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WE CONGRATULATE YOU ON YOUR DECISION

TO CONSIDER A NEW LIFE IN NEW ZEALAND

INTRODUCTION



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

means getting used to new ways of doing things - even if your

language and culture seem to be the same.

However the aspect of migration that new migrants often missis 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.

01" . . .MIGRAT ION IS

MORE THAN

A HOL IDAY. . . "



We can do this through the NZNOW website while you are

off-shore. Then on arrival in New Zealand you will receive a copyof 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

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 theydecide to stay and look for support.

The SSNZ initiative provides a clear first point of contact for

new migrants throughout New Zealand. Being locally situatedand 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.

02

A typical progression of the successful Settlement Journey

Settlement Stages

high

low

6 15

MOOD

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.

Immigration New Zealand

September 2009

03



01 THE TREATY OFWAITANGIAN 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!

HE MIHIMIHI

Nau mai e rea, e nga- mana, e nga- tini ma-ta- waka kua u- mai nei

ki te whenua e hora nei te wha-riki mo-u a Aotearoa New Zealand.

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

mai ra.

No- reira, wha-ia kia mau ki nga- morimoritanga kua waihotia

ake hei huarahi mo- Aotearoa New Zealand kei tua atu o a-po-po-.

Whakatau mai ra! Tukuna kia rere!

A PROVERB FOR NEW BEGINNINGS

SET THE OVERGROWN BUSH

AL IGHT , AND THE NEW FLAX

SHOOTS WILL SPRIN G UP.

HE WHAKATAUAKI-

TUNGIA TE U RURUA KIA

TUPU WHAKARITORITO TE

TUPU O TE HARAKEKE .

Opposite: An extract of

signatures from the Treaty

of Waitangi.

01



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 andway of life

• maintains Ma-ori as the ancestral people of Aotearoa

(the Ma-ori name for New Zealand).

WHO ARE MA-ORI?

Ma-ori are a tribal people indigenous to Aotearoa New Zealandand 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.

The first Government Settlement

on the Waitemata River,

1st October 1840.

[Unsigned, Dr John Johnson

1794-1848].

Iwi Tribe

Wha-nauFamily

Wha-nauFamily

Wha-nauFamily

Hapu-Subtribe

Hapu-Subtribe

Hapu-Subtribe

Waka

Ancestral Canoe

02



THE TREATY OF WAITANGI AND

IMMIGRATION IN 1840

The Treaty is recognised as the first immigration agreement

between Ma-ori and Pa -keha - (European settlers). The Treaty originally

allowed settlers to emigrate peacefully to New Zealand under the

British flag.

The Treaty was important, firstly, to control the thousands

of future emigrants to Aotearoa New Zealand, and secondly,

to protect the rights of Ma-ori people. The benefits to both parties

were clear – settlement rights for Pa

-

keha

-

and the natural rightof the ta -ngata whenua (the people of the land) would be respected

and affirmed.

WHAT DOES THE TREATY SAY?

The Treaty of Waitangi was written in Ma-ori and English.

The Government has established three main points:

• 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.

“BUT THEN WE MUST NOT

FORGET THAT THE TREATYIS NOT JUST A BILL OF RIGHTS

FOR MA-ORI . I T I S A B ILL OF

RIGHTS FOR PA-KEHA

-TOO.

I T I S THE TREATY THA T G IVES

PA-KEHA

-THE RIGHT TO BE

HERE. WITHOUT THE TREATY ,

THERE WOULD BE NO LAWFUL

AUTHORITY FOR THE PA-KEHA

-

PRESENCE IN TH IS PART

OF THE SOUTH PACIF IC . ”

CH IEF JUDGE EDDIE DUR IE .

03



Article The Third

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

and privileges of British subjects.

W. Hobson

Consul and Lieutenant-Governor

Now, therefore, we the Chiefs of the Confederation of the United Tribes of

New Zealand, being assembled in congress at Victoria, in Waitangi, and we

the separate and Independent Chiefs of New Zealand, claiming authority

over the Tribes and territories which are specified after our respective names,

having being made fully to understand the provisions of the foregoing Treaty,accept and enter into the same in the full spirit and meaning thereof; in witness

of which we have attached our signatures or marks at the places and the

dates respectively specified.

THE TREATY OF WAITANGI TEXT

THE OFFIC IAL ENGLISH VERS ION

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

enjoyment of peace and good order, has deemed it necessary in consequence

of the great number of Her Majesty’s subjects who have already settled in

New Zealand, and the rapid extension of emigration both from Europe and

Australia which is still in progress, to constitute and appoint a functionary

properly authorised to treat with the Aborigines of New Zealand for the recognition

of Her Majesty’s sovereign authority over the whole or any part of those islands.

Her Majesty, therefore, being desirous to establish a set tled form of Civil

Government with a view to avert the evil consequences which must result from

the absence of the necessary laws and institutions, alike to the native population

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

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.

04



THE MA-ORI VERSION

Preamble to the Treaty of Waitangi

Ko Wikitoria, te Kuini o Ingarangi i tana mahara atawhai ki nga Rangatira menga Hapu-, o Nu Tirani, i tana hiahia, hoki kia tohungia ki a ratou rangatiratanga,

me to ratou whenua, a kia mau tonu hoki te Rongo ki a ratou me te ata noho

hoki kau wakaaro ia he mea tike kia tukua mai tetahi Rangatira hei kai wakarite

ki nga tangata Ma-ori o Nu Tirini. Kia wakaaetia e nga Rangatira Ma-ori te

Kawanatanga o te Kuini ki nga wahi katoa o te wenua hei me nga motu.

Na te mea hoki he tokomaha ke nga tangata o tona iwi kua noho ki tenei wenua,

a e mai nei.

Na, ko te Kuini e hiahia ana kia wakaritea te Kawanatanga, kia kaua ai nga

kino e puta mai ki te tangata Ma-ori ki te Pa-keha- e noho enoho ture kore ana.

Na, kau pai te Kuini kia tukua a hau, a Wiremu Hopihona, he Kapitana i te

Roiara Nawi, hei Kawana mo nga wahi katoa o Nu Tirini, e tukua aianei amua

atu ki te Kuini e mea atu ana ia ki nga Rangatira o te Wakaminenga o nga Hapu-

o Nu Tirini me era Rangatira atu enei ture ka korerotia nei.

Ko Te Tuatahi

Ko nga Rangatira o te Wakaminenga, me nga Rangatira katoa hoki, kihai i uru

ki taua Wakaminenga, ka tuku rawa atu ki te Kuini o Ingarangi ake tonu atu te

Kawanatanga katoa o ratou wenua.

Ko Te Tuarua

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 paiai 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.

Ka tiakina e te Kuini o Ingarangi nga tangata Ma-ori katoa o Nu Tirani. Ka tukua

ki a ratou nga tikanga katoa rite tahi ki ana mea ki nga tangata o Ingarangi.

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.

A reconstruction

of the signing of the

Treaty at Waitangi

in the Bay of Islands.

Leonard C. Mitchell,

1901-1971.

TRANSLATION

TRANSLATION OF THE MA

-

ORI VERSION(THE ARTICLES ONLY) ,BY PROFESSOR S IR HUGH KAWHARU

The First

The Chiefs of the Confederation and all the Chiefs who have not joined that

Confederation give absolutely to the Queen of England for ever the complete

government over their land.

The Second

The Queen of England agrees to protect the Chiefs, the Subtribes and all the

people of New Zealand in the unqualified exercise of their chieftainship over

their lands, villages and all their treasures. But on the other hand, the Chiefs

of the Confederation and all the Chiefs will sell land to the Queen at a priceagreed to by the person owning it and by the person buying it (the latter being)

appointed by the Queen as her purchase agent.

The Third

For this agreed arrangement therefore, concerning the Government of the Queen,

the Queen of England will protect all the ordinary people of New Zealand

(ie, the Ma-ori) and will give them the same rights and duties of citizenship

as the people of England.

A carving from the Waitangi

Meeting house.

05



THE TREATY OF WAITANGI TODAY

The New Zealand Government has been responsible for allimmigration 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 toorganise 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

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 ANDIMMIGRATION 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 beuseful 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.

“TODAY WE ARE STRON G

ENOUGH AND HONEST ENOUGH

TO LEARN THE LESSON OF THE

LAST 150 YEARS , AND TO

ADMIT THAT THE TREATY HAS

BEEN IMPERFECTLY OBSERVED.

I LOOK UPON I T ASA LEGACY OF PROMISE . ”

QUEEN ELIZABETH I I

(TREATY OF WAITANGI CELEBRATIONS, 1990)

06



THE TREATY AND EMPLOYMENT

When looking for work, you may (in addition to relevant experienceand 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.

In most cases, showing some regard for the Treaty relationship

in employment is encouraged.

THE TREATY AND EDUCATION

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,

culture, and its values in the education system.

Kaiako me nga- tamariki

(teacher and children)

from a local Ko-hanga Reo

(Ma-ori preschool).

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.

07



OTHER TREATY AND MA-ORI RESOURCES

• New Zealand/Ma-ori history

To view Ma-ori treasures (taonga) and learn more of Ma-ori

culture and history, visit New Zealand’s national museum,

Te Papa Tongarewa/Our Place, in Wellington.

Visit: www.tepapa.govt.nz

• Ma-ori claims

Contact The Waitangi Tribunal Information Service

for the latest information on Treaty claims.

Visit: www.waitangi-tribunal.govt.nz

• Ma-ori and Government

Contact Te Puni Ko-kiri (Ministry of Ma-ori Development)

for the latest information on Ma-ori issues.

Visit: www.tpk.govt.nz

WHAT CAN I DO TO LEARN MORE?

To help you settle into Aotearoa New Zealand, it would be goodfor you to be aware of/have an understanding of the following:

• the Ma-ori language

• Ma-ori protocol

• Ma-ori culture and customs

• the Treaty and partnership.

To find out more you can contact the following organisations,

or visit the websites listed.

The following websites are worth visiting if you require further

information on the Treaty of Waitangi and the past and present

history of Aotearoa New Zealand:

www.govt.nz

Official government portal; provides comprehensive information

on Ma -ori culture, history and society.

www.tpk.govt.nz

Run by the Ministry of Ma -ori Development provides comprehensive

information on Ma -ori issues.

www.natlib.govt.nz

Information on the Ma -ori holdings in New Zealand’s national library.

www.tepapa.govt.nz

Information on the Ma -ori treasures held in the national museum,

Te Papa.

www.archives.govt.nz

Information on the Ma -ori holdings in New Zealand’s national

archives.

www.nzhistory.net.nz

Popular guide to New Zealand history and culture.

www.waitangi.net.nz

Specialist site dealing with the Treaty of Waitangi.

www.teara.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.

08



GLOSSARY OF MA-ORI NAMES

Akaroa Long harbourAotearoa Long white cloud (Ma-ori name for New Zealand)

Hokianga Returning

Kaiko-ura To eat crayfish

Kaita-ia (Kaitata-ia) Food thrown about

Kapiti Crevice, joining

Kawhia (Kaawhiawhi) To perform a ceremony

Ko-hanga Reo Ma-ori preschool

Kupe The great Polynesian navigator who

discovered Aotearoa

Kura Kaupapa Ma-ori secondary school

Mana Strength, prestige, power

Manawatu- Heart stood stillManukau Wading bird

Ma-ori Indigenous person of Aotearoa

Motunga-rara Insect or lizard island

O-po-tiki The place of Potiki

Otago Correctly: Otakou – the place of red earth or ochre

O-taki To stick in

(the place where the staff was stuck in the ground)

Paihia Good here (partial transliteration)

Pa-keha- White person

Rangitoto Blood sky

Rotorua (The) second lake

Ruapuke Two hills

Ta-maki Battle

Tauranga Sheltered anchorage

Te Herenga Waka The hitching post of the canoes

Te Kaha The rope (or boundary line)

Te Papa Tongarewa The Treasure Box (Our Place, The National Museum)

Te Puni Ko-kiri The group moving forward

(the Ministry of Ma-ori Development)

Tokomaru An ancestral canoe, or a staff shelter

Waiapu Swallowing water

Waikanae Water, mullet (the glistening of the mullet)

Waikato Flowing waterWaimate Stagnant water

Waitangi Weeping water

Wanganui (properly: Whanganui) Big harbour

Whakarewarewa To prepare for war

Whakata-ne To act like a man

GLOSSARY OF MA-ORI WORDS

Hapu-

subtribeHarakeke flax bush

He a, or one (pending sentence structure), or some (plural)

Hongi to press noses, a formal greeting

Iwi tribal people

Kaiako teacher

Kaupapa subject, topic

Kia let, so that, until = pending sentence structure

Ko-hanga learning nest

Ko-kiri to charge forward

Kura school, college

Marae a Ma-ori communal facility

(generally consisting of a meeting house, dining halland kitchen)

Me and

Mihimihi greeting

Nga- the (plural)

O of

Papa formally recognised as ‘Papatuanuku’ –

earth mother

Puni camp

Rangatira high-ranking person

Reo language

Tamariki children

Ta-ngata whenua (local) people of the land

Te the (singular)

Tiriti treaty

Tongarewa transluscent greenstone, pounamu

Tu-ngia to set alight

Tupu develop

Ururua overgrown bush

Waka canoe, vessel

Wa-nanga university

Whakamutunga finish

Whakataukı- proverb

Whakaritorito heart of the plantWha-nau family

Whare house

09



02 FIRST STEPSKEY THINGS TO CONSIDER AT THE

BEGINNING OF YOUR SETTLEMENT

JOURNEY



FIRST STEPS

MOVING TO ANOTHER

COUNTRY IS A COMPLEX

VENTURE THAT REQUIRES

PLENTY OF ADVANCEPLANNING.

THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU LEAVEFOR 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:

• birth certificates

• marriage certificates

• academic qualifications

• references from previous employers

• curriculum vitae

• 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.

01



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

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: [email protected]

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

02



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. Taxishave 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

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.

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

03



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

in New Zealand you can expect to be offered an EFTPOS card.

Bank fees

Banks charge a fee for transactions, including ATM transactions,

cheques and savings withdrawals. Fees can vary between banksand the type of bank account. However, since 2008 many banks

have begun reviewing and reducing fees or removing them

altogether. It is worth checking fee structures before deciding on

a banking service provider.

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.

“ATT ITUDE IS IM PORTANT.

95% OF K IWIS ARE HARD-

WORKING, STRAIGHT-TALKING

PEOPLE . YOU HAVE TO LEARN

TO DO THINGS YOURSELF HERE.”

IND IAN MIGRANT AND BUSINESS

PROFESSOR, KAMAL GHOSE .

05



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, citytraffic 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 –

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 cantravel. 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, thisincludes 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.

06



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

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.

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

Copies can also be purchased from most bookshops

and stationery outlets.

07



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

Ma-ori 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.

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 isresponsible for maintaining the walking tracks and huts in the

National Parks.

www.newzealandnz.co.nz

A general tourism website. National Parks are listed under

‘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.

08



Sport

New Zealand’s outdoor lifestyle and natural resources have fostered

a nation of active sportspeople who compete regularly at an

international level. Extensive networks exist to encourage

participation. For more information visit www.sparc.govt.nz

Wine and food

New Zealand has world-class wines, and a distinctive Pacific Rim

cuisine that combines Asian and European influences, using the

best local produce. High quality wine and food are not just the

preserve of the wealthy but are available to everyone. This is partly

a reflection of New Zealand’s lack of a traditional class system, and

the fact that the cost of eating out is low by international standards.

Most New Zealanders eat out regularly and the restaurant trade

has boomed in recent years. There are, for example, over 300

restaurants and cafes in central Wellington, which now has more

restaurants per capita than any city in the world.

first Europeans to set foot on New Zealand soil. Eventually, sealers

and whalers began to arrive, followed by Christian missionaries,

and the first European settlements were established.

In 1840, New Zealand was established as a colony under the

British Crown, when the chiefs of most Ma-ori tribes and

representatives of the Crown signed the Treaty of Waitangi on

6 February 1840. This agreement is recognised as the founding

document of the nation.

The British connection remained an important part of New

Zealand culture, and Britain was often referred to as ‘home’. Just

over 100,000 New Zealanders fought with the Allied Forces inWorld War I. New Zealand also made a significant contribution

during World War II, with nearly 10% of the population serving

overseas. After the war, New Zealand’s agricultural products were

in demand and the 1950s saw prosperity, full employment and

considerable industrial growth.

For more information on New Zealand history go to

The Encyclopedia of New Zealand , www.teara.govt.nz What is a Kiwi?

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

09



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 seekexpert advice well before arriving in New Zealand.

For taxation agreements, see Government p 18.

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

receive a ceremonial welcome. The ceremony will differ according

to the kawa (protocol) of the iwi .

LanguagesEnglish

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.

10



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.

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.

“WHAT WE REALLY L IKE IS

THAT EVERYTHING ISREASONABLY CLOSE TO WHERE

WE LIVE AND WORK. IT ’S EASY

TO GET ABOUT THE C ITY AND

SUBURBS , UNL IKE MUMBAI .

WE LOVE WELL INGTON,

IT ’S JUST R IGHT FOR US .”

IND IAN MIGRANTS ,

VENA AND MAHENDER PALIWAL.

11



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 remarksabout 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

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 toblow 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.12



LIFE AND LEISURE

SportsNew 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 wildshellfish, 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,

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

13



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

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 oftencombined 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.

14



The National Anthem

New Zealand’s National Anthem is sung at many formal and

sporting occasions. Normally, only the first verse is sung, first in

Maori, then in English.

Ma-ori

E Ihoa, Atua

O nga Iwi Matou ra.

Ata whakarongo na,

Me aroha noa.

Kia hua ko te pai

Kia tau to atawhai.

Manaakitia mai,Aotearoa.

Ona mano tangata

Kiri whero, kiri ma,

Iwi Maori Pakeha,

Rupeke katoa,

Nei ka tono ko nga he

Mau e whakaahu ke.

Kia ora marire,

Aotearoa.

English

God of Nations! At thy feetIn the bonds of love we meet.

Hear our voices we entreat,

God defend our free land.

Guard Pacific’s triple star

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.

Holidays

New Zealand celebrates 11 public holidays a year, on days of

national, religious or cultural significance. The public holidays are:

1. Christmas Day 25 December

2. Boxing Day 26 December

3. New Year ’s Day 1 January

4. 2 January 2 January

5. Waitangi Day 6 February

marking the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi

6. Good Friday the Friday before Easter, which usually falls

in late March or early April

7. Easter Monday the Monday after Easter

8. Anzac Day 25 April

a national day of remembrance that honours

the nation’s war dead

9. Queen’s Birthday the Monday after the first weekend in June

10. Labour Day the last Monday in October

celebrating the introduction of the eight-hour

working day

11. Anniversary Day The Anniversary Day of each province – dates

vary from province to province.

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

first four days happens to fall on a weekend when most people

do not work, the holiday itself still occurs on that day, but the

legal entitlement to a day off work is transferred to the next

Monday or Tuesday.

15



Television

New Zealand is currently in transition from analogue to digital

TV transmission.

There are thirteen free-to-air television channels, but to view

all of them you need a digital TV receiver.

A consortium of national media operators has created a digital

transmission network called Freeview that is now being adopted

in most New Zealand households.

Most new TV’s now sold in New Zealand include a Freeview

receiver - or a separate Freeview box can be purchased to receive

the digital signal and convert it.

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

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

Radio

New Zealand has the most radio stations per capita in the world.

More than 200 private stations and two public networks that

provide national coverage through repeaters across the country.

Some larger private operators also network their programmes.

A good representative sample can be sampled before your arrival

at www.nzradioguide.co.nz where live internet streaming of over

80 NZ stations is available.

Information and some streamed content from the two public

networks, Radio New Zealand National, and Radio New Zealand

Concert, can be found at www.radionz.co.nz

16



PRACTICAL MATTERS

Your rightsNew 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.

Free help and advice

Citizens Advice Bureau

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

Consumer rightsNew 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.

17



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 availabilityvaries 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

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 isadvisable 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.

18



Maintenance and home help

New Zealand families do not have full-time servants, gardeners

or cooks, but a small number hire ‘home help’ – usually anindividual 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 certainprice. 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-purchaseinspection 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

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

19



LEGAL MATTERS

MarriagesThe 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

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 Associationof 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.

20



APPENDIX: TYPICAL COSTS AND PRICES

Prices of groceries and electrical goodsRepresentative weekly shop for a four person family

Navel Oranges 1 kg $1.98

Braeburn Apples 1.5 kg $2.95

Bananas 1 kg $2.95

Carrots 1 kg $1.45

Lettuce 1 head $3.69

Cauliflower 1 head $2.98

Potatoes 10 kg $9.97

Flour 1.5 kg $2.69

Sugar 1.5 kg $2.72

Pasta (spaghetti) 500 g $1.09Rice 1 kg $2.99

Sliced wholemeal bread 1 loaf $3.50

Butter (semi-soft) 500 g $2.89

Margarine 500 g $2.50

Eggs size 6 12 $2.75

Honey 500 $3.59

Milk 2 L $3.09

Cheese 1 kg $9.89

Canned baked beans 420 g $1.15

Cereal 750 g $4.89

Potato chips (crisps) 150 g $1.50

Biscuits (plain) 250 g $2.60Water crackers 125 g $1.39

Instant coffee 100 g $6.99

Vacuum packed ground coffee 200 g $4.99

Apple juice 3 L $6.30

Beer (330ml bottles) 12 pack $22.99

Wine 750 ml $12.99

Premium beef mince 1 kg $16.99

Steak, scotch fillet 500 g $13.49

Fresh fish fillets, tarakihi 1 kg $23.99

Frozen fish, hoki 360 g $6.79

Lamb chops 1 kg $16.99

Pork chops 6 pack $20.70Pork Sausages 1 kg $13.49

Olive oil 1 L $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 3 L $3.49

Cat biscuits 1 kg $4.23

Rubbish bags 5 pack $2.29

Toothpaste 120 g $3.31

Tea bags 100 $3.49

Soft drink 2.25 L $2.87

Total $278.43

Source: Mainstream NZ supermarket, September 2009

Prices of electrical goods

Typical home PC

Pavillion dv6-1203AX Notebook computer AMD Athlon X2

Dual-Core Processor, 2GB RAM, 250 GB HDD, 15.6 inch display,

WIndows Vista Home Premium $1,399.00

5 kg washing machine $669.99

Vacuum cleaner $199.99

Hair dryer $49.99

Double dishdraw dishwasher $1399.99

6 kg clothes dryer $899.99

Phone with cord and caller ID $39.99

Mini HiFi stereo system $249.00

DVD player/recorder $399.00

42" Plasma television $1,598.00

DVD Home theatre $449.00

40" LCD television $2,599.99

Source: Mid-priced NZ Appliance Retailer. September 2009.

21



GOVERNMENT S ITES

www.civildefence.govt.nz

Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency ManagementInformation on how to prepare for earthquakes and other emergencies.

www.customs.govt.nz

New Zealand Customs Service

Information on all aspects of customs formalities and also what

cannot be brought into New Zealand with you, focusing particularly

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.

www.fish.govt.nz

Ministry of Fisheries

Information on sea fishing.

Freephone: 0800 478 537 (0800 4 RULES)

www.fishandgame.org.nz

Fish and Game New Zealand

Information on fresh water fishing and game hunting.

www.hrc.co.nz

Human Rights Commission

An independent agency responsible for investigating and

resolving complaints about discrimination and other human rights issues.

Freephone: 0800 496 877

www.ird.govt.nz

Inland Revenue

Information on taxes

Freephone: 0800 227 774 from within New Zealand, if calling from outside

New Zealand +64 4 978 0779

www.landtransport.govt.nz

Land Transport New Zealand

Allocates government funding for land transport and promotes land transport

safety. Website includes information on New Zealand’s land transport system,

driver licensing, road rules and private vehicle imports.

Driver Licensing: 0800 822 422

Road User Charges: 0800 655 644

Motor Vehicle Registration: 0800 108 809

www.maf.govt.nz

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

Comprehensive information on New Zealand’s agricultural, horticultural and

forestry industries.

www.quarantine.govt.nz

Information on bringing plants and animals into New Zealand.

GENERAL S ITES

www.aa.co.nz

New Zealand Automobile Association Inc.

Website provides prices of new cars in New Zealand.

The Association provides services ranging from travel advice, insurance and loans

to a 24 hour breakdown service for members.

Freephone: 0800 500 444

www.consumer.org.nz

Consumers Institute of New Zealand

For consumer advice and information about what constitutes misleading

advertising and unfair trading practices and what to do about it. Membership

fee required.

www.nzpost.co.nz

New Zealand Post

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.

To use the services of Kiwibank, visit: www.kiwibank.co.nz

www.watersafety.org.nz

Water Safety New Zealand

Raises awareness of water safety.

In an emergency, dial 111 – The operator will answer

and ask, "Which Service do you require?"

Fire, Ambulance or Police.

