making a powerful career move to new zealand

Transcription

1 making a powerful career move to new zealand Contents 02 Don t leave home without 03 Facts, climate, banking and tax 04 Public holiday, accomodation, transport, telephone and education 05 Medical insurance, private healthcare and useful websites and contacts

2 Moving to the other side of the world can be daunting! We hope that the following information will prove a useful guide and will give you a helping hand to start your new life and career. 2 Relocations guide New Zealand

3 Facts about New Zealand New Zealand has a population of only four million - making it one of the world s least crowded countries. New Zealand lies in the southern Pacific Ocean, 1600 km east of Australia. It is made up of the North and South Islands and a number of smaller islands, with a total area of 268,000 sq km. Climate Spring September to November Summer December to February Autumn March to May Winter June to August The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the South temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August. In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius and in winter between 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. Banking Current exchange rate NZ$1 = 0.50p (June 2011) Bank accounts In the UK most bank accounts are free of charges until the account holder becomes overdrawn. In New Zealand however, all bank accounts have some associated costs and taxes attached to them and it is clearly up to you to find the account that will best suit your needs. A debit or credit card is likely to be the main source for obtaining your funds, as in the UK, they can also be used to make purchases in supermarkets, department stores etc. Cheque book You will receive a cheque book within a week of opening your bank account however, cheques are not commonly used in New Zealand anymore and most people will just use debit and credit cards. Accessing your money Banks are open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday. Automated Teller Machines (ATM), commonly known as cash dispensers, are widely available at banks, in main shopping areas and in malls. Major retail banks include ANZ, National Bank, Westpac New Zealand Limited, ASB Bank Limited and Rabobank New Zealand Limited. Taxation Tax Scales In New Zealand you will pay tax for every dollar you earn. The standard New Zealand tax year runs from 1 April to 31 March. Taxable income Income tax rates for every $1 of taxable income (excluding ACC earners levy) up to $14,000 from $14,001 to $48,000 from $48,001 to $70, cents 17.5 cents 30 cents $70,001 and over 33 cents Goods and Services Tax In New Zealand, all goods and services are subject to a 15 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST). Inland Revenue Department (IRD) Number You will need an IRD number before you start a job, or if you want to open a bank account. You must apply for an IRD number before you can receive income from work. Be aware that if you do not have an IRD number tax will be deducted at the highest rate of tax. To apply for an IRD number you will be required to complete an application form IRD number application - individual (IR595) form and will also need to provide suitable ID i.e. your passport. Relocations guide New Zealand

4 Public Holidays Public Holidays in New Zealand are the equivalent to what bank holidays are in the UK i.e. days that are declared by government. There are ten standard public holidays in New Zealand: New Years Day, Day after New Years Day, Waitangi Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, ANZAC Day, Queen s Birthday, Labour Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. There are also anniversary days for the province in which an employee works. Accommodation Rental properties in New Zealand can be furnished and unfurnished. The landlord does not have to rent the property to you furnished, however, you will find they will often come with the essentials including oven, washing machine, fridge etc. Costs will naturally vary from area to area with Auckland and Auckland suburbs being the most expensive areas to live. As per the UK a property is secured with a bond payment, which is usually the equivalent of two-four weeks rent. The main real estate agents include: Bayleys LJ Hooker First National Century 21 Harcourts Ray White Rental accommodation in New Zealand is highly sought after so you will need to act quickly. Also be prepared for regular inspections throughout the duration of your time renting. If you need any repairs done your landlord is responsible for this. Transport Driving You are able to use your UK drivers license for up to 12 months in New Zealand. After the 12 months you will need to convert to New Zealand licence. Public Transport See the useful websites page for links on public transport in New Zealand. Telephone It pays to shop around when deciding which service provider to use regarding the costs of your calls. Vodafone and Telecom are the two biggest players in the phone market in New Zealand however many more can be found in the Yellow Pages. All providers are very competitive and depending on your needs one of the providers below should meet your budgetary requirements. Vodafone - Telecom - Education Schools In New Zealand, schooling is free at state (government-funded) schools. Parents are, however, expected to pay some minor costs, including the cost of stationary, school uniforms and in some cases textbooks. Most state schools also charge a voluntary fee of around $100 - $200 per year, which pays for extra resources, photocopying etc. Schools in more affluent areas tend to charge a higher voluntary fee, as they do not get as much funding from the government. School terms are different to the UK and consist of four terms with a long summer break over the Christmas/January period. Term 1: Early February to Mid April Term 2: Early May to Mid July Term 3: Early August to Early October Term 4: Mid-End October Mid December Tertiary New Zealand has eight Universities which all offer general undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as specialist degrees. As well as the universities, there are also a number of Polytechnics, Colleges of Education and Private Training establishments that offer professional and academic courses. 4 Relocations guide New Zealand

5 Medical Insurance All essential health care is provided free through the public health system. Minor routine services, such as visits to local doctors and dentists have to be paid for. All permanent residents are eligible for public healthcare as are those people with a minimum two year valid work visa. Private Health Care Many people living in New Zealand have private health insurance because it speeds up the process of treatment of nonurgent conditions. If you have private health insurance you are also still entitled to free public health services. Useful Websites/Contacts Emergency For police, ambulance or the fire brigade in New Zealand Phone 111 Banks Westpac Bank ANZ ASB Bank Rabobank Public transport Immigration Tax Health Accommodation Supermarkets Relocations guide New Zealand 5