Relocation Information

We have provided a guide for you which should answer most of your questions. If there is anything additional you are not sure of, please let your Recruiter know.

 

Accommodation / Property	Job offer, Registration and Visa	Posting Parcels to New Zealand
ACLS course (life support cert)	Maps	Relocation Companies
Auckland Guide	Money matters	Shipping
Childcare	Moving your pet	Social networking
Communication (internet/phone)	National Anthem	State Benefits
Education	New Zealand Culture	Tax
Getting Here	New Zealand English	Transport
Healthcare	Peer Connect

      

Short and Long Term Accommodation 

Accommodation is available on site at the Greenlane Clinical Centre, called the “Greenlane Staff Residence”, for those working at Auckland City Hospital or Starship Hospital. For information on the Greenlane Staff Residence, please click here.

Greenlane Staff Residences office is only open on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12pm-5pm and is by appointment only (this is the only time and days you will be able to view the Staff Residences and for checking in and checking out). The last check in time is at 4:30pm.

• A refundable bond of $500 is required to secure a room long term, which is a stay of more than 4 weeks.
• Rent is normally deducted automatically from ADHB payroll every fortnight
• Those interested in staying under 4 will have to pay their rent in advance at check in, via EFTPOS. Please note that credit cards are not accepted.
• RMOs working at CMDHB/WDHB are eligible to stay at the Staff Residences. Please contact the Staff Residences Office to discuss payment methods available for CMDHB/WDHB employees.

For further information on the Greenlane Staff Residence, please email: GLStaffRes@adhb.govt.nz

For those working at Middlemore Hospital, please visit Middlemore apartments and Rosella Studios which are close to the hospital. http://www.studiohomes.nz/south-auckland/

There are also a number of serviced apartments, and letting options close to the hospital and in surrounding suburbs.

For further information about serviced apartments in the Manukau area, please contact LJ Hooker Rental Apartments by emailing rentalapartmetns@ljh.co.nz

Useful links

http://www.questapartments.co.nz/Accommodation/134/new_zealand/auckland_cbd/quest_auckland/welcome.aspx

http://www.accommodation.nz.com/auckland/hotel/ (directory of hotels in Auckland)

http://www.manz.co.nz/ (directory of motels in Auckland)

www.trademe.co.nz

http://www.finda.co.nz/business/c/accommodation/

http://www.furnishedrentals.co.nz/

www.campussummerstays.co.nz

Rental Property

Rental housing prices and quality vary and it is always advisable to visit a property personally before signing a Tenancy Agreement (also known as a lease). First appearances can be deceptive – make sure you check the basics. Parts of New Zealand can be cold and houses that do not get a lot of direct sun may have problems with dampness during the winter months. 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.

It is a good idea to find out about all your legal rights and responsibilities well before signing a lease. Tenancy services can help you with this.

Most rental properties are unfurnished, apart from an oven, a laundry facility and things like curtains and carpet. In some cases, you may have to provide your own heater.

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. To get a better idea about rental prices in Auckland have a look at the Department of Building and Housing

Residential Property

Housing stocks are extensive and provide an unusual range of opportunity for those seeking to match their home to a particular lifestyle. Rural 'lifestyle blocks' comprising custom-built homes with several acres of farmland are particularly popular. Most offer easy access to the main urban centres. City housing ranges from restored villas, dating from the early 1900s, to modern suburban homes with large gardens, or 'sections' as they are termed in New Zealand. Inner city apartments, featuring the latest in metropolitan living, have also become a feature of the major cities.

Most urban homes are stand-alone and are either built of wood or brick. Although many are insulated, most do not have central heating or double-glazed windows. Most have open fires, wood burners, gas or electrical heating.

Prices for homes in New Zealand vary considerably. A lot depends on where they are located - homes in Auckland, for example, are generally more expensive than homes in Wellington. House prices in smaller cities and towns tend to be less expensive. Costs also vary within neighbourhoods and it is important to find out as much as possible about an area before purchasing.

