Working in New Zealand

Demand for skilled professionals overseas is high.  As a result, more and more people are travelling abroad for work.

Witan Jardine’s International service will help you to take advantage of these opportunities. Our team works with professionals who are relocating to New Zealand or returning home, advising them on the latest opportunities and market trends.

We have partnered with one of the leading recruitment consultancies in New Zealand. Click on their logo to find out more about their expertise.

 

Roles are available for professionals within Accounting & Finance; Banking, Financial Services & Insurance; Sales & Marketing at all levels and in permanent, contract, interim or temporary positions, giving you the flexibility to find the right type of work for you.
 
If this is your first visit to New Zealand, this information pack will help you find your way around the country and each capital city to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one and update you on the vital information regarding tax, health, visas and accommodation.

For any other queries you have about New Zealand, and to find out how we will assist you in finding employment, contact our International Team by email at: international@witanjardine.co.uk or call on +44 (020) 7430 7240.

 

Click on the links below to view the detailed information.

Applying for a visa – guidance on work permits and visas

Money matters – tax issues

Money matters – opening a bank account

Documentation – what you should  take with you

Keeping healthy – healthcare and dentists

Where to stay - finding the right accommodation

Out and about – information on transport and where to go

Further information – useful contacts, holidays & documentation

 

 

Applying for a Visa – guidance on work permits and visas

In order to work within New Zealand you need to hold a valid work permit or visa. You can obtain these from your local New Zealand Embassy or High Commission. For general information on permit and visa types, your eligibility and to lodge a formal application, contact the London Branch of the New Zealand Immigration Service via:

Post – New Zealand Immigration Service, NZ House, Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4TE

Phone - 09069 100 100

Website – www.immigration.govt.nz

Click here to view our guide to Visas and Work Permits

 

 

Money Matters – Tax Issues

If you are working in New Zealand for the first time and intend to work as a normal employee you will be taxed at source by ‘pay as you earn’ (PAYE) and required to complete an IR565 form. If you work as an independent contractor (GST registered) you will be classified as self-employed and will need to register with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).

All applications to the IRD will require a copy of your passport or birth certificate. They will then issue you with a tax number and tax code, which usually takes between 10 working days from receipt of application to when it is posted to a New Zealand address. Applications can be processed urgently by fax, but you need to state the reason why.

Apart from income tax, people living in New Zealand will also pay a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 12.5% on the purchases of all goods and services.

To find out more about the New Zealand tax system contact the Inland Revenue Department
www.ird.govt.nz or call 0800 227 774 (in New Zealand) or +64 4 978 0779 (outside of New Zealand).

 

Money Matters - Opening a Bank Account

Whilst you are working in New Zealand, you will need to have a bank account set up in your name or your Limited Company name to ensure you receive your weekly earnings. Opening a bank account is reasonably straightforward. Most banks will have an account operating for you within ten days, if not sooner. You will be required to provide the following information:

• Two forms of identification (e.g. passport, driving licence).
• Photocopy of your immigration or entry papers.
• Copies of recent bank account or credit card statements from your bank in your home country.

As a precaution a reference from your bank in your home country will always provide solid evidence of your banking history.

Most banks and ATM’s (automatic teller machines) recognise international bankcards provided they have an international symbol on it, such as Cirrus or Visa which will allow you to readily access your accounts and funds in most locations. We advise that you check with your bank that you have access to international and Internet banking processes before your departure.

There are several major banking institutions in New Zealand to choose from for financial requirements. These include

Bank of New Zealand    www.bnz.co.nz
National Bank, New Zealand   www.nationalbank.co.nz
ASB Bank     www.asbbank.co.nz
ANZ, New Zealand    www.anz.com/nz
Westpac, New Zealand    www.westpactrust.co.nz
HSBC New Zealand   www.hsbc.co.nz

 

 

Documentation you should take with you

Documentation

Your first few days in New Zealand are more likely to be easy and problem-free if you arrive with the following documents:  (all documents should be originals - not copies)

• Birth certificates.
• Marriage certificates.
• Academic qualifications.
• References from previous employers.
• Up to date curriculum vitae.
• Credit references.
• An international drivers licence or permit.
• New Zealand money in mixed denominations ($1 and $2 coins, $5, $10 and $20 notes; $50 and $100 notes are unusual), as traveller's cheques may not be accepted for small purchases.

 

Keeping healthy – healthcare and dentists

Healthcare

The New Zealand health system is made up of public, private and voluntary sectors that interact to provide and fund health care. Your level of cover and entitled benefits will depend on which income bracket you fall in (Group’s 1-3). It would be reasonable to assume that most migrants to New Zealand would come into Group 3, being in the higher income bracket.