SSNZ

SSNZ (Settlement Support New Zealand) is a government funded initiative

that provides a local point of first contact for new migrants, in 18 locationsthroughout 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

23



NEWS S ITES

www.stuff.co.nz

www.nzherald.co.nz

TV S ITES

www.freeview.nz.tv

Digital TV options in New Zealand.

www.tvnz.co.nz

Television New Zealand

Owns TV One and TV Two, their website includes the weekly schedule

for both channels.

www.tv3.co.nz

TV Threewww.c4tv.co.nz

C4TV Music Channel

www.maoritelevision.com

Maori Television

www.primetv.co.nz

Prime TV

www.skytv.co.nz

Sky TV

Pay TV channel.

www.telstraclear.co.nzTelstraClear offers pay TV on cable.

WEB LIST INGS 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

TRANSPORT S ITES

Auckland: www.maxx.co.nz

Timetables and fares for bus, train or ferry services in the Auckland region.Phone: 09 366 6400

Text: 3666

Hamilton: www.ew.govt.nz

Timetables and fares of bus services both within Hamilton city

and the Waikato region.

Freephone: 0800 4287 5463 (0800 4 BUSLINE)

Wellington: www.metlink.org.nz

Access bus and train timetables and fares.

Freephone: 0800 801 700

Christchurch: www.metroinfo.org.nz

Bus timetables.

Phone: (03) 66 88 55

Dunedin: www.orc.govt.nz

Bus timetables and fares.

Freephone: 0800 474 082

BANK S ITES

www.anz.com

www.asbbank.co.nz

www.bnz.co.nz

www.kiwibank.co.nz

www.nationalbank.co.nzwww.tsb.co.nz

www.westpac.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.

24



03 INTRODUCINGSSNZA GUIDE TO THE SSNZ (SETTLEMENT

SUPPORT NEW ZEALAND) NATIONAL

NETWORK, CONNECTING NEW MIGRANTS

TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES.



BECAUSE MIGRATION IS MORE

THAN A HOLIDAY



“THERE IS A UNIQUE

TOLERANCE IN NEW ZEALAND

SOC IETY – A GENUINE LACK

OF PREJUDICE AND A

WILL INGNESS TO JUDGE

PEOPLE ON THEIR MERIT . ”

BULGARIAN MIGRANT, POET AND NOVELIST ,

KAPKA KASSABOVA.

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.

THAN A HOLIDAY

“Phone a friend”

One sure way you know you’re at home is, if you have a question,

the first thing you do is phone a friend. This can be less

successful when those friends are several oceans away.

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

01



INTRODUCING SSNZ

Funded by the Government through the Department of Labour,Settlement Support New Zealand (SSNZ) currently has coordinators

based in eighteen of New Zealand’s most popular migrant

destinations.

Settlement Support New Zealand recognises that newcomers

are from a variety of backgrounds and have a range of different

concerns and questions about living in New Zealand. Connecting

migrants with the information and services they need to settle

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

language, Settlement Support New Zealand will help with answers

to your questions.

LOOK FOR THE LOGO

All you will need to do is look out for the Settlement SupportNew Zealand brand in community and local government agencies,

over the Internet or in newspapers and other publications that

are available in your neighbourhood. The brand can only be used

by approved agencies that are part of the national Settlement

Support New Zealand network. It indicates that the services and

information available meet recognised standards and are available

free-of–charge.

02



FINDING THE RIGHT INFORMATION

Whether it’s finding out who to contact locally about many basicservices 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.

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.

CLEAR POINT-OF-CONTACT

If you are moving into an area supported by the 18 SettlementSupport 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.

03



A NATIONAL NETWORK

Settlement Support New Zealand operates in 18 locations around

New Zealand:

• Whangarei

• North Shore

• Waitakere

• Auckland City

• Manukau

• Tauranga

• Hamilton

• Rotorua/Taupo

• Hastings/Napier

• New Plymouth

• Palmerston North

• Porirua

• Hutt Valley

• Wellington City

• Nelson/Tasman

• Christchurch• Dunedin

• Invercargill

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.

• Go to: www.ssnz.govt.nz

SETTLEMENT SUPPORT CONTACTS

Wellington

Christchurch

Dunedin

Auckland

Palmerston North

North ShoreWaitakere

Manukau

New Plymouth

Nelson/Tasman

Invercargill

Whangarei

Tauranga

Rotorua/Taupo

Hastings/Napier

PoriruaHutt

Hamilton

04



05



04HOUSINGEVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

ABOUT FINDING A HOME

IN NEW ZEALAND



RENTING A HOME



WHEN YOU ARRIVE IN NEW ZEALAND IT IS A GOOD

IDEA INITIALLY TO RENT A HOME WHILE YOU DECIDE

WHERE YOU WISH TO L IVE .

Since New Zealand has a high level of home ownership, the stock

of rental housing is less extensive than in most other developedcountries. Prices and quality vary and it is always advisable to

visit a property personally before signing a Tenancy Agreement

(also known as a lease). First appearances can be deceptive –

make sure you check the basics. Parts of New Zealand can be cold

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 usuallyhave to make a quick decision.

WHEN RENTING A HOME,

IT IS ALWAYS IMPORTANT

TO V IEW IT F IR ST ,AND CHECK EVERYTH ING

CAREFULLY BEFORE

SIGNING AN AGREEMENT. 01



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 aboutplaces 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.

“YOU CANNOT BE REFUSED

A RENTAL BECAUSE YOU

HAVE CHILDREN.”LEE CH ISHOLM – NORTHERN

REGIONAL MANAGER , TENANCY SERVICES .

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

Tauranga $240 $300

Rotorua $175 $230

Napier $220 $300

New Plymouth $220 $280

Palmerston North $180 $250Upper Hutt $187 $300

Lower Hutt $300 $360

Porirua $240 $280

Wellington City $330 $400

Nelson $235 $290

Christchurch $240 $300

Dunedin $220 $255

Invercargill $147 $140

New Zealand average $250 $300

Source: Tenancy Services, Department of Building and Housing

www.dbh.govt.nz

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

02



HOW TO READ A REAL ESTATE ADVERTISEMENT

A brief guide to common abbreviationsac air conditioning

alc alcove

BBO Buyer Budget Over

BEO Buyer Enquiry Over

bi built-in

bics built-in cupboards

bir built-in wardrobe

bt brick walls with tile roof

bv brick veneer

CBD Central Business District

cpds cupboards

ctl cement tile

CV Commercial Value

det detached

elf electric light fittings

elhws electric hot water service

ens en suite bathroomfib fibro cement

fitts fittings

fl covs floor coverings

f/furn fully furnished

f tld fully tiled

ghws gas hot water service

GV Government Valuation (same as QV)

ingr pl in-ground pool

k’ette kitchenette

ldr lounge dining room

l’fitt light fittings

lug lock-up garage

LV Land Value

neg negotiable

ofp open fireplace

oil/htr oil heater

ono or nearest offer

ophws off-peak hot water system

osp off-street car parking

oyo own your own

pa per annum

pmth per month

pol flr polished floor

posn position

pw per week

QV Quotable Valuation (same as GV)

rc reverse cycle

rend rendered

rf roof

row right of way

RV Rateable Value

sb solid brickshwr rcs shower recess

s’out sleep-out cabin

stca subject to council approval

tc tile terracotta tiles

tf timber frame

tld rf tiled roof

umr under main roof

ven blds venetian blinds

ver verandah

vp vacant possession

wb weatherboard

wi wrought iron

wi pant walk-in pantry

ww crpt wall-to-wall carpet

03



Real estate agents

Many real estate agents also deal in rental properties. Their

commission charges are due only once a rental contract iscompleted, 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.

If you think you have been discriminated against, contact either:

Tenancy Advice Line

Visit: www.dbh.govt.nz

Freephone: 0800 83 62 62 (0800 TENANCY)

The Human Rights Commission

Visit: www.hrc.co.nz

Freephone: 0800 496 877

A LANDLORD CANNOT

ENFORCE WHAT IS OUTS IDE

THE LAW AND TENANTS

CANNOT GIVE AWAY THE IR

LEGAL R IGHTS .

04



Bonds

Most landlords require tenants to pay a bond that is generally

equivalent to 2 or 4 weeks’ rent. Landlords cannot ask for morethan 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

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.

05



“ THE F IRST TH ING MIGRANT

TENANTS AND LANDLORDS

NEED TO KNOW IS THATNEW ZEALAND HAS A LAW

THAT APPL IES WHENEVER

A PERSON IS RENTING

A PLACE TO L IVE IN .

EVEN I F THERE ISN ’ T

A WRITTEN AGREEMENT,THE RULES ST IL L APPLY.”

LEE CHISHOLM, NORTHERN REGIONAL MANAGER,

TENANCY SERVICES .

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

• a list of chattels (eg. light fittings, curtains, oven,

and washing machine) provided by the landlord

• the date a fixed-term tenancy will end.

Optional conditions include:

• how many people can live on the premises• not attaching anything to the house or flat

• not subletting or giving the tenancy to someone else

• whether smoking is permitted

• whether an animal is permitted.

06



“WE CHOSE A CLASSIC

V ICTORIAN V IL LA – WE LOVE

THE WARMTH OF THE

NATIVE T IMBER F IN ISH .WE’VE ALWAYS MUCH

PREFERRED OLDER HOUSES

WITH CHARM AND STYLE . ”

CANADIAN MIGRANT, CAROLE WILLSON.



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 TenancyTribunal 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).

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.

09



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,

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

to order you to do the required cleaning/repairs, or for the tenancy

to be ended.

DISPUTESFirst, 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.

HELPFUL HINTS

The Department of Building and Housing publishes two freebooklets 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

10



12



LANDLORDS’ RIGHTS ANDRESPONSIBILITIES

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.

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

• 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.

12

BUYING A HOME



NEW ZEALANDERS ARE RENOWNED FOR BE ING

PASSIONATE ABOUT THEIR HOMES. THE LEVEL

OF INDIVIDUAL HOME OWNERSHIP IS AMONGST

THE HIGHEST IN THE WORLD .

Housing stocks are extensive and provide an unusual range of

opportunity for those seeking to match their home to a particular

lifestyle. Rural ‘lifestyle blocks’ comprising custom-built homes

with several acres of farmland are particularly popular. Most offer

easy access to the main urban centres. City housing ranges from

restored villas, dating from the early 1900s, to modern suburban

homes with large gardens, or ‘sections’ as they are termed in New

Zealand. Inner city apartments, featuring the latest in metropolitan

living, have also become a feature of the major cities.Most urban homes are stand-alone and built of wood. Although

many are insulated, most do not have central heating or double-

glazed windows. Most have open fires, wood burners, gas or

electrical heating.

Prices for homes in New Zealand vary considerably. A lot

depends on where they are located – homes in Auckland, for

example, are generally more expensive than homes in Wellington.

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.

Average Property Values

August 2009

Area Price

Whangarei $326,074

Auckland $502,022

Hamilton $339,298

Tauranga $412,320

Rotorua $272,609

New Plymouth $312,358

Napier $317,835

Hastings $299,502

Palmerston North $288,508

Wellington $421,615

Nelson $364,747

Christchurch $344,401Queenstown $582,258

Dunedin $254,619

Invercargill $208,551

Source: QV online (website: www.qv.co.nz)

13

A current snapshot of recent house values is available online at

www.qv.co.nz/onlinereports/propertyvaluemap.html

O hFINDING A HOME



Open homes

People who are selling their houses often hold ‘open homes’

at the weekend so you can visit the house without having to

make an appointment with the real estate agent. ‘Open homes’

are usually open for up to two hours – the times are advertised

in the local paper and weekly real estate publications.

A real estate agent, not the owner, will be at the house during

the ‘open home’.

FINDING A HOME

Take time to look around and become familiar with the market.

As a new migrant, you may wish to purchase a home immediately,

because you feel this will help you and your family feel more

settled. Although this is understandable, do not let the urge to

settle or any sales pressure unduly hasten your decision. Buying

a home is an important decision and should not be taken lightly.

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 Saturdayeditions 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

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.

14



“WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO

BU ILD OUR DREAMS HERE . ”

S INGAPOREAN MIGRANTS ,

ENG AND L INA YEO.

BORROWING MONEY THE SALE PROCESS



BORROWING MONEY

Banks and financial services organisations offer a wide range of

mortgage options and combinations. Bank processing is efficient

and mortgage finance can be arranged within as little as 24 hours.

The rate of payment and value of your mortgage is dependent on

your financial circumstances. However, mortgages are usually

capped at 95% of the property’s sale price. The mortgage market

is highly competitive and it is well worth shopping around for

the best deal.