There are many areas in Auckland that are great to live in. We tend to recommend that doctors live more centrally – so anywhere within this circle would be fine. Let our team know if you’re looking at a particular suburb outside here and we can let you know about it.

Please note that as per the terms and conditions of your employment contract, it is a requirement that you are competent in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and you will be required to provide evidence or certify that you have completed a CPR/ACLS that meets the NZ Resuscitation Council requirements within the last 12 months.

If you are working at:

Waitemata DHB: You can contact Sharron Grevers (Sharron.Grevers@waitematadhb.govt.nz) for further information.

Auckland DHB: You can contact Arlene De La Cruz (arlened@adhb.govt.nz) for further information.

Counties Manukau DHB: You can contact RMO Unit (RMOUnit.CMDHB@middlemore.co.nz) for further information.

 

You may find that some things in New Zealand early childhood services are different from services you had in your home country. The sorts of things that you may find different are:

• the hours
• holidays
• what is expected from parents
• what children learn/do
• discipline methods
• dress code

Ask questions when you visit early childhood education services.  It is important that you understand how your child will be taught. The early childhood teachers will be happy to explain how equipment and activities are used to develop your child’s thinking and learning.

 

Internet

Most telecommunication companies have their own Internet Service Provider associated with them and offer packages for phone, internet and where available, digital TV.  However you are not obliged to accept any package offered regardless of who is supplying the actual physical connection.  There are many independent ISP’s easily searchable on the internet. 

Useful Links:

https://www.spark.co.nz/

www.vodafone.co.nz

www.slingshot.co.nz

www.orcon.co.nz

Mobile Phones

There are two major providers of mobile phone services in New Zealand – Telecom and Vodafone.  Both companies offer a range of different phone brands and payment plans.  These include pre-paid plans (where you pay-as-you-go) or a contract plan (where you pay a set monthly rental fee).  Other providers are 2degrees and slingshot. 

For more information visit:

https://www.spark.co.nz/

www.vodafone.co.nz

www.2degrees.co.nz

www.slingshot.co.nz

 

School system

Schooling is available to children from five years old, and is compulsory from ages six to 16.

The Auckland urban area has 340 primary schools, 80 secondary schools, and 29 composite (primary/secondary combined) schools as of February 2012, catering for nearly quarter of a million students.  The New Zealand school year usually runs from the end of January to mid-December, and is divided into four terms. Both single-sex and coeducational schooling options are available and state (public) schools are secular.

Primary education starts at Year 1 and continues until Year 8, with Years 7 and 8 mostly offered at either a primary or a separate intermediate school.

Secondary education covers Years 9 to 13, (during which students are generally aged 13 to 17). Most secondary students in New Zealand attend Government-funded schools. These are called secondary schools, high schools, colleges or area schools.

Most schools are taught in English, but some schools teach in Maori.

Here is some information about the school structure in New Zealand. Schools are divided into state, state-integrated and private schools. State schools are publically funded, state-integrated typically tend to have some individual characteristics they want to keep but gain partial public funding (i.e. a catholic school) and private schools aren’t funded by the government.

When looking for a school you should check the school’s decile rating. This indicates the extent to which it draws its students from low socio-economic communities. Decile 1 schools are the 10% of schools with the highest proportion of students from low socio-economic communities, whereas decile 10 schools are the 10% of schools with the lowest proportion of these students. A list of schools with their current deciles as well as their contact details is available on the Directory of Educational Institutions (web address: http://www.minedu.govt.nz/goto/directory).

Additionally, you should check the Education Review Office (ERO) report for the school to see how the school rated when most recently reviewed.

Many schools in Auckland are zoned and so you will need to live in a certain area for your children to go to them. You can search for a particular area / school here.

Tertiary Education

New Zealand's higher education offers a wide range of degree, diploma and certificate courses in many fields.

New Zealand universities are internationally recognized, their qualifications are respected, and students studying here will benefit from full immersion in the English language. There are seven state-funded universities in New Zealand.

