New Zealand WORKINGRBROAD
VISAS
When it comes to living, working, holidaying or studying in New Zealand, unless you are a New Zealand Citizen or already hold an approproate visa, you will need to apply for a visa before travelling down under. The first port of call is the New Zealand Government’s Immigration Website as this outlines in full detail all the visa types available as well as the requirements for each.
If you are interested in working in New Zealand there are a number of options such as the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), this visa is for people who have skills, qualifications and experience New Zealand needs. You may also be eligible for the Work to Residence Visa in which you must also meet the skills required by New Zealand and have a job offer by an acredited New Zealand Employer.
If you are aged 18 – 30 it might be worth considering an New Zealand Working Holiday Visa which allows you to work in New Zealand for up to 12 months with the one employer unlike the Australian Working Holiday Visa were you can only work for up to 6 months with one employer.
It might also be worth checking out when the next Working Abroad Expo is taking place as Immigration New Zealand regularly present seminars at this exhibition.
JOBS
Working Holiday Makers
If you’re under 30 years of age and planning to travel to New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa, it is strongly recommended that you try and secure employment before arriving in New Zealand. Many employers will be slow to offer you a gauranteed job until you arrive so it’s best to line up at least 10 interviews for when you arrive. Make sure you bring an updated CV and any documentation relating to your qualifications. Visit Seek.co.nz to find job opportunities that might be suitable.
Employment General
The Working Abroad Job Board is regularly being updated with jobs from employers and recruiters in New Zealand, while the Working Abroad Expo always has plenty of employers and recruiters who can advise you on sponsorship and employment opportunities. It might also be worth checking out Seek.co.nz which is New Zealand’s largest online job website and covers a wide range of job opportunities.
MOVING
Moving house or apartment is difficult at the best of times without the added complication of being in another country. Renting before buying is always recommended as you will obviousy need to find your feet before making such a substantial financial commitment.
Accommodation:
Where you end up living will ultimately depend on the proximity to your place of work and obviously what you can afford. Properties come furnished and unfurnished with companies such as the Quest Serviced Apartments offering a great range of apartments across New Zealand which are ideal for when you first arrive and you are only finding your feet. Other websites worth checking out are StayinNz.com as well as Realestate.co.nz.
Shipping
If you’ve decided to bring your household goods with you to New Zealand you’ll need to arrange for international shipping. Household goods are transported around the world by various means, depending on the quantity of goods for shipment, urgency of delivery, topography en route and cost considerations. Depending on the quantity and your deadlines, the most cost effective means is by Sea however is does take significantly longer than Air Freight. There are advantages for both and you will need to decide which best suits you based on cost, how much stuff you have, when you would like your household items to arrive etc. Air Freight can be a cost effective way of transporting goods. It has the advantage of speed of delivery, which may be a good option if you have already arranged permanent accommodation. It may be the best option if you are moving to a land locked country or inland areas. Sea Freight usually involves either a full container, if you have a lot of items or Groupage if you don’t have enough to fill a full container.
Using a full container usually involves the shipping company coming to your home and loading the container there and then as long as there is sufficient access. There is also the option of your container being customs checked in front of you, giving the assurance that what is in your container after it leaves your sight is only what you will receive at the other end.
However, if you don’t have a lot of items to ship but still a considerable amount then you may choose a Groupage Option where the container is shared with other company clients that are shipping to the same destination.
MONEY
Between finding a job and securing your visa, transfering your money to New Zealand is probably the last thing on your mind.
Foreign Exchange
If you have large sums of money that you need to transfer to New Zealand dollars, from the sale of a house for instance, you will need to get the best exchange rate. Getting this right could be the difference between buying a new car or swimming pool without needing additional finance, such are the savings that could be made. Buying Foreign Exchange (FX) is one of the least considered aspects of moving overseas and is often left till the last minute. You can exchange your money for New Zealand Dollars in one of two ways – by using a high street bank or through a specialist foreign exchange broker. Specialist brokers trade in foreign currency everyday and are able to advise you on trends and buy/sell patterns. Companies who offer this service include ASB Bank, Halo Financial, Moneycorp & HiFX.
New Zealand Bank Account
One of the biggest banks in New Zealand is the ASB Bank who have a branch in London as well as throughout New Zealand. They can set up your New Zealand Bank Account before you leave, transfer your funds at a very cost effective rate and have your money ready for you in your new account when you arrive in New Zealand.
Income Tax
The New Zealand Tax Year runs from April to March each year. Tax is deducted on a pay as you earn basis (PAYE) basis in respect of income from employment. The basic rates of income tax are progressive and the various rates are available from the Inland Revenue website. Self employed individuals and contract workers are generally responsible for their own tax affairs and generally subject to provisional tax and in some instances, withholding tax obligations. The Inland Revenue are responsible for tax collection in New Zealand and it is strongly recommended that you visit their website.
NEWS
In response to the earthquake in Christchurch in 2010 and 2011 The Canterbury Employment and Skills Board (CESB), has been established. As recently as this September 2011, the CESB has announced there will be thousands of jobs created in Canterbury over coming months. CESB spokesperson Carl Davidson says “not only will these jobs be in the trade and hospitality industries as expected, but also across professional and highly skilled sectors”. “CESB was established with the objective of gaining a thorough understanding of the labour market demands and priorities following the Canterbury earthquakes, and to develop an appropriate response to these,” says Davidson. “The key function of the CESB is to bring together the supply and demand sides of the local labour market and to influence the immediate recovery, rebuild and long-term recovery plan for the Canterbury economy by ensuring that the right skills are available in the right number at the right time”. Encouragingly for job seekers, according to Canterbury Development Corporation (CDC) Workforce Strategy Manager, Simon Worthington “those serious about finding a job in Canterbury will not have an issue in the post-earthquake environment”. Source CESB Website.