A good place to start is: www.realestate.co.nz which provides

an up-to-date survey of mortgage interest rates and access toa handy Mortgage Calculator .

RATING VALUATIONS

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.

THE SALE PROCESS

Since property law varies from country to country, it is often

advisable for migrants to use an experienced licensed conveyancer

or property lawyer. Services generally include:

• helping you negotiate the purchase and the price with

the current owners

• a ‘title search’ (to make sure there are no legal problems

with the property)

• checking the contract

• advising you of any tax factors that may affect you

• drawing up the documents to transfer ownership

• arranging the settlement

• letting you know your rights.

16

MAKING AN OFFER The conditions may include:



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’.

e co d t o s ay c ude

• 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 10working 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

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.

17



EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

ABOUT THE HEALTH SYSTEM

IN NEW ZEALAND

05HEALTH



HEALTH



NEW ZEALAND’S PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM IS GOOD

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 costlyservices, such as hospital treatment are, with minor exceptions,

available free to all residents.UNDER NEW ZEALAND’S

PUBL IC HEALTH SYSTEM,

ALL ESSENT IAL HOSP ITAL

TREATMENT IS FREE

TO ALL RES IDENTS .

01

PUBLICLY FUNDED HEALTH SERVICES INCLUDE:



• FREE PUBLIC HOSPITAL TREATMENT

• FREE TREATMENT AT PUBLIC HOSPITAL 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 OSTEOPATHS WHEN REFERRED

BY A GP FOR AN ACCIDENT CASE

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

• NO CHARGE FOR MOST LABORATORY TESTS AND X-RAYS, EXCEPT AT PRIVA TELY OPERATED CLINICS

• NO CHARGE FOR HEALTH CARE DURING PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH, UNLESS PROVIDED BY THE PRIVATE MEDICAL SECTOR

• NO CHARGE FOR GP REFERRALS TO A PUBLIC HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT

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

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

02

YOUR FIRST POINT OF CONTACT WIT H THE HEALTH SYSTEM WILL PROBABLY BE YOUR GP (GENERAL PRACTIT IONER),

ALSO KNOWN AS YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR. NEW ZEALAND HAS ABOUT 3, 200 GPs . THESE ARE LOCATED IN ALMOST



Costs

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

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.

ALSO KNOWN AS YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR. NEW ZEALAND HAS ABOUT 3 , 200 GPs . THESE ARE LOCATED IN ALMOST

EVERY CITY , SUBURB AND TOWN THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY. LOCAL GPs ARE L ISTED IN THE FRONT OF THE

TELEPHONE WHITE PAGES , UNDER ‘REGISTERED MEDICAL PRACTIT IONERS & MEDICAL CENTRES ’ .

GENERAL PRACTITIONERS

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 youduring 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.

03

SPECIALISTS AND PRIVATE

HEALTH SERVICES

WHERE TO FIND HEALTH SERVICES

General Practitioners (family doctors) Specialists After Hours



Should you require specialist medical care, you will need a ‘referral’

from your GP. If you prefer a private specialist you (or your insurer)

will be required to pay all fees.

The public health system is free, but you may be put on a

waiting list depending on the status of your condition relative

to other patients.

HOSPITALS

New Zealand has 40 public hospitals, including some withspecialised facilities for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Free comprehensive service

With minor exceptions, such as some kinds of cosmetic surgery,

hospital treatment is provided free of charge. Nobody can be refused

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.

General Practitioners (family doctors), Specialists, After Hours

and other Medical Centres are listed in the front section

of the White Pages under ‘Registered Medical Practitioners

& Medical Centres’.

Public and Private Hospitals, Residential Care Centres, After

Hours Pharmacists, Registered Nurses and Midwives and

Specialist Clinics are listed in the front section of the White

Pages under ‘Hospitals & other health service providers’.

Physiotherapists, Dentists, Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Opticians,

Pharmacists and Natural Therapists are listed under their

respective sections in the Yellow Pages .

Healthline

For free health advice and reference to local health services:

Freephone: 0800 611 116 – 24 hours, seven days a week.

04

MATERNITY CARE

The care needed during pregnancy and childbirth is free This

“HERE PATIENTS CAN E ITHER

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

post-natal care for mother and baby. You can choose to have

your baby at home, although most babies are born in hospital.

There is no charge for hospital stays, which generally last from two

to five days. Women who have miscarriages are also cared for

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 choosea 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

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 MUM 2 BE).

HAVE THEIR BABY AT HOME

OR IN HOSP ITAL – BOTH AREEQUALLY ACCEPTABLE.”

SOUTH AFRICAN MIGRANT ,

MAGDALENE LE GRANGE.

05

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

Plunket Society

The Plunket Society provides free care for mothers and babies.

This includes child health and development checks and parenting



CHILD HEALTH

Many health services for children are free. These includeimmunisation 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.

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:

• 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).

before pregnancy and by midwives after the birth of the child.

Most towns also have Family Planning Association clinics whichprovide 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 .

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

06

“THE POST-NATAL SUPPORT

HAS BEEN GREAT.



HAS BEEN GREAT.

THE PLUNKET NURSE HASREALLY HELPED.”

IRANIAN MIGRANT, HASYL ZONOBI .

07

After hours service

If you need urgent medicine outside normal shopping hours,

go to an Urgent Pharmacy. These are open until 10:00pm or

PRESCRIPTIONS

GPs do not dispense medicines directly. However, they do provide



g g y p p

11:00pm. You will find them listed under ‘Urgent Pharmacies’in the ‘Hospitals & other health service providers’ section in the

front of the White Pages .

written prescriptions or scripts (orders for medicine). These are

dispensed by registered pharmacists. There are plenty of outlets

to choose from, since most of the bigger shopping centres include

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

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.

08

PRIVATE HEALTH CARE

Many New Zealanders have elected to take out private health

HEALTH COSTS

General practitioner visits



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) .

Many New Zealanders have elected to take out private health

insurance because it provides access to private hospitals for theimmediate treatment of non-urgent conditions.

The network of private hospitals and clinics provides a range

of services that include recuperative care, elective procedures,

and general surgical procedures through to specialist procedures

such as cardiothoracic operations. There are also private radiology

clinics and testing laboratories.

Several insurance companies offer a range of health policies

– from basic care to comprehensive cover. Policy premiums

vary widely.

Even if you do have private health insurance, you are still

entitled to free public health services which cover all accident

and emergency care.

Health insurance companies are listed in the Yellow Pages

under ‘Insurance – Medical’.

General practitioner visits

Children under 6 Many doctors don’t charge for this service

6-17 year olds $10.50-$25

17-44 year olds $15.50-$65

45 and over $15.50-$35

House calls may cost from $10-$25 extra.

Visits to a GP on the weekend or at night can cost up to double the usual fee.

If you think you are paying too much for visits to your doctor, first, talk to the

Practice or PHO Manager. If this does not resolve matters, contact your local

District Health Board. See the ‘Hospitals & other health service providers’

section in the front of the White Pages .

Subsidised prescriptions

Six and over $15 maximum

Under six free

Dentist

Standard check-up, x-ray and clean $75-upwards

09

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

PATIENT RIGHTS

All patients have certain rights when receiving a health



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

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 tertiaryeducation institutions.

p g g

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.

10

“KEEP ING ACT IVE IS EASY

– THERE ARE LOTS OF



OPPORTUNIT IES . AND YOUDON’T HAVE TO BE

RICH TO PLAY A GOOD

ROUND OF GOLF .”

11

SERVICES FOR OLDER PEOPLE

Assistance is available for those aged 65 or over who need help

t h d t t t h h it l Thi i

ACCIDENT INSURANCE

Residents are covered for personal injury by a government-run

id t i h



at home or may need to move to a rest home or hospital. This is

provided on the basis of a ‘needs assessment’. Services include

home support, caregiver services and 24 hour residential care.

The level of government subsidy varies according to individual

circumstances.

To access state funded care at home, you will need to contact

your District Health Board (listed in the ‘Hospitals & other

health service providers’ section in the front of the White Pages )

and ask about having a Needs Assessment Service Co-ordination

(NASC) assessment.

accident insurance scheme.

The scheme is managed by the Accident Compensation

Corporation (ACC) and covers the full range of personal injuries

– whether at work, at home or during sports or other leisure

activities. Claims may also be made for personal injury caused by

a medical mistake or error, sexual assault or abuse, and some

work-related conditions such as discomfort, pain and injury.

In New Zealand, you cannot generally sue anyone for

compensatory damages if you are injured. Instead, ACC helps to

pay for a broad range of treatment and rehabilitation services.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

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 weeklyincome before tax.

For further information, freephone: 0800 844 657 (0800

THINKSAFE) or visit: www.acc.co.nz

12

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

secondary health services from public hospitals, including home

and travel and accommodation assistance.

High Use Health Card

This card is for individuals who visit their family doctor 12 timesor more in a 12 month period for an ongoing illness. This card

also accesses higher subsidies on visits to the family doctor and

on prescription items.

Pharmaceutical Subsidy Card

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.

I T ’S SO WONDERFUL TO

COME HOME FROM

WORK, RELAX ON THE

DECK WITH A DRINK IN

HAND, AND HEAT UP

THE BARBEQUE 13

GOVERNMENT S ITES

www.newzealand.govt.nz

The official gateway to New Zealand Government online.

www acc co nz

WEBSITES AND NEW ZEALAND

FREEPHONES



www.acc.co.nz

Accident Compensation Corporation

Provides information on injury prevention, claims and care.

Freephone: 0800 844 657

www.hdc.org.nz

Health and Disability Commissioner

An independent agency dealing with patient rights.

Freephone: 0800 11 22 33

www.healthed.govt.nz

Provides easy access to popular brochures on health matters.

www.hrc.co.nz

Human Rights CommissionAn independent agency responsible for investigating and


Freephone: 0800 496 877

www.moh.govt.nz

Ministry of Health

Information on all areas of the public health system. Links to District Health Board

websites – these outline the services available in your area.

Maternity care

Freephone: 0800 686 223 (0800 MUM 2 BE)

www.plunket.org.nzThe Plunket Society provides free care for mothers and babies.

Freephone: 0800 933 922

www.wellchild.org.nz

WellChild Care Service

Free service providing support on all aspects of a child’s development.

www.workandincome.govt.nz

Work and Income

Information about all benefits and allowances, including the

Residential Care Subsidy and the Disability Allowance.

Freephone: 0800 559 009


Freephone: 0800 999 999

In an emergency, dial 111 for:

• Ambulance

• Fire

• Police

If you aren’t sure it’s an emergency contact Healthline:Freephone: 0800 611 116 – 24 hours, seven days

a week.

To find hospitals, look under the ‘Hospitals & other

health service providers’ section in the front of your

White Pages.

To find a doctor, look under the ‘Registered Medical

Practitioners & Medical Centres’ section in the

front of your White Pages.

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.

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.

14

www.healthywomen.org.nz

Government breast and cervical screening programmes.

Freephone: 0800 729 729

www.ihc.org.nz

SSNZ


that provides a local point of first contact for new migrants, in 18 locations

throughout the country. Think of it as, “Phone a friend”.



GENERAL HEALTH S ITES

Asian Healthline

Public health information service providing free advice in Mandarin,Cantonese and Korean. Available only in the Auckland region.

Freephone:

0800 375 069 (Cantonese)

0800 375 068 (Mandarin)

0800 375 067 (Korean)

www.arthritis.org.nz

Arthritis Foundation of New Zealand Inc.

www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz

CCS Disability Action.

Services available for the disabled and their families.

www.deaf.co.nz

Deaf Association of New Zealand Inc.

www.diabetes.org.nz

Diabetes New Zealand

Freephone: 0800 342 238

www.eldernet.co.nz

Provides information on services available to the elderly,

including comprehensive information on retirement housing,

and residential and hospital care.

www.everybody.co.nz

Overview of the health and social security system,

and lots of consumer health information.

www.healthpages.co.nz

Online directory of health professionals.

IHC New Zealand Inc.Services available for the intellectually handicapped and their families.

www.ps.org.nz

Presbyterian Support

Community services and counselling.

www.pvi.org.nz

Parents of Vision Impaired (NZ) Inc.

Freephone: 0800 312 019

www.rnzfb.org.nz

The Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind

Freephone: 0800 243 333

www.womens-health.org.nz

Outline of women’s health services and how to access them.

GENERAL S ITES

www.consumer.org.nz

Consumers’ Institute of New Zealand

Up-to-date guide to consumer health information. Membership fee required,

to view some material.

www.yellowpages.co.nz

Telephone listings for New Zealand businesses.



g y ,


need.

PHONE 0800 SSNZ4U (0800 776 948).