Some useful education links for you to look at:

http://www.teamup.co.nz/ For information on schooling in New Zealand, contains comprehensive information; from Early Childhood to Secondary School.

http://www.minedu.govt.nz/ New Zealand Ministry of Education

www.auckland.ac.nz  The University of Auckland District Health Board

www.aut.ac.nz Auckland University of Technology

http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/home.cfm Massey University

 

Auckland - First City of the Pacific and New Zealand's largest and liveliest city.

Population

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city.

Approximately 1.7 million people reside in the greater Auckland area. This represents over 30% of the population of the whole country.

Geography

The city, suburbs and gulf islands cover an area of 637km².

Auckland is built on a narrow isthmus between two harbours, and is surrounded by extinct volcanoes and picturesque islands. The city is known as the 'City of Sails' because of a great number of yachts that sail in the harbours and the adjoining Hauraki Gulf.

Language

English is the main written and spoken language.

Maori, Polynesian and Asian languages are also spoken.

Climate

The climate is temperate, with warm summers (averaging over 24 degrees) and cooler winters (averaging 16 degrees). 

The summer months are between December and March. 

The prevailing wind is westerly.

Economy

Auckland is the retail and commercial centre of New Zealand. Auckland is also the 'gateway' to New Zealand for tourism and immigration.

For more information regarding Auckland and its suburbs please visit:

www.aucklandnz.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suburbs_of_Auckland

www.guidetoauckland.co.nz

www.viewauckland.co.nz

For further information:

www.wises.co.nz

 

Visit the following website for an up-to-date reflection of the current exchange rate:

http://www.xe.com/ucc/

You will need to set up a bank account in Auckland so your salary can be paid into it. For a list of registered banks visit the following site:

http://www.rbnz.govt.nz/regulation_and_supervision/banks/register/

 

INFORMATION ON MIGRANT BANKING
You can set-up your back account prior to your arrival in New Zealand. Following are some known banks which might be of some help:

Westpac 

If you are interested in banking with Westpac, it would be worth contacting them.
Contact person: David Sutcliffe, Manager for Migrant and Expatriate Banking
Email: David_Sutcliffe@westpac.co.nz
Link: http://www.westpac.co.nz/international-migrant/moving-to-from-nz/setting-up-a-bank-account-from-overseas/

ASB

To address any enquiries for Migrant Banking either you can contact Migrantbanking@asb.co.nz or harry.tsui@asb.co.nz (Harry Tsui - Team Manager, International & Branch Banking).
For more information on ASB migrant banking; please visit:
https://www.asb.co.nz/Personal/Banking-with-ASB/Moving-to-New-Zealand

BNZ

The BNZ Migrant Banking Solution includes following:
• Simple online application - no application fee or minimum amount required
• Account opened within 3 working days - should we require further information we will be in contact with the customer sooner
• Open the account up to 12 months in advance
• Funds can be transferred to the account - giving them control over when to transfer funds
• Account number can be given to employer which means no hassles on first pay day
• One less thing to when you arrive
• Access to BNZ UK team
The general email address bnzmigrant.banking@bnz.co.nz would be a preferable option as all the team has access to this.

ANZ

The International Banking Services team can be contacted directly on ibs@anz.com.
To know more about ANZ, kindly visit the following links:
http://www.anz.co.nz/personal/accounts/banking-packages/migrant-banking-package/
http://www.anz.co.nz/personal/accounts/moving-new-zealand/contact-ibs/
Please also visit www.anz.co.nz/movetonz as this site has some more relevant information for people moving.

Kiwi Bank

If you have any queries, please contact Kiwi Bank on the number listed below between 7am - 9pm from Monday to Friday, 8am - 6pm Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, or ask a question using their online help tool at: http://www.kiwibank.co.nz/about-us/contact-us/need-help.asp
You can contact them on: 0800 11 33 55 (in New Zealand) or +64 4 473 1133 (from overseas) Website: www.kiwibank.co.nz

 

New Zealand is strict when it comes to relocating animals from overseas due to biosecurity controls. For further information you will need to research requirements here.

