TELEPHONE: STANDARD TIME: Country code (0064) + Area Code. Generally, +12 hours GMT, although NZ daylight saving does start and finish on different dates to UK.

WEIGHTS & MEASURES: Metric

ELECTRICITY: 230/240v AC, 50Hz

INOCULATIONS/VACCINATIONS: PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: No vaccinations or inoculation required if EU citizen.

OFFICE HOURS: Jan 1, 2, Feb 6, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Apr 25 (ANZAC Day), First Monday in June Queen’s Birthday. Fourth Monday in October Labour Day, Dec 25, 26 plus Provincial Anniversary days which vary. There are no longer any standard office hours. Most employees work a 38 to 40-hour week.

BANK HOURS: Usually Monday to Friday, varies from about 08.30 to about 17.00 hours.

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS: 111 – Police/Ambulance and Emergency.

BRITISH EMBASSY IN NEW ZEALAND: British High Commission
44 Hill Street, POB 1812 Wellington
Tel: 0064 4 924 2888
Fax: 0064 4 924 2809
Web: http://ukinnewzealand.fco.gov.uk/en/

NEW ZEALAND HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON: New Zealand House
80 Haymarket
London SW1Y 4TQ
Tel: 02079 308 422
Fax: 02078 394 580
Web: http://newzealand.embassyhomepage.com/

Part 1 – Background Information on NZ Background

The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D. 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered a compact with Britain, the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining territorial rights. That same year, the British began the first organized colonial settlement. A series of land wars between 1843 and 1872 ended with the defeat of the native peoples. The British colony of New Zealand became an independent dominion in 1907 and supported the UK militarily in both world wars. New Zealand’s full participation in several defence alliances lapsed by the 1980s. In recent years, the government has sought to address longstanding Maori grievances. New Zealand assumed a no permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2015-16 term.

Geography

New Zealand is a South Pacific country located midway between the Equator and the South Pole, and approx. 1,600 kilometres east of Australia. Its nearest neighbours to the north are New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga, all about the same distance away as Australia.

With a land area of 268,105 square kilometres, New Zealand is like Japan, Britain, or Italy, and extends over
a similar range of latitudes to California. There are two main islands, the North and South Islands, separated by the Cook Strait, some 32 kilometres across at its narrowest point.

The total land area is 270,535 sq. Km / 104,453 sq. miles, about the size of Italy, the United Kingdom, or the US state of Colorado.

There is a territorial dispute in Antarctica.

New Zealand’s spectacularly beautiful landscape includes vast mountain chains, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, deeply indented fiords, and lush rainforests.

Climate

Lying within the Southern Temperate Zone, New Zealand has an oceanic climate, without extremes of heat or cold, with January and February the warmest months and July the coldest. Most parts of the country enjoy ample sunshine and rainfall, although the weather is rather changeable. Seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere, with temperatures generally higher in the north of the country, which experiences sub-tropical warmth in summer. Winter brings extensive snow fall in Southern Alps.

Population

There are now over 4.7 million New Zealanders of all races, but predominantly of European and Polynesian origin. The Māori population is around 14.9% of the total, but intermarriage means that many New Zealanders have both Māori and European ancestors. Recent years have seen a movement of people from the smaller pacific islands, and non-Māori Polynesians and Melanesians together account of about 5% of the population.

More than 76% of the people live in the North Island and 85% of the people live in the cities and towns along the coastal areas and lowland plains. Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city has population of 1,455.000 people.

Language

English and Māori are the official languages, English is the most common, but Māori is of increasing significance.

Currency and banking

New Zealand operates a decimal system with 100 cents to one dollar ($1).

• $5, $10, $20, $50 and$100notes
  • 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 coins

Economy

Over the past 40 years, the government has transformed New Zealand from an agrarian economy, dependent on concessionary British market access, to a more industrialized, free market economy that can compete globally. This dynamic growth has boosted real incomes – but left behind some at the bottom of the ladder – and broadened and deepened the technological capabilities of the industrial sector.

Per capita income rose for ten consecutive years until 2007 in purchasing power parity terms, but fell in 2008- 09. Debt-driven consumer spending drove robust growth in the first half of the decade, fuelling a large balance of payments deficit that posed a challenge for policymakers. Inflationary pressures caused the central bank to raise its key rate steadily from January 2004 until it was among the highest in the OECD in 2007-08. The higher rate attracted international capital inflows, which strengthened the currency and housing market while aggravating the current account deficit. Rising house prices, especially in Auckland, have become a political issue in recent years, as well as a policy challenge in 2016 and 2017, as the ability to afford housing has declined for many.