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 andYellow Pages for each region – there is no national directory.

For national listings, visit: www.whitepages.co.nz or www.yellowpages.co.nz

15



EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION



NEW ZEALAND HAS A WIDE RANGE OF EARLY

CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SERVICES PROVID ING

EDUCATION AND CARE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN,

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.

The services are regularly monitored by the Education Review

Office (ERO).

Three and four-year-olds enrolled in a teacher-led ECE

service and some other services qualify for up to 20 hours of free

early childhood education. For more information go to the

Minstry of Education’s Team Up website (www.teamup.co.nz)

or call 0800 20 44 33.

THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

PROVIDES FREE ADV ICE ONPRE-SCHOOL SERV ICES .

01

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:

TEACHER-LED CENTRES

In teacher-led centres, one or more of the adults providing



• 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

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.

education and care are registered teachers. All teacher-ledcentres 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.

02

OTHER OPTIONS

The Correspondence School

The Correspondence School provides learning programmes

PARENT-LED SERVICESIn parent-led early childhood education services, parents or

caregivers provide the education and care for their children.



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

[email protected]

Nannies

Nannies are listed in the Yellow Pages . A wide range of services

is available. Although certification is not required, many nannies

are professionally trained.

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.

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.

03

“WHEN OUR CHILDREN

STARTED SCHOOL THEY

KNEW HARDLY ANY ENGLISH



KNEW HARDLY ANY ENGLISH.

BUT THEY WERE YOUNG

AND SOON MADE FR IENDS

AND QUICKLY P ICKED UP

THE LANGUAGE . ”

TA IWANESE MIGRANTS ,

L INDA 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

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

3:00pm (the secondary school day ends around 3:30pm). Thereis generally a short break in the morning, about an hour for lunch

and sometimes a short afternoon break.

“MY CHILDREN LOVE THE

SPORTS HERE AND ARENOW REAL KIWIS .”

SOUTH AFRICAN MIGRANT,

MAGDALENE LE GRANGE .

05

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

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



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 reach19 years of age if they choose. State schools are co-educational

at primary and intermediate level. Some offer single-sex education

at secondary level.

Many schools have waiting lists and it is consequently advisableto 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 schoolingin one location.

06

THE NEW ZEALAND CURRICULUM

The New Zealand Curriculum focuses on five key skills that students

will develop over time:

SUBJECTS TAUGHT AT NEW ZEALANDSCHOOLS

The following is a general list of subjects taught in New Zealand

h l N t ll h l ff ll th bj t li t d d th



• Thinking

• Using language, symbols and texts

• Managing self

• Relating to others

• Participating and contributing.

The curriculum focuses on eight learning areas:

• English

• Mathematics and Statistics

• the Arts

• Health and Physical Education

• learning languages

• Science

• Social Sciences

• Technology

English, Te Reo Ma-ori (the Ma-ori language) and New Zealand

Sign Language can all be studied as first or additional languages.

They may also be used by teachers to give instruction.

Schools are expected to report to parents on the progress of

their children. Each term, most schools prepare written progress

reports and hold parent-teacher evenings. Parents can meet

teachers to talk about their children and may ask for a meeting

at any time.

Years 1-10 compulsory subjects:

– English

– Mathematics

– Art

– Science

– Health and Physical Education

– Technology

– Social Sciences

Secondary schools:

– Accounting

– Agriculture and Horticulture

– Art History

– Biology

– Chemistry

– Classical Studies

– Dance

– Drama

– Economics

– English

– Geography

– Graphics

– Health

– History

– Home Economics

– Human Biology

– Information Management

– Legal Studies

– Languages

– Latin

– Mathematics

– Media Studies

– Music

– Physical Education

– Physics

– Science

– Social Studies

– Technology

– Te Reo Ma-ori

– Te Reo Rangatira

– Visual Arts

schools. Not all schools offer all the subjects listed and others

may offer additional disciplines. Some subjects are compulsory.

07

“NOW I CAN SPEND T IME

WITH MY CH ILDREN ,

HELP WITH THEIR HOMEWORK



HELP WITH THEIR HOMEWORKAND ENJOY SCHOOL SPORTS .”

KOREAN MIGRANT,

WOO CHANG HONG.

08



NCEA Level 1

This equates to Year 11. Comparable overseas qualifications

include:

• the British 'O' Level (now available outside Britain only)

New Zealand Scholarship

New Zealand Scholarship is a series of stand-alone examinations

designed to extend very able students. Scholarship is not a

qualification in itself, but a formal recognition of achievementfor top level students and in some cases carries a monetary



• the Canadian or United States Grade 10

• in different Australian states: Year 10 Awards, School

Certificate, Junior Certificate, Achievement Certificate.

NCEA Level 2

This equates to Year 12. Comparable overseas qualifications

include:

• the British GCSE grades A to C• Canadian or United States Grade 11

NCEA Level 3

This equates to Year 13. Comparable overseas qualifications are:

• GCE A Level

• Australian Year 12 Awards .

University entrance can be gained by meeting a standard established

by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

for top-level students, and in some cases carries a monetary

award.

Although a much higher level of thinking and analysis

is required, the subject matter assessed is the same as that

covered for Level 3 NCEA. Students enter external scholarship

assessments in addition to those required for NCEA Level 3.

To be eligible for the monetary award, students must be either

NZ citizens or Permanent Residents. International students

entering the Scholarship examinations are not eligible for

monetary awards but can have their Scholarship success

acknowledged on their Record of Achievement. For further

details, visit the Scholarship Eligibilty and Awards section on

the NZQA website www.nzqa.govt.nz 10

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 seta ‘home zone’ that is geographically defined Students living in



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

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.

11



“AS A NEW ZEALAND

TRA INED TEACHER , I CAN

PUT SOMETHING BACK

INTO MY COMMUNITY . ”

SEU SOLOI-COLLINS ,

TEACHER AND SAMOAN MI GRANT..

12

Integrated schools

The term ‘integrated schools’ generally refers to schools with

a religious focus – usually Roman Catholic in denomination –

that used to operate as private institutions. In recent years, theseschools have been integrated into the state system – hence the

Boarding schools

Boarding schools exist mainly at secondary school level. There is

currently a total of 96 boarding schools operating in the state,

integrated and private sectors. All charge boarding fees.

C d S h l



g y

name ‘integrated schools’. Integrated schools receive the same

Government funding for each student as state schools but their

buildings and land are privately owned so they charge attendance

dues to meet their property costs. Although they follow the state

curriculum requirements, all have retained their special religious

or philosophical character. A small number of institutions, such

as Montessori or Rudolf Steiner schools, are secular in character.

Private/independent schools

Private or independent schools receive only limited government

funding and are almost entirely dependent on income derived

from student fees. There are no standard fees as each school

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.

Correspondence School

The Correspondence School teaches a full range of school-level

courses. Criteria for school age enrolment are similar to those

outlined on page 6.

Home-based schooling

Home-based schooling must meet the same standards as registered

schools, and approval to exempt the student from regular schooling

must be obtained from the Ministry of Education. A small annual

grant is available for teaching materials. Home schooling accounts

for less than 1% of school enrolments.

13

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 servicesis 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.

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.

14

Uniforms

Most schools require students to wear a uniform unless the school

has an optional uniform policy. School uniforms are sold by most

major department stores. Some schools also operate their ownuniform shops and sell both new and second-hand items.

Changing schools

If you plan to change schools, the principal of your child’s current

school should be informed as soon as possible. Transfers involving

a change in the level of schooling – such as from primary tointermediate or intermediate to secondary – require additional



Discipline

Teachers are not allowed to physically punish students in their

care. Legal disciplinary methods include removal of privileges,

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

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.

documentation. Details of application procedures for the school

the student plans to transfer to are usually given to students in

Years 3 and 8 while they are still at their current school. Most

intermediate and secondary schools have open days.

15

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.

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 booksellersand university bookshops.

All university students must be able to speak English and some

universities have a set level of competency.

ALL UNIVERS ITY STUDENTS

MUST BE ABLE TO SPEAK

ENGLISH AND SOME

UNIVERS IT IES HAVE A SET

LEVEL OF COMPETENCY.

16

UNIVERSITY GUIDE: SPECIALIST SUBJECTS

Auckland University

of Technology

www.aut.ac.nz– Business

– Health

Victoria University

www.vuw.ac.nz

(Wellington)– Architecture

– Criminology

SPECIALIST SUBJECTS



The University of Auckland

www.auckland.ac.nz

– Architectural Studies

– Education/Teaching

– Engineering

– Fine Arts– Health Sciences

– Human Services

– Law

– Medicine

– Music

– Nursing

– Optometry

– Performing Arts

– Pharmacy


– Planning

– Property– Social Work

– Technology

– Theology

– Visual Arts

– Health

– Sport & Recreation

– Sciences

– Art & Design

– Communications

– Computing & Mathematical Science

– Education

– Languages

– Hospitality & Tourism

– Social Sciences

– Te Ara PoutamaThe University of Waikato

www.waikato.ac.nz

(Hamilton)

– Arts & Social Sciences

– Computing & Mathematical Sciences

– Education

– Law

– Management

– Maori & Pacific Development

– Science & Engineering

Massey Universitywww.massey.ac.nz

(Palmerston North,

Wellington and Auckland)

– Agriculture & Horticulture

– Aviation Studies

– Business Studies

– Design

– Food Technology

– Social Sciences

– Veterinary Science

– Criminology

– Design

– Public Administration

– Social Work

– Law

– Political Science

The University of Canterbury

www.canterbury.ac.nz

(Christchurch)

– Engineering

– Forestry– Fine Arts

– Journalism

– Speech and Language Therapy

– Teacher Education

– Law

– Music

– Social Work

Lincoln University

www.lincoln.ac.nz

(near Christchurch)

– Agriculture & Horticulture– Natural Resource Management

The University of Otago

www.otago.ac.nz

(Dunedin)

– Dentistry

– Law

– Medical Laboratory Science

– Medicine

– Pharmacy


– Physiotherapy

– Surveying– Theology

– Applied Science

– Dental Technology

– Oral Health

– Medical Radiation Therapy

Dietetics (Post Grad)

17

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

UNIVERSITY GUIDE: BY AREA



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.

INDUSTRY TRAINING ORGANISATIONS

These organisations provide on-the-job training in many industries.

Industry training concentrates on workplace learning that

raises skills and provides nationally recognised qualifications.

Workplace learning can be undertaken either on the job or off

the job through a registered training provider, or as a combination

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

Zealand experience by upskilling in your chosen trade. For more

information visit www.itf.org.nz

TEACHER TRAINING

Teaching qualifications are offered by a range of universities,

polytechnics and private providers. For a list of training providers

see www.teachnz.govt.nz

Wellington

Christchurch

Dunedin

Lincoln

Auckland

Hamilton

Palmerston North

18

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.

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



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 requirementsMost 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

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.

y ( )

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 orhigher, 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

19

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

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



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.

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

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 approvedcourse. The course must be full-time (or limited full-time with

our approval) or part-time and 32 weeks or longer.

20

ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHERLANGUAGES (ESOL)

Adult education courses

These range from courses for beginners, to advanced courses in

Business English, and are available at most polytechnics and

WEBSITES AND NEW ZEALANDFREEPHONES

NEW ZEALAND NOWwww.newzealandnow.govt.nz




universities.

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

home tutors offering free elementary tuition for adult migrants.

The volunteer tutors visit homes and provide migrants unable to

attend formal language classes with individual tuition.

Visit: www.esolht.org.nz

ENGLISH FOR MIGRANTS (PRE-PAID ESOL)

When new migrants pay in advance for English language tuitionthey will receive once in New Zealand, it is often referred to as

'Pre-paid ESOL'. This tuition is facilitated by the Tertiary Education

Commission (TEC).

The TEC funds a range of programmes for people who are new

to New Zealand and need assistance to develop their English

language skills.

There may be a choice of providers available - you might like

to visit the potential campus before enrolling. Costs are likely to

vary depending on the type and length of the course.For a full list of the courses and providers available, visit

www.tec.govt.nz

GOVERNMENT S ITES

www.govt.nz

The official gateway to New Zealand government online.

www.edcentre.govt.nz

A portal to online information about education in New Zealand.

www.ero.govt.nz

Education Review Office

Provides quality assessments of schools and pre-schools.

www.hrc.co.nz




Freephone: 0800 496 877

www.moe.govt.nz

Ministry of Education

Information on early childhood, primary and secondary education.

www.ncea.govt.nz

Details the national qualification for senior secondary students.

Freephone: 0800 623 243 (0800 NCEA HELP)

www.nzqa.govt.nz

New Zealand Qualifications Authority

Information on New Zealand qualifications and overseas equivalents.

IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND S ITE




immigration policy and procedures. All policy guidelines and most application forms can be downloaded.



21

www.teachnz.govt.nz

Information on becoming a teacher in New Zealand.

Freephone: 0800 832 246 (0800 TEACHNZ)

www.studylink.govt.nz

StudyLink

Details of student allowances and loan schemes.

Freephone: 0800 88 99 00

TEACHER TRAINING

www.acenz.ac.nz

Links to teacher training at Auckland, Victoria, Canterbury and

Dunedin universities .

UNIVERSITY WEBSITES

www auckland ac nz



www.tec.govt.nz


Comprehensive guide to vocational training courses and apprenticeships

across all industries. Also information on ESOL courses for migrants.

Freephone: 0800 832 463 (0800 TEC INFO)

ASSOCIATIONS OF SCHOOLS

www.boarding.org.nz

New Zealand Boarding Schools’ Association

www.isnz.org.nz

Independent Schools of New Zealand

Information on 44 independent (private) schools.

EARLY CHILDHOOD

www.nzkindergarten.org.nz

New Zealand Kindergartens Incorporated

www.playcentre.org.nz

New Zealand Playcentre Federation

POLYTECHNICS

www.itpnz.ac.nz

The Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics of New Zealand

Information on tertiary education in New Zealand and links and

contact details for polytechnics and institutes of technology.

www.openpolytechnic.ac.nz

The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand

Specialises in distance learning at tertiary level.

www.auckland.ac.nz

The University of Auckland

Freephone: 0800 61 62 63

www.aut.ac.nz

Auckland University of Technology

Freephone: 0800 288 864 (0800 AUT UNI)

www.canterbury.ac.nz

The University of Canterbury

Freephone: 0800 827 748 (0800 VARSITY) www.lincoln.ac.nz

Lincoln University

Freephone: 0800 10 60 10

www.massey.ac.nz

Massey University

Freephone: 0800 627 739 (0800 MASSEY)

www.otago.ac.nz

The University of Otago

Freephone: 0800 80 80 98

www.vuw.ac.nz

Victoria University of Wellington

Freephone: 0800 842 864 (0800 VIC UNI)

www.waikato.ac.nz

The University of Waikato

Freephone: 0800 924 528 (0800 WAIKATO)

INDUSTRY TRAINING ORGANISATIONS

www.itf.org.nz

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 andconstruction, and apparel and textile industries, etc) can be found on their website.

22

GETTING HELP WITH SPEAKING ENGLISH

If you need help in learning English, your local Citizens Advice Bureau

(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

and schools that can provide the type of tuition you require. Local CAB offices

are listed under CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAUX (INC) in the White Pages.

EDUCATION IN NEW ZEALAND

www.correspondence.school.nz

Correspondence courses at all levels.

Freephone: 0800 659 988

www.edusearch.co.nzEduSearch

Information on New Zealand’s education system –



SSNZ





need.

PHONE 0800 SSNZ4U (0800 776 948). VISIT WWW.SSNZ.GOVT.NZ

www.tec.govt.nz

The Tertiary Education Commission also publishes an English for Migrants

Course Directory. You can obtain this by calling free on: 0800 832 463

(0800 TEC INFO) or download it from the website.

www.esolht.org.nz

National Association of ESOL Home Tutor Schemes.

Runs one-to-one ESOL teaching at home, social English groups, special focus

groups for learning skills such as driver licence theory and social events.

www.correspondence.school.nzNew Zealand Correspondence School

Provides ESOL correspondence courses at beginner, intermediate and

advanced levels.

pre-school to adult education.

www.nzapep.co.nz

New Zealand Association of Private Education Providers

Freephone: 0800 692 737 (0800 NZAPEP)

www.newzealandeducated.com

Information for overseas students wanting to study here.

Search by region and subject.





Pages . These terms are used throughout this gu ide.

The White Pages lists residential and business numbers in alphabeticalorder. It also includes special sections on Government and Medical services.

The Yellow Pages is a classified business directory categorised by service

or product type.





23



07WORKEVERYTHING 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 COMPETIT IVE .

There is strong demand for skilled migrants in a number of

industries, but getting a job can still be a challenge if you have

not arranged work before arriving. The New Zealand job market

is very different from most countries. Businesses are small with

the average company employing between five and ten staff.

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

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 positionsthan 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.

OVER THE YEARS I HAVE

WORKED HERE I HAVE ALWAYS

FELT PART OF THE TEAM AND

RESPECTED FOR MY

KNOWLEDGE AND SK ILLS .”

ADRIAN CHIVERS .

01



FINDING A JOB

For information about employment, New Zealand-style curriculum

vitae (CV)/resume, job hunting, and interview techniques go to:

• Career Services: phone 0800 222 733 or www.careers.govt.nz

• New Kiwis: www.newkiwis.co.nz

APPLYING FOR A JOB

Speaking English

Employers will require that you understand and speak English.

The standard of English demanded by most employers is much

higher than the qualifying International English Language Testing

System (IELTS) score required for permanent residence. The more



To find jobs, go to:

• Situations vacant listings in newspapers. The largest listings

can be found in The New Zealand Herald (Auckland region),

The Dominion Post (Wellington region) and The Press (Canterbury

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


• 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:


Visit: www.teachnz.govt.nz

y ( ) q p

skilled your job, the better your English will need to be.

Consequently, even if you have scored 6.5 or higher in the

IELTS, there is much to be gained from continuing to improve

your skills in spoken and written English. A wide range of English

language courses is available at all levels. See Education.

03



“YOU HAVE TO LEARN A NEW

SET OF RULES HERE. WORKING

CONDIT IONS AND LABOUR

LAWS ARE VERY D IFFER ENT.”

CHINESE MIGRANT, L INDA ZHANG –

OWNER, CHINESE MEDICAL SHOP.

04

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

S l i h f i l i i

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 thenearest comparable New Zealand qualification(s) to your

international qualification(s). If an international qualification is



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.

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.

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.

05

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Rates of pay

The following table provides information on average earnings

in major New Zealand sectors. It should be used only as a guide,as the amount of pay usually depends on your employment

agreement, your experience and qualifications and your employer’s

Average Annual Earnings by Occupation Sector

(As at June 2008)

Legislators, administrators and managers $65,000

Professionals $60,000

Technicians and associate professionals $49,000

Clerks $40,000

Service and sales workers $33,000



employment policies. There are also significant regional differences

in average earnings.

Useful additional sources of salary information include:

www.kiwicareers.govt.nz

www.hays-hps.co.nz/salary/default/aspx

For sample data and advice on how to use the Kiwi Careers

website, see next page.

The Hays Recruitment website features the latest Hays

Salary Survey. Salaries quoted reflect those actually being paid

or offered by employers over the past 12 months. It covers mainly

professional positions.

Se ce a d sa es o e s $33,000

Agriculture and fisheries workers $37,000

Trades workers $43,000

Plant and machine operators and assemblers $39,000

Elementary occupations $33,000

Average Annual Earnings by Industry Group

(As at June 2008)Agriculture, forestry and fishing $38,000

Manufacturing $47,000

Construction $46,000

Wholesale and retail trade etc(5) $37,000

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

06



“THERE ’S A GOOD BALANCE



08

BETWEEN WORK AND FAMILY

L I FE . IN KOREA WORK

DOMINATED EVERYTHING AND

I HARDLY SAW MY FAMILY .”

KOREAN MIGRANT, WOO CHANG HONG –

COMPUTER SYSTEMS MANAGER,

INLAND REVENUE.

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.

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:



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

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:


09

– 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 traininginvolving 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.

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 .

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 ARE EN TITLED

TO MINIMUM

EMPLOYMENT R I GHTS

WHETHER OR NOT THEY

ARE INCLUDED IN



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 whereyour 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

YOUR EMPLOYMENT

AGREEMENT.

10

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

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

• 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.

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.

11



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.

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

k itt ff d i th l th t it t



p y p , g p

Resignation

Employees can resign at any time within the term of their

employment agreement if they provide reasonable notice.

Dismissal

There must be good reason for a dismissal and the dismissal must

be carried out fairly. If the employee believes they have been

treated unfairly in their employment, whether they have been

dismissed or not, they may take action against their employer in

the form of a ‘personal grievance’.

Redundancy

There is no right to redundancy compensation unless employers

and employees and/or their union have agreed to it. This can be

before or after an actual redundancy is planned.

Retirement

Pension entitlements under New Zealand’s National Superannuation

Scheme begin at the age of 65. Residence requirements vary.

There is no set age to retire and it is illegal to force retirement

because of an employee’s age.

Unions and bargaining

Employees can choose whether they wish to join a union. Jobscannot 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.

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:

• belongs to the union

Conditions of employment are those in the Collective Agreement.

The employer and employee can also negotiate extra conditions.

• is not a union member

The employee has an Individual Employment Agreement.

This comprises the conditions in the Collective Agreement and

any extra conditions negotiated with the employer. After

30 days the employee must decide whether to join the union.

• chooses not to join the union

The employer and employee negotiate an Individual EmploymentAgreement.

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS

The Department of Labour provides information on all aspects

of employer/employee relations.

If problems arise in an employment relationship, employees

or employers can get help from the Department of Labour ,

Freephone: 0800 20 90 20 or visit: www.ers.dol.govt.nz

13

New Zealand 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

the USA at 9.3%. The OECD average in June 2009 was 8.3%.

UNEMPLOYMENT RATES

International comparisons

Unemployment Jun 09 Mar 09

Country Rate % Ranking RankingNorway 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

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= 14Poland 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

14



NEW ZEALAND REGISTRATION BOARDS

Accountants

New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants

PO Box 11-342, Wellington

Telephone: +64 4 474 7840Facsimile: +64 4 473 6303

Website: www.nzica.com

Email: [email protected]

Architects

N Z l d R i d A hi B d

Medical Radiation Technologists

Medical Radiation Technologists Board

PO Box 7242, Wellington South

Telephone: +64 4 801 6250

Facsimile: +64 4 381 0270

Website: www.mrtboard.org.nz

Electrical Workers

Electrical Workers Registration Board


NZ Freephone: 0800 661 000

Facsimile: +64 4 978 3125



New Zealand Registered Architects Board


Telephone: +64 4 471 1336

Facsimile: +64 4 472 5352

Website: www.nzrab.org.nz


Barristers & SolicitorsNew Zealand Law Society

PO Box 5041, Wellington

Telephone: +64 4 472 7837

Facsimile: +64 4 473 7909

Website: www.lawyers.org.nz


Chiropractors, Dietitians, Dispensing Opticians, Midwives, Osteopaths,

Optometrists, Podiatrists and Psychologists

Website: www.regboards.co.nz

Click onto “our customers” for a list of links to websites run by registration

boards and councils

Dental/Clinical Dental Technicians and Dental Surgeons

Dental Council of New Zealand


Telephone: +64 4 499 4820

Facsimile: +64 4 499 1668

Website: www.dcnz.org.nz


Medical Laboratory Scientists

Medical Laboratory Science Board

PO Box 7242, Wellington South

Telephone: +64 4 801 6250

Facsimile: +64 4 381 0270Website: www.misboard.org.nz

Website: www.ewrb.govt.nz


Engineers

The Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand


Telephone: +64 4 473 9444

Facsimile: +64 4 474 8933

Website: www.ipenz.org.nz


Enrolled Nurses & Nurses

Nursing Council of New Zealand


Telephone: +64 4 385 9589

Facsimile: +64 4 801 8502

Website: www.nursingcouncil.org.nz


Medical Practitioners

Medical Council of New Zealand


Telephone: +64 4 384 7635

NZ Freephone: 0800 268 801

Facsimile: +64 4 385 8902

Website: www.mcnz.org.nz


Occupational Therapists

Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand

PO Box 10-202, The Terrace, Wellington

Telephone: +64 4 918 4740

Facsimile: +64 4 918 4746Website: www.otboard.org.nz


16

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


Physiotherapists

Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand


Telephone: +64 4 471 2610



p

Facsimile: +64 4 471 2613

Website: www.physioboard.org.nz


Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers

New Zealand Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board


Telephone: +64 4 494 2970

Facsimile: +64 4 494 2975

Website: www.pgdb.co.nz


Real Estate Agents

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


Telephone: +64 4 471 1774

Facsimile: +64 4 471 1907

Website: www.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


Veterinarians/Veterinary Surgeons

Veterinary Council of New Zealand


Telephone: +64 4 473 9600

Facsimile: +64 4 473 8869

Website: www.vetcouncil.org.nz


17

Freephone: 0800 222 733

www.tec.govt.nz


Comprehensive guide to vocational training courses and apprenticeships

across all industries.

