Moving to New Zealand offers many amazing activities, an excellent quality of life, and a strong market. However, hopeful New Zealanders must recognize their challenges, such as obtaining work visas, finding potential employers, and managing the associated costs of moving to a new country.
Today, we’ll discuss living and working in NZ, a land known for its unique culture and laid-back lifestyle.
Overview of New Zealand
In Maori, New Zealand is called Aotearoa, meaning the land of the long white cloud. It has a temperate climate and is known for its scenic beauty, namely the dramatic mountains that offer an abundance of outdoor activities for those who visit.
The country is split up into two main islands: the North Island and South Island. Most of its major cities are on the North Island, including Auckland and Wellington. Wellington is the country’s capital, but Auckland, which is towards the north, is the most populous city.
The South Island has only a handful of large cities, including Christchurch and Dunedin. This is partly due to its very rugged landscape, as the Southern Alps stretch down most of the island. The island’s west coast is an especially popular tourist destination, as are Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.
Reasons for Moving to New Zealand
One might choose a new life in New Zealand over other countries for many reasons, but the primary reason is to have a great quality of life overall.
Kiwis value a good balance between work and play, especially as they are surrounded by wonderful adventure activities all year round. Additionally, there are plenty of good jobs to be had in specific industries. New Zealand also has a well-funded public education system that values learning essential skills.
New Zealand is one of the least corrupt countries in the world, so residents know that their party vote matters and their hard-earned money is going to improve the country.
New Zealand Visa Requirements
If you’re ready to explore the beauty of New Zealand, you must first understand your visa options as well as what you will require for your application.
Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your time in the country, and you must have a genuine reason to be in the country. This can include evidence of an employment offer, acceptance into a university, or contact details for the person you will be staying with.
Additionally, expect to demonstrate good health and good character, as well as enough funds to support yourself while in the country with a bank account statement. Required documents you’ll need throughout the application process include your passport, a medical certificate, a police certificate, and visa photos.
Types of Visas
The different types of visas include the following.
- Work Visa: Job seekers have several different visas available to them based on industry demands, including a skilled migrant visa that is invitation-only. If you are between 18 and 30, you can also seek working holiday visas that are valid for one year. To get these, you must have an offer from an approved employer, and you must have a certain level of English language skills. There are also visas for those seeking to invest in the country and start their own business.
- Student Visa: The Pathway Student Visa allows you to take up to 3 courses for up to 5 years at a time. You can also pay to study full-time. For any program, you must have proof that you have been accepted into a New Zealand-accredited academy.
- Residence Visa: Many permanent residency visas are tied to employment, but there are also options for those with family who currently reside in the country or for citizens of nearby countries. If you’re seeking a family visa, you must prove your relationship to the citizen and demonstrate that they intend to care for you.
There are also visitor visas, transit visas, and temporary visas. Most people who visit New Zealand will need an eVisa, which can be applied for online.
Cost of Living in New Zealand
Because it is an isolated country that must import many goods, New Zealand is an expensive country to live and work in. A single expat will need about USD $1,570 per month to cover their expenses, with the most expensive element being housing. Food costs about 30% of the budget, while transportation is about USD $150 per month.
Finding a Job in New Zealand
Many use recruiters who can better match them to employers. However, there are job boards, like TradeMe and Seek, which can be helpful as well.
When seeking a job, it’s important to use a New Zealand-style CV, which should only have the most relevant information on it rather than every job you have ever held. Be sure to provide details about the company, as employers may not be familiar with overseas companies.
New Zealand’s Job Market Overview
International trade is about 60% of New Zealand’s economy because it has a very small population of just around 5 million people. It has recovered admirably from the pandemic, creating new jobs in its most essential sectors like tourism.
New Zealand creates approximately 40,000 new jobs a year, most in accommodation, food services, retail and trade, and business services. Highly skilled positions, like doctors, scientists, and managers, can apply for straight-to-residence visas when moving to New Zealand.
New Zealand Education Landscape
The system follows a 13-year structure, which is divided into primary (5-12 years old), secondary (13-18 years old), and tertiary (college level).
Primary and secondary education
From ages 5 to 18, children may go to state schools, state-sponsored schools, or private schools. Public options are cheaper but still of good quality, while state-sponsored schools have tuition fees but are subsidized by the government. Only about 4% of Kiwis go to private schools, which are very expensive but offer an elite experience.
Tertiary education
All tertiary programs are governed by the New Zealand Qualifications Framework, which provides accreditation. Options include four-year universities or institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITP), which provide vocational and technical training.
Cost of education
Everyone, whether a resident or visitor, must pay tuition in New Zealand; this is about USD $16,000-$23,000 for visitors. The government would like to see that you have at least USD $10,200 to live on for your first year of university.
Thankfully, there are many scholarships available, including those for specific universities. The Government of New Zealand has a free catalog of scholarships you can review before moving to New Zealand.
Healthcare
The country’s public healthcare system is strong; everyone, from a visitor to a permanent resident, is covered by the no-fault Accident Compensation Corporation if injured, making it easier to get back on your feet if you take a nasty fall.
There are both public and private medical practices available, and like many countries with universal healthcare, public options often have long waiting lists, so many turn to private practices for less urgent needs like physical therapy. You can purchase private health insurance through a number of providers to access these services.
New Zealand’s Culture and Lifestyle
Australia and New Zealand use the term “tall poppy syndrome” to discuss how those who stand out amongst their peers may be punished for success.
This unique turn of phrase epitomizes the New Zealand way of life: Kiwis believe the most important things in life are not the daily grind and gathering wealth but family and adventure. Kiwi culture celebrates the country’s natural beauty and encourages a good work-life balance so that everyone has time to enjoy the scenic landscapes.
Immigration Process to New Zealand
With stunning landscapes, an abundance of activities like rock climbing or water sports, and a friendly culture, it’s no wonder that moving to New Zealand is a dream come true for many. However, living abroad requires careful planning, research, hard work, and funding.
Prepare your application well ahead of time so that you have everything available, and utilize the many online resources available from the government, which ease the process. Make sure that your important travel documents are always kept in your person and never packed anywhere that may be lost.
Recognize that while it may be expensive to purchase new furniture and other homeware in New Zealand, the cost of shipping them abroad may be higher. Things like desks, chairs, and tables can all be purchased secondhand when you arrive, so plan to ship only sentimental items or specialized equipment that is too cost-prohibitive to repurchase.
While New Zealand has a highly Westernized culture for the most part, be aware that you might experience some culture shock and plan accordingly. Lean on other expats and rely on them for more specialized advice about your specific destination, whether that is Auckland or Dunedin. With careful preparation, you’ll have a wonderful experience moving to New Zealand.