The soc.culture.new-zealand list of Frequently Asked Questions prepared by Phil Stuart-Jones 1994-1997, Lin Nah 1998.
Fly, sail, paddle or swim. See a travel agent near you. Soon! Bring lots of money, and leave as much here as you can...One of the cheapest ways to fly is as a courier. You must be reasonably groomed, have a clean record and be over 21 to do this sort of thing, also you have to be prepared to wait around until a job comes up.
Also, try Reading the rec.travel.air FAQ for hints on saving money and rec.travel.australia+nz for stuff specific to us.
Immigration Service http://www.immigration.govt.nz/ includes information about Visitor's permit, Student permit, Work permit and migrating to NZFacts for the Visitor http://www.nztb.govt.nz/visitor/
Migration Christopher Werry has created a 'Moving to New Zealand' web page, which has info and links to Info on Immigration, Jobs, Housing, Appliances and Kiwi Expressions. The url is: http://nz.com/NZ/Immigration/Immigration.html
NZ Immigration - Information on Migrating to NZ http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migration/
NZ Immigration Consultants and Advisory Services http://url.co.nz/nzimmig.html
NZ Immigration Calculator Version 2 by Mark Cresswell http://www.liv.ac.uk/~mark/soft.htm Overview of Categories http://www.rmmb.co.nz/investnz/immig.html Wilson White Unofficial Notes http://www.wilsonwhite.co.nz/immig.htm
Visitors to NZ must have a valid passport. The only exceptions are children under 16 who are included on the passport of an accompanying adult. Passports must be valid 3 months beyond date of departure. Visas may be required depending on nationality, purpose of visit, and intended length of stay. Visas are not required of US citizens in possession of a return or onward ticket staying up to 90 days.Australians and NZers need passports to get into each others countries. NZers now need visas too, although these tend to be no real difficulty.
To find out more about the Visitor's Visa or Permit and how to apply for it, please refer to: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/visit/
The following is from a New Zealand Immigration Service pamphlet entitled "Applying for Residence in NZ; Self-assessment Guide". It should be note that people in NZ unlawfully are ineligible to apply for for residence (except under certain circumstances).Migrants can apply for residence under FOUR categories, and need only meet the requirements of ONE category to 'qualify' for residence. The four categories are:
1. General Category (the points system; awards points against a number of quality criteria).
2. Business Investment (applicants are assessed on basis of skills, work or business experience, and their ability to transfer >NZD 100,000 to NZ.
3. Family (prospective migrants must have a 'genuine' relationship to NZ citizen/ resident).
4. Humanitarian (people with "exceptionally" difficult circumstances, resolvable only by moving to NZ, providing there's a close family connection).
If one has less than the current requirements of 25 (May 96) points it's very difficult to get a job/grant money.
To assist you in calculating the points you have, Mark Cresswell offers:
Version 2 of the New Zealand Immigration Calculator for 16-bit Windows, is now available to download: http://www.liv.ac.uk/~mark/soft.htm filename: nzcalc20.exe
This program is still FREEWARE, and is targeted at those amongst you who wish to gain residency in New Zealand. It covers the following categories of entry:
General Skills Business Investement Family Humanitarian
There is an extensive amount of online immigration information, and the program will calculate your points score based on the revised immigration policies. (Refer to Section B4.1.1 Online Resources to Immigration )
You are advised to contact your nearest NZ Embassy or NZIS office, to find out the current Pass Mark (25 according to the immigration office in Chch 10/5/96), and for more detailed info.
Residency gives you the right to live and work here, but it can lapse if you're out of NZ for too long (a couple of years I think). A first permit is valid for a period of four years from date of issue. To prevent individuals from receiving residency and never actually living in the country, future renewals to a returning residents permit may be issued for shorter terms, depending on how long the person has actually been resident in NZ, work status, etc.A person in New Zealand cannot renew their visitor's permit if they have applied for residence whilst in the country. If the Immigration Office cannot process the application within the validity of the V.P., the applicant has to leave New Zealand. The application is forwarded to the overseas post which deals with the country to which they have returned. It is better to apply before going to New Zealand, especially when you take into account the customs concessions available to first time migrants. If you are given a visa for residency you have some time to move to nz, but it pays to come in once within the first 6 months. This proves you are taking up permanent residency. If you provide a good reason, it's possible to take as much as two years before you move here.
