Immigration to New Zealand

British and Polynesian influences course through picturesque New Zealand, an island nation in the Pacific Ocean southeast of Australia. Early Maori settlers ceded sovereignty to British invaders with the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, and European settlers flooded in. New Zealand has a population of 4,879,468 as on December 2021 as per UN data. The Government of New Zealand focus on improving the wellbeing of its citizens. They have specific policies focusing on reducing child poverty, improving mental health, transitioning to a green economy and digital age.  A small Island with beautiful range of Landscapes, Glaciers, mountains, deserts, fjords, plains to name a few makes New Zealand one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

New Zealand is a good choice for expats due to its natural scenic beauty, high quality of life and record of safety. The annual immigration figure of New Zealand reached 225,400 in the year 2023, with most of the immigrants arriving from China, Philippines and India.

New Zealand is ranked  fourth safest country in the world in 2023 in the Global Peace Index.  Religion tolerance is also high in New Zealand. Kiwis are calm and relaxed people hence there is a work-life balance so not much is expected from work.

The Following Factors Speak For An Immigration To New Zealand

• Good Entrepreneurship
• Very good for Adventure
• Good Cultural Influence
• Good for Movers
• Open for Business
• Very good Quality of Life
• Very good for Raising Kids
• Very good for Women
• Fast Feeling at Home
• Good for Working Abroad

How to immigrate to New Zealand

As most countries New Zealand requires a valid visa or NZeTA for people coming in this Island. NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is required if you a permanent resident of Australia or you a citizen from a visa waiver country. All you need is a Passport. The cost of NZeTA is NZD $23 online and valid for 2 years with multiple visits within the validity period. The IVL (Visitor Conservation & Tourism Levy) of NZD $35 is also applicable. It may require 72 hours to process, so kindly apply much before you plan to travel. Once in New Zealand and you desire to extend your stay beyond the NZeTA period, you need to apply for a visa. The cost of NZeTA is only NZD$17 on mobile apps. Please visit the following links to get the benefit: 

• NZeTA Apple Store: apps.apple.com
• NZeTA android app: play.google.com
• Google Play: play.google.com

There are many countries that do not require Visa for travelling to New Zealand. As per the Henley Passport Index, New Zealand Passport Power ranks 7^th among 195 countries. Click here to find out the name of the  Visa-Free countries for New Zealand. 

Visas are available to enter New Zealand for the following :

• Visitors Visa or NZeTA
• Study
• Work
• Permanent Stay
• Join Family
• Business

For detailed information on New Zealand Immigration and Visas, please visit : immigration.govt.nz

Traveling information 

Travel to New Zealand for Tourism, Work or Study is open. New Zealand can be reached by sea from Island country Australia. Cruise services to New Zealand is offered by world’s major cruise companies from all over the globe. Some countries like India does not have passenger cruises to New Zealand, however some Freighters (Cargo Ships) allows passengers to travel, but the journey will be longer, risky and expensive as the ships must stop at various destinations to load/unload. 

You can reach New Zealand from almost all international airports around the world and major airlines offer direct flights into New Zealand. Air New Zealand is the national carrier. There are 5 international airports- Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown Airport. There are around 25 domestic airports with very affordable fare making it convenient to travel within the country to explore for work and pleasure.

People

New Zealanders, also know as Kiwis are very clam, polite people. They are super friendly and ready to help. They are known for the spirt of Hospitality. The Kiwis are unique, adaptable and little quirky just like the kiwi bird found in New Zealand. Kiwi is the national bird of New Zealand. In the past the Kiwi bird’s image was used to represent New Zealand as a country and during the 1^st world war the New Zealand soldiers were referred to as “Kiwis”.  Eventually New Zealanders came to be known as Kiwis. There is no official religion in New Zealand, however around 37% practice Christianity, followed by Hinduism, Islam, Buddhisum, Judaism and Sikhism. More than 48% of the population in New Zealand claims that they have no religion.