The economy fell into recession before the start of the global financial crisis and contracted for five consecutive quarters in 2008-09. In line with global peers, the central bank cut interest rates aggressively and the government developed fiscal stimulus measures. The economy pulled out of recession in 2009 and achieved 2%-3% growth from 2011 to 2016. Nevertheless, key trade sectors remain vulnerable to weak external demand and lower commodity prices. In the aftermath of the 2010 Canterbury earthquakes, the government has continued programs to expand export markets, develop capital markets, invest in innovation, raise productivity growth, and develop infrastructure, while easing its fiscal austerity. Expanding New Zealand’s network of free trade agreements remains a top foreign policy priority.

Education

Education is provided free in Government owned or funded schools from primary school to university and is compulsory between the ages of six to sixteen.

Most schools are supported by the state and administered by School Boards of Trustees. Others are supported by churches or private interests.

There are eight universities, and the larger towns and cities have technical institute and community colleges to provide further tertiary education. A state correspondence school caters for children who cannot attend school in the normal way (for reason of isolation, illness or disability) and for others enrolled in continuing education courses.

Cultural Activities

New Zealanders have a strong and increasing involvement in a wide range of cultural activities throughout the country. The performing arts are well established, with professional and amateur companies active in music, drama, and dance. New Zealand writing, painting, pottery and weaving have achieved growing international recognition
in recent years. Film making has also become an important industry. The educational system strongly encourages music, drama and the visual arts at all levels.

Health

New Zealand has around 40 public hospitals spread across the country in cities and larger towns.

Hospital treatment is free for those eligible for health care services. Nobody can be refused emergency care because they cannot pay, but if you’re not a New Zealand resident, you may have to pay for some services.

Although every care is taken to ensure that all information in the New Zealand Relocation Guide is accurate and up to date our company cannot accept liability for any inaccuracy.

 

Part 2 – NZ Import Customs Regulations

To the best of our knowledge, the following documentation is required to import household and personal effects into New Zealand.

Personal and Household Goods

Documents required:

• CompletedcustomsandQuarantineFormMPI(ministryforPrimaryIndustries)PersonalEffects–Supplementary Declaration supplied by us. Must be completed prior to shipping.
• Inventory of the goods (prepared by us). For owner packed boxes importer must prepare a detailed list.
• Original passport or a certified true copy of the passport (identification page and entry visa only) and the page showing your signature.

Documents authorizing residence in New Zealand – means any of the following:

• A New Zealand or Australian passport.
• AcurrentNewZealandresidencevisaorpermitoracurrentNewZealandreturningresidencevisaorpermit.
• A current permanent residence visa (including a residence return visa) issued by the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia.
• AcurrentNewZealandworkvisaoraworkpermitthatwasissuedforaminimumof12months.
• A current New Zealand work visa or work permit issued under the Work to Residence (Skilled Migrant Category) policy or the Long-Term Business Visa / Permit category.
• AcurrentNewZealandvisitor’svisaorpermitthatwasissuedforaminimumofthreeyears.

Concessionary entry (duty and or tax free) for household effects is available to persons who meet all the following conditions:

• Have arrived and on the date the effects are imported, hold a document authorising residence in New Zealand.
• HaveresidedoutsideofNewZealandforthewholeof21monthsbeforethedateofarrivalinNewZealand.
• HaveownedandusedthehouseholdgoodsbeforethedateofdepartureforNewZealand.
• The goods are being imported for own personal use and not for sale, gift, disposal, or exchange.

Diplomats’ shipments (personal and household effects

Documents required:
Customs and Quarantine combined form – supplied by us.

• Diplomatic declaration.
  • Inventory of goods.
  Declaration to be signed by Consulate.

Importation of alcohol: Restrictions will not normally be placed on the quantities of duty-free or tax-exempt goods that may be imported, provided they meet the reasonable personal requirements of an eligible individual or are clearly identified for official use.

The New Zealand Customs Service monitors the quantity of goods imported/purchased duty/tax-exempt. Where it is considered such imports/purchases are more than “reasonable requirements”, the Chief of Protocol will be advised, and an explanation will be sought from the Head of Mission/ Post concerned.

Wedding Trousseaux (included with personal and household effects)

Document required:

As per normal household and personal effects – Wedding gifts are treated the same as Personal and Household Effects.

Inheritance

Documents required:
• Death certificate and either letter from Executor or copy of Will.
Goods are admitted free of duty provided a copy of the Will or Executor’s letter is sighted. The name of the beneficiary and their legacy must be specified in the Will.

New furniture, household items, presents and souvenirs

All new and unused effects may be liable for duty and Goods & Services Tax (GST).

Works of art, Antiques not part of normal household and personal effects or newly purchased.

British Antique Dealers Association Certificate (B.A.D.A) for antiques from United Kingdom.
If not part of household and personal effects importation or newly purchased, then GST will apply.

