What We Can Learn From the Expat Kiwis Who are Investing in New Zealand

Posted on November 14, 2011 by admin

What we can learn from the Expat Kiwis who are investing in New Zealand

European financial turmoil is creating headlines all around the world. For months, Greece and Italy have dominated the financial news of the world and the situation is still unsettling.

Many Europeans are under economic, social and financial stress. The stories of the skyrocketing number of unemployment, lack of funds to educate and feed the children in Greece, Italy and the list goes on…are really not a good morale for many. Who would have thought the once stable Euro is facing challenges as well.

What has this got to do with New Zealand?

Some reports wrote that 14% of the New Zealand population is living overseas right now. Are they being affected by the current turmoil and what are they doing about it? How about the many people who are looking for a better place to emigrate?

New Zealanders or Kiwis are known to travel and settle in Europe for a number of years before returning to New Zealand. For the record, New Zealand’s Population and Sustainable website reported that, The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates 477,000 New Zealand-born people were living in Australia at 30 June 2006 reporting. About 58,000 in United Kingdom, 23,000 in the United States and 9,500 in Canada. There is an addition of 40,500 spreading all over the world.

Eventually most will return to their homeland. The economic downturn in Europe and the United States are causing many Kiwis to look for ways to invest and move their money to their homeland.

A non-profit organization called Kea New Zealand is on a mission to reach and motivate expatriate Kiwis and ‘friends of New Zealand’ to increase their contribution to New Zealand. The intention is to turn them into a strategic national asset.

Kea New Zealand aims to contribute:

To the economic growth of New Zealand

Helping New Zealand become the most globally connected nation in the world

They have surveyed expat Kiwis and found that 15% are strongly motivated to invest in New Zealand companies and 72.5% would be willing to help mentor or manage a New Zealand small to medium enterprise.

That is good news to most small to medium businesses because the lack of capital and knowledge are some of the core issues that businesses failed in the beginning.

A new immigrant who makes a living in New Zealand as an entrepreneur can seek out help from organizations like Kea who are able to connect potential entrepreneurs and businesses with opportunities of meeting with talented and highly skilled individuals.

A great example of an expat coming back to New Zealand is Stephen Dee. Mr. Dee has been appointed recently by Kea as their New Zealand Director. He has been living in the UK for over 24 years and will bring with him knowledge and expertise in the live entertainment industry, production of operas and concerts and music festivals.

Other then capital input to New Zealand, the expats are bringing back their expertise to their homeland.

In our global economy, it is important to pay attention to the need of global networks. Kea is building a network of global citizens who will take an interest in the future of New Zealand.

According to their own words, Kea’s ultimate goal is for the home of the world’s greatest travellers to become the world’s leading nation without borders – for New Zealand to think, act, and engage more globally by utilising our offshore population of expatriates and honorary citizens.

So what can we learn as new immigrants to New Zealand from the expats investment of money and talent into New Zealand?

As a new immigrant, you already have a global worldview and you probably already possess the ability to speak more than one language.

You bring with you to New Zealand your unique talents that are globally applicable.

If you made it in New Zealand as an immigrant, you are the ‘cream of the crop’ of the land you were born.

You possess courage and you are willing to make changes for yourself and your family to have a better future in a new country like New Zealand.

You have made time and money investments looking into countries and places to emigrate. You probably have already travelled extensively to scout for the best place to live.

You are an investor of your talent and money to a new country, that is New Zealand, just like the expat.

Because of the travel experiences of most New Zealanders and the new immigrants that come from other parts of the world, almost all Kiwis possess global worldview and tolerance for one another. There is no difference in colour, race or creed. We are all Kiwis.

Savvy Kiwi expat will not invest anywhere with their hard earned money or talent unless they see a potential. There is potential in New Zealand for tremendous economic and social growth. After all, there are only 4 million people living in this part of the world. The world has 7 billion.

There is plenty of room to move around in New Zealand. New immigrants can take their education and work experience to position themselves well into the New Zealand economic stability, growth and investment from Kiwi expats.

 

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New Zealand’s Young Generation: Growing up Kiwi

Posted on October 27, 2011 by admin

New Zealand’s Young Generation: Growing up Kiwi

The young generations are the future of a country and it takes quite a lot of planning and work to ensure a bright future for them. If you have grown up in a land that lacked amenities and opportunities, you know it is hard to fulfill your dreams.

Many have immigrated to New Zealand in search of a better future for the next generation. They are looking for a place to call home for themselves and their children and children’s children.

The wellbeing of the young generation will determine the health of our future generations. The NZ Ministry of Youth Development has resources focusing on the population aged 12 to 24.

