We care about you, so we have a range of benefits to support you and your family.
Read MoreFollow the link to explore career, lifestyle and employment in New Zealand. We understand there will be a huge difference in lifestyle and workplace behaviour, this link will help understand your employment rights, support in the workplace and tips on settling in. https://www.newzealandnow.govt...
You will get a minimum of four weeks annual leave and in addition, there are 11 public holiday days. If you work on a public holiday, your employer has to pay you extra. You may also be able to take the holiday on another day - it’s called “taking a day in lieu” https://www.govt.nz/browse/wor...
New Zealand has a police force that is reliable, trustworthy and approachable. They solve a comparatively high number of crimes and enhances the communities safety and gives access to the police services. This can include the emergency number #111 that you can free call and access the Fire department or the Police force. To find out more access the link provided:http://www.police.govt.nz/
Most people in New Zealand find driving easier and more convenient for much of their getting around. In rural areas, it is often the only option. Although public transport is available in the larger cities and suburbs:
Public Transport:
All New Zealand cities and most towns have buses, Auckland and Wellington both have city-suburban rail services. New Zealand is a land of wide-open spaces and low population density. This makes it impractical to provide the extensive public transport systems you find in more built-up and crowded cities. However, there are extensive bus services that can take you to just about anywhere you want to go: https://www.newzealandnow.govt...
Car:
Take the shuttle, bus or taxi (cab) from the airport when you first arrive.
You can also:
Any car you buy must have:
Insurance:
Vehicle insurance is not compulsory in New Zealand. However, ‘third party insurance’, which insures you against having to personally pay the cost of damage to someone else’s vehicle, is recommended as a minimum. The main insurance companies in New Zealand are Tower insurance, AMI insurance, State insurance and AA insurance. For more information click on the link below: http://www.nzta.govt.nz/licenc...
New Zealand's rules and conditions may be different from what you're used to. Therefore, it is vital to understand the rules and regulations before driving here:
New or Temporary:
To drive in New Zealand without a New Zealand driver license you must:
If you do not meet all of these requirements, you must apply for a New Zealand driver license to drive in New Zealand.
Converting or applying for NZ driver license:
You may be able to change your overseas driver license to a New Zealand driver licence. The requirements are different depending on where your current licence is from. To find out more, visit NZTA's website: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/drive...
One of the top priorities after you land will be setting up your electronic links to the rest of the world so you can check in with home and find out what is happening in your new community.
Mobile phones: As you are planning to be in New Zealand, you will need a local SIM card. So, if you are bringing your phone with you, make sure it is unlocked before you leave! It is best to check directly with the mobile phone network providers.
There are four main networks in New Zealand:
Internet: When you find somewhere to live, you will need to set up more permanent internet and phone connections. Please follow the links provided above.
Radio: New Zealand’s radio industry operates a ‘frequency finder’ that you can use to find radio stations in your area. Use the link below: http://www.frequencyfinder.co....
Online News: New Zealand’s two main online papers are; -
As you settle into New Zealand, you will want to re-connect with what is happening in your home country, around the world and in your new community. There are major news bulletins on TV at 5:30pm, 6pm and 7pm. Check the Freeview schedule for more details https://freeviewnz.tv/tvguide/
Using a card is the most common way to pay here in New Zealand, even for small purchases. It is a good idea to open an account when you get here. All banks must be registered with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. The five major banks in New Zealand are ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwi bank and Westpac.
New Zealand's comprehensive health system is built on Kiwis’ inbuilt need to see that everyone gets 'a fair go' in life. New Zealand residents and some work visa holders benefit from a public health system that is free or low cost. New Zealand residents can choose to take out medical insurance for private healthcare. Non-residents can also use healthcare services at a cost but should get medical insurance here if they cannot benefit from the public health system http://www.yourlocaldoctor.co....