There are 2 types of residence permits; single entry and multiple entry. If you have single entry it means you have to apply every time you want to leave to ensure you can come back in.
What you may get is a 1 year or 5 year permanent residency permit. At the end of that period, the amount of time you spend in NZ will probably determine if it is going to be renewed or not. So if you have not spent even a year living in NZ by the end of 5 years you better have a good explanation. There is probably a minimum. Check with the department.
What you need to do is be able to explain why you are not permanently living in NZ (if you are not). Talk to your nearest NZ counsulate.
Paul Nixon has provided the following (reformatted) outline of the new points system."I have listed below what I understand will be the points structure of the new General Skills Category [formerly the General Category] which will come into effect in October 1995.
PREREQUISITES
English Language: Principle applicants to meet a minimum standard of English ie pass the IELTS General Modual Level 5. Non-principal applicants aged 16+ must also meet this standard or pay a fee of $NZ20,000 [refundable if qualification attained later].
Character & Health: No change. Applicants are required to be of good character and health. Evidence of this by references and medical.
HUMAN CAPITAL FACTORS
Flatter points structure created. Ten pts minimum requirement. Base degree [or equivalent], trade or 3 year diploma/cetificate = 10 pts. Advanced trade or professional qualification = 11 pts. Masters degree [or equivalent] = 12 pts. Statutory resistration for professionals eg. doctors, dentists, vets.
EMPLOYMENT FACTORS
Maximum age = 55 Job Offer; offer of skilled employment = 5 pts.
SETTLEMENT FACTORS
Settlement Funds: $100,000 - $200,000 transferred to NZ and readily available = 1 - 2 pts.
Spousal Human Capital: If spouse/partner has base degree, trade or 3 year diploma/certificate = 1 pt. Advanced qualifications = 2 points.
New Zealand Work Experience: Up to 2 pts available for work experience already gained in NZ on a lawful permit.
Sponsorship: Family sponsorship = 3 pts, Community sponsorship scrapped.
Under the new system there will not be an automatic points pass mark which applicants will have to equal or exceed. But a floating mark which may change from month to month, no doubt depending upon the "quality" of applicants at that time.
Clearly the new system makes it much more difficult to get points in the first place and then much more difficult for applicants to assess if their points total will be enough to obtain a visa."
NZ's isolation has kept its free of many animal and plant diseases. To maintain this, restrictions are imposed on the importation of certain animal and plant material. Before arrival you will be asked to complete a declaration stating whether you have food, plant or animal material with you or in your baggage. Aircraft cabins are often sprayed before disembarkation to ensure there are no foreign insects imported accidentally. You may ask to be removed if you have respiratory problems.Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries (MAF) Online Information Quarantine http://www.mqm.govt.nz/gateassu/gateway.htm MAF Home page http://www.mqm.govt.nz/
Gloria Williams wrote: "I've seen this query from time to time in this news groups so thought there might be some interest in the latest policy on animal importation into NZ as documented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries."The main changes are: quarantine for dogs and cats can now take place within NZ instead of outside the country (Hawaii for instance) and the quarantine period is 30 days instead of 6 months. Your animal needs to be microchipped and there is a very stringent set of tests and treatments for diseases such as rabies, heartworm, parvo, distemper etc. which must be administered and verified by an accredited veterinarian. Travel to NZ from the country of origin must be in an IATA approved container which is sealed with a government approved seal. Animals must be from countries which have declared themselves rabies-free, or countries which NZ recognises as not having urban rabies or it is well contained. (Canada and US fall into this latter category)
"These are the basic changes. To see if your animal will qualify for the new procedure, obtain the complete information package and the import health permit application from the:
Chief Veterinary Officer Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries P.O. Box 2526 Wellington ph 64-4-474-4132 fax 64-4-472-7171
"Ex-pats overseas can obtain the information package from their NZ consulate."
