• AEWV applicants usually must be paid at or above the NZ median wage (currently NZD $31.61/hr as of April 2025).
• Some sectors (care workers, hospitality, construction) have exceptions but may offer shorter visas or no residency pathway.

Check current wage thresholds before signing an offer.

→ Wage Rate Requirements for Visas

Disclaimer: This is general guidance only, not legal immigration advice. Rules change often. Please check the official Immigration NZ site or speak with a licensed immigration adviser before making visa decisions.

• The adult minimum wage in New Zealand is currently NZD $23.50/hr (from 1 April 2025). There are lower rates (about NZD $18.80/hr) for “training” or “starting-out” workers.
• If you are working under a visa (e.g. AEWV, Essential Skills, Skilled Migrant), check the wage threshold for your visa. Many visa categories require you to be paid at least the median wage (or some fraction or multiple of it) to qualify or to earn extra “points”.
• Always get a written contract (employment agreement) that clearly shows your hourly rate or salary, work hours, training or qualification recognition.
• If your quoted wage seems too low (e.g. seems under minimum wage or doesn’t reflect your qualifications), you can ask for a review or check with Employment New Zealand or Immigration NZ.

Disclaimer: This is general guidance only, not legal immigration advice. Rules change often. Please check the official Immigration NZ site or speak with a licensed immigration adviser before making visa decisions.

Mel’s Note:

Don’t feel shy to ask if your current wages reflects your experience and qualifications. It matters — not just for your income, but also if you plan to apply for residency later.

• Trade Me Property – most popular rental site
• Realestate.co.nz – good range of listings
• Facebook Groups (search “Rooms & Rentals” + your city)

You’ll Need:

• References (landlord, employer, or character references)
• Proof of income
• Bond (usually 4 weeks’ rent) + 2weeks’ rent in advance

For a full breakdown of bond costs, inspections, and a viewing checklist, see our Let’s Talk Rentals page.

When you first move into a rental, one of your top priorities will be getting power (electricity) and internet connected. Most rentals in New Zealand require you to set up your own accounts for these services — they are not automatically included in the rent unless stated.

Electricity (Power)

There are multiple power companies in NZ, and prices can vary depending on your region and usage. Many people use comparison websites to find the best deal.

Popular Electricity Providers:

• Meridian Energy– www.meridianenergy.co.nz
• Genesis Energy– www.genesisenergy.co.nz
• Contact Energy– www.contact.co.nz
• Mercury– www.mercury.co.nz
• Powershop– www.powershop.co.nz
• Flick Electric– www.flickelectric.co.nz

Mel’s Note:

You can use Powerswitch — an independent comparison site — to see which company offers the best rates in your area.

How to Set Up Power:

Once you have your rental agreement, contact your chosen provider(or you can do it online).

You’ll need:

• Your full name & address
• ID (passport, NZ driver’s license, or other photo ID)
• Bank account or credit/debit card for payment

Many providers can connect your power the same day if you call early.

What if you move in and the power is off?
Ask the property manager or landlord which company previously supplied the address. You can call them to reconnect — this is often quicker than starting with a new provider.

Internet

NZ has decent internet coverage, with most urban areas having fibre available (fastest option), and rural areas using wireless or DSL.

Popular Internet Service Providers (ISPs):

• Spark– www.spark.co.nz
• Vodafone/One NZ– www.one.nz
• Slingshot– www.slingshot.co.nz
• 2degrees– www.2degrees.nz
• Orcon– www.orcon.net.nz

How to Check If Your Address Has Fibre:
Go to Broadband Map NZ and enter your address. It will show you which types of internet are available.

How to Set Up Internet:

1. After signing your rental agreement, check the broadband availability at your new address.
2. Contact your chosen provider.

You’ll need:

• Your address
• ID(passport or driver’s license)
• Bank account or credit/debit card

Installation times vary:

• Fibre: May take 5–15 working days if the property is not already connected (you’ll need permission from the landlord if they need to install).
• VDSL/ADSL (copper lines): 3–5 working days.
• Wireless broadband: Often, the delivery of the modem can take 3-5 working days.

Mel’s Note:

If you need internet immediately, ask your provider if they can give you a 4G modem or temporary wireless connection until fibre is installed.

