Before you leave for New Zealand - There are so many things to consider!
18 Months to go –
- Decide where you would like to live.
- Research house prices, salaries and cost of living in that area
- Discuss your plans with your family
- Investigate employment and business opportunities for all family members
- Choose a migration agent and have your eligibility confirmed
- Prepare your house for sale (redecorate if necessary)
12 Months to go –
- Check that all passports have at least 2 years left on them
- Collate all personal documents; birth and marriage certificates, adoption papers, employment references, driving licences and qualifications
- Update CV and make them suitable for New Zealand employers
- Do some market research into your job opportunities
- Put your house on the market
- Put your finances in order, consolidate accounts and reduce debts
- Discuss your plans with your current employer, children's schools and extended family and friends
6 Months to go –
- Medicals and police checks may now be required; check with your migration agent before arranging them
- Organise quotes for shipping your household effects and pets
- Make sure pets are fully vaccinated for travelling to NZ
- Organise quotes for flights to NZ
- Sell unwanted furniture and household effects
- Clean and paint any garden tools and furniture you wish to bring. Items must be soil free or will be denied entry by customs
- give formal notice to your employer
- request hand over files from your dentist and doctors surgery
- open a New Zealand bank account
- Set up a trading account with a currency broker
- Request credit references from banks, building society or any other lender
2 Months to go -
- Organise temporary accommodation in New Zealand
- Book pet kennels in New Zealand
- Request up to date statements on savings and pensions
- Give notice to your landlord
1 Month to go –
- Advise banks, passport office, DVLA, inland revenue, pension company, insurance brokers and accountants of your new address
- Pay council tax and utilities up to date
- Cancel TV licence, sky, internet, phone and insurances
- Sell or donate any unwanted items
- Transfer funds to your Kiwi account
- Collect hand over files from schools, doctors and dentist
- Arrange private health cover if required
- Pay off all outstanding debts
- Close surplus accounts, destroy cards and shred personal records
- Book flights and hotels along your travel route
- Collate all relevant documents to accompany you in transit
- Cancel any redundant direct debits and standing orders
- Request a copy of your no claims bonus from your insurer
1 Week to go –
- Sell your car/bike/van and cancel the insurance
- Buy currency for your trip
- Ensure your household effects are about to leave
1 Day to go –
- Make sure you have transport to the airport
- Pack activity sets for young children
When you arrive in New Zealand
On Arrival
- Collect your rental car and check into your accommodation
- Contact your agent and let them know you have arrived
- Try not to sleep through the day to keep jet lag to a minimum
- Find the nearest internet café for research on the local area
- Take some time to explore your new home and familiarise yourself
1 Week later
- Get an IRD number from the Inland Revenue office
- Contact your new employer
- Meet with realtors and discuss your housing options
- Purchase a car and organise insurance
- Register your children with new schools and arrange to meet their new teachers
- Get a land line installed and set up your own internet access
- Meet your new neighbours and make new friends
1 Month later
- Review your financial position and transfer more funds if required
- Set up automatic payments for utilities
- Register with a doctor and dentist
- Meet with mortgage brokers to discuss your options
- Consider re writing your will
- Start to attend social functions and clubs
- Relax and settle into your new life