"John Mee wrote:
"Having just gone through that [changed countries] with my cat, perhaps I can shed some light on the process. First of all it will take close to a year to accomplish the process, with all the microchip implants, and tests. You should write to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for a copy of the latest protocols. They have changed recently, and I used the old ones. The people there are EXTREMELY helpful, compared to American bureaucrats, but the rules are very stringent, since NZ is an island nation and is rabies free.
"By and large, after you have the requisite tests, treatments, etc. done, you will then have to find a place in (I believe) the only dog quarantine, which is Raymond Cheung's place in Auckland:
Qualified Pet Services 150 Airfield road Takanini Auckland New Zealand 64-9-299-9539
"He has places for (my notes indicate) 8 dogs and 8 cats. I did not use him, since I had a cat, and chose to use the other cat quarantine facility.
"Next you will have to find a carrier. United Airlines told me that they do not transport animals to NZ, however my quarantine facility HAS received cats from there. I used Air New Zealand from LAX. They will only accept animals from either Jet Pets or Kennel Club. I used Kennel Club, and had a good experience. Talk to:
Dianna Escandon ph 310-338-9166 fax 310-338-8718
"Be aware that her services, including freight charges were something like $700.00. I don't what the charges are for a dog.
"You will next have to acquire AND modify an IATA approved carrier, such as VARI-KENNEL. This will involve attaching screen over the doors and sides to make it paw and nose proof, drilling holes in the back for additional ventilation, and attaching a dish for water inside, with a funnel on the outside to allow water to be added without opening the cage, and then drilling holes for the USDA seals.
"I think my total costs were something like $2,000, but I haven't added it up, nor do I intend to :-)
"Quarantine takes 30 days, but that could be longer if the seals get messed up, if the paperwork isn't right, or if the Rabies test isn't correct."
Noeline McCaughan suggests that costs are lower at about $1,000 each, but I suspect that's from the UK and may exclude some of the costs outlined above.
Ceinwen Currie adds: "I brought my cat from the UK and all she needed was up to date flu jabs and two samples of faeces tested for hookworm eggs by the Min of Ag. She was examined by a vet before the flight and had a specially made crate to travel in. She was collected at the airport as soon as she got off the plane. It cost 600 pounds, so I hope she has a long and happy life here."
NZ Customs does not have a web site or email address.
New Zealand Customs
Address: PO Box 2218
Wellington
Phone: 04 473 6099
Fax: 04 473 7370
Customs are generally more formal than in neighbouring Australia.Total value of Duty Free goods can't exceed NZ$700
Duty Free quantities: Alcohol; 3 x 1.125l bottles of spirits - must declare 2 bottles 4.5l of beer and/or wine - equivalent to 6 x 750ml bottles of wine or 1 doz cans of beer Cigarettes; 1 carton
For more information: http://www.auckland-airport.co.nz/customs.html or ask at the duty free shop at the airport. They are usually quite up to date with the duty free allowances of each country.
You will be given an allowance of value of goods to be brought into NZ. So within the first 5 years ( I think) you can bring in quite a lot as long as you are within the allowance without being taxed (customs duty) provided they are personal belongings for your use here.Check the details with the NZ Embassy/Consulate in your country or write to the NZ Customs. You need to find out the allowance and ensure you know the exact conditions pertaining to your circumstance.
Hints on how to move your household good to New Zealand. Hopefully this will be useful to Expat NZers moving back, and anyone else relocating to NZ.