Precaution: If you’re moving into a rural area, check internet speeds before signing the rental agreement — some rural spots only have slow satellite connections, which can be frustrating for work or streaming.

“Fibre” means your internet connection comes over fibre-optic cables (instead of copper wires or wireless). This means:

• Much faster speeds
• More reliable, less slowdown if many people are online
• Good for streaming, working from home, multiple devices

New Zealand has a major programme called Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB), which aims to deliver high-speed fibre to large parts of NZ. 

Major Fibre & Broadband Providers in NZ

• Spark Fibre / Spark Broadband
• 2degrees
• Vodafone / One NZ
• Slingshot
• Orcon
• MyRepublic (fibre-only provider in many places)
• Contact Energy
• Nova Energy
• Trustpower
• Bigpipe
• Compass
• NOW and several smaller local ISPs, depending on the region. 

Compare Fibre Plans Here

At-a-glance: Renting requires bond + 2 weeks rent upfront. Power and internet aren’t (always) included in rent — make sure to check and compare providers online before signing.

• Spark– Good nationwide coverage
• One NZ (formerly Vodafone)– Competitive pricing, good 4G/5G network
• 2degrees– Often best value for data-heavy users
• Skinny – Budget-friendly prepaid, runs on Spark’s network
• Warehouse Mobile – Cheapest per-minute/text rates, runs on 2degrees’ network
• Slingshot Mobile – Good for bundling with home internet

Mel’s Tip:

Prepaid is perfect for your first month or two while you get settled. Once you have proof of address, consider switching to a monthly contract — it actually helps build your NZ credit record, which you’ll need later for car finance or a mortgage. Even a small $30/month phone plan can be a stepping stone to showing lenders you are reliable.

Extra Tip:
If you don’t want to lock into a phone contract, you can still build your credit history by paying utility bills on time. Power and internet accounts in your name count towards your record and help later when applying for finance.

• Spark users get access to 1,000+ free WiFi hotspots around NZ.
• Public libraries, i-SITE Visitor Information Centres, many cafés/restaurants offer free WiFi.
• Some city centres (e.g., Christchurch) have free council Wi-Fi.

Apps/Websites like WiFi Map, WiFi Spotters etc. can help you find free WiFi near you.

→ Free WiFi Map NZ

Before you buy, it’s important to know that every car in NZ must have a Warrant of Fitness (WOF) — a safety check proving your car is roadworthy.
It’s required by law and covers basics like brakes, tyres, lights, steering, and seatbelts.

How often:

• Cars first registered before 2000 → every 6 months
• Cars registered after 2000 → every 12 months
• You can get a WOF at AA, VTNZ, or most local garages.

Tip: Driving without a valid WOF can lead to fines or insurance problems if you have an accident.

1. WOF: $50–$90; valid 1 year (or 6 months if the car’s first NZ registration is pre-2000). Done at AA/VTNZ/local garages.
2. Registration (Rego): $70–$150 depending on vehicle/type and duration. Update & pay online: NZTA
3. Insurance (not compulsory but strongly recommended):

• Third-Party: ~$20–$30/month
• Comprehensive: ~$40–$100+/month

→ Compare Car Insurance

Fuel: ~$2.80–$3.10 per litre (varies).

Tip: Use the Gaspy app to compare fuel prices in your area — it’s community-updated and often saves you a few dollars every fill.

When buying: Check WOF & Rego are current; use CarJam for finance/write-off history.

Popular:

• Trade Me Motors
• Auto Trader
• Turners
• Facebook Marketplace

Cards:

• Auckland → AT HOP (bus/train/ferry)
• Wellington → Snapper (bus/train)
• South Island cities → Bee Card

1. Between towns: InterCity buses cover most routes.
2. Trains: Limited (Auckland–Hamilton commuter; scenic routes like Christchurch–Greymouth).
3. Flights: Short, frequent hops — e.g., Blenheim ↔ Wellington ~30 minutes.

Parking in NZ Cities

Parking rules and prices vary across towns, but in most major cities — especially Wellington and Auckland — parking in the CBD can be limited and expensive (often $5–$8 per hour). Street parking fills up quickly during work hours, and fines apply if you overstay your time.