You’ll have to pay for routine visits to the doctor or dentist, but there are subsidies for children and for people on lower incomes. The public health system provides for more expensive services such as hospital treatment.

Registering with a GP is free and easy.

For more information on the New Zealand healthcare system and your entitlements visit:
www.adhb.govt.nz/

Dentists

Routine dental treatment is free to people under 16 or 18 if still in full time education or otherwise dependent. Dentists under contract provide the treatment and there is a set scale of fees that are paid by the department. Public hospitals also have dental departments that provide services to patients.

www.nzda.org.nz

 

Where to stay - finding the right accommodation

Finding accommodation when you first come to live in New Zealand can be a job in itself. When you arrive, it is a good idea initially to rent a home while you decide where you wish to live.  Prices and quality vary, so it is advisable to take some time to become familiar with the city or region you’ll be living in, and discover the types of housing New Zealand has and what it costs.

Typical weekly rates for accommodation for a flat/room will vary. 2006 average rental costs were:

Auckland - 3 bedroom average of $350-$650 per week
Wellington - 3 bedroom average of $250-$350 per week
Christchurch - 3 bedroom average of $ 250-$450 per week

As a general rule, the further out from the cities, the less expensive the rent. Newspapers and Real estate agencies will publish lists of available accommodation within most areas. All you need to do is establish where you want to live and how much you want to spend!

When you agree to rent a property, you usually need to pay a fee to the letting agent if you have used one, a bond and rent in advance.

Whilst you are looking for longer-term accommodation, you may find staying in a hostel or independent backpackers for travellers the cheapest option. All major New Zealand cities have several hostels, which can be located through the following links for more information:

www.yha.org.nz
www.backpack.co.nz
www.backpackerboard.co.nz

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. Demand for good quality rentals is high. It may take some time to find a suitable property and, when you do, you will usually have to make a quick decision.

Anyone travelling or relocating from the UK will find New Zealand a more affordable country, especially with a foreign currency like the pound sterling. Although it is very difficult to compare living costs in different countries (including salaries) the following link will assist you in finding out how much your currency is worth in New Zealand dollars visit: www.xe.com/ucc/.

The cost of living varies depending on where you live in New Zealand.  For instance, Auckland is the most expensive city in New Zealand in which to live, particularly for housing.  However, Auckland salaries tend to be higher.  The further South, the less expensive the cost of living becomes.

 

Out and about – information on transport and where to go

By Car

If you intend on driving in New Zealand you will need to produce your own national driving licence or apply for an international driving permit. Only permanent residents are required to obtain a New Zealand Driving licence.

For car hire, Hertz, Avis, Thrifty and Budget all have offices based around New Zealand. For more information visit:

www.avis.com
www.thrifty.com
www.hertz.com
www.budget.com

Trains/Buses/Trams

The New Zealand public transport system is efficient with trains, buses and taxis readily available to take you to all mainland destinations. For further information on specific transport times and destinations please contact:

Trains:

www.tranzmetro.co.nz
www.rideline.co.nz
www.tranzscenic.co.nz

Buses:

www.stagecoach.co.nz
www.rideline.co.nz
www.intercitycoach.co.nz

Ferries:

www.fullers.co.nz
www.rideline.co.nz
www.interislandline.co.nz

Taxis:

www.taxinet.org.nz
 
Auckland Co-op Taxis -   0064 9 300 3000
Wellington Combined Taxis -  0064 4 384 4444
Christchurch Blue Star Taxis -  0064 3 379 9820
Dunedin Taxis -    0064 3 477 7777
 
Travel Planner:
 
www.travelplanner.co.nz/transport

 

Useful information

Useful Telephone Numbers

All of these numbers are available to contact in New Zealand toll free 24hrs day.

Emergency Services – 111
Telecom Directory: Local & National – 018
International Enquiries – 0172

Public Holidays in 2007

There are a number of fixed New Zealand Public Holidays that might be worthwhile noting. They include:

1 January -  New Year’s Day
2 January -   Day After New Years Day
6 February -   Waitangi Day
6 April -    Good Friday 
9 April -   Easter Monday
25 April -  Anzac Day
4 June -   Queen’s Birthday
22 October -  Labour Day
25 December -  Christmas Day
26 December -  Boxing Day

Changeable Public Holidays

During April -   Good Friday and Easter Monday

Each province in New Zealand also has its own anniversary day.

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