The Kiwis are very sporty, adventurous and they love outdoors. The New Zealanders are generally goods towards immigrants and expats. Even in work place the foreigner’s skills and experiences are respected. However, sometimes due to language barrier and cultural differences some might face discrimination and other challenges.

Job offers in New Zealand 

New Zealand has topped many rankings and surveys consecutively over the years. From 2015 to 2018 it has remained in the 2^nd place for being the best place in world for expats and foreigners to live and work. You can find a job which suits your skills from the “Long Term Skill Shortage List”. The list is very vast and gives lots of opportunities to work in areas like Construction, engineering, Finance & Business, Health & Social Services. Electronics, Telecommunications, Health & Recreation, Tourism, Scientific Research and other trades. The New Zealand government has opened government jobs for International skilled workers in 2024. To find your choice of job and requirements please log on:  immigration.govt.nz

Education 

The education system in New Zealand ranks top in the word. The early childhood education is from birth to school entry age, which is not mandatory, however around 96.8% children are registered for early childhood education. The primary schools start from 5 years of age till 12 years (1 to 8 year levels). The secondary education is from 13 years of age till 19 years (9 to 13 year levels). The primary and secondary education provided at state run schools are free, which are owned and funded by the government. These schools follow the national curriculum and are non-religious (secular). 

New Zealand is one of the best destinations for international students, as it offers quality education, world-class facilities and low competition. The New Zealand government has easy visa approval policy for students and also offers Post-study work permits. International students can enjoy some students discount and scholarships as well. They also have the opportunity to work in New Zealand after their education. The estimated annual cost to study in New Zealand is about NZ$22,500 to NZ$36,000. 

Homeschooling is legal in New Zealand, which is supported by the government. In the year 2021, almost 8306 students were enrolled in homeschooling. Parents have the option to use the purchased curriculum or plan their own. They can also hire a tutor for some subjects as need be. For more detailed information on education in New Zealand, please visit: education.govt.nz

Climate

New Zealand is one rare country where you can enjoy Swimming and Skiing during Winters on the same day. The weather is influenced by mountains and the seas. In summer it has subtropical weather in the far north region while in the winter the inland alpine areas of the south will be as cold as -10 deg.C (14 deg.F). 

North Island is warm during winters and it snows on the South Island. Since most of the country lies close to the coast, it has mild temperatures year-round. New Zealand experiences more sunshine than rain. Here higher UV rays are felt increasing the possibility sunburn and skin cancer.  Its overall climate is a temperate one. 

To check the weather and best time to visit New Zealand before you plan your travels, please visit: newzealand.com

Language 

The Te Reo Māori language is the native language of New Zealand and was made official language in 1987. It is also taught in the school curriculum; however, English is the predominant official language here and is spoken by the entire population. Since 2006 the New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is also made an official language.

Immigrants from different countries have brought their languages with them here and it is estimated that more than 100 languages are spoken in New Zealand. The New Zealander’s English is sometimes very hard to understand even for native English-speaking people. This is because the Kiwis speak in a unique accent. They usually speak fast. If you do not follow their accent, ask them politely to repeat them slowly, they will surely do.

Currency and payment transactions 

New Zealand’s official currency is the dollar (NZ$). The currency is available in the following denominations:

Notes: $5, $10, $20, $50 & $100

Coins: 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2 coins

All types of credit cards are accepted in New Zealand, among them the Visa and MasterCard is widely accepted. GST @15% is charges on all the goods and services and on all the products off the shelf.  However, no GST is charged on items directly shipped to a home address by the supplier.

Banks with ATM’s are conveniently available in business shopping areas and in Malls. Banks are open from 9:30 and to 4:30 pm week days, few banks are open during weekends as well. The value of NZ$ as of today is 0.68 US$.  Any amount of Cash can be brought or taken out from this country, however if the amount exceeds NZ$10,000 cash than a traveler has to complete a Border Cash Report requirement.

