new zealand

accommodation

As of January 2007, the "average" price for a two-bedroom inner-city apartment was $372 per week. Expect to pay anything from NZ$100 - $200 for a room in a shared flat. Inner city suburbs such as Ponsonby, Remuera and Herne Bay command prices in the upper bracket but have the added advantage of minimising your travel expenses.

Local papers and New Zealand's main paper, the New Zealand Herald advertise flat shares. For more information please visit: www.nzherald.co.nz

Real estate agencies

The majority of letting agencies will require one month's deposit in advance.
The following are the market leaders:

Barfoot & Thompson
Harcourts
LJ Hooker
Professionals

Interim Accommodation

Auckland has a wide range of backpacker accommodation options, the majority of which are located in the Central Business District. Although not exactly ritzy, they could be a good option while you find your feet and the majority offer single-occupancy options. Expect to pay around NZ$50/night for a single room, rising to $65/night for double occupancy.

Queen Street Backpackers
Auckland Central Backpackers

Doctors and health

The Commonwealth Government has signed reciprocal healthcare agreements with Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland
This reciprocal agreement ensures that working travellers are entitled to free urgent medical treatment for emergency conditions that arise during a stay in the NZ. For emergency treatment, British nationals should show their passport. Travellers will have to pay the same charges as New Zealanders pay (e.g. for treatment at a doctor's surgery of prescribed medicines). Routine checks for existing conditions are not normally provided under the agreement.
For more information, please refer to the British High Commission Website
If you require dental work while residing in New Zealand you will be required to pay for the treatment personally

Opening a bank account

Opening a bank account is straightforward in New Zealand. You'll need as much ID as possible, including your passport, proof of address (bills, rent receipts or a lease), a letter from your employer/Robert Walters, bank statements and a letter/reference from your bank at home - ensure you get this from your bank before you go. You can also set up a bank account in the UK before you go, by contacting your bank at home. This is sometimes the easiest option, so it is a good idea to research it before you leave home.

Major retail banks in New Zealand - Westpac, ANZ, BNZ, ASB, National
Your salary will usually be paid directly into your bank account by your employer and your regular salary statement will be sent to your home address

Mobile phones

Ensure that you obtain a New Zealand mobile number as soon as you arrive in New Zealand - this is the best way to keep in touch with your consultant and for us to keep you updated with job opportunities
The main mobile phone providers in New Zealand Vodafone and Telcom

Tax

If you are planning to work in New Zealand, you must obtain a tax file number from the Inland Revenue Department in New Zealand. Further details on the New Zealand tax system can be found at www.ird.govt.nz

Insurance

You should obtain adequate travel insurance before arriving in New Zealand.
Ensure that it covers loss of passport, baggage and money.

Useful telephone numbers

Emergency Services
Directory Assistance
International Enquiries
Yellow Pages

111
118
0172
0800 803 803

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