Jewellery (included with personal / household effects)

Duty free if part of household and personal effects consignment, but we strongly recommend that Jewellery is not included.

Motor cars, motorcycles and motor scooters

Documents required for clearance:

• Copy of Passport and the page showing the customer’s signature.
• Original registration / ownership certificate and / or original deregistration certificate as applicable.
• Purchase invoice.
• Originalcompliancecertificateissuedbythemanufacturerofthecarifapplicable/required.

Documents authorising residence in New Zealand – means any of the following:
All as per household and personal effects.
Concessionary entry (duty and / or tax free) is available to persons who meet all the following conditions:

Have arrived and on the date the motor vehicle is imported, hold a document authorising residence in New Zealand and have resided outside of NZ for the whole of 21 months before the date of arrival in New Zealand; and have owned and used the vehicle for at least 12 months before the date of departure to New Zealand or the date on which the vehicle is surrendered for shipping, whichever is earlier; and Do not sell the vehicle within 24 months of importation.

All other importers will attract Goods and Services Tax (GST) at 15.00% of the vehicles Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) value (purchase price, freight and marine insurance). There is no duty on vehicles being imported into New Zealand (duty is however applicable on motor homes for non-qualifying migrants). An allowance for depreciation may be made depending on length of ownership overseas.

For full details refer to website for NZ Customs

www.customs.govt.nz

Importers qualifying for concessionary entry (duty and / or tax free) must sign a ‘Deed of Undertaking’.

The vehicle also needs a structural inspection, once this is done and is cleared through Customs and MPI the motor vehicle will be required to be tested for certification to New Zealand Safety and Compliance Standards – it is important that owner checks prior to shipment that vehicle will comply.

For full details refer to website for the – New Zealand Transport Agency

http://www.nzta.govt.nz

It is recommended that motor vehicles be steam – cleaned and vacuumed prior to shipment however this is not a guarantee MPI will not order again on arrival in New Zealand

Left-Hand Drive Motor Vehicles

Left hand drive vehicles – owner should check before importing a LHD vehicle if the vehicle belongs to one of the permitted categories or is capable of being converted to RHD.

For full details refer to website for the New Zealand Transport Agency

www.nzta.govt.nz

Boats

It is strongly recommended to contact NZ Customs for clarification on exact details.

Prescribed Medicines

Copy of prescription or letter from your doctor is required.

Plants and vegetable products

Not to be included with household and personal effects.

Pornographic books and magazines

Importation prohibited.

Other prohibited or Restricted Items

Certain types of weapons such as flick knives, sword sticks, knuckle-dusters, and any weapon designed or disguised to give the appearance of another article.

Ivory in any form, tortoise or sea turtle shell and any other endangered species. A CITES certificate is normally required. There is a worldwide ban on the movement of Ivory without a CITES certificate. Please note old pianos usually have ivory keys and a CITES certification will be required.

For Information on obtaining a CITES certificate then please visit: http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ endangered-species-application-for-import-and-export-permit

Food

Please do not include any food stuffs or drinks of any description in consignment.

Wood packaging

Any wood packaging used in shipments entering New Zealand must comply with the ISPM 15 standard and carry the appropriate mark.

Consignments that contain non-compliant wood packaging will be treated, destroyed or re-exported at the discretion of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF). Regardless of action taken by MAF considerable extra costs will be incurred to yourself and clearance will be delayed.

For more information please visit: www.biosecurity.govt.nz/woodpackaging

Pets

Please see further information for relocating your pets to New Zealand

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/live-animals/pets/

Agriculture Information

New Zealand Agriculture Authority has strict regulations on items imported to New Zealand. Household effects shipments may be subject to inspection and, if required, fumigation. All charges for these services will be debited direct to the shipper. Detailed inventories must be provided.

All items such as garden implements, bicycles, tents, golf clubs, must be thoroughly cleaned prior to shipment. Vacuum cleaners must be emptied and cleaned prior to shipment. Do not include the following items: canned or dried meat, spices, honey, dairy and egg products or bee keeping equipment. All caneware, regardless of origin WILL be fumigated. For information refer to website – www.mpi.govt.nz

Please note that an Agricultural Inspection may take up to 3 days, with fumigation a further seven (7) days. Charges for these will need to be paid locally and you should expect approximately NZ$470 – NZ$520 for 1×20 FCL container and NZ$550 – NZ$620 for 1×40 as a guideline. Motorcycles are about NZ$190, Motorcars are about NZ$320, Air shipments, shared container etc., the costs are based on cubic capacity and are about NZ$20 per cubic metre (Minimum NZ$230). Small baggage consignments NZ$120 to NZ$150.