Preparing to move to New Zealand
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Is it right for me?
Many people who are thinking of moving to New Zealand come on a temporary basis to learn more about life and work here. There are a number of ways that you can get a taste of New Zealand:
- as a tourist
- as a student
- as a worker on a temporary working visa.
Immigration New Zealand website - research the options available to you
If you have decided to come to New Zealand to live and work, it’s important to do some things before you leave home. You need to arrive in New Zealand well prepared.
Get prepared
Bring copies of important documents to make applying for a job easier. This could include:
- references (a written account of your performance and skills from an employer or voluntary work co-ordinator)
- qualifications (eg. your degree certificate)
- medical records.
Prepare a written description of your skills and the sort of work you have been doing. You could get help from your employer.
Remind yourself that it can take a long time to get a job, and you might not be able to do the same job you did at home. Be prepared for this by researching opportunities, bringing any savings you have, and being willing to take a low-level job when you come over. Ideally, you should have a job arranged before you leave New Zealand.
1. Get your documents together
Bring original or certified copies of important documents, such as:
- References that describe your work experience, skills and character, preferably from an employer. Include the dates you were employed.
- Certificates to show what qualifications or registration (licence to practise) you hold.
- Informal records like photographs demonstrate what you have done.
- References about your participation in other aspects of life, such as community groups or churches.
- Contact details for people you might want to use as referees. New Zealand employers like to make personal contact with referees, so make sure you have a telephone number and email addresses.
Make sure all members of your family have their documents at hand, including school reports and certificates as well as vaccination, medical, and dental records.
The link below takes you to a list of websites that will help you plan education and training for your family, such as schooling and tertiary education.
Immigration New Zealand website - settlement links
2. Describe your experience and skills
Prepare a written description of your skills and the sort of work you have been doing. You could get help from your employer.
- It’s not enough just to give a job title. Explain exactly what you did at work. For example, if you were an accountant, describe what sort of accounting you did.
- You could make a start on your CV - a formal written summary of your skills and experience.
- Do the same for other members of your family. Even if they did not have full-time jobs, they will have skills and experience they could use to get a job in New Zealand.
3. Research the job scene in New Zealand
Get a feel for the job scene in New Zealand by visiting websites. This will help you find out if your current role exists in New Zealand, how easy it will be for you to get a job, and how much you are likely to earn.
- If you have formal tertiary qualifications (university, polytechnic or trade) you can have them evaluated by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
- If you are in a job where registration is required by law, find out whether you can become registered in New Zealand. (Registration is a licence to practise in a particular industry, but it doesn't necessarily entitle you to a job).
New Zealand Qualifications Authority website - services to help potential migrants
Immigration New Zealand website - find out whether you can become registered in NZ
