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New Zealand is a young country,
with a friendly multi–cultural society. It’s breathtaking
scenery and temperate climate make it a land full of adventure,
yet a modern, fully developed country of the western world
with a population of over 3.8 million.
The information below is designed to answer any basic questions
you may have regarding your forthcoming move. Remember to
always ask your Removal Company or Consulate for any further
advice you may need.
Most citizens of
New Zealand own their own homes. Properties vary in style
greatly but are mainly constructed from timber and are generally
detached. The main residential centres are Auckland, Wellington,
Christchurch and Dunedin.
The two main International
airports in New Zealand are Auckland and Christchurch. Wellington
also has an airport but flights are limited to and from Australia,
with regular internal flights between all cities and main
population centres. Rail travel is available between all cities
and a commuter rail system is available in Wellington. Roads
are kept to a good standard, and motorways exist in and near
the main cities. All vehicles must be registered, but insurance
is not compulsory.
Employment in
New Zealand is only permitted for NZ and Australian citizens.
Citizens from other countries need to hold a permanent residency
visa, or work permit, indicating the type of employment allowed.
These should be obtained prior to departure for New Zealand
and can be applied for through the New Zealand High Commission.
Income tax is normally
collected at source by the employer. These contributions include,
Public Health tax and Government Superannuation tax. GST (Goods
& Services tax) is levied on most goods and services,
and is currently charged at 12.5%. Rates (or local tax) are
payable to the local authority, for providing amenities and
local services. These are calculated on behalf of the local
authority and are dependent upon the valuation of the property.
Further details can be obtained from: www.ird.govt.nz
: Admission into
New Zealand is strictly limited for citizens other than those
of New Zealand and Australia. To gain entry, a foreign national
must obtain a visa. There are 4 main types of visa:
1. Permanent Residency visa – These
visa’s are issued to foreign nationals who fulfill the
immigration criteria under current policy, such as job priority
scheme, family connection or entrepreneurial skills.
2. Work visa – These are usually granted
to to people who fulfill the job priority criteria, but are
usually limited in length of validity.
3. Visitors visa – Limited to 6 months
validity.
4. Student visa – Limited in length
of validity
Immigration policy is sometimes subject to change. It is important
that you gain information from the nearest New Zealand High
Commission, Embassy or Consulate.
Free education
is provided by Primary, intermediate and high schools for
children from the ages of 5 – 17 years. Higher education
is available at polytechnics and universities, and subsidised
course fees are usually applicable.
The power supply
is 230voltsAC, 50 cycles. Check with manufacturers or appliance
dealers prior to shipping electrical items, as some may require
converting, which can prove to be very costly. Natural gas
is available in most towns and cities in the North, however
in the South gas is generally restricted to LPG appliances.
Shopping hours are
usually from 9am – 5.30 pm Monday to Wednesday, extended
to 9pm on Thursday and Friday. Weekend trading is from 9am
– 4pm and supermarkets generally extend these hours.
New Zealand uses
the decimal system of currency, with 100cents to each NZ Dollar.
Notes: $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5.
Coins: $2, $1, 50cents, 20cents, 10cents and 5cents.
The number for
emergency services is 111
New Zealand
offers a subsidised health service which covers general medical
requirements although not dental treatment. It is advisable
that anyone settling in New Zealand purchase their own private
health care plan if one is not provided by their company.
Goods that have been owned and
used by first time immigrants are usually permitted duty free
entry, as are the effects of New Zealand citizens returning,
who have been overseas for a minimum 21 months. It is also
permitted for anyone holding a valid visa to work, provided
that they are staying for a minimum 12 month period. In all
cases, new and unused goods must be declared and may be subject
to duty and/or GST. Further information is available from
your moving company or the nearest New Zealand High Commission.
Goods
prohibited from importation include: Firearms & weapons,
controlled drugs and medication, pornography, films, videos
and tapes. Agricultural items such as plants or other vegetable
matter, soil, foodstuffs, animals, either active or dead or
their products. Certain animal skins and ivory goods, used
camping or gardening equipment. It is essential that you obtain
further advice and a comprehensive list of prohibited goods
from your moving company or New Zealand High Commission.
Motor Vehicles
may be imported free of tax providing the importer has owned
and used the vehicle for 12 months. All vehicles must comply
with with the safety standards set down by the Ministry of
Transport. Comprehensive information is available from your
Moving Company or NZ High Commission.
Requirements
for importing pets vary greatly depending upon the country
of origin and certain other factors. A permit to import may
be required and a quarantine period may apply. For further
details please visit www.maf.govt.nz
or contact your nearest NZ High Commission
The New Zealand High Commission
80 Haymarket
London
SW1
Telephone: 0906 9100100
The information set out in this guide is
not law, but is our interpretation of various laws and regulations
as they pertain to individuals entering the country. All information
has been checked by us, so that as far as possible, all information
is correct at the time of printing. However the Lawlers Group
cannot accept liability for any inaccuracies in the information
given.
Always check with your local Embassy, High
Commission or Consulate who may provide you with further information
Sept 2002
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