Parents are concerned for the young generation and are always looking for ways to make their lives better in the following areas:

Happy, satisfied and confident with their lives. They have positive relationships with their parents and friends.

Young people enjoying healthy living and having the advantage of great health care facilities.

Young people having access to educational resources in their homes and enjoy high quality tertiary education and support.

Stable employment with opportunities to advance and increase their skills.

Good standard of living, financially and economically secure.

Availability of recreation and leisure facilities

Safe environment around the neighborhood, school/universities, city and roads.

Growing up Kiwi:

The young generation of New Zealand has always taken the courage to explore outside of New Zealand. Every year, thousands of young Kiwis travel to Europe, Australia and Asia for working holiday and exploring the world outside of New Zealand.

Whether it is backpacking around Europe or taking a job in Asia or volunteering abroad, young Kiwis are known to take time in their early twenties to travel and get to know their world. This is an important step for some who may return to New Zealand with business, language and social skills for better jobs and an international business career.

STA Travel New Zealand has been sending young Kiwis around the globe for over 30 years and has helped in giving advice and providing great airfares. With the availability of professional Travel Agency like STA, young people are able to plan out their trips with confidence and within their budget.

Because of the proximity of New Zealand to Asian countries and the growing economy of Asian countries, there are programs available for young Kiwis to pursue knowledge and relevant skill sets for work in and work for corporations serving the Asian regions.

Asia NZ Foundation was founded in 1994 to improve the Asia-New Zealand relations in five main areas – business, culture, education, media and research. In addition, they run a Young Leaders Network.  The purpose of the network is to create a group of outstanding young people who can inspire fresh thinking on how to build a more integrated and prosperous future between New Zealand and Asia.

Other than exporting agricultural goods to China, New Zealand also plays a major role in exporting fresh produce and agricultural goods to Japan, Indonesia and the other South East Asian countries.

According to Asia NZ Foundation, Young Kiwis who join Asia NZ Foundation and other similar organization will benefit in the following

  • forge lasting friendships
  • learn more about New Zealand-Asia relations
  • participate in special Asia-related events, briefings, cultural and networking activities in New Zealand and Asia
  • develop professionally through selected onshore and offshore opportunities
  • build on future leadership skills
  • take part in community events and activities
  • make contacts to help with career and study opportunities

We are living in a global economy and the work environment for our young generation is changing now and in the coming years. The government and business leaders of New Zealand know the importance of staying relevant in training our young generation.

Young people who take advantage of learning new skills and embrace the change will be able to advance faster than their peers who are still stuck in the old school of thought.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award has been working with young people of NZ for the last 50 years and is open to everyone between the ages of 14 and 25. The young person is required to challenge themselves for their own personal growth and development and they are also required to appreciate the needs of other people and to help them. After doing The Award, participants should be aware of the role they can play in helping the community.

This program will help young people achieved:

  • Self belief and self confidence.
  • A positive and realistic self image – they will know and accept their own strengths and weaknesses, and be more aware of their own potential.
  • An independent and self motivating attitude.
  • A sense of responsibility to others.
  • A connection to the broader society.
  • New or improved interests, skills and abilities.
  • A willingness to try new things.
  • New friendships and relationships with their peers and older people.
  • The ability to make a plan and then make their plan happen.
  • Lifelong interests.
  • Team skills.
  • Life skills – negotiation, research, communication, problem solving, presentation skills

There is no lack of opportunity growing up Kiwi. Young people who are willing to work hard and participate in programs that are available in New Zealand can become high achievers and successful individuals in every areas of their life.

 

 

 

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Why Immigrate to New Zealand

Posted on October 13, 2011 by admin

Editor’s Note: Letters from our clients….

Periodically, we will be posting letters and testimonials from our clients from across the globe. Those we have the privilege to meet and serve through our meetings (one on one or group settings) and have used our services to immigrate to New Zealand. This blog exist solely to bring you useful relevant content about New Zealand and also stories and testimonials that will help with your decisions and transitions to a new country…New Zealand.

 

Why Immigrate to New Zealand

Hi my name is Tracey-Anne, I am a single mom aged 38, divorced, with 2 kids, raising them by myself, and running a small business from my home and living in South Africa.

Recently, I have had the advantage of meeting with a group of People called Immigration Partners. Sean Collins, to be exact, a main member of the company.

I had responded to one of the advertisements that were placed on the internet, with regards to “Living and Immigrating to New Zealand’’.  They invited me to have a one on one consultation.  We talked about the features, advantages and benefits, of living in this great country called New Zealand. Naturally, I thought, that one would have had to pay a consultation fee, to hear what they had to say, but in fact that was not the case (it was free).

