Moving to Taranaki is easy. If you are considering a move to New Zealand there are a range of support services designed to make the process as simple as possible. New Zealand Ready is a great tool created by the New Zealand Government that will help you create a customised list of things to do before you leave and when you first arrive.
Settling in
Feeling ‘at home’ in a foreign country can be a challenge for newcomers. The Citizen’s Advice Bureau provides Settlement Information Services for new migrants and refugees. There is also a service called Migrant Connections Taranaki which assists migrants to settle into the Taranaki region and helps manage Taranaki’s multi-ethnic council.
www.cab.org.nz
www.migrantconnections.org.nz
www.mobile-relocation.com
www.newzealandnow.govt.nz
www.onarrival.co.nz
Building networks
To meet new people and build new support networks many newcomers like to join groups such as the Taranaki Young Professionals, Taranaki Timebank, the New Parents to New Plymouth, and the weekly Migrant Women’s Meet held at Puke Ariki. Contact Venture Taranaki at [email protected] for more information.
Tax
The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) is the government department that collects taxes. You will need an IRD number to work in New Zealand, with the tax year being from April 01 to March 31. Most people pay their taxes as they earn their income, so employers deduct tax on salary and wages.
Bank
Opening a bank account is quick and easy, but you will need one before you can start work.
New Zealand has modern banking practices, from traditional to online. In fact, you may be able to open an account before you arrive.
www.tsb.co.nz
www.anz.co.nz
www.asb.co.nz
www.bnz.co.nz
www.kiwibank.co.nz
www.co-operativebank.co.nz
www.westpac.co.nz
Learning english
If you would like to improve your English we recommend you utilise the services of an English tutor, before and/or once you arrive in New Zealand. There are also Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses available at WITT, the region’s polytechnic institute.
Driving in New Zealand
In New Zealand, we drive on the left. Whether you are here for a short or long stay you will need to be aware that while our road rules are similar to those in the UK and overseas, there are some important differences. We strongly suggest that you familiarise yourself with the New Zealand Road Code before heading out onto the roads. You will need to bring your current driving license from your home country and you may also need an international driving permit. If you are staying for more than a year you will need to get a New Zealand driving license.
Healthcare
Taranaki has a modern, extensive healthcare network - you can be assured you and your family will be well taken care of.
Taranaki Base Hospital in New Plymouth provides first-class emergency, intensive and medical care for the whole region. South Taranaki is well serviced by a modern hospital in Hawera, medical centres in Opunake, Hawera and Patea, and GP services in Manaia and Eltham.
There are also general practitioners and surgical specialists throughout the region.
There are pharmacies in all towns, and a large number of excellent dentists, physiotherapists, dieticians, midwives and psychologists available.
The Taranaki Hospice, Te Rangimarie, offers on-site palliative care in New Plymouth and at-home throughout the region.
Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)
ACC is a government-funded scheme that covers the cost of treatment and recovery for accidents and emergencies, both in and out of the workplace. Additional health insurance is recommended for those treatments that fall outside of ACC in order to take advantage of shorter waiting lists.