If you are only importing cats and dogs their requirements are found here and a useful guide on this is found here.

There are kennels in Auckland that are approved for quarantine found here.

Kennels must collect the animal from the airport in a MAF approved vehicle, so you would not need to worry about collecting your pet yourself.

 

The New Zealand culture is a combination of a number of foreign influences including: English, Scottish, Irish, American, Asian, Australian and the original Maori tribes.  The country is also experiencing an increase in visitors from southern Asia, giving New Zealand a truly multi-cultural feel.  There has been a recent renaissance for the original Maori dialect, which is often used to promote the country.

The overall population of New Zealand is heavily influenced by European descendants, with British and Irish connections by far and away the strongest.  There is a small but significant community of Dutch, South Slav and Italians who have settled in New Zealand. 

The country itself is well known for its strong Maori background, dance, music and to a lesser extent TV and media.  Sport also plays a major part in everyday life with the 2011 Rugby World Cup winners the “All Blacks” and cricketing team well known throughout the sporting world as well as the newly famous football team – The All Whites!

 

New Zealand English

New Zealanders have a lot of similarities with other English speakers however we do have a few sayings of our own. Download our glossary of New Zealand words and phrases.

 

You can listen to our national anthem on YouTube here. 

Māori verse: "Aotearoa" E Ihowā Atua, O ngā iwi mātou rā Āta whakarangona; Me aroha noa Kia hua ko te pai; Kia tau tō atawhai; Manaakitia mai Aotearoa

English verse: "God Defend New Zealand" God of Nations at Thy feet, In the bonds of love we meet, Hear our voices, we entreat, God defend our free land. Guard Pacific's triple star From the shafts of strife and war, Make her praises heard afar, God defend New Zealand.

Peer Connect

Over the years, the Auckland Region has welcomed countless doctors from overseas to live and work in our hospitals. Each doctor brings with them their own unique experience, advice and information. We offer a 'Buddy Program' for doctors relocating from overseas. We connect you with a doctor currently working in the Auckland region from the same country and in the same specialty as you (where possible). They are then able to show your the ropes in getting settled in Auckland and are a fount of knowledge.

If you have accepted an offer of employment and are due to begin working in Auckland, contact your recruiter to request a 'buddy' today.

Otherwise, click through to our Peer Connect page for other ways to connect in. 

 

You may need to post a few personal items to Auckland prior to leaving home. You can do this as follows:

There is a “Post Resante” option available via New Zealand Post (http://www.nzpost.co.nz/home/receiving-mail/poste-restante) through which you can post a parcel and can collect it within three months from one of the Post Resante locations. Do check the terms and conditions thoroughly before using the service.

Their website suggests that you do not need to register for this but it would be to good to drop a quick email to NZ post just to ensure that the Auckland address remains unchanged for this service. It appears they have only one location in Auckland:

Auckland

Ground Floor, Bledisloe Bldg, 24 Wellesley Street

1010

09 379 6714

09 377 4622

Visit the link under “Contact us” for an email - http://www.nzpost.co.nz/contact-support. You may expect a response by close of business the next working day.

 

Ensure you check with your airlines carrier regarding their baggage allowance. If you want to bring more of your personal belongings you can use a relocation company. Some relocations companies include, but are not limited to:

Useful links:

http://www.alliedpickfords.co.nz

http://www.transworld.co.nz

http://www.crownrelo.co.nz/

The New Zealand social benefits system is non-contributory, i.e. employers and employees do not pay into a central benefits scheme (the equivalent of National Insurance in the UK).  There is however a compulsory Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) that all employees and employers must contribute to. It provides compensation payments to those injured at work.

The traditional social security benefits of income support, health care, etc are all available to residents of New Zealand.