I met with Sean, and his colleagues, we started to chat about what New Zealand had to offer, reasons for meeting with him… yes, I have thought about the possibility of moving or should I say immigrating to another country , of which New Zealand was on the top of my list.

You see, I have lived in South Africa all my life… now being 38 years old, but as a single mom, raising 2 kids by myself… aged 8, my son, and 11- going on 12, that’s my daughter, I found myself looking in South Africa… a total different light.

 I think as a Mother you always want to do what’s best for your kids, and try to strive to give them a good life.

A life where, they have all the opportunities in the world… a life, of freedom, freedom, to run out their front door, and play till 6 o clock at night, the opportunity to ride their bicycles, on roads where they won’t have to worry about getting knocked over, by some drunk drivers.

To be able to run to the park, and not have to be watched 24 -7, and most importantly, to be educated… in schools that have all the right facilities … like enough books for the kids to learn from, subjects they can learn … to help them be the person that they want to be… and universities that can guide them and teach them not only in theory, but in practical too… in all area’s they would like to pursue in life. Not to be restricted as to who or what they want to be… to be in a country that gives them choices.

For example, my son who is now aged 8 – since he was 2 years old has had a passion for dinosaurs. When his grade R teacher asked him “son, what do you want to be when you grow up one day… a rugby player, a cricketer, a lawyer?” Do you know what my son’s answers to that were?  As small as he was, he said “teacher, I would like to be a Palaeontologist, someone who digs for dinosaurs, and I also want to sleigh Dragons he says.”

Well you could imagine, the shock, on his teacher’s face to this response…  of a little 6 year old boy, to the extent that I was called in to the office, to ask were does my son know these big words from  - but to sum it up, it’s his passion for dinosaurs, at such an early age. Now, at the age of 8 its an even bigger passion, and sitting hear  writing this for all you  readers  to read, his dreams, and all of the above, I do not think that  I can for fill for him, staying in  South Africa.  In South Africa, our varsity’s, don’t cover things like this, and if this is your child’s dream, you as parent, strive to do whatever you can to make these dreams come true, for your children, and to give them a better life .

So after listening to more of what Sean had to say, about what New Zealand had to offer, such as:

Great schools – (free schooling)

Good universities – Auckland University in the top 100

The cost of housing, and renting being so much more economical then here in South Africa. At least, now if I move to New Zealand, I can strive to own my own home in 1 to 3 years. Where as in South Africa with the cost of living being so high, it takes an average person like myself, 5 years to save, and buy a secure home, and now with the prospects of immigrating to New Zealand… a person like me can do this within 2-3 years.

The economy of the country is more stable in New Zealand then South Africa, which for a single mom raising two kids, on her own, this means that one can have money… to start to save for those things, Like “those rainy days, the car for your children when they turn 16- 18, creating that Trust Fund for your children, so that by the time they turn 21 years and graduate, that they  have that little bit of a stepping stone in life to start with, on a good footing , these are all things we, as single moms /parents, have to ensure for our kids.

One of the most important things that any parent could want for their children is a good education. In New Zealand this is not only free, but of a high standard. So you know that on this schooling system your kids will have all subjects tools, teachers, books and equipment provided by the school, to give them… will bring them much closer to achieving their goals … and making their dreams become a reality.

The last thing is the job opportunities in New Zealand. Currently, as a small business owner in South Africa …the economic situation being so unstable, one has to create a job for oneself. Individual with qualifications…the opportunities are endless… as well as the possibility of bringing an existing  firm over to New Zealand… and creating jobs  for others .

You save on taxes , both from a personal , point of view , as well as from a company’s  point of view , and once again know one judges you by your colour… whether you are black , white , pink or green , New Zealand has a job for you. In South Africa at the moment, this is not possible one has to create a job for oneself… as jobs hard to come by.

So in conclusion, sitting with Sean and his colleagues, really, made me aware of all the good things that could come with Immigrating to New Zealand and all the above reasons would be why I would immigrate. As a single parent , raising 2 kids on my own , I finally realised ,  that if I did this, I would finally  achieve  all these things for the good of my family  and make my son a daughter’s dreams come true.   These are all the reasons why I would move to New Zealand.

Look, immigrating overseas, is a big step in ones life, and yes I have asked myself am I doing the right thing a million times since I have had that meeting with Sean. But looking  back on the reason why I should do it… in what I have said  in the above , has just  made me  realise that the fear of the unknown… is not so bad. Instead of focusing on the fear, maybe we should look at what we can embrace and achieve. How our lives will change for the better, and with the help of Sean and Immigration Partners , I know now  that like  me  and so many others  out there ,  we can make these dreams  come true .