Freephone: 0800 832 463 (0800 TEC INFO)

www.hrc.co.nz




Freephone: 0800 496 877 (0800 4 YOUR RIGHTS)


NEW ZEALAND NOW


Goverment site that links you to all the information about living

and working in New Zealand.



IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND SPONSOREDEMPLOYMENT S ITE

www.newkiwis.co.nz

Specialises in placing resident migrants in appropriate work.

You can register only after you have arrived in New Zealand.

GOVERNMENT S ITES

www.govt.nz


www.acc.co.nz


Freephone: 0800 101 996

www.dol.govt.nz

Department of Labour

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.


www.ird.govt.nz

Inland Revenue

Government department responsible for administering New Zealand’s

tax system.

Freephone: 0800 277 774

www.jobs.govt.nz

New Zealand Government Jobs Online

Lists state sector employment vacancies.

www.nzqa.govt.nz

New Zealand Qualifications Authority

Information on New Zealand qualifications and overseas equivalents.

www.teachnz.govt.nz

Teacher training and job opportunities



Work and IncomeInformation about finding work or getting income support.

Freephone: 0800 559 009

CVs

Assistance with the preparation of CVs is available on a fee-paying basis

from a range of private consultants. Services generally include CV evaluation,

interview coaching and translation. For local contacts, use New Zealand

search engine: www.google.co.nz

IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND S ITE




immigration policy and procedures. All policy guidelines and

most application forms can be downloaded.

18

JOBSEEKER S ITES 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.nzThe 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

SSNZ




SSNZ is a FREE service for new migrants, linking you to the information youneed.

PHONE 0800 SSNZ4U (0800 776 948).




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

UNIONS

www.union.org.nz

New Zealand Council of Trade Unions

Listings for all New Zealand trade unions.

GENERAL S ITES

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








The White Pages lists residential and business numbers in alphabeticalorder. It also includes special sections on Government and Medical services.


or product type.


For national listings, visit: www.whitepages.co.nz or www.yellowpages.co.nz 19



08 BUSINESSEVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

ABOUT CONDUCTING BUSINESS

IN NEW ZEALAND



BUSINESS THE NEW ZEALAND WAY

BUSINESS

The three main forms of business in New Zealand are:

• sole traders

“AT F IRST WE THOUGHT OF

JUST GROWING PROTEAS

AS A HOBBY BUT SOON



• sole traders

• partnerships

• companies.

Sole traders

A sole trader owns all the assets of the business and is solely

responsible for all the business’s risks, obligations and debts.

Business partnerships

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 establishingand operating a limited liability company in New Zealand.

Any person may, either alone or together with another person,

apply for registration of a company.

AS A HOBBY BUT SOON

REAL ISED THERE ’S REAL

EXPORT POTENT IAL. ”

SOUTH AFRICAN MIGRANTS ,

ANNATJ IE AND WILL IE STEENKAMP.

01

• 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 thatare ‘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

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

t it ’ i di id l i t C tit ti



p

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

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



“YOU’VE GOT TO ADAPT AND

DO THINGS IN NE W WAYS.

WE SELL A TRAD IT IONAL

CHINESE PRODUCT BUT MOST

OF OUR CUSTOMERS

ARE K IWIS . ”

CHINESE MIGRANT, L INDA ZHANG –

OWNER, CHINESE MEDICAL SHOP.

04

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

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 businessand consumer topics is also available. There is no charge for

these services.

Freephone: 0800 943 600

Visit: www.comcom.govt.nz



• 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 productsafety 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.

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

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.

05

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 thatmust 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



g g

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,

the Panel is responsible for both the operation of the Takeovers

Code and promoting public awareness of issues relating

to takeovers.

06

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

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.

I ll i b i i h h i b l



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 provisionsof the Employment Relations Act 2000 influence employer/employee

responsibilities.

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

(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.

07

NEW ZEALAND’S STOCKMARKET

New Zealand Exchange Limited (NZX)

New Zealand Exchange Limited (NZX) was established as a company

on 31 December 2002 after members of the New Zealand Stock

Exchange (NZSE) voted to demutualise the organisation. NZX is

now a revenue-generating corporate. Through its listing rules,

NZX is responsible for the frontline regulation of companies listed

on its three securities markets: the NZSX, NZDX and NZAX Markets.

NZX also regulates the conduct of a wide range of market

To be listed on the NZDX Market a company must have:

• at least 500 security holders who are members of the public,

who together hold at least 25% of the debt securities

• an estimated market capitalisation (market value) of at

least $5 million.

To be listed on the NZAX Market, designed for smaller companies,

a company must have:

• an existing board of directors



participants, including NZX Firms (sharebroking firms), dealing

and clearing participants, and futures and options dealers. In June

2003, NZX listed on its own NZSX Market. A special division of

NZX Discipline (a body set up to determine breaches of NZX’srules) regulates the conduct of NZX as a listed company.

Trading on NZX’s markets is conducted through NZX Advisors

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

on trading data. Email: [email protected] for more information. The

NZX website contains a directory of NZX Firms (sharebrokingfirms) and a useful ’Education‘ section that includes information

on how to get started in sharemarket investing.

Visit: www.nzx.com

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.

THE NZX L IST ING RULES

GOVERN THE CONDUCT OF

L ISTED COMPANIES

AND ARE DES IGNED TO

PROTECT INVESTORS .

• at least 50 shareholders.

Once a company is listed on any of NZX’s markets, it must follow

the NZX Listing Rules that apply to the relevant market. These

rules are designed to protect shareholders and investors and

ensure companies comply with continuous disclosure obligations.

08

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

i i hi d ki Th i id d

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 theworld. 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



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.

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

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, districtand city councils. These agencies and development units provide

a range of services for business migrants.

Visit: www.edanz.org.nz 09

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. Chamberservices include:

• advocacy

• business education

• international trade services

i i C d C ifi f O i i



• issuing Carnets and Certificates of Origin

• business advice/mentoring

• social functions for meeting/networking with new members

and developing business.

10



11

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

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



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 worldwideincome. 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.

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 withthis section.

There are a number of taxes that businesses will or may be

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 completethe various tax returns and calculate any taxes to pay

or to be refunded to you.

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.

12

Income tax is payable on the net profit from your business, which

is the income earned less any business expenses. Some expenses

that can be deducted from the income are:

• rent, rates, power and phone costs for the business premises

• purchases of raw materials or trading stock

• business vehicle and transport costs

• wages paid to employees

• stationery and supplies for the business.

However, certain types of deductions are not permitted. These

include deductions from your business income for:

• personal expenses

• money drawn as personal remuneration.

Paying income tax

Income tax rates can vary from time to time. For the tax year

from 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010 the rates are:

Taxable Income PAYE rate for



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

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.

13

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 isnot 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

i d $ f h h

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

h d



• 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,

for example taxi drivers who have included 12.5% in their taxi

fares.

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.

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.14



“BUSINESS HERE IS NOT JUST

ABOUT WORKING HARD. YOU’VE

GOT TO HAVE THE ABIL ITY AND

WILL INGNESS TO ADAPT . WE’VE

ADJUSTED OUR CUIS INE TO

SU IT LOCAL TASTES . ”

HONG KONG MIGRANT, LAWRENCE CHAN –

RESTAURATEUR.

15




IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND


Offi i l it f I i ti N Z l d

NEW ZEALAND NOW






“THERE ’S NO SOCIAL

CLASS SYSTEM AND YOU

HAVE THE CHANCE TO

TAKE L IFE IN YOUR HANDS.

NEW ZEALANDERS ARE

INVIGORATING, POSIT IVE

AND CREATIVE . ”

ENGLISH MIGRANT, RAY THOMPSON –

SCREENWRITER AND PRODUCER.





17

GOVERNMENT S ITES

www.govt.nz


www.acc.co.nz


Administers New Zealand’s accident compensation scheme which provides personal injury cover for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors.

For Workplace Injury Prevention information, freephone: 0800 844 657

(0800 THINKSAFE)

For information about Employer Levies, freephone: 0800 222 776

www.business.govt.nz

Government website with compliance and other information for small to medium

sized businesses.

www.frst.govt.nz

Foundation for Research Science and Technology

Searchable site providing comprehensive technological advice

and assistance. Provides details of government-funded business assistance schemes.

www.hrc.co.nz


An independent agency responsible for investigating and resolving complaints

about discrimination and other human rights issues.


www.ird.govt.nz

Inland Revenue

For all information on business tax rules, including IRD numbers and GST.



To contact a BIZ Centre call 0800 424 946

www.companies.govt.nz

New Zealand Companies Office

Registers all new companies. Their database includes comprehensive company records which are available to the public; however, some searches incur a

small fee.

Freephone: 0508 266 726 (0508 COMPANIES)

www.comcom.govt.nz

Commerce Commission

Responsible for the Commerce, Fair Trading, and Credit Contracts and Consumer

Finance Acts. A range of handy guides is available free. These explain how individual

Acts apply to particular business operations.

Freephone: 0800 943 600

www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz

Ministry of Consumer AffairsWorks with consumers and businesses to achieve a fair and informed marketplace.

Good advice about the Fair Trading and Consumer Guarantees Acts.

www.dol.govt.nz

Department of Labour

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 health and safety. Many can be downloaded from the site.

Freephone: 0800 20 90 20

Freephone: 0800 377 774

www.maf.govt.nz

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

Import and export regulations and biosecurity issues.

www.med.govt.nz

Ministry of Economic Development

Information about business law, company registration and also advice

for consumers.

www.mfe.govt.nz

Ministry for the Environment

Reports on the state of the environment. Day-to-day environmental management

is handled by local government. Also provides useful publications on hazardous

substances and land issues.

www.seccom.govt.nz

Securities Commission

Facilitates capital investment in New Zealand in accordance with the Securities Act.

www.takeovers.govt.nz

Takeovers Panel

For information on the Takeovers Code.

www.nzte.govt.nz

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

Government agency responsible for overseas trade and business enterprise

development. For the Enterprise Hotline, freephone: 0800 555 888

18

GENERAL S ITES

www.businessnz.org.nz

Policy and advocacy wing of regional business associations .

www.edanz.org.nz

Economic Development Association of New Zealand

Provides links to regional associations that offer a range of services tobusiness migrants.

www.lgnz.co.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

SSNZ





need.

PHONE 0800 SSNZ4U (0800 776 948).




New Zealand Exchange

Lists current stock prices and New Zealand Exchange rules.

www.consumer.org.nz

Consumers Institute of New ZealandUp-to-date guide to prices and consumers' rights and issues.

Membership fee required.

www.ubd.co.nz

A comprehensive directory, listing businesses, products and trade suppliers.

Freephone: 0800 823 225








The White Pages lists residential and business numbers in alphabetical order.

It also includes special sections on Government and Medical services.


or product type.

There are White and Yellow Pages for each region – there is no national directory.


19



20



09 GOVERNMENTEVERYTHING 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

i hi h b i i l d d ( l h h di l )



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 votesin a parliamentary election: an electorate vote and a party vote.

This is because parliament’s 120 MPs are either electorate MPs

or list MPs. There are 70 electorate seats and 50 list seats available.

Electorate MPs are voted for by people in a particular electorate,

while the nationwide party vote decides how many seats each

party gets in total. List MPs fill up each party’s share of seats on

top of any electorate seats won.

New Zealand has a single chamber of parliament which consistsof the House of Representatives and the Governor-General

(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 COMMONWEALTH

CONNECT ION MADE

NEW ZEALAND A LOGICAL

PLACE TO S TUDY LAW.”

HONG KONG MIGRANT AND LAWYER ,

CANDY CHAN.

01

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

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



g g g

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 processYour party vote...... helps decide how many seats each party gets in parliament.

Every voter in every general and every Maori electorate hasthe same selection of parties to choose from.

The government will be formed by one or more parties withthe 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 candidateswho win electorate seats and then by taking other candidatesfrom the party list.

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 thepolitical contest. The Governor-General does play an important

role in the calling of elections, the life of Parliament, and the

formation of a government.02

A party will get seats in parliament based on its party vote if it wins:5% or more of all the party votes, orone or more electorate seats.This is called the "threshold".

Local governmentLocal 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

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.



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.

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

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 (whichsits in London) provided these services to New Zealand.

03



“ IT ’S GREAT TO HAVE

A CHANCE TO WORK WITH

NEW MIGRANTS AND SHARE

SOME OF MY EXPER IENCE .HERE THE GOVERNMENT

REALLY HELPS PEOPLE .”

ETH IOP IAN MIGRANT AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

ETHNIC L IAISON OFFICER , GETAW CHERINET .

