Thinking about moving to New Zealand?

2011-07-30 18:15:21 UTC

-How long is the average work week here? (the typical american work week is 40 hours a week, 5 days a week)

We work very long hours here. Average is 50 hours a week

-How is the job outlook? Is the country is debt or poverty? (It is very hard to find a decent job in America, even with a degree, as we are in terrible debt)

No, not in debt or poverty. Jobs will depend on your luck and skills, if you've got the qualification, how hard you look, if you're not fussy, if you're willing to take up any job and won't care so much about the salary

-Can you choose your own occupation, religion, home, etc?

Yes

-Can anyone attend the colleges? Are they really expensive and do you have any help from the government with paying for it?

We have tuitions and fees and yes they are mostly expensive, especially if you are an international student

-How is the healthcare there? Is it free?

Not always free. Depends on where you go and what for. Check out for more: http://www.emigratenz.org/healthcare-migrants-newzealand.html

-Is it dangerous for Americans to live there? Do gangs target Americans?

Not dangerous but not 100% or even 90% safe, however it is safe enough. You'll meet different kinds of people who will love you and who won't

-What is the average price for a decent one bedroom apartment or small house? (Decent as in not a trailer or in a bad area)

Rent or buy? If you buy, it'll be much much more expensive. To rent will also depend what type of property(House, apartment, unit, studio etc), the location, how many bedrooms and bathrooms you want etc. You just have to look very carefully because some can be ridiculously expensive. But the average i would say is $280, but prices will range from $190 to $900

-What is the average price for a used or new car?

New cars are way too expensive and you'll need to put that aside for now unless you're rich. There are heaps of used cars within the $10000 price range.

-Do you have subways or buses throughout the cities?

Yes

-What is the weather like there? Tempurature wise and are there a lot of storms or hurricanes?

Not really storms or hurricanes. Lol. Cold/warm climate. South island is colder than the north. We have temparate/oceanic climate.

-Can anyone visit the beach at anytime?

Yes for most parts.

-Is there any international number to call for more information?

Info about? But i would think so

-How mnuch should we save up before moving?

Heaps heaps.

-Would it be easy to get an occupation in photography or marine biology?

Interesting. You would i guess, but wouldn't be so easy

-Do degrees from America transfer to New Zealand?

Not sure what kind of degrees you mean

mareeclara

2011-07-29 16:02:26 UTC

New Zealand is a very tolerant society, but every country has issues.

1. Work week is same as US

2. Job outlook is harder than it has been for a while, but there are jobs, just depends on what area, experience.If you want to live here however you need to qualify for the immigration requirements. Look into it as its not that easy.

3. College or universities are they are called here ( college is the same as high school here) and it depends on what course you are doing. I think if you are over 21 its a bit easier. Cost wise not sure if you will be local or overseas and it depends on the course. Can vary from NZD$3000-$10,000+ per year. Student loans are easy to get but I am not sure about for people overseas.

4. Healthcare, you pay to go to Dr (about $30), if you go to hospital its free (pretty much) and we have ACC (accident compensation) where if you have an accident you can apply and get government to help. Its a good system.

5. Gangs exist but they do not target people like that. Live in a good area and you will never have any contact with them.

6. We do not have trailers here. Houses vary depending on where you live. Say $150,000 t0 $250,000 for a small house/flat

7. Car decent probably around $8-10,000

8. Public transport is not great anywhere, and is why people have lots of cars in NZ. Out of the major cities its pretty poor.

9.Climate is nearly sub tropical up north to temperate. We have an oceanic climate, not too hot or too cold, wet in the north/west, dry in the east. We get cyclones every now and then, which occur in the north island only, southerly storms can being snow in the winters mainly in the south or middle of the north island (volcanic platau) do get a few earthquakes, a few floods and maybe droughts. Like anywhere you will have issues.

10.Beaches are pretty free, there are a few private beaches, although there is something here called Queens chain which means you are technically able to walk river beds and beaches. BUT there are some technicalities. In general you will not have problems with beach access...and there is a lot of coastline.

11. no

12.You will need to look at the immigration requirements before doing anything.

13. career depends.

14. yes for the most part.

2011-07-31 22:59:50 UTC

thought I'd answer from a non auckland perspective..... that is one thing you'll have to get used to Jafa's think the whole country revolves around them. as for medicine its cheap if not free, you won't need to lose the accent - it's aussies they hate over here (i should know) christchurch no longer has trams and housing will prob be quite expensive in the short term, jobs are hard to find too. However things will pick up eventually and christchurch will be an awesome place to live.

it really sounds like you have no idea what type of country you are moving to with questions like can you choose your own job and religion. we aren't a communist country or run by the taliban - perhaps a google search on new zealand lifestyle might answer a few of your questions and im sure everyone will be more than happy to answer more detailed questions

2016-12-21 01:06:42 UTC

The harbour-side city of Auckland is New Zealand's true metropolis and the lively economic heart of the nation, know it with hotelbye . Auckland can be called the "City of Sails" and it sprawls out in helter-skelter style between Manukau Harbour (to the west) and Waitemata Harbour (to the east) with the lightweight central city section proper near the waterway. For some guests to New Zealand, Auckland is the idea of arrival, and a couple of days washing up the national and outdoor attractions here must be on every tourist's to-do list. The monuments, museums, and artwork galleries listed below are some of the finest in the country. The suburban coastline of the town is speckled with fine beaches, and the hawaiian islands of the Hauraki Gulf provide a style of New Zealand's magnificent national park landscape right on the city's doorstep. Auckland is surely a town worth seeing.

2011-07-30 01:32:52 UTC

HI there,

You have a lot of questions so I will start the ball rolling and answer a couple of these.

1) Going to university is cheap if you are a citizen or have permanent residency. The government provides loans to help you meet these costs.

2) Buying a car can be very cheap too with NZ$2000 getting you a car that may be a bit old but still reliable.

3) Finally it is safe for Americians to life there and they are not targareted whatsoever.

?

2011-07-31 19:05:47 UTC

- Average work is 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, but it is possible to find part time jobs.

- It depends on your qualifications. A job requiring no qualifications will be snapped up pretty quickly, and even ones requiring qualifications will be easier to get but there are not many out there and a lot of people want them.

- Yes, you can. It's a free country....

- By college, if you mean high school, many are state schools but there are a few expensive private schools, and if you mean universities, we have a very good student loan system (too good, it is causing the government debt because it is interest free....) and the average year in university is about NZ$6,000 I think.

- Some healthcare is free, but you have to pay for most. ACC covers any accidents which require medical attention.

- It depends on the area you are in - if you are in a reasonably good area and lose the American accent (it bugs EVERYONE) you will be fine.

- You can get them for NZ$150,000, but they can be more like NZ$300-400,000.

- NZ$20,000?

- In major cities, there are good bus systems, and in Auckland, Wellington, and some other cities there are train systems as well. Christchurch and possibly some other cities have tram lines (they are sooo cool!)

- Storms- sometimes, yeah. Hurricanes - NEVER. Actually there was a tornado like a month ago... but they are VERY rare. Weather in south of Taupo (central north island) is going to be pretty cold in winter - maybe 5-10 degrees celsius. North of that it will be more like 15 degrees. In summer, it will be at least 20 degrees, commonly around 25 degrees and sometimes 30 (like 2 days a year...) Many days are sunny. South of Christchurch and sometimes the whole South Island, you will get a bit of snow. Apart from the Desert Road (central North Island) there is never snow in the North Island.

- There are a few private beaches, but most are free for public use, but I would suggest to only go to ones with lifeguards as the water can be unpredictable (and it's worse for tourists... sorry, when they have accidents in the water it just gets to be more of a stereotype...) and always follow their instructions.

- You will be able to find one on the internet, I don't personally know of it.

- Depends on the price of the house you are going to buy.

- Photography, you could set up your own business, because there are not many around.. but you wouldn't get much business. Marine biology, you could work for DOC (Department of Conservation), I don't think they have many people and might want more?

- I think so.

Also, if you want to be respected at all in NZ, you need to lose your accent. There are huge stereotypes associated with Americans in NZ, and you'd want to avoid them.

Hope I've helped.

(:

?

2011-07-29 14:59:37 UTC

I live in Auckland, and have my whole life :)

The average work week is 40hours, 5 days a week (typically 9am-5pm)

The country isn't in debt, I don't believe it is hard to find a job but it can take 6 or so months to get into certain industries.

You can choose your own occupation (assuming you have a visa permit + there are jobs available at the time) and you can choose your own religion and home. NZ is very multicultural, there is literally every ethnicity and every religion here.

Anyone can attend colleges, but placing can be limited for certain studies + there are pre-requesites for entry. Citizens can get student loans that they pay back interest free - but as you wont be an NZ citizen I doubt this will apply to you - if you are granted citizenship though, then yes.

Healthcare is not expensive. You can buy health insurance. Basically if you go public, it is free (for surgeries etc, going public means you go on a waiting list and can be waiting quite a while) You pay more to go private - and that way you can receive treatment immediately. (For example I had a lump I needed an ultrasound on, I could have waited 2 months to get a free ultrasound - but I chose to go private and pay $380 and I had it done 1 day after seeing my GP) GP visits (for general check ups etc) are $20-$60 and going to hospital is free (for citizens) if you dont have citizenship, you will have to pay.

Gangs dont target anyone in particular. NZ is not unsafe. I have never had any issues with gangs. Usually you will only run into trouble if you have involved yourself with them, and not paid them what you owed (or tried to exit the gang without following the 'ritual')

In Auckland - prices are high. You are looking at $300,000+ to purchase a small home or apartment in a reasonable area. The best areas (such as Remuera) you will be looking at $500,000+. Auckland is very expensive. If you buy out of auckland, you can halve the prices.

For a car - Average used car (depending on age) $2000-10000. New car, $45000-$70000. Petrol is expensive right now though, Last time I checked it was $2.07 per litre.

Yes we have both trains and buses through the cities. Running very regular through Auckland and they are cheap.