Sean, thank- you for making me see that I can make a better life for me and my family in New Zealand.

Best wishes

Tracey-Anne

“A South African citizen, hoping to become a New Zealander soon.’’

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How to Spend Less than NZD100 on a Day Trip in Auckland for a Family of Four

Posted on October 3, 2011 by admin

How to Spend Less than NZD100 on a Day Trip in Auckland for a Family of Four

The largest city in New Zealand, Auckland has lots of activities and attractions to entertain your family members of any age, interest and budget.  From viagra beaches to the shops, forests to the harbour…vineyards to historical sites… Auckland is within easy reach by car, bus or ferry.
Auckland is also called the City of Sails, with miles of sail boats lined in the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours surrounding the city. It is known to have 102 beaches and visitors can choose to take a day trip to Parnell, Remuera, North Shore, Central Business District (waterfront and Queens Street and surrounding areas), Newmarket or the now very trendy Karangahape Road (K Road).
Driving into Auckland for your day trip:
Visiting Auckland is easy if you drive with your family. To avoid rush hour traffic, plan to travel outside the hours of 7 to 9 am and 4 to 6:30 pm on Mondays through Fridays.
There are parking meters in the city which take coins and the duration is limited. For a day trip, we recommend parking lots like Town Hall, Aotea Centre or Civic Car Park. If you are going to the city on Saturday or Sunday, parking flat fee per day is NZD8.
Exploring the city with your family:
With your vehicle parked and secured at a location, time to take a walk around the city, starting with the waterfront and Queens Street, a reclaimed area of Auckland. Visit Voyager, NZ Maritime Museum for free if you are residents of Auckland (proof of address).  Non Auckland residents pay NZD34 per family for Museum entry (2 adults 2 children).
The city provides free bus travel around the city area between the hours of 8am to 6pm. There are three of these red buses called City Circuit that picks up passengers every 10 minutes from Ferry Building at the Waterfront, Queens Street, Auckland Art Gallery, Civic Theatre, Sky City and around Albert Park.
Albert Parks has fountains, statues and 15 acres of land that university students, office workers, visitors and families with children go for a ‘walk in the park’, read under a tree or have a coffee and take-away food from nearby take-away shops and coffee shops.
Visitors who likes shopping or window shopping can walk up and down Queens Street and its side streets. You can browse the latest books and magazines in bookstores, check out gift shops and enjoy a hot cup of tea with local delicacies.
Venture to Newmarket or Parnell:
Families have the options of taking the green LINK bus from Central Business District to Parnell or Newmarket for NZD1.80 per person each way for bus fare. The bus runs every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekends and public holidays.
Parnell village is popular for local and foreign travellers for its boutiques, antiques, restaurants and cafes and Rose Garden.
Maybe lunch at Oh Calcutta for Indian Cuisine. Try their Tiffin platter to sample a variety of dishes prepared by Meena and her crew. Lunch may set you back NZD50 for two adults with 3 items each in the Tiffin menu (enough for 2 adults and 2 small children).
For cheaper lunch there are the bistros and take away shops. Take your meal and enjoy your lunch at the gardens.
Ferry Ride to Devonport:
Devonport is one of the earliest areas for settlers. Most visitors take the Fullers passenger ferries from 99 Quay Street to Devonport. The ferries depart every 30 minutes and travel time is about 15 minutes.
Visit the old churches, well known Esplanade Hotel, Victorian homes, antiques, specialty shops or to Mt Victoria to view North Shore area, Auckland City and harbour.
The ferry return fare for a family of four is NZD30.
The beaches and biking:
For families who prefer the beaches, the options are endless. If you are driving and parking in the city and want to spend the afternoon at the beach, Mission Bay is a great option. Some take about an hour walk from the city to the beach. Or by Metro Link and Waka Pacific from Downtown to Mission Bay (Tamaki Road).
Mission Bay has a wide selection of restaurants and you could even get a cup of Starbucks coffee.
Auckland has great places for your family to cycle especially in the Mission Bay area. There are bike lanes for your safety.

 

These are just some of the options you and your family can spend a day for less than NZD100 in Auckland. Plan ahead and know what the whole family likes and go out and enjoy your trip around Auckland.

 

 

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Why New Zealand is Still One of The Best Kept Secrets for Immigrants

Posted on September 23, 2011 by admin

Why New Zealand is Still One of The Best Kept Secrets for Immigrants

Aotearoa, the land of the Long White Cloud in the Maori language is divided into two islands in the South Pacific…still pure, clean and natural.

