expat network

Moving to New Zealand – What You Need to Know

So, you are moving to New Zealand!

Whether you are emigrating, taking a short term assignment or joining family in New Zealand we have put together the information you will need to make your move a smooth one.

New Zealand Tops Annual Ranking For Best Life-Work Balance (…Again)

Annual Life-Work Balance Index reveals the best and worst countries for life-work balance around the globe. It investigates everything from average work hours to public safety to determine where the healthiest life-work culture is in 2025. The Global Life-Work Balance Index 2025 is the third annual index report published by Remote, the global authority on remote…

Comparing Quotes From Moving Companies

Make sure you get quotes from three potential removal companies. Then you will need to evaluate them and make a choice. Price will clearly be a factor, but you should decide what is important to you and ensure that you take these into account and avoid choosing the cheapest and then incur more cost down…

Accessing Healthcare When You Retire Abroad

Retiring abroad is a major decision and one of the key issues if we are to get the best out of life in retirement wherever we are is access to good quality healthcare. The accessibility of healthcare should be one of the key factors in the decision on where to retire. There can be a…

Moving With Family

Any international move is complicated, but moving with family takes even more planning. The first challenge is to deliver the message to the family. This will require a detailed discussion; they are likely to have a large number of questions but it may not be easy to get them to ask them initially. Children of…

Your Ultimate Moving Abroad Guide

Are you planning to move abroad soon? Moving abroad comes with its share of challenges and excitement. You are effectively leaving everything you know and embarking on a different journey where you will meet different people, cultures, and ways of life. If you are familiar with change, then you understand that…

Where Are The Best Places To Live In New Zealand?

There are many factors that will decide where to live in New Zealand. For most the work that you will be doing will determine where you will be living. Wherever you live you will be close to the stunning scenery and have access to an outdoor lifestyle. The cities around the country have rather different…

Things To Consider When Moving Abroad

Moving abroad is a brilliant opportunity to learn more about other cultures and yourself. Stepping out and taking this giant leap of faith can easily grant you the opportunity to have many new experiences while allowing you to explore a terrain that is otherwise unknown to you. However, moving abroad is…

Top Tips For Expats Renting Property In New Zealand

If you are thinking about starting a life in New Zealand, finding a place to stay is likely one of your top priorities. To help you navigate the confusing process of renting property in New Zealand and learn more about your rights and necessary legal requirements, here are some essential tips for renting a…

The Safest Places For Expats To Live In New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the safest places in the world but even here some places are safer than others. Here International Citizens set out the factors that impact New Zealand and which places are safest. Originally published by International Citizens Insurance and published with their agreement If you’re looking for a safe place…

Living and Working in New Zealand

Are you considering a permanent or contract post based in New Zealand? Here is a brief introduction to what you can expect. Informal and relaxed, the New Zealanders generally have open and friendly personalities. Practical, strong and self-reliant, they are dedicated to a family, home, and leisure oriented life-style. They are proud and patriotic, and…

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.