Cost of Living in New Zealand 

Cost of Living varies in different cities in New Zealand.  In cities like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch cost of Living is very high. An average Cost of Living for a family of four ranges from 6000 NZ$ to 8000 NZ$, for a single person its approximately 1800 NZ$ to 2400 NZ$. Cities like Dunedin and Hamilton attract a lot of expats as housing is affordable and it also offers many jobs. 

Travel within New Zealand is expensive as they owned by private companies. On an average local public transport in bigger cities like Queenstown, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch is 3.50 NZ$ on way & approx.150 NZ$ for monthly pass. Owing a personal car is quite high here due to high Import taxes.  Essentials such as cooking gas, water and electricity varies from 200NZ$ to 300ND$ depending on the city. A standard internet connection is 85 NZ$.  Food is comparably higher here than the EU countries, as most of the food is imported.

For a detailed list of items with their cost visit: numbeo.com

Health Insurance

The New Zealand government provides free or subsidized healthcare to its citizens. Though there are private healthcare centers, around 85% of New Zealand’s public healthcare system is funded by the government. The government pays for the majority of healthcare costs using the public tax money. This healthcare system provides either free or low-cost healthcare services to the citizens and permanent residents of New Zealand. Eligible persons get free inpatient and outpatient treatment at public hospitals, free treatment in case of an accident, free maternity and fertility services. Support services is provided for the disabled persons. Subsidies are provided on prescriptions and medicines. Apart from NZ citizens and permanent residents, people holding work visa who is in New Zealand or 2 or more years are also eligible. To find out the eligibility criteria and other important factors to avail the public health services in New Zealand, please visit: govt.nz

Important addresses

Wellington International Airport
Stewart Duff Drive, Rongotai, Wellington 6022, New Zealand
Phone: +64 4 385 5100

Auckland Airport
Ray Emery Drive, Māngere, Auckland 2022, New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 275 0789

Albany Bus Station
Albany, Auckland 0632, New Zealand

InterCity Sky City Bus Terminal
102 Hobson Street, Auckland CBD,
Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 583 5780

Australian Consulate-General
188 Quay Street, Auckland CBD,
Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 921 8800

British Consulate General
Level 17/151 Queen Street, Auckland CBD,
Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 303 2973

Consulate Office Of India
133A Onehunga Mall, Onehunga,
Auckland 1061, New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 636 6306

Embassy of Japan
Level 18, The Majestic Centre, 100 Willis Street,
Te Aro, Wellington 6011,
New Zealand
Phone: +64 4 473 1540

United States Consulate General
23 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD,
Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 303 2724

Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany
188 Quay Street, Auckland CBD,
Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 375 8718

The medical emergency number in New Zealand is 111. It’s a 24/7 number and can be dialed by any phone and even if there is no calling balance left on your phone.

Summary

New Zealand, located in the south-western Pacific Ocean, about 1500 km from Australia, is one of the most popular and sort after Island in the world. The coastline spans a length of 15,134 km. From any place here, the seaside will never be more than 128 km away. It is made up of two main Islands- The North and South Island. The Capital city is Wellington situated in the north island. New Zealand is the second safest country in the world. Animal population is highest here with just 5% humans.  New Zealand boasts a diverse economy driven by agriculture, tourism, and technology, with strengths in innovation and sustainability. Renowned for its stunning landscapes, outdoor activities, and Maori culture, New Zealand attracts tourists with its adventure tourism and scenic beauty. It also appeals to immigrants for its high quality of life, safety, and welcoming communities. New Zealand is a great place to study for international students due to its high-quality education system and safe environment.  While the cost of living can vary depending on the region, it generally offers good value for money compared to other developed countries. New Zealanders are known for their friendliness, laid-back attitude, and respect for diversity, making it a welcoming place for foreigners. In 2024, it’s an attractive destination for immigration due to its stable economy, job opportunities, progressive policies, and commitment to environmental sustainability.