You can participate in whale watching to mountain climbing, enjoy the wine festivals to rugby matches, immerse in the hot geysers to visiting the cold glaciers. New Zealand is home to only 4.4 million people.

Here are 5 reasons why New Zealand is still one of the best kept secrets for Immigrants:

Temperate Climate:

New Zealand has maritime climate with at least 2000 hours of sunshine per year and the temperature is mainly influenced by the geographical features of the mountains and the sea. The weather is not extreme, with the coldest months in June, July and August at about 10-15 degrees celcius. The warmest months are in December, January and February at about 20-30 degrees celcius. Those are great temperate climates compared to England or North America.

The weather permits longer time for outdoor activities in the North Island and during the winter months, the South Island becomes the central place for winter activities like snow boarding, skiing and helicopter rides over the snow peaked mountains of the South.

Outdoor activities and safety:

Affordability still exists in New Zealand when it comes to enjoying the great outdoors. In every region, there are unique outdoor activities that residents can participant for free or at a very low cost.

Play and work goes hand in hand in New Zealand. The abundance of natural beauties that include the sea, the woods, the mountains and the hot springs are enough to entice residents to participate in the great outdoors.

Residents do not need to pay high entrance fees for theme parks or to fly to a distant land to enjoy the great outdoors. They are within reach by road, train or flight, all within less than 3 hours by air.

The Department of Conservation of New Zealand takes care of the national parks, animals, birds, tracks, walks, hunting, accommodation and campsites throughout New Zealand. Safety is number one in their agenda and conservation of wildlife and their habitats are top priority as well.

Health Care in New Zealand:

Unlike many developing countries, New Zealand provides free emergency and accident cares for residents. You will not be denied if you are hurt or sick and in need of emergency treatments. Most health care needs are free or subsidized by the government.

Most New Zealanders are not concerned about health care or medical insurance. In fact, more than 70% of the residents do not have medical insurance. There is no cost out of pocket for children’s immunizations, breast cancer check up for women between ages 50-64 and very little out of pocket expenses for chronic or acute medical needs.

All these benefits are available for permanent residents and citizens of New Zealand.

Natural produce:

The natural and protected waters of New Zealand provide seafood lovers high quality fish and seafood that is fresh, chemical and toxic free. In many parts of the world today, clean pure water environments are not readily available.

Residents in other parts of the world do worry about the origins of their seafood (where they come from). There is a natural tendency to feel safe when the seafood is from New Zealand.

Vegetables and fruits produce in New Zealand are of high quality. Most are still produced in environments that are safe, toxic and chemical free. The Plant and Food Research of New Zealand tagline is discovering and delivering the natural goodness in food.

Senior Citizens Benefits:

Most countries are worried about the welfare of their aging population. As science and medical facilities are becoming more advanced, citizens are living longer. Aging population needs in medical care, household help, housing needs and general care are increasing by the day worldwide, especially in the developing nations.

Since most of the expenses for senior citizens are in the area of medical care and household help, New Zealand do take care of the senior citizens.

The government provides subsidized medical, dental, visual and pharmaceutical care for senior citizens. They also provide financial assistance for in home care and household help.

The Ministry of Social Development will even help senior citizens in home repairs, rent, appliances repairs and paying of overdue utilities bills.

These are just some of the benefits for senior citizens who find themselves in need of help. However, most senior citizens in New Zealand have a retirement plan that is sufficient for their everyday living. The cost of living in New Zealand is way lower than most developing nations.

For more information about immigration and living in New Zealand as an immigrant, please visit our blog for fresh new content or contact us by email at sean@mynzimmigration.co.uk.

Posted in Life in New Zealand, Living in New Zealand, New Immigrant to New Zealand, New Zealand Economy, Settlement | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Rugby World Cup Tournament 2011 in New Zealand: The Highest Revenue Generating Event in New Zealand History