Richard Turner offers: "Well, I've just had the experience of moving back to New Zealand after spending ten years in the USA. Since there are oftentimes a number of enquiries about moving companies on this newsgroup, I thought I'd pass on my experience - in hopes that it may help someone else."The cost of getting a moving company:
"Quoted Rates from Iowa (Midwest USA) to Wellington, New Zealand ranged from US $160 to $225 per 100 pounds of goods. depending on the company. Also, an insurance cost of $25 per $1000 of goods values was also added. (This was door to door - other rates are cheaper if you go door to port or port to port)
"In my experience, I got a number of quotes, I decided to go with a company (I won't name them - but think of Pilgrims and Plymouth Rock and the ship they came on) - Anyway, we were all set for them to come and get the stuff 2 weeks before we were due to fly out - a couple of days before the movers were to arrive, they called up and said that they could come and pick the goods up, but that they would have to sit in the Des Moines Warehouse for 3 months. I then requested that they not even bother to show up the next day.
"The next company I went with was Allied Van Lines - the agent I dealt with, and the company were quite good to deal with. Between the time they picked the stuff up till the time I will get my stuff will be less than 6 weeks.
"Also, the NZ agents for Allied, seem to be quite competent, but you should be aware that when your goods arrive certain forms have to be delivered to the company. These are quarantine forms and customs declarations, along with these you need to send your passport, and if you have been away more than 21 months - some proof of your extended absence from NZ - such as Tax forms and financial records (all of mine - were packed aboard the boat) - or a letter from your foreign employer.
"As for moving a car - it would cost about $4000 US to ship a mid size car such as a Camry (weighs about 3000 pounds)
"Also, if, at some point, you wanted to sell it in NZ, you would then have to convert it to right hand drive - this can get VERY expensive."
Frits Schouten adds:
"It's not really a followup on Richard Turners experience, but it's certainly related. Five years ago or so, I had to move my household from The Netherlands to New Zealand and using movers is not the cheapest way to go.
"Here is my experience. Note: all prices are in US dollars unless otherwise stated!
"Various big international movers quoted me between $7000 and $9000 for door to door moving. Basically what they do is, pack your goods in a container (20ft for a normal household) and ship it for you. This is an easy way of doing it but not cheap. Also, if anything is broken on arrival the insurance will pay for replacement. The insurance is in most cases based on an itemised list of the contents of the container and is not cheap. Normally 6% of the contents value.
"If you like a bit of challence in life you could do it my way.
"I went to a shipping company (NEDLLOYD) and asked them what it would cost me to hire a 20ft container (you know the same one the movers were using) to ship my household to New Zealand. Answer: $2500 from Rotterdam to Auckland. I had to pay an aditional $150 for the truck to bring the container to Rotterdam and agreed to have the transport in New Zealand organised by their agent in Auckland. Here was a cost risk I was prepared to take.
"The insurance is quite different. You can only insure the container for total loss. You agree on a contents value and the premium is normally 1.3% to 1.6% of that value. If the container goes overboard or is dropped from a crane etc. the insurance pays out the value you have agreed. This means that if, on arrival, you find lets say your beautiful mirror broken that is then to bad. But that is not a problem because this will not happen you know. You've packed it yourself :-)
"The people from NEDLLOYD gave me heaps of help and excellent information on how to go about packing a container to get it flawless through customs and MAF inspections.
"Bottom line is: - Have a very detailed list of the contents of the container, like box numbers and content lists per box. - Very inportant is to state how everything is cleaned!!!
"The container arrived at the worst possible time of the year. The week before Christmas. Anyway the local agent for NEDLLOYD worked out to be of great value too (for the really keen ones, check out www.nedlloyd.com). That was btw International Forwarding Co Ltd.
"We got a phone call from them telling me that the container had arrived and if I could come to Auckland to organise the paperwork. I dropped in just before lunch and the guy said: give me your passport and consignment papers and I'll take care of the rest. Bit scary but. Come back after lunch, please. So I did and guess what, everything was organised after lunch. The only thing left was to pay an additional few hundred NZ dollars to get the container to Papakura. The cost risk wasn't really there.
"Two day later the container arrived and within a few hours I had several people asking if I had a garage sale. My whole household was on the front lawn :-)
"Moral of the story is: take that challenge, it's exciting and it might save you a lot money."