04

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

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



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

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.

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.

05

Getting legal help

Lawyers are listed in the Yellow Pages under both ‘Lawyers’ and

‘Barristers & Solicitors’. The distinction reflects the type of legal

work lawyers specialise in: barristers deal with court work;

solicitors with other legal work that does not require them to

represent their clients in court. Most lawyers are qualified bothas barristers and solicitors, but tend not to act in both capacities.

Lawyers are required to treat all business as confidential, provide

independent advice and use their skill for their clients’ benefit.

As a profession, lawyers undertake a vast range of legal work.

However, as far as most private citizens are concerned, they are

generally employed to:

Fees

Legal fees vary widely. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it is always

advisable to enquire about fees before commissioning any

legal work.

Free legal help

Legal aid is available only for matters that you cannot resolve

without a lawyer acting for you in court, or to help you settle a

matter out of court. You cannot get legal aid for divorce, or if you

only want to talk to a lawyer. The aid is subject to numerous

restrictions and may have to be paid back at a later date.

Information on legal aid is available from Citizens Advice Bureaux

and Community Law Centres District Courts and other agencies



• provide advice on legal rights

• check legal documents

• assist with immigration applications

• provide conveyancing services for properties and businesses

• prepare rental and lease agreements

• draft wills

• undertake divorce proceedings

• arrange redress in cases of fraud or misrepresentation

• provide representation in cases involving the Police.

and Community Law Centres, District Courts and other agencies.

Most lawyers will also provide guidance.

Human rights

New Zealand is a modern democratic country in which human

rights are protected. The Human Rights Commission is responsible

for investigating complaints about discrimination and other human

rights issues. It is an independent agency charged with protecting

individual rights, resolving disputes and eliminating unfair

and illegal practices. The Commission also has the power to

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.

06

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 areexceedingly 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

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 holdingmoney 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



and operates free of charge from all private and public phones.

In non-urgent situations, contact the nearest Police Stationlisted 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.

‘lived in’ when you go away. Most communities have Neighbourhood

Support groups and it is best to ask about these when movinginto a new home.

For all emergencies dial 111 from

anywhere in New Zealand.

07



“MY MOTHER ’S ST I LL IN

THE COOK ISLANDS AND

MY BACKGROUND REALLY

HELPS WHEN WORKING WITH

THE LOCAL COMMUNITY .”SAM BRACKEN –

COMMUNITY CONSTABLE/YOUTH AID OFFICER.

08

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

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 isexpected 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



p pp

• 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

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 whatyou 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.

for identification. You are required to carry your driver licence

when you are driving and may be asked to present it. You mustalso 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.

09

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

“L I FE IS SAFE AND

SECURE HERE . WE CAN

ENJOY THE S IMPLE

THINGS AGAIN . ”SOUTH AFR ICAN MIGRANTS ,

JAMES AND MAR IE FARRELL .



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.

10



“THE TAXATION AND

ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS

HERE ARE VERY EASY TO

WORK WITH – I ’VE HAD NO

PROBLEMS S INCE ARR IV ING

SEVEN YEARS AGO.”

AMER ICAN MIGRANT AND OFF ICE MANAGER ,

MARY IANNUCC I .

12

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

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 whichcountry 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

j b b k t l b k ill d d t



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 andother payments.

Note: You can keep similar ties, or even a home, in other countries, but still be

a New Zealand resident for tax purposes.

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

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

13

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 alreadyhad 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

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



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

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 .

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.

14

To be able to receive Working for Families Tax Credits you must

be aged 16 or over and either:

• be a New Zealand resident and have been in New Zealand

continuously for at least 12 months at any time. You need

to be a tax resident and be resident in New Zealand when

you apply for your payments• be caring for a child who is both resident and living in

New Zealand.

If you and your children are in New Zealand unlawfully or

hold only a temporary permit or visa, you are not considered a

New Zealand resident for the purposes of Working for Families

Tax Credits.

If you recently arrived in New Zealand and meet the residence

KiwiSaver

KiwiSaver is a voluntary savings initiative that’s designed to make

it easier for you to save for your future. You’ll be able to access

your savings when you’re eligible for NZ Super (currently 65) or

after five years’ membership, whichever is later. Being a KiwiSaver

member won’t affect your eligibility for NZ Super.The Government will help you save with KiwiSaver by giving

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.

For more information, visit the KiwiSaver website

www.kiwisaver.govt.nz



If you recently arrived in New Zealand and meet the residence

conditions, you will need to attach a copy of your residencepermit to your application for Working for Families Tax Credits.

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 familieswhose 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

15



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 youearn 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



y p y

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

qualification at a tertiary institution, recognised by the Minister

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.

g /

17

Absence overseas

If you are planning to travel overseas for six months or more,

you must inform IRD.

Salary and wage earners

Most people who earn salary and wages will pay the correct

amount of tax during the year. There are some people though,

who need to square-up at the end of the year. If you are one of

those people, or you think you might be entitled to a tax refund,

you can get a personal tax summary (PTS).

A PTS is available for salary and wage earners if you need to

pay additional tax at the end of the year, or believe you are

entitled to a tax refund.

The personal tax summary uses information provided to Inland

parent needs to pay. The amount is worked out each year using

a formula which takes into account the number of children to be

supported, and the liable parent’s income and living expenses.

To be assesssed to pay Child Support, a liable parent must

be either a New Zealand citizen, or ordinarily resident in

either New Zealand or Australia.Inland Revenue usually administers Child Support payments.

For further information, freephone: 0800 221 221.

Overseas pensions

If you're a New Zealand tax resident and receive either an overseas

social security or private pension or life insurance annuity, these

will be subject to taxation.

P i t f b l d it d i bl t k t



Revenue by your employer(s) so it can pre-print a PTS with yourincome and deduction details for the year. If you receive a PTS

you must check it for any missing or incorrect details.

Personal tax summaries are issued from June onwards and

anyone can request one.

IR 3 Tax Returns

You would be sent an IR 3 if you:

• 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

Pension transfers can be complex and it advisable to seek expert

advice well before arriving in New Zealand.

For Ministry of Social Development guidelines, see On Arrival , p10.

Contacting Inland Revenue

Complete listings of Inland Revenue’s Freephone numbers and

office locations are included under ‘Government Phone Listings’

at the front of the White Pages .

If you have an IRD number please have it ready when you call.

18

An independent agency responsible for investigating and resolving

complaints about discrimination and other human rights issues.



Work and Income

A service of the Ministry of Social Development

Information on Family and Income Support. Freephone: 0800 559 009

INLAND REVENUE

www.ird.govt.nz

Detailed information about tax and social policy, and online access

to booklets, returns, forms, newsletters and public rulings, and the

many other services offered.

Calls within New Zealand

Personal tax enquiries: 0800 227 774

(Includes getting an IRD number and information on refunds and rebates)


NEW ZEALAND IMMIGRATION SERVICE S ITES

Migrant Helpline

A freephone referral service that helps new migrants find the answers

to questions about life in New Zealand.

The service is free and aims to put migrants in touch with t he

right organisations and people who are ready and waiting to help.

IMMIGRATION NEW ZEALAND






NEW ZEALAND NOW


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



Working for Families Tax Credits: 0800 227 773 (Working for Families)Overdue tax and returns: 0800 227 771

Business tax enquiries: 0800 377 774

Goods and Services Tax (GST): 0800 377 776

Student loan enquiries: 0800 377 778

Child Support: 0800 221 221

KiwiSaver: 0800 549 472

Calling from overseas

The numbers over the page include dialling codes for New Zealand, but not theinternational access prefix, because this varies from country to country.

All business, student loan and personal customers

All enquiries: +64 4 978 0779

Child Support

All enquiries: +64 4 984 2536

If you have an IRD number please have it ready when you call.

www.lsa.govt.nz

Legal Services Agency

Government-funded agency providing legal aid.

www.landtransport.govt.nz

Land Transport New Zealand

GOVERNMENT S ITES

www.govt.nz


www.acc.co.nz


Provides information on accident insurance scheme payments.

Freephone: 0800 222 776 to make a claim.

www.beehive.govt.nzUpdates on Government news and policies.

www.justice.govt.nz

Ministry of Justice

Comprehensive information on the structure of New Zealand’s

judicial and courts system.

(www.justice.govt.nz/pubs/other/pamphlets/2001/legal_system.html

has a good outline of the New Zealand legal system).

www.elections.org.nz

Information on the electoral system, upcoming elections and

registering to vote.

Freephone: 0800 36 76 56 (0800 ENROLNOW)

www.hrc.co.nz


right organisations and people who are ready and waiting to help.

Issues covered include: housing, health, schooling, ESOL courses,employment and many other everyday topics.

Operates from 9:00am–5:00pm, Monday to Fr iday.

Does not deal with business inquiries.

Freephone: 0508 55 88 55 (for calls outside Auckland)

09 914 4100 (for Auckland and all mobile phone calls).


Official site of the New Zealand Immigration Service.




19

GENERAL S ITES

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 CentresLocal 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.



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





p p p

your local Police Station.

www.victimsupport.org.nz

Advocacy and counselling support services.

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 initiativethat provides a local point of first contact for new migrants, in 18 locations



need.

PHONE 0800 SSNZ4U (0800 776 948).



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.


or product type.



20

10MIGRANTS



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

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

01



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

NEW ZEALANDERS. WE HOPE THESE SHARED REFLECTIONS ON LIFE AND LIVING MAY HELP YOU

AS YOU CONSIDER SETTLING IN A NEW AND VIBRANT LAND.

02



03

PATRICIA PAWLAK MONTREAL, CANADA

THE MAGIC OF ‘THE RING’ DREWPATRICIA PAWLAK FROM COSMOPOLITANMONTREAL 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

i i i



an inspiration.

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

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 I T ’ S BECOMING

EVER MORE PREC IOUS ASTHE REST OF THE WORLD

BECOMES OVER POPULATED

AND POLLUTED . ”

PATRICIA PAWLAK, CREATURE TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

FOR ‘ LORD OF THE R INGS ’ – WETA STUDIOS .

04



05



0707

ANNATJIE AND WILLIE STEENKAMP PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA

IN THE ROLLING VALLEYS NORTH OFAUCKLAND, ANNATJIE AND WILLIESTEENKAMP HAVE CREATED A LITTLEBIT 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

f t ti t h d h bb Pl ti t t d



for export as a retirement scheme and a hobby. Planting started

with over 2,000 protea and leucadendron plants of several varieties.

“We planned to start it slowly. However, it was so exciting and

had so much potential that it just took off with a huge bang.”

Shortly, they will be adding another thousand new plants and

concentrating on Annatjie’s favourite plant, Silver Tree. The couple

see real export potential for the variety in America, Europe and

Japan but, with a three-year growing period, this is still sometime off.

Meanwhile, with strong support from local flower growers,

Annatjie is concentrating on developing local markets.

“ IT IS SUCH A PLEASURE

TO BE OUT HERE WITH THESE

BEAUT IFUL FLOWERS AND

PLANTS SURROUNDING YOU,

P ICK ING AWAY TO MAKE

SOMEBODY’S DAY WITHA LOVEL Y BUNCH OF

HOME-GROWN PROTEAS.

WHEN I LOOK AT THEM,

I FEEL L IKE I ’M AT HOME. ”

ANNATJ IE AND WILL IE STEENKAMP,

PROTEA GROWERS.

08



09

RAYMOND THOMPSON LONDON, ENGLAND

ENGLISH MIGRANT RAY THOMPSONCREDITS HIS ROMANY GYPSY MOTHERWITH HIS PASSION FOR STORYTELLING.

It’s a passion that’s led to a successful screenwriting career

spanning London and Hollywood and generated a multi-million

dollar business.

He founded Cloud 9 in London in 1994 with the aim of producing

quality family programming – a mixture of moral guidance and

good storytelling He holds firmly to this principle and refuses to

“THE COUNTRY HAS HUGE

POTENTIAL TO SUPPLY N ICHE

MARKETS . I ’M CONVINCED

NEW ZEALAND WILL EVOLVE

INTO A MAJOR INFLUENCE ,

GLOBALLY . I LOVE IT HERE

AND SEE A VIBRANT AND



good storytelling. He holds firmly to this principle and refuses to

produce what he dubs “fast-food, karate-chop television”.

When he moved the company to New Zealand in 1999, it already

had a string of international credits to its name. Cloud 9 has

since gone on to produce such internationally acclaimed series

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.”

AND SEE A V IBRANT AND

EXCIT ING TOMORROW.”

RAYMOND THOMPSON,

SCREENWRITER AND PRODUCER – CLOUD 9 .

10

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