Posted on August 24, 2011 by admin

One million tickets are already sold to the rugby world cup on Monday July 4th which amounted to NZD200 million. The RWC has already reached 75% of their revenue target.
When the world is looking at a sloe economy, especially in Europe and the United States, New Zealand is bucking the trend and gaining lots of momentum.
The tournament officially starts on 9th September and ends on 23rd October. It is the world’s third largest sporting event and will no doubt have a huge impact in the local economy.
Horwath Asia Pacific Ltd. did an impact report and said half a billion in NZ Dollars will be propelled into the New Zealand economy. The RWC projected the event will add NZD507 million into the Gross Domestic Profit for 2011 and additional NZD112 million in tax revenue.
Those are impressive numbers for a small country like New Zealand. It is estimated that 66,000 international supporters, 2,500 international media personnel and 2,500 corporate and VIP guests will be present for the event.
Will you be visiting or watching a live game?
You can catch a game in Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Rotorua, Dunedin, Whangarei, Nelson, Palmerston North, Napier or Invercargill. All venues are within less than three hours flight from any of the destinations.
Eden Park in Auckland will host the opening and closing games.
There will be 20 teams from around the world and 48 matches in total.
This is taken from the official RWC website:
The teams are divided into four pools. The Pools for the Rugby World Cup 2011 are:
Pool A: New Zealand, France, Tonga, Canada, Japan
Pool B: Argentina, England, Scotland, Georgia, Romania
Pool C: Australia, Ireland, Italy, Russia, USA
Pool D: South Africa, Wales, Fiji, Samoa, Namibia
Which countries will you be cheering for? New Zealand and anyone playing Australia?

If you have recently moved to NZ, but are not a rugby fan, be ready to be introduced to the national religion. Businesses and schools will close, work will stop and social gatherings will revolve around the TV or the stadium until the All Blacks come home with the trophy.
We hope you will take time to visit one of the sites, or go for a real live game or just hang-out with friends and family celebrating the game that one third of the world will be watching…the World Rugby Tournament.
While you are watching…think about all the possibilities these events have brought into New Zealand…in sectors like… tourism, hospitality businesses and investments. Has a job been created for you?

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Who said that all houses in New Zealand are made of wood?

Posted on July 27, 2011 by admin

This is the point where I hold my hand up and confess to repeating these very words, having read them somewhere before I came out here. So if you haven’t been to New Zealand yet then you should know that they come in all shapes and sizes. Any doubt over the highly individual and artistic character of the Kiwi can be seen in the wonderful variety of single, double and sometimes triple story residences clinging in mind suspending disbelief to the hills looming over Wellington city. They are simply beautiful and I suspect beyond my price bracket.
So I searched a little further out of the city and chatted to the right people. Only a 25 minute commute from the city center and within easy reach of the beach you can afford a three bedroom house in the Porirua region for NZD230,000. It may not be the snob area and have no garage but it is safe and clean. NZD450,000 will buy a four bed residence next to the beach in Titahi Bay and if you have a larger budget then I am told new houses, with double glazing and under floor heating are around NZD530,000 in Aotea. There are, no doubt, even more expensive properties than this but it may give you a guide line and there are other regions with a range of prices you can check out.
Renting is anywhere between NZD340 – 500 per week and these properties are in demand. If you see something you like then you have to move quickly. Tenancy Agreements can be picked up in any stationery store but a tenant will need two to four weeks rent for a Bond and an additional one to two weeks rent payable in advance.
Lastly if you don’t want to drive into the city center but prefer to park the car and take the train then look up Metlink to get timetables and travelling times.

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Home Entertainment in New Zealand

Posted on July 20, 2011 by admin

If you like watching television and listening to the radio, New Zealand has quite a selection of television channels and radio stations for your daily home entertainment.

Television New Zealand (TVNZ) is a state owned television company that operates and manages TV One, Digital services like TVNZ6, TV NZ 7 and TV2 (an entertainment TV). These channels are free and there are no monthly fees to pay.

For dramas, reality, comedy, food, children, youth, sports and movies, TV2 has it all. It has all the entertainment you need 24/7. TV One provides you with the news, morning or evening, special features, court reports and lifestyle tips and guides.

Most Kiwis have the SKY channel which is a paid channel. For a basic package, an introductory package, viewers get a variety of programmes including some from the United States and United Kingdom. There are comedies and latest gossip from Hollywood that you can catch up on each day. The basic price per month is NZD47.66.

SKY also provides the pay per view option. You choose the movies or events you want to watch for the day and pay it at the time of viewing. It is like having your own movie theatre at home without commercials or interruptions in the middle of viewing.

To take your viewing to the next level and for an additional NZD15 and a joining fee of NZD99, upgrade your basic SKY to My SKY HDi. This feature allows you to record up to two channels while watching another one. It is like having your personal video recorder. It has a pause feature and you can record remotely via the internet.

If TV watching is not what you want for home entertainment, there are a variety of DVD movie rental options for you. You can opt for the online DVD rental company called Fatso. Fatso has over 27,000 movie titles to choose from with no late fees and contracts. Customers can browse through the movies online, choose movies and Fatso will send it by mail to your home. When you are done with the movies, simply place the movies in a free postage envelop and send it back to them.

