FAQ

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BLUNT ADVICE - What would we say to new immigrants based on the repeated mistakes we have seen others make over and over and over again:
* DON'T send out your CV by the thousand in a shot gun approach. NZ is far too small a country to be able to do this. It will cause you more harm than good.
* DON'T take for granted that it’s possible to secure a job in 2 weeks or less. NZ is a wealthy country filled with very intelligent, highly skilled people. There may be shortages here but New Zealand Employers will not hire just because they have been looking for someone for ages. You have to be right for the job with the right skills, qualifications, experience and most of all the right ATTITUDE.
* Anyone coming to NZ must expect to take a few steps backwards in earnings, position and financial status. Resign yourself to the fact that it will probably take 2 to 5 years to get back to the position you were in before you immigrated.
* Many New Arrivals to New Zealand (we deal mainly with South Africans and Brits) are perceived as being arrogant and very ungrateful by New Zealanders. Over confidence comes across as arrogance and we hear far too many stories of how new arrivals criticize the NZ people, the culture and many other aspects of the country. This comes across as ungracious to the New Zealanders. Fortunately not all new arrivals present themselves in this manner and thanks to them they present a positive front for others.

Hopefully our website and service will help pass this message on and a more positive approach to immigration can be encouraged. Also see this page - "a note from Peter Burney", the MD who has been helping new migrants into NZ for over 10 years.

1. Question
I cannot seem to be able to make the decision to move! It is even starting to cause tension at home - IE this indecision and procrastination. How do I deal with this?
Answer
This is NOT unusual! Moving to a new country and leaving what is currently your "home" is a HUGE decision and it IS VERY, VERY, stressful. The answer is to break it down in your mind, into manageable small steps. The best way to move forward and past the “procrastination” is to frankly ask yourself: “am I going to do this or not?” If you answer “yes” you should put a time frame in place and move forward. If your answer is a “no”, then deal with that and let it go. Consider that this move could simply be a 3 year adventurous, working holiday and that at the end of the 3 years you will be returning to what you now know as "home" - then stick to that. You can obviously re-evaluate this plan when the 3 years is coming up. This turns the decision into positives and reduces negatives like "I am abandoning my home country! and I'm never coming back!" It also helps you when you are here. This is because many new immigrants who leave with these negatives arrive here with closed minds and are often very judgmental and comparing all the time. They get nicknamed "when we's" and as a result struggle to "fit in" becoming very unhappy and ungrateful. If, in your mind, it is just an adventurous, working holiday experience, it allows you to embrace and experience the new cultures and new environments without being fearful and negative.

2. Question
What paperwork do I need to bring with me?
Answer
Qualification papers, identity documents if they are issued like they are in South Africa, driving licenses, obviously passports, inoculations records for children, copies of your medical and dental records, a letter from your insurance company on what claims you have or have not made, if you can apply and bring your police clearance with you it speeds things up and written references or certificates of service or affidavits from previous employers to provide proof of your work history and experience.

3. Question
What should I do with regards to my existing bank accounts?
Answer
Set up Internet banking for all your existing accounts and arrange with your bank to increase the daily withdrawal limits to their maximum. Open an account with a local bank as soon as you are able to when you get to New Zealand, which is a very simple and quick process with any of the major New Zealand Banks.

4. Question
What should I budget for on health costs?
Answer
New Zealand has a national health system (this means that its subsidised by the government through income tax).  Once you have your work permit you and your family would normally be covered on the national health system (please double check this once this happens).  You can take out private health but it is not really necessary.  If you visit the GP you pay about $40 per visit and the medicine costs vary but usually for a prescription you pay about $3 sometimes $6.  Certain medications can cost more but the medicine is subsidized by the government so it rarely costs and arm and a leg. There is no charge for emergency treatments and hospitals when admitted.

5. Question
Can your company (Bridge Personnel) arrange accommodation for me upon my arrival, if so, how much would it cost per day?
Answer
Yes – cost per day ranges between $65 - $120 per day. We can also usually arrange accommodation at peoples homes (called home stay here in NZ) and the prices range from $50 to $70 a day. There are other options like renting a room for a fixed period. This is the cheaper option as you can find rooms to let from about $150 per week but mostly you would be looking at $200 per week. You could stay at a hostel but they are not much cheaper – around $45 – 50 per day and not as comfortable. Also see our useful links section - here.

6. Question
How long does the work permit application process take?
Answer
Answer
Immigration NZ advise that it can take up to 8 weeks (depending on what location you stay/work). This is far a 1 or 2 year work permit, not permanent residence. In Auckland however, where the wait is generally considered to take the longest, our applicants have found that it is taking on average about 3-4 weeks. In some parts of the country it can be as quick as a few days.

7. Question
Would I be allowed to leave NZ while my work permit is being processed?
Answer
You would have to apply for a work visa as apposed to a permit – this allows you come and go as you please.

8. Question
What sort of salary can I expect to earn based on my skills and experience?
Answer
Take a look at the government web site ‘Career Services’ http://www.careers.govt.nz/
This site offers information which covers issues like work trends, salaries, courses and training specific to your industry. (http://www.careers.govt.nz/ gives you advice on specific careers. Go to the home page - select jobs - find your job type by selecting the "A to Z" buttons - click on your job. At the bottom right see the link to "Pay and job outlook" - click here for information on expectations.)

9. Question
What are child day care costs like in New Zealand?
Answer
The cost of daycare for pre-school children ranges from $195 to $250 per week for a full day, depending on the school. This includes morning and afternoon tea and lunch. Children can be dropped off at 07h00 and collected at 18h00. Half days (6½hrs - morning or afternoons) are around $45 per 6½ hour session.

10. Question
Where abouts in NZ would I be most likely to find employment?
Answer
We always advise people to keep an open mind – consider anywhere in NZ – you can always relocate later.

11. Question
What is the average cost of renting a house in NZ?
Answer
Depending on location and size; 2 bedrooms between $300 / $350, 3 bedrooms between $400 / 450 per week etc. This site will give you an idea on location versus rent:
http://www.dbh.govt.nz/market-rent - also see our useful links - here

12. Question
During the time spent searching for employment how much money would I need on average per month or week?
Answer
We recommend having about $1500 – 2000 per month for accommodation depending on size location etc. You can get away with about $100 / 150 per week for food. You can survive quite easily on $350 – 450 per week if you work smartly. Also, consider that you should get yourself a cheap run around car rather than hire a car. You can get a really good second hand Japanese car for about $7000 or you can get a perfectly good cheap runaround for around $3000 (one our recent arrivals got himself a bargain for $1000 a few months ago).

13. Question
How do I know if my qualifications are recognised?
Answer
Check at - http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/general/formsandfees/formsandguides/lorq/

14. Question
How do I get my qualifications assessed if they are not on the recognised list?
Answer
You should be able to find all the information you need on the NZQA website found at - http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/for-international/index.html

15. Question
What are the general food and grocery prices in New Zealand?
Answer
Check out the online grocery store:
https://www.woolworths.co.nz/HomeShopping/default.aspx

16. Question
How many recruitment companies should I contact once I have arrived?
Answer
Most recruitment companies will not consider overseas applicants and even when you arrive if you have no work permit they normally don’t want to know your troubles. Bridge is not afraid to handle the overseas applicants and our clients are happy to deal with people we recommend. We have the experience and knowledge to get you through the process and part of the service we provide for individuals paying us a fee is to provide the support that is lacking if you don’t have family or friends to help you out here.

More for South Africans....

http://www.newzealandimmigration.co.za/