Home>> News and Resources>>Settling Down in NZ
What to Know about Settling into NZ
Whether you’re coming to NZ to visit to work through a working holiday visa or temporary work visa -or, you’re an employer providing support for settlement support for a migrant worker, there are some content we can help with.
Looking for guidance on getting a job in NZ and immigration processes? CLICK HERE FOR A GUIDE
Travelling to NZ
Getting to NZ
Most flights come into Auckland which is the largest city. From there, you can fly (e.g., AirNZ or Jetstar) or bus (Intercity). If you’re planning your trip here, there are some things to think about from our experience helping migrants come to NZ.
Our first check, for flight options, when planning travel with our candidates is Google travel or Skyscanner – both of which are usually a good sites to compare flight tickets through which you can also book flights from one of several travel booking agents.
Things to look for when booking a flight:
- check-in (23kg) and hand luggage (7kg). This is the standard for international and for within NZ domestic travel
- Preferably less than 2 stops
- Convenient departure and arrival times which suits you and for those coming to specific jobs in NZ, for your employer
- Flexi, Cancellation (Not required unless the dates are unsure)
- Transit – generally, a transit visa may be required for stops that are longer than 8 hours or where you may be required to switch terminals.
Within New Zealand
When you get into New Zealand, there are a couple of notable carriers from the airport:
- Skydrive (~NZ$15 Auckland to City Bus Station)
- Super Shuttle (Airport to Door)
- Uber
- Intercity (across NZ to select stops)
- Catch a Bus South (Dunedin & Invercargill Airport to Select Stops)
Otherwise, for information for broader options, you can check HERE
Setting up a Bank account and IRD
You need to sign up for a bank account and an Inland Revenue Dept (IRD) number in order to be paid wages. Both processes require in person verifications.
You need to first get the bank account and bank account statement before you can apply to get an IRD number – you’ll need both to be paid.
Speaking Kiwi
New Zealand is an English (and Maori) speaking country but our speech is heavily accented, often delivered in mumbled tones with statements which sound more like questions. And to add to the challenge, we use words you won’t find elsewhere. To give a fighting chance for you to understand us, you can check out a mini Kiwi-ism dictionary HERE