For a more localized DVD rental store, you can get rentals from United Videos. United Videos have stores all over New Zealand. From Keri Keri  Northland in North Island to Invercargill Southland in the south island. Membership is free with United Videos. Renters need to show two forms of ID and proof of address either using a telephone bill or a power bill.

For music lovers, there are the online or local music stores. Real Groovy can be found in Auckland or you can purchase thousands of music titles from children to hip hop to easy listening and New Zealand classics online.

Marbecks is a music store established since 1934 as New Zealand leading music specialist. They have online stores and local brick and mortar stores as well. If you are in Auckland, you can find one in Queens Arcade on Queen Street.

If you are looking for a radio station that you can tune to everyday for music or news, New Zealand has hundreds of channels. You can listen online to over 50 live stream radios from New Zealand. These are stations from all over New Zealand.

Radio New Zealand operates Radio New Zealand National, Radio New Zealand Concert and AM Network. These are groups of New Zealand public radios with classical channels and radio talk shows and news.

For more contemporary music, you can tune in to the radio works station…the FMs. Radio Network, Nui FM (Pacific Islanders channel), Ruia Music (Maori station) and RBG (Rhema Broadcasting Group, Christian channel).

This is a short list of home entertainment you can enjoy in your new home in New Zealand. You are sure to find out more as you get to know your new neighbourhood better each day.

Whether you have very young children or older children, by yourself or just with your spouse…New Zealand has lots to offer for your entertainment. Television channels are not limited to the big metro cities. Even in the most remote areas you will still be able to access a variety of home entertainment.

For more information on tips and guides to help you in your new home, please check our blog next week. We are publishing fresh new content twice a week. If you have a question or need to know more about a certain topic, please do not hesitate to leave us a comment.

Posted in Family activities in New Zealand, Life in New Zealand, Living in New Zealand, New Immigrant to New Zealand | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

7 Habits of a Highly Adaptable New Immigrant in New Zealand

Posted on July 18, 2011 by admin

One of the best selling books of our time, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Dr. Stephen Covey has been dominating the self improvement books for the last 15 years.

In this book, Dr. Covey has brilliantly dissected few important habits that we can practice to be more effective in our personal and work life. One of the habits that he listed was sharpen the saw.

For this habit, he categorized them into physical with sub-categories of eating, exercising and resting. The second category is social/emotional with sub-categories of learning, writing and teaching.  The last is the spiritual aspect of life, which is spending time in nature, music, art, prayer and service.

It is in this habit that we are going to adapt for life in New Zealand for new immigrants.

As you are in a new country adapting to new lifestyle, you are having a fresh start… new neighbourhood, new friends, new opportunities, new shops and everything new…it is important to adjust and explore these areas:

Physical

Eating well and knowing where, how, when and what to eat is important in your new home land. Food and the way it is prepared shows the culture and heritage of a country. New Zealand, being an immigrant country, does have a diverse food background. Maori heritage provides the indigenous food of the country. The European culture, particularly British culture, influenced many of the cuisine in New Zealand.

In the past few years, with many more cultures moving in, the New Zealand food scene has changed and there are a greater variety of foods and international flavors to the restaurants and food stores.

Generally, Kiwis like the relaxed, laid back environment for eating. Summer is a time for barbecue and outdoor eating.

Exercise and enjoy the great outdoors in New Zealand, for free without the needing to pay hefty amounts to achieve physical fitness. Walk, hike, climb, bike or swim…every corner of New Zealand provides these opportunities. You don’t need expensive exercise equipment or expensive gym fees, unless that is what you prefer.

Resting is important after days of work. Go to the beach with a good book or go on a nature walk. If you are in the Auckland area, take a day trip to Waiheke Island or to the beaches in the North Shore. The City of Sails (Auckland) has plenty of beaches and tramping and walking tracks in the rainforest.

Or just do nothing and enjoy the good life of New Zealand in your own backyard.

Social/Emotional

Learning Ask questions if you don’t know and you will learn about the place and its people. Your fellow Kiwi friends would love to let you know where things are and how they work. Most Kiwis are either immigrants or children or descendants of immigrants. We are tolerant in nature and love to answer your questions about your new country.

Writing to your old friends and family members in your place of origin will keep you in touch with them. It is natural to feel homesick sometimes…writing will help you in your adaptation period as a new immigrant.

These days it is easy to stay in touch through email and social media.

Teaching your neighbours, schools or church community about a special food that you make or your language, will help expand your horizon and help in your adaptation period.

Your neighbours might be interested in knowing more about your heritage. They want to add spice to their everyday cooking or add fun by learning a new language or learn more about your country of origin.