For more information on state benefits, please visit:

http://www.workandincome.govt.nz/

 

Shipping

CROWN RELOCATIONS

Zsofia Fodor – Account Manager

zfodor@crownww.com    

GMS Account Manager | Crown Relocations | Auckland, New Zealand

200 Bush Rd, Albany, Auckland

PO Box 40183, Glenfield, North Shore City, 0747, Auckland

T (09) 414 3522

http://www.crownrelo.com 

 

Auckland Doctors have Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages, so don’t forget to join them so you can connect with other doctors in Auckland and New Zealand. Search words: Auckland Doctors

 

Inland Revenue is the government department that collects taxes – it is popularly referred to as the IRD. The New Zealand tax year is from 1 April to 31 March. Most people pay their taxes as they earn their income. Employers deduct tax on salary and wages. Banks and other financial institutions deduct tax on interest as it is derived. People who do not pay tax on all of their income as it is earned are required to file tax returns at the end of the tax year (31 March). In most cases, Inland Revenue will send you all the material you need to file tax returns and make payment.

For more information on taxes, visit the following site for detailed information:

http://www.ird.govt.nz/how-to/taxrates-codes/

IRD numbers

An IRD number is a unique identifying number that you use for all your contacts with Inland Revenue (similar to a bank account number). If you do not have an IRD number before you start a job or open a bank account, your employer or bank will deduct the ‘no declaration’ rate of tax from your salary or interest earned. This rate is much higher than the standard deduction rates and will significantly reduce the net income you receive. Every individual or entity that interacts with IRD needs an IRD number.

To find out how to get an IRD number, visit the IRD website

www.ird.govt.nz

http://www.ird.govt.nz/how-to/irdnumbers/

You must also get an IRD number before you can get paid your salary in NZ. 

You can go into any Post Shop/Office in Auckland and apply for this.

 

Getting around New Zealand is easy, whether you drive, or use public transport, walk or bike! While you might find it’s more convenient to have a car, there are plenty of other options including planes, buses, trains and ferries.  

Driving in New Zealand

We drive on the left-hand side of the road, and we give way to cars coming from your right at a roundabout.

At crosswalks you must give way to pedestrians. And New Zealand has pretty strict rules about seatbelts too – if you’re caught not wearing one you’ll be fined.

Overall, our road rules are similar to Western countries. You can learn more about them at NZ Transport Agency:

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/

Roads in New Zealand

• You’ll find that even our biggest “State Highways” linking major cities and towns, are quite small compared to international standards.
• Rural roads wind through our many hills, valleys and gullies, so take your time. But they’re usually also the most beautiful drives in the country.
• New Zealand roads have a lot of one-way bridges. Follow directions to see who has to give way.

Driving licences

To read about the requirements for driving in NZ, please visit:

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/residents-visitors/driving-nz.html

Bringing a car to New Zealand

Whether you choose to ship your car over to New Zealand or purchase one here will often depend on your finances (and how attached you are to your car!)

Check out www.tauruslogistics.co.nz for details and prices about shipping your car to New Zealand

Buying a car

• New cars: For a guide on prices and tips on what features to look for go to the www.consumer.org.nz but you will need to pay to access the reports
• For a free guide on safety features, visit www.rightcar.govt.nz and www.aa.co.nz
• Pre-owned cars: You’ll find the best selection of new and used automobiles on offer at www.trademe.co.nz.

For more information about car ownership in New Zealand, check out the Automobile Association.

Also, check out www.redbook.co.nz for prices of new and used cars but be advised that you will need to pay to access the information on this site.

Car Insurance

Some insurance companies in New Zealand are happy to transfer a no claims bonus with proof of no claims with your current insurance company overseas. Some of these companies are:

Tower Insurance

AMI

AA Insurance

ASB Bank (you would need to be a customer first)

Public Transportation

Every city and most towns in New Zealand have reliable bus and taxi services, and Wellington and Auckland in the North Island also run train services.  People in some places even use ferries to get between work and home, such as from Auckland City to Devonport or Waiheke Island.

Find timetables using these regional transport authorities:

Auckland: Auckland Regional Transport Authority (Maxx), Auckland’s ferry company (Fullers)

Facebook

Connect with these groups on Facebook:

• Auckland Doctors
• New Zealand Medical Students' Association: NZMSA
• Auckland University Medical Students' Association (AUMSA)