John Mee wrote: "The hot deal for shipping goods [from the US?] is via Australia-New Zealand Direct Line, or any Conference member and ask them about using a 'Non-Operating Refigerated Container' (NOR). Because these are used to ship meat OUT of Australia and New Zealand, they have to get them back there, so the savings can be substantial.
"I was quoted a price of $1525 for a NOR container, as opposed to about $3,500 for a regular container. I am not sure about the regular container, but the NOR container, I just looked up in my notes.
ANZDL's home page is at: http://www.anzdl.com/
"I would also look at the Port of Oakland's (California) home page which has a lot of pointers to other shipping companies. It is at: http://www.portofoakland.com/shipping.html
"At the rates for an NOR container, I seem to recall that the breakeven pont for Less-than-Container-Load (LCL) was about three or four cubic metres. On top of that, you can buy all kinds of stuff to fill your container and then sell it when you arrive in NZ."
Martin Lange wrote:"I imported my left-hand drive Fiat Uno from Germany after I was granted residency. That was three years ago.
The rules in 1993 where: a) You can get a "Left-Hand Drive Exception Permit" if - You are a Permanent Resident, Holding a Work Permit or have a long-term Visitors Permit - Owned the car for at least two years overseas. b) You are not allow to sell the car unless it is older than 20 years OR converted to a right-hand drive. c) Your car must pass a technical check through the Land Transport authority.
For up-to-date information, contact the Land Transport Safety Authority, Head Office, 7-27 Waterloo Quay, P.O. Box 27-459 Wellington
Ph: +64-4-494-8600 Fax: +64-4-494-8601
Anyhow, unless your car is something VERY special, it is not worth the hassle.
Especially Japanese assembled car are not expensive. If you arrive in Auckland, rent a car for a few days and shop around at the "Japanese Assembled Car Dealers".
Be aware of the fact that most "Japanese Assembled Cars" have tinkered clocks. Do not believe the mileage the dealer tells you - it has been manipulated in every second import.
The dealers have huge ranges for negotiations. A friend of mine in Auckland negotiated the price down by 45% THREE times. After purchasing such a car he brings it to a PIT Stop, gets the brakes fixed and drives around.
Another hint: The New Zealand Automobile Associations runs at least one independent workshop in Auckland. You can bring your potential "next car" there and get an non-partisan assessment."
A brief summary of entry requirements can be found at
http://www.nztb.govt.nz/visitor/entry.html
A departure tax of $NZ20 per person (over 5 years old) is charged of people leaving New Zealand who have been in the country more than 24 hours. This is to be paid after the traveller has checked in as the tax receipt is attached to the traveller's boarding pass.
No vaccination certificates are required to enter New Zealand, but if illness occurs within three weeks of entering the country, consult a doctor.Facilities are good but not free to non NZ residents (except in the event of injury due to an accident). Please refer to this page for advice regarding Health and General Insurance: http://www.nztb.govt.nz/visitor/insurance.html
AUSTRALIA: Union House 32/38 Quay St. Auckland ph 0 9 303 242972 Hobson St Thorndon Wellington ph 0 4 473 6411
GERMANY 52 Symond St Auckland ph 0 9 377 3460
90 Hobson St Thorndon Wellington ph 0 4 473 6063
GREAT BRITAIN 151 Queen St Auckland ph 0 9 303 2971
2 The Terrace Wellington ph 0 4 472 6049
JAPAN 37 Shortland St Auckland ph 0 9 303 4106
Cnr Victoria and Hunter Sts Wellington ph 0 4 473 1540
USA Cnr Shortland and O'Connell Sts Auckland ph 0 9 303 2724
29 Fitzherbert Tce Thorndon Wellington ph 0 4 472 2068
The soc.culture.new-zealand FAQ, prepared by Phil Stuart-Jones 1994-1997, Lin Nah 1998.
Please POST any questions to soc.culture.new-zealand. Do not email Lin.
Proceed to B5 | Back to B3.5 | Contents | NZ Map
enzed HOME page
17-January-98