Because of this, many locals choose to park at train or bus stations on the outskirts and commute into the city — it’s often faster, cheaper, and less stressful.

Handy Links:

• Auckland Transport Parking Info

• Wellington City Council Parking & Permits

• Christchurch City Council Parking

Mel’s Tip:

If you’re staying with someone who has a spare car, ask to borrow it for a few weeks — it makes setup (viewings, appointments) far easier. But if you do have buses or trains in your area, use them! I actually loved the experience — it was such a novelty coming from SA where public transport wasn’t really an option. Make the most of it while you can — it’s cheap, easy, and a fun way to explore your new town.

• AA (Automobile Association) – Find your nearest branch
• VTNZ – Find your nearest branch

What to Bring:

• Your current driver’s licence
• Proof of identity (passport)
• Proof of address (this is where having a bank account is handy)
• Application fee (varies by licence class)
• Be ready for an eye test and your photo to be taken.

Mel’s Eye Test “What If” Story: 

I failed the AA eye test and had to go to Specsavers (they are the cheapest), get glasses, and bring back a letter confirming my vision correction before I could finish my conversion. If you think you might need glasses, get your eyes tested first — it’ll save time and stress.

→ Specsavers Eye Test Info

Facebook Marketplace

• Great for secondhand furniture, appliances, and household items.
• Search in your local area to find bargains or “Free” listings.

→ Facebook Marketplace NZ

Op Shops (Charity Shops)

• Affordable secondhand stores run by charities like the Salvation Army, St John, Red Cross, and Hospice NZ.
• Often have furniture, kitchenware, bedding, and more.
• Search “Op Shop near me” on Google Maps when you arrive.

Trade Me

• NZ’s biggest online auction site for furniture, appliances, and cars.

→ Trade Me Marketplace

Community Noticeboards & Groups

• Check local Facebook groups (e.g., “[Your Town] Community Page”) for giveaways or sales.
• Some towns also have community noticeboards at supermarkets or libraries.

Free & Giveaway Pages

• Search “Free Stuff NZ” or “[Your Town] Free” on Facebook for dedicated giveaway groups.

Mel’s Tip:

If you don’t have a vehicle to transport larger items, ask the seller if delivery is possible for a small fee, or hire a trailer/van from Mitre 10, Bunnings, or Hirepool.

• Hirepool
• Bunnings Vehicle Hire
• Join local Facebook community groups for insider tips.
• Check local council websites for rubbish/recycling collection days. There are often some good items sold at the dump shop as well.

ACC: Accident Compensation Corporation

• ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) covers [ACC – What we cover] accidental injuries for everyone in NZ (residents, workers, visitors).
• GP after an accident: subsidised (you might pay $20–$80).
• Hospital treatment for accident injuries: free.
• Rehab/physio: often covered.

Mel’s Tip (real-life example):

“When my dad first arrived on a work visa, he tripped on an uneven sidewalk and hurt his foot/ankle. ACC covered his GP visit and his physio treatments. If your injury happened because of an accident, ask your clinic/GP to file an ACC claim right away—this can significantly reduce your costs.”

ACC does not cover: illnesses, chronic conditions, routine GP visits, dental/optical (unless from an accident).

• GP / Doctor: $70–$120 per visit.
• After-Hours / Urgent Care: $100–$180.
  
• Emergency Department (Hospital): If not admitted for an ACC accident, you may be billed — $350+ for ED assessment, up to $1,000+ depending on treatment.
  
• Ambulance: $98–$120 per callout with St John (unless ACC covers).
  Free in the Wellington and Wairarapa regions under Wellington Free Ambulance — the only free ambulance service in NZ.
  
• Prescriptions: $20–$40 per item if not eligible for subsidies.
  
• Dental: $120–$250 check-up; $300–$1,000+ for treatment.

Mel’s Note:

All costs listed are approximate averages for 2025 and can differ by region, clinic, or provider. If you’re in the Wellington region, you’re lucky — ambulances are free! Everywhere else, it’s worth budgeting for emergencies or getting a St John membership if you’re staying long-term.