Spiritual

Most people find spiritual aspects of life are interconnected to the physical and emotional being. There are many different ways of spiritual expressions for individuals.

Some find spiritual connections in music, art or nature. Going to an orchestra or an opera brings a spiritual awakening to some folks. Yet others may prefer the great outdoors…going tramping and discovering life in the woods.

Many Kiwis spend their time in church for worship on Sundays and helping the needy other days of the week. There is ample opportunity to join a community of Christians anywhere in New Zealand. There are churches all over New Zealand of different denominations.

At the same time spend your time reaching out to the needy and be connected spiritually in servicing others as well.

An English poet said we first make our habits, and then our habits make us. Creating great habits as you adapt to a new country takes time. Most experts say it takes 21 days to form a habit or break a bad habit.

As a new immigrant to New Zealand, you have your eyes on new opportunities and a new lifestyle. You already have the great habits that will make you a better person… adapt a better lifestyle for yourself and your family.

This is just an extension to what you already achieved and are seeking out to do. Please let us know what you are doing while you are adapting to New Zealand as a new immigrant.

Leave your comment on this page. We would love to hear from you so we can serve you better with articles that cater to your needs.

 

Posted in Life in New Zealand, Living in New Zealand | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Guide to Driving and Getting a Driver’s Licence in New Zealand

Posted on July 13, 2011 by admin

Driving in New Zealand may be different from your home country. We drive on the left side of the road. We may have rules and regulations that are different from the country of your origin.

If you have an international driving permit (IDP) or you have a valid driver’s licence from your home country, you are allowed to drive without a New Zealand’s driver licence up to one year. One important rule to remember, if your driver licence is not in English, get your licence translated to English at the New Zealand Police.

After the one year is up, you need to apply for a New Zealand’s driver licence.

New Zealand Transport Agency website has comprehensive resources and manuals for new resident drivers. They even have translated versions in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Fijian, Samoan and Hindi for certain forms and manuals.

Here are 10 useful driving information for immigrants in New Zealand:

By Law you must have your driver licence with you when you are driving.

Minimum legal age to rent a car in New Zealand is 25 years old. If you are 25 years or below, and want to drive, you may have to purchase a vehicle.

New Zealand drives on the left side of the road. If you are used to driving on the right side, you have to establish a different mindset and focus. Now your slow lane is on the left lane, not the right.

Speed limit in most suburban areas are 50 km/h, the motorway and open road is 100 km/h. It must be observed at all times.

You must wear your seatbelt at all times.

No cell phone usage when driving.

Observe road signs. They may be different from your home country. In the United States, they called it YIELD, in New Zealand we call it GIVEAWAY…which is to let ongoing cars go before your turn. Bear in mind that not all railroad crossings have warning signs in New Zealand.

Because New Zealand is blessed with beautiful diverse landscapes, the roadways are the same…they are diverse. You may be traveling on unsealed gravel road to narrow and hilly terrain…to beautiful four lane motorways. In winter time, roads may be icy. So special care is needed at all times.

High beam is unacceptable when there is an oncoming car in the next lane. During the night, headlamps are a must.

For further assistance, please call toll free to New Zealand Transport Agency at 0800-699-0000.

Getting a New Zealand Driving Licence:

If you do not have a driver licence from your home country and need to apply for a new driver licence in New Zealand, you will need to apply in person at a New Zealand Transport Agency’s appointed agents. For a list of agents across New Zealand, please follow this link for business hours, addresses and services rendered.

However, if you are looking to convert your overseas driver licence to New Zealand’s licence, all you need is to fill out this form. You will need to present your home country’s driver licence or IDP, evidence of identity and address in New Zealand, current medical conditions if required, photos and eye sight checks and pay a fee.

If you are from United Kingdom, United States, South Africa, Sweden, Canada or Spain, you do not need to take theory or practical tests for your driver licence. There is a list at the New Zealand Transport Agency site for a comprehensive list of countries that are excluded from taking the theory and practical test.

Driving is not the only way to go places. You can choose public transportation like public buses, trains or taxis. In major cities like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, the public transportation, like buses run on a regular basis to go to your work place or play.

As a new immigrant to New Zealand with Immigration Partners you already have all your paperwork in place. That makes your application process for a driver licence much easier and you are cutting through all the uncertainties with the information that are made readily available at our website.

For more recent up to the minute information, please check with New Zealand Transport Agency website. Most of the information in this article is taken from the New Zealand Transport Agency.

 

Posted in Driving in New Zealand, Living in New Zealand, New Immigrant to New Zealand | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment