Accommodation

New Zealand’s high quality living conditions are internationally renowned, and accommodation is one aspect of this.  In many instances, accommodation will be only minutes away from your place of study.   

Most educational institutions will help you find accommodation.

The main options are:

Halls of residence/student hostels

These are usually located on the campus or nearby, with single or twin rooms. Bed linen and cleaning are provided. Meals are eaten in a communal dining hall, with special dietary needs catered for. A warden lives on site, and social and sporting activities are organised for residents. Hostels usually have computer laboratories and recreation rooms. Some institutions provide "self-catering" hostels where 6-8 students have their own bedrooms and share a kitchen and living room.

Cost: around $200 per week.

Some cities have self-catering private or independent hostels. Cost: furnished room, shared kitchen and lounge facilities, $90 - $130 per week, plus power, water, etc.

Homestay/private board

This means a room of your own in a suburban house, usually with a garden and lawns. Your host family provides meals. Interacting with your host family and meeting their neighbours and friends is an excellent way to improve your English. The host family helps you make phone calls, read bus timetables, find a doctor and so on. But homestay is not like living in a hotel. Some "give and take" is expected, as you become part of the family.

Cost: around $180 per week, plus one-time administration fee of around $150.

Going "flatting"

This term means renting a house or flat (apartment) on your own or with other people. Choose your own flatmates in single sex or mixed accommodation, ranging from a two-bedroom apartment to a large house on its own land. Most rental properties are unfurnished, apart from an oven, a laundry facility, curtains and carpet. The landlord does not have to provide heating. You pay for electricity, gas, telephone and water, including connection fees. A "bond" of up to four weeks' rent is held by Tenancy Services and refunded when you move out, if the flat is still in good condition. Tenancy Services, a division of the Ministry of Housing http://www.minhousing.govt.nz/tenancy/index.html, has information about dispute resolution procedures and your rights and obligations.

The accommodation office at your tertiary institution will probably have a noticeboard with advertisements for flats. The newspaper classified advertisements list rental properties available, especially on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Rental agents collect a fee from you in exchange for a list of properties available.

Flatting gives you more freedom, but requires a lot of maturity. You'll have to co-operate with flatmates to organise cooking and cleaning and paying the bills. For a good overview of the issues involved, see: http://www.waikato.ac.nz/language/otheraccomm.html

Cost: bond, plus around $120 per bedroom per week (cheaper in smaller cities) plus food, power, telephone, etc. Air travel to New Zealand

Travel to New Zealand is easy, with many cities offering direct flights. The two main international airports are in Auckland and Christchurch. Wellington, New Zealand's capital city, also has an international service to/from Australia. Security measures at all New Zealand airports are designed to protect travellers from terrorism and to protect our country's pristine environment from harmful diseases and pests.

Duty free goods

You can shop duty free at the airport when you arrive in New Zealand. Goods up to a total combined value of NZ$700 are free of duty and tax.

Carrying cash?

If you bring more than NZ$10,000 or the equivalent amount in foreign currency, but please tell a customs officer so that you can fill out the relevant form.

Quarantine regulations

In order to protect New Zealand's agricultural, horticultural and forestry industries, The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry enforces very strict quarantine requirements. Live animals or plants, or animal or plant products, including seeds, or perishable food, are not allowed into the country. Even dried meat can contain foot-and-mouth disease. Shells, feathers, wooden items and herbal medicines may also have to be inspected.

On the incoming flight you'll be given a quarantine declaration form. Either declare relevant items or put them in the special bin in the airport. It's a good idea to pack everything you think may be inspected near the top of your suitcase. Clean all outdoor footwear and equipment, including farm, camping and sports gear, before you pack it. At customs, use the red lane if you have something to declare or are not sure, or the green lane if you have nothing to declare. See: http://www.maf.govt.nz/quarantine/

At the airport

Luggage trolleys are free. At Auckland, the volunteer hospitality ambassadors, wearing bright blue jackets, offer assistance and a welcoming hot drink when you arrive.

Going home You can travel to New Zealand on a one-way ticket. However, to get a visa, you must have sufficient money for your flight home.

Air travel within New Zealand

Once you have arrived in New Zealand, there is a good transport network available.  Domestic airlines fly between major cities and resort areas, and commuter airlines service other towns.

Airlines and bookings

You can fly to the main centres and many smaller cities and tourist destinations - such as New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Kaitaia, Kerikeri and Hokitika - on one of several different airlines. There are also scenic airplane and helicopter flights. Distances between major attractions in New Zealand are short; the flight from Auckland to Wellington takes only an hour, for example. See a travel agent for more information. You can also book via the Internet or over the phone and collect the ticket when you arrive at the airport. This is called electronic ticketing.

Check-in time for domestic flights is usually 30-60 minutes before departure. Security at domestic airports has been increased to protect travellers. Mobile phones, computers, calculators and electronic games must be turned off during a flight.

Special deals

Check with a local travel agent about special deals for flights within New Zealand that must be purchased before you leave your home country.

For full-time students with an ISIC card or Youth Card (under 25), it's worth finding out what STA Travel (offices in university towns, nationwide telephone bookings on 0508 782 872) can offer. If you are calling from outside New Zealand, their telephone number is +64 9 366 66 73.

In general, however, you get the best deals by booking well in advance and/or online at the airline's website. 

Banking & currency

New Zealand money is composed of dollars and cents. It comes in $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5 notes, $2 and $1 gold-coloured coins, and 50, 20, 10 and 5-cent silver-coloured coins. You can see exchange rates at: http://www.xe.net/ucc/.

All cities and towns have banks. There is a bank branch, or at least an ATM, on nearly every tertiary institution campus. Trading banks are open 9.00am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Banking is very advanced in New Zealand, with a huge network of ATMs, and EFTPOS (electronic funds transfer at point of sale) in most shops. Telephone and Internet banking are very popular.

Automatic teller machines, travellers' cheques

If you're planning to be in New Zealand for only a few months, it is simple to use your credit card to get New Zealand dollars at automatic teller machines (ATMs). If the account is in credit, there is not usually a charge for cash withdrawals. If your bank has international links, you can use your EFTPOS card from your home country at ATMs. All major credit cards are accepted in shops and at ATMs. Traveller's cheques are a good option, too.

Daily limits

There is a limit to the amount of cash you can take out of an account using an automatic teller machine. The limit is usually $500 per day, so if you want to pay a big bill by cash, you have to go to the branch, or start withdrawing money a few days early.

Opening a bank account

If you're staying more than a few months, it's worth opening your own bank account. Some banks, including the ASB, let you open an account in New Zealand before you arrive. Banks don't usually lend money to international students.

Bank fees

A fee is charged for every transaction, including EFTPOS. Fees can be very high, so make sure you get advice from the bank's staff about which account and fee structure will be best for you. Most banks offer special packages for full-time students taking a full-year course.

Foreign currency

You can bring as much foreign currency as you like into New Zealand, but if it is more than NZ$10,000 in value, please tell a customs officer so that you can sign the relevant form. Most overseas currencies are easily exchanged at
New Zealand banks.

If you lose your wallet
Make sure you contact the bank immediately and cancel credit and EFTPOS cards. Also let the police know - sometimes lost property is handed in to them. It's a good idea to keep a separate list of the contents of your wallet, with the numbers of all the cards.

Climate

New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, so January and February are the warmest months, autumn is from March to May, winter from June to August, and spring from September to November. A north-facing garden is very pleasant; a southerly wind can come from the Antarctic.

The climate is temperate with relatively mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. It's not sub-tropical, except in the far north. The weather varies a lot between different geographical regions.

Four seasons in one day

The weather can also change dramatically and very quickly, so that people joke about experiencing "four seasons in one day". It's a good idea to take a coat or jersey with you, even if it looks fine in the morning. Warm, waterproof, clothing is essential if you go bushwalking or tramping.

Outdoor lifestyle

The mild climate means outdoor recreation is an important part of the Kiwi way of life. Water sports and tramping or hiking are very popular. In summer, people are encouraged to "slip, slop, slap" (slip on a long-sleeved shirt, slop on some sunblock, and slap on a hat) to protect them from the strong sun.

Keeping warm in winter

While New Zealand doesn't get as cold as some countries in the northern hemisphere, most houses are stand-alone houses built of wood and do not have central heating or double-glazed windows. Instead, families wear warm clothing and use open fires, wood burners, gas or electrical heating in winter. Usually, people only heat the room they are using at the time, rather than the whole house. Homestay bedrooms will have a heater, and the bed may also have an electric blanket, hot water bottle or wheat bag for extra heat.

Culture - social & cultural activities

New Zealand's multi-cultural society of today is a result of migration from all parts of the world, beginning with Maori from the Pacific and, later, British people in the 18th century.

A friendly and informal people

New Zealanders are famous for their warm hospitality to overseas visitors. We call ourselves "Kiwis". We're friendly, welcoming, enjoy meeting people from other cultures and love sharing food and conversation. In daily life, we're quite informal. First names are used, even in business.

Two founding languages and cultures

The Maori, known as the 'tangata whenua' or 'people of the land', are the biggest non-European group. A resurgence of Maori culture and language over the last few decades has resulted in a new sense of national identity based on the idea of bi-culturalism - joint responsibility for achieving the ideals of the Treaty of Waitangi, which was signed in 1840.

Kiwi culture has also absorbed some of the rich elements contributed by people from the Pacific Islands and Asia who make their home here, so that weekend markets with Asian and Polynesian food are common.
English and Maori are the official languages, but New Zealanders come from many ethnic backgrounds, including European and African. Multi-cultural influences are very much part of indigenous "Kiwi" fashion, art and music.

Getting along together

The various communities live in relative social harmony, with equal rights for all. There is legislation prohibiting discrimination based on gender, race or disability. The Human Rights

Commission and the Office of the Race Relations Conciliator investigate complaints under the Human Rights Act. If anybody's behaviour or words make you feel uncomfortable, talk immediately to the staff at your institution. They are committed to providing a safe environment for you and trained to deal with any difficulties.

Freedom to be yourself

Sexual harassment and gender discrimination are unlawful and unacceptable in New Zealand. Even job advertisements must be neutrally worded. Workplaces and education institutions have clear guidelines to prevent and deal with sexual harassment of any kind.

Outdoor lifestyle

A feature of the New Zealand way of life is indoor/outdoor living. Individual houses usually have a backyard and sometimes a barbecue area. Outings with your homestay family at the weekend are likely to involve walks in the bush or on a beach, berry-picking, cycling, or visiting gardens; you'll need outdoor footwear and a sunhat.

See New Zealand's flag and hear the two national anthems
at the Ministry for Culture and Heritage site: http://www.mch.govt.nz/index.html

The ministry also funds groups such as the Aotearoa Traditional Maori Performing Arts Society, the Broadcasting Standards Authority, the Film Archive and Film Commission, the Historic Places Trust, the Symphony Orchestra, the Royal New Zealand Ballet and Te Papa, the national museum.

Employment - availability, entitlement

If you are studying a three-year course, you are allowed to work during the summer holidays and up to 15 hours per week during the academic year. You will need a ''variation of conditions'' to your student permit. This is issued by the New Zealand Immigration Service. A fee may apply.

These rules do not apply if you are a postgraduate student or need to get work experience in order to fulfill course requirements.

For more information, visit the International Office of your institution or consult the Immigration Service (ph 914 4100 if you are in Auckland, or 0508 558 855 from elsewhere in New Zealand).

See http://www.immigration.govt.nz/work

Paying tax

Everybody who works in New Zealand must pay tax on what they earn. See Tax system for more information.

Labour legislation

Strict legislation sets out your responsibilities and those of your employer. Employers must not take advantage of or mistreat employees. There is a minimum adult wage, and regulations for holiday pay and health and safety in the workplace. No gender discrimination is allowed; even job advertisements must be written in a non-sexist way. Men and women receive equal pay for doing the same job. See www.dol.govt.nz

Finding a job

Student Job Search is a national organisation that helps students find work. It has offices on tertiary institution campuses. For student jobs, such as working in a restaurant or bar, or doing manual labour, you could expect to earn about NZ$9 - $15 per hour before tax. See www.sjs.co.nz

Food

Wonderful fresh food at good prices is an integral part of New Zealand lifestyle, one that New Zealanders often take for granted.  There are many great cafes that reflect our informal way of life, offering fresh cuisine and some of the best coffee you will ever taste!

We are a major producer of pasture-fed lamb, venison and beef.  Dairy products, fruit and vegetables are abundant and inexpensive.  New Zealand has a wide range of local and imported food, easily available. 

For dining out, food outlets range from casual dining and café food to exclusive and expensive evening restaurants – as well as international fast-food chains and local ''takeaway'' shops for fish and chips. 

New Zealand wines are highly sought after internationally – many of New Zealand regions are now producing grapes for winemaking.  Restaurants may have a full liquor licence or a ''BYO'' (bring your own) license, which means you can bring your own bottle of wine, for a small corkage fee.

Ethnic cuisine (Mexican, Cajun, French, Korean, Thai, various types of Chinese, Indian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean, Japanese, Greek etc) is available in the cities. Suburban shopping malls and city shopping arcades have food courts or halls - areas with multiple vendors where you can try different sorts of food for a very reasonable price. Weekend markets are a good place to find Asian vegetables and other ethnic ingredients.

Here are some of our traditional favourite foods you might like to try while you're in New Zealand: Anzac biscuits, bacon and egg pie, bran muffins, brandy snaps, coconut buns, kumera, custard squares, fruit mince, fruitcake, gingernuts, hangi (traditional Maori food steamed in the ground), hokey pokey, chocolate fish, pavlova, pies, corned beef, pumpkin soup, sally lunn/boston buns (a type of fruit bun with coconut icing), scones, Vegemite & Marmite (sandwich spreads).

Supermarkets

Most people buy their food at large supermarkets, which are also open in the evenings and at weekends. Most supermarkets provide plastic bags for the goods you buy, but some are "pack your own". Many have a free telephone so you can call a taxi to take you and your shopping home.

Organic food

Supermarkets sell some organically-grown food and there are also specialist stores which stock a large range of Demeter, Bio Gro and other brands.

Typical meals

Breakfast: toast, cereal with milk and fruit; in winter, porridge with milk

Lunch: sandwiches, salad, sushi, fresh fruit, biscuits and cake

Dinner (often called "tea") Meat or fish, vegetables, potatoes, pasta or rice. This is the main meal of the day eaten around 6pm.

Health System

New Zealand has an excellent healthcare system, using a combination of public and private providers.  However, these health services are generally not free for international students.

For a cold, influenza, or other common health problem, visit a general practitioner (GP) at the student health centre on the campus of your tertiary institution, or your host family's GP. If the doctor prescribes medicine for you, it's important to tell the doctor if you have any allergies and if you are taking any other medication, including herbal medicine.

Doctors work normal office hours and expect you to make an appointment to see them. If you need help in the evenings and weekends, go to an After Hours Medical Centre or the Accident and Emergency Clinic at a hospital.

In the cities there is a wide range of treatment available, including chiropractic, osteopathy, acupuncture, naturopathy, homeopathy and Chinese medicine.

Emergencies

If you have a serious health emergency or accident, dial 111 and ask for 'Ambulance'. The call is free - you don't need coins or a phone card even if you are dialling from a public phone box. This is also the emergency number for police and fire services.

Hospital treatment

If you need surgery or other treatment, you will probably have to pay for it at a private hospital, unless you are entitled to public hospital treatment in New Zealand.

Alcohol

The legal age for drinking or purchasing alcohol in New Zealand is 18. Supermarkets sell alcohol seven days a week, and may ask to see your passport as proof of age. There are serious legal consequences for driving while drunk.

Poisoning

The National Poison Information Centre has a 24-hour emergency number: freephone 0800 POISON (0800 764 766).

Sexual and reproductive health

Hospital Sexual Health Clinics, the Family Planning Association and some youth health centres provide a free, confidential service for contraceptive advice, sexually transmitted infections, cervical screening and pregnancy testing. There is a considerable degree of sexual freedom among young people in New Zealand, similar to Europe but much freer than in most Asian countries. Trustworthy adults at the above agencies, or the counsellors at your school or institution, can give you advice and support.

Disabilities

New buildings are designed with wheelchairs in mind. Many older buildings now have ramps. Some institutions have hearing loops. There are usually volunteer or paid reader/writers (in English) to help students who have difficulty writing or reading.

Living costs

Many international students comment on the high standard of liviing New Zealanders enjoy. In general, the cost of living is similar to that in Australia, and less than in Britain. The cost of education, in particular, is very competitive, which means that in New Zealand, you can afford a world-class education.

It costs 45 cents to post a letter within New Zealand. A Big Mac at McDonald's costs $3.95. Local telephone calls are free. It costs between $8.50–$12.00 to go to the movies. Public transport is more expensive than in countries with greater population density. It's recommended that tertiary students budget for up to $20,000 in living expenses per year.

National holiday dates

Education institutions are closed on Saturday and Sunday. It's not usual to have any contact with staff on these days or during holidays. Tertiary institution libraries are open over the weekend and in the evenings.

The normal working week for office workers is Monday to Friday, from about 8.30 to 5pm. Salaried workers get 15 days' holiday, plus public holidays.

The main school and family holiday period is from mid-December to late January. There are two-week school holidays in April, July and September.

Public holidays:     
    New Year's Day Thursday 1 January
    Day after New Year's Day Friday 2 January
    Waitangi Day Friday 6 February
    Good Friday 9 April
    Easter Monday 12 April
    ANZAC Day Sunday 25 April
    Queen's Birthday Monday 7 June
    Labour Day Monday 25 October
    Christmas Day Saturday 25 December
    Boxing Day Sunday 26 December
    Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 December are also public holidays

In addition, each region has an "anniversary day" holiday, known as Wellington Anniversary Day, Auckland Anniversary Day and so on.

Source: www.mynzed.com