One of your first tasks after arriving should be enrolling with a General Practice (GP) (family doctor). This is how you access primary healthcare in NZ, including regular check-ups, prescriptions, and referrals to specialists.

How to Enrol with a GP

• Find a GP near you: Use the Healthpoint NZ GP Finder to search by suburb or region.
• Call ahead: Ask if they are taking new patients — some clinics have waitlists.
• Provide documentation: Passport, visa, and proof of address are usually required.
• Complete enrolment forms: Enrolment enables subsidised rates only for those eligible for public funding (e.g., work visas valid 2+ years). Otherwise, expect the private prices listed above.

• Urgent Care / After-Hours Clinics: For sprains, fractures, infections, stitches, minor injuries.

• Emergency Department (ED): For life-threatening or serious emergencies — chest pain, heavy bleeding, breathing problems.

Mel’s Tip:

If you’re not sure whether to see a doctor, go to urgent care, or head to the hospital, call Healthline (0800 611 116) — they’re free, 24/7, and can tell you exactly what to do next.

• You can get free maternity care if you are:
• A New Zealand citizen, resident, or permanent resident
• A work visa holder eligible for publicly funded health services (work visa valid for 2+ years)
• The partner of a person who meets the above (with valid visa).
• Or if your baby will be a NZ citizen (e.g., at least one parent is a citizen or resident).

Check your eligibility for publicly funded maternity care → Here

If you are not eligible, you can still access care — but you’ll need to pay privately (costs range from $2,000–$5,000+ for maternity care, including birth).

Choosing a Midwife (Lead Maternity Carer)

In NZ, maternity care is midwife-led — GPs usually refer you to a midwife as soon as you confirm pregnancy (you choose your own one or they provide one).

How to Find a Midwife:
Use ‘Find Your Midwife NZ’ to search by location, language, or cultural background.

Mel’s Tip:

Book ASAP — midwives get fully booked fast, especially in small towns!

Antenatal Care

• First Appointment: Usually by 8–10 weeks (earlier if you have high-risk factors).
• Regular Checkups: Every 4–6 weeks, through your midwife then more often as your due date approaches or if there are anything they want to keep a closer eye on.
• Scans: Most women get a dating scan (7–12 weeks) and anatomy scan (18–20 weeks), scans happen less frequently than in SA unless you want to pay to go privately.
• Blood Tests: Included, screens for general health and baby’s wellbeing.

Giving Birth in NZ

You can choose where to give birth (depending on your pregnancy risk level):

• Primary Birthing Unit: Small, home-like facility for low-risk births (e.g., birthing centres).
• Hospital Birth: For higher-risk pregnancies or if you want access to obstetricians/epidurals.
• Home Birth: Some midwives offer home births if it is considered safe.
• Pain relief options vary — best to check with your midwife.

Postnatal Care

Midwife visits you at home for up to 6 weeks after birth to check on baby’s growth, answer any questions you might have and to make sure your mental health is prioritised as well.

You’re then referred to Plunket (or another Well Child provider) for ongoing checks until your child is 5 years old — these visits are free.

Costs to Budget For (Even if Care is Free)

• Scans: Some clinics charge a small fee for ultrasounds ($40–$60).
• Antenatal Classes: Often free, but some private ones cost $100–$200.
• Maternity & Baby Gear: Budget for car seat (legally required), cot, pram, clothes, nappies.

Mel’s Note:

One of my favourite things about NZ is how personal and calm the maternity care feels. Your midwife becomes your main point of contact — they’re there for you from early pregnancy through the birth and beyond. Just remember, you need to find and “book” a midwife. If none are available, the hospital usually places you with a locum. And even if you are not eligible or decide to pay to go privately, you still get top-class care.

Disclaimer:
All information provided here is for general guidance only. Maternity care costs and eligibility can vary depending on your visa type, location, and provider. Always confirm directly with your midwife, hospital, or Immigration New Zealand before making decisions about care or costs.

Helpful Links:

Work and Income – Check what you might get.
Browse all services: MSD – Ministry of Social Development

Mel’s Note:

I LOVE the amount of government support you get here in NZ — it is truly amazing! It has helped us out more than once when we couldn’t work due to surgery.
Just remember: it depends which visa you have and how long you’ve been here. The more permanent your status, the more support you can get. And sometimes just being upfront with MSD or ACC and explaining your situation can open options you didn’t think possible.

At-a-glance: Residents/citizens get full benefits. Work visas (2+ yrs) may get childcare subsidies. Visitors/short visas get no financial support.

Whether your child pays domestic or international fees depends on your visa type and whether your child qualifies as a domestic student.

• Resident & Citizen kids: No tuition fees; most schools request a small voluntary donation instead.

• Work-Visa kids: Some can attend at domestic rates, but many must pay international student fees — check directly with the school.

• Visitor or Holiday Visa: Must pay full international fees.

Community Tip:
Families on work visas often find that some schools only request an annual “donation” instead of full fees — for example, around $300 per year for primary and $0 for college — but this varies, so always confirm with the school before enrolling.

What to Expect:

Education in NZ feels different to South Africa — it’s generally more supportive, inclusive, and holistic, focusing as much on wellbeing and confidence as on academics. Some parents love that balance; others prefer more structure. The key is to go in with an open mind — it’s not worse, just different.

Uniforms vary:

• Some primary schools have none at all.

• Most secondary schools do.

Early Childhood Education (ECE)

• 20 Hours Free (Ages 3–5) – applies only if parents meet residency criteria.

• Otherwise, expect around $15–$20 per hour depending on the centre.
  Always ask if the centre participates in the “20 Hours ECE” scheme and what’s included (some charge extra for snacks or materials).

School Terms & Hours

• 4 terms per year (late Jan – Dec)

• Typical school day: 9 am – 3 pm (ish)

• Uniform, stationery, sport, and camps are extra costs.

After-School & Holiday Programmes

• After-school care: $20–$25 per afternoon

• Holiday programmes: $50–$70 per day
  Some are OSCAR-approved, meaning eligible families can receive subsidies through WINZ.

Mel’s Note:

“I used to be a preschool teacher in SA and was shocked at how relaxed things were here — but I’ve also seen kids thrive because it’s such a nurturing environment. Visit the schools, ask questions, and trust your gut — every family’s experience is different.”

Read more: See the full breakdown on our Thinking of Making the Big Move page — including zone maps, ECE details, and visa-linked education costs.

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only. Fees and eligibility vary by school and visa type. Always confirm directly with the school or the Ministry of Education before enrolling.

In New Zealand, every school receives government funding based on the community it serves. Schools in lower socio-economic areas get more government funding, while schools in higher-income areas receive less.

That’s why some schools ask for bigger “donations” or parent contributions — they rely more on local support to cover extra programmes, resources, or activities.

This system used to be called the “Decile System” (1–10), but it’s now being replaced with an Equity Index — a more accurate way of assessing a school’s funding needs.

Mel’s Tip:

“If you see parents talking about ‘decile 9 schools’ or ‘decile 2 areas’, it’s not about quality — it’s just about how much government funding the school receives. Some of the most caring, inclusive schools I’ve seen are actually in the lower-decile communities.”

• One-Lane Bridges: Watch for the Give Way sign — one direction has priority.
• Roundabouts: Always give way to your right (how easy is that!).
• Speed Limits: Usually Urban = 50 km/h, Rural = 100 km/h unless signs say otherwise.
• Alcohol Limits: Zero tolerance if under 20; very low limits for 20+.
• Cyclists: Share the road — cyclists have right of way in many situations.

Mel’s Tip:

I still remember the first time I finally understood who goes first at the circle — I was so proud of myself! Back in SA, I used to panic every time, but now I just glance to my right and go when it’s clear — so simple!
What’s not so simple is keeping to the speed limit. It feels painfully slow at first, but be careful — there are cameras everywhere, and getting tickets isn’t just expensive; it can actually count against you later if you apply for residency or citizenship.

Learn More:

• NZ Road Code – NZTA
• Drive NZ – Road Code Practice Tests

Refresher Tip:
Even if you’ve been driving for decades, the rules here might surprise you — especially with roundabouts and give-way rules. A quick look at the Road Code (or that interactive app!) can save you stress — and a few fines.

Perfect if you have teens approaching 16 who’ll sit their learner’s test here (these practice questions are the same as AA’s real test).