|
What type of visa or permit do I need to work in New Zealand?
We suggest our candidates visit the Immigration of New Zealand web site at www.immigration.govt.nz to get some understanding of what options there are available and what is involved with each type of visa/permit.
WORK VISAS:
Visas are issued to all applicants living outside of NZ and are automatically converted to Permits at passport control when you enter NZ. These are ideal for people who want to work in NZ for up to 2 years or who may want to come out here to start work and apply for residency once they get here. The only documentation needed to apply for a Work Visa is a job offer from an NZ employer and your NZ Nursing Council registration as well as completing the required medical checks. Work Visas take 4-8 weeks to issue from date of application.
Partners can apply for a work visa on the “back” of the principal applicant if you are able to provide a marriage certificate or evidence of de-facto relationship going back 1 year e.g. joint bank account/mortgage/rent account, joint utility bill at the same address etc
PERMANENT RESIDENCY:
A Residency Visa allows you to reside in New Zealand for an indefinite period. To apply for Permanent