If you need medical help and it is not an emergency, the first point of contact is a GP (general practitioner). Most GP’s in New Zealand work in groups called a practice, operating out of a Medical Centre. A GP is a fully trained medical doctor who can give you medical advice and refer you for further tests or specialist treatment if needed. Treatment may be either in the public health system (which is free) or through private providers (user pays). https://www.newzealandnow.govt...
If you need medication, you get that from a pharmacy (also known as 'chemist'). Pharmacies can sell you 'over the counter' drugs like everyday painkillers. For more powerful medicine you need to go to a GP first for a prescription.
There are over 3,500 GPs in New Zealand located in almost every city, town and suburb. To find a GP you can look in the front of the White Pages telephone book, under ‘Registered Medical Practitioners and Medical Centres'. You can also look at the Health point website, which lists registered GPs by area. Start looking for a GP as soon as you can once you have decided where you are going to live so that you can be enrolled for subsidised charges when you want to see a doctor. Not all GPs in a practice will be taking new patients. Remember to check the fees the practice charges when you enrol. Practices usually give priority to people who live or work in their local area. http://www.health.govt.nz/your...
Get a copy of your medical records from your home country so you can give them to your GP here in New Zealand. You can request a male or female GP and take a companion with you to an appointment. To find out more about enrolling with a practice and finding a GP, visit the Ministry of Health web page. The 'Your Local Doctor' website also has easy to read information on how to enrol with a GP and the benefits to doing it. If you have to see someone suddenly, you can use the afterhours service that GP practices offer. You can use these services even if you are not enrolled with them, but you will pay a higher. If you have questions or you do not know what to do or who to see, call Healthline on 0800 611 116
If there is a medical emergency needing urgent attention, you can call for an ambulance. In New Zealand the number to dial is 111. In the Wellington area, Wellington Free ambulance services are available at no charge. In other areas there is a charge to use the ambulance, even if you do not call it Alternatively, you can go to the 24-hour emergency departments that hospitals run (sometimes called Accident and Emergency or A&E units). . See the St Johns Ambulance website for more information: http://www.stjohn.org.nz/What-...
The natural environment can surprise newcomers. New Zealand is beautiful, but can also be unpredictable, here are some basic tips to enjoy the outdoors. Weather can change quickly, no matter how it looks when you leave, always bring warm layers and/or rain gear. The high levels of ultra-violet light in New Zealand means that skin burns easily, in as little as 15 minutes. Access the link to find out the weather forecasts and warning by the Meteorological services of New Zealand. This includes the Snow radars, Tides, Radar maps and the weather: https://www.metservice.com/nat...
This covers the political aspects including the current governance, the history of the Māori and Early European settlers. It discusses the Treaty of Waitangi where an agreement was signed on behalf of the Queen of England’s representatives and the leaders of the Māori tribes when Britain first claimed New Zealand as a colony in 1840. The Treaty of Waitangi is celebrated as ‘Waitangi Day’ public holiday. www.nzhistory.co.nz
Bring a plate
In New Zealand, "bring a plate" is a customary request for guests to contribute to a shared meal by bringing a dish to share with others. The phrase implies that guests should bring a plate of food to contribute to the meal.
Yeah-nah or Nah-yeah
The phrases "yeah-nah" and "nah-yeah" are used to express uncertainty in response to a question or statement. "Yeah-nah" typically means no, while "nah-yeah" implies a yes. Both indicate the speaker understands the message but is not fully committed to it.
Chilly bin
A chilly bin is a portable container designed to keep drinks and cold items cold for extended periods. It is an ideal solution for outdoor events such as picnics, camping trips, and beach outings. You may know its as cooler box, cold box or simply, cooler.
As a newbie in New Zealand you may be wondering what everyone is talking about, these slangs and colloquialisms should get you by.
Anne Calos Cacdac recently relocated from the Philippians to be a teacher with us here at BestStart. We chatted to her about why she made the decision and how it's been going in NZ.
READ MOREMabuhay! I am Monica, born and raised in Metro Manila, Philippines. I am the sixth of seven children with a loving father who is a widower.
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