotearoa, we fund healthcare differently. The Accident Compensation Corporation provides comprehensive, no-fault personal injury cover for New Zealanders and visitors. ACC is funded by the government and the NZ public.

As a clinician, you can lodge claims on behalf of your patients. You must check with your manager about how to lodge a claim in Te Whatu Ora. ACC provides general information about the scheme for clinicians. ACC provides a series of options for clinicians to learn more about the scheme, and claims via online learning and foundational webinars.

Cole’s Medical Practice in NZ gives practical advice to doctors in New Zealand (whether international or NZ medical graduates). The Goodfellow unit has resources about certifying work capacity after injury.

Mental health 

There are a variety of helplines available. Visit the Family Services Directory for more mental health support providers. If you need urgent help, free call or text 1737. 

Depression Helpline

Freephone 0800 111 757 or free text 4242 to talk to a trained counsellor.

Alcohol Drug 24/7 Helpline

Freephone 0800 787 797 

Access public health messages

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora's Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram

The Ministry of Health's Facebook, Twitter

Ambulance and Fire

For emergencies, dial 111. 

Police

Dial 111 - for emergencies (if something is happening now or has just happened, or if you or someone’s safety is at risk). 

Dial 105 - for non-urgent things that you think the NZ Police should know.

Accident and Emergency services

All public hospitals have Accident and Emergency facilities. Primary care Accident and Emergency or local "A&Es" are available for after hour emergencies in most locations.  

National Crisis and National Emergency Management

The NZ government has established agencies to lead local teams to deal with disasters and other emergencies. Check out the Civil Defence website and sign up for emergency mobile alerts on Getready.co.nz to receive emergency notifications. 

Mental health 

There are a variety of helplines available. Visit the Family Services Directory for more mental health support providers. If you need urgent help, free call or text 1737. 

Depression Helpline

Freephone 0800 111 757 or free text 4242 to talk to a trained counsellor.

Alcohol Drug 24/7 Helpline

Freephone 0800 787 797  

Domestic violence help

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call the police on 111. You can call the Women's Refuge Crisis line: 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843. Read more here for a list of family violence service providers. 

Migrant centres and i-SITEs

Immigration NZ’s NZ Migrant Settlement and Integration Strategy supports recent migrants to make NZ their home. The New Zealand Newcomers Network helps new migrants make new connections.

i-SITE Visitor Information Centres can provide unbiased, local advice to get the most out of exploring our beautiful country. 

Finding a job – for the family

Recruitment agencies offer job search services or check if there is a job at Te Whatu Ora. Google search – recruitment agencies (insert town). Aotearoa has a number of websites for job seekers. Kiwi Health Jobs, TradeMe Jobs and Seek. A visa is required before people can be employed. 

Community participation – volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to meet people, make connections and give back to the community. There are various volunteering options to choose from based on your values and interests, and a vast number of community groups to get involved in Aotearoa.

Family support services

The Strengthening Families process connects a family who requires assistance with more than one agency or community service when a family needs help. All families need help from time to time. Find support wherever you are living in Aotearoa. Check out health pages for more links to health services.  

Domestic violence support

Domestic violence help can be accessed in Aotearoa. If you or someone is in immediate danger, call 111 and ask for the police. 

Counselling services

The NZ Association of Counsellors provides a list of qualified counsellors. Note that payment may be required.

Child abuse and Youth services

You can report suspected abuse to Oranga Tamariki. Oranga Tamariki (Ministry for Children) is a government department. If you need help, freephone 0508 326 459 or email contact@ot.govt.nz. 

If you or someone is in immediate danger, call POLICE on 111. KidsHealth provides a list of various helplines for individuals and families.

Services for people with disabilities

An acceptable standard of health is required whether moving to Aotearoa temporarily or as a resident. There are a variety of providers of services for people with disabilities. The Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People’s website contains useful links for people with disabilities. 

Public libraries

There is a network of public libraries across Aotearoa. You and your family are welcome to visit in person, or listen to and watch audio books online.

Public transport

Plan your journey whether traveling locally or around the country using the Waka Kotahi NZ Public Transport agency's journey planner. 

Rubbish Collection

Rubbish collection is managed by local authorities. Contact your local authority for refuse collection days.