Weather is good (again, I am referring to Auckland) It is winter right now and we hover around 7-10degrees (celcius) during the day. In summer, we only get around the late 20s. It does snow down south. We get the odd thunder or hail storm. Nothing too intense though.

Beaches are free for anyone anytime.

I would save up $20,000+ before moving. You cant predict how long you will need to set yourself up (getting a job etc) it may be best to apply for jobs before you move. Our top website for job searching in NZ is www.seek.co.nz

You can look up the university of auckland (or otago or something) to see how your degrees may match up to ours/how to transfer.

TheVoice

2011-07-30 06:22:41 UTC

Out of interest, why do you think you will be allowed to move to New Zealand? Do you think we are some sort of backward country who will let anyone in?

You might be surprised to find out that we do not drop our pants at any American who wants to come and live here. Shania Twain yes, you....

nomoreanswers

2011-07-30 01:01:33 UTC

not happening, same as with your other questions. As an American you are very limited on the countries you can move to easily, you need a special skill that these countries don't have.

VallieValVal

2011-07-30 03:34:49 UTC

-How long is the average work week here? (the typical american work week is 40 hours a week, 5 days a week) The same as you just described there. I watched a documentry about work in the US and I think you guys definitely work more there than here in NZ, as were a more relaxed country and focus on family and life and days out and not money or stuff like that.

-How is the job outlook? Is the country is debt or poverty? (It is very hard to find a decent job in America, even with a degree, as we are in terrible debt) Of course its hard to find a job with the financial crisis from 08/09, but with a degree and a good work ethic you'll most likely find a job easily.

-Can you choose your own occupation, religion, home, etc? Yes, yes, and yes. Occupation can be chosen upon what jobs you apply for. Religion - here were very open to every religion and there are associations, churches, etc representing all of them, with pretty much no racial discrimination. The type of home you have is pretty much decided by how much money you have, where you choose to live, and what your taste in homes is. You could also build your own if you wanted, which is pretty easy to do here.

-Can anyone attend the colleges? Are they really expensive and do you have any help from the government with paying for it? Universities here are about $5000 for tuition a year (Bachelor of Arts is around $4000 while Engineering or Medicine is around $6000). $10000 extra for accommodation if you want to live on campus, and that's it. The government give a student allowance of up to $200 a week (this you do not have to pay back!), and they also provide a student loan if you need any costs covered (this is interest free for a couple of years after you finish uni and you don't have to pay it back till you choose to pay it back).

-How is the healthcare there? Is it free? Healthcare is pretty much free - most is covered by ACC (for accidents and the such, you go straight to hospital and take care of the injury and only end up paying a small amount for painkillers and that's it (I paid $60 for my painkillers received when I went to hospital for 2 days with a broken arm, ACC covered the rest). A small percentage of your wages goes to ACC as a tax, but this is not much at all). You can also get insurance which means you can choose which hospital you want to go to (private or public) and get very good care.

-Is it dangerous for Americans to live there? Do gangs target Americans? Definetly not, Americans are very accepted in our society and there are no gangs that target Americans (or for that matter any particular social/ethnic/nationality)

-What is the average price for a decent one bedroom apartment or small house? (Decent as in not a trailer or in a bad area) We don't do trailers in New Zealand. Housing in large cities is more expensive than towns neighbouring the cities. Certainly much cheaper than America. I'd reccomend to go onto a realtor site like Harcourts to check out house prices.

-What is the average price for a used or new car? Used is around $10000 for a quite decent car, a new car ranges between $20000 to however much you want to spend.

-Do you have subways or buses throughout the cities? That's the one let down of NZ, not the best public transport, though great bus systems in all of the major cities. There's the train going in Auckland, and trains and buses going between cities over the whole country.

-What is the weather like there? Tempurature wise and are there a lot of storms or hurricanes? Summer temperatures are around 25 degrees on good days (though at the height of summer be expecting 30 degrees). In winter the high is around 5 or 10 degrees at most, and under freezing on the coldest of days. In the north of the country the temperature is about 8 to 10 degrees higher than it is in the south of the country.

-Can anyone visit the beach at anytime? Yes, no laws against visiting any beaches in NZ. Most farmers also let you walk through their properties onto less popular beaches (just walk to their house and ask for permission and you get the whole beach to yourself!)

-Is there any international number to call for more information? Wouldn't know about that sorry!

-How mnuch should we save up before moving? Depends on the type of lifestyle you want! If you want to buy a house without mortgage then save up enough for the house (research this before you go), and then enough to live on of course!

-Would it be easy to get an occupation in photography or marine biology? Marine biology would be easier than photography... I'd reccomend looking up seek.co.nz for possible jobs, or google 'trademe jobs'.

-Do degrees from America transfer to New Zealand? Yes, American degrees will definitely be accepted for jobs here.

Hopefully some of that makes sense and helps! Good luck with your move :) We moved here from The Netherlands 10 years ago now and we love it and definitely do not regret it, as the lifestyle here is great.

2011-07-29 11:45:34 UTC

See my answer to your earlier question. Migration rules are essentially the same as Australia.

2011-08-01 03:29:21 UTC

i want to go there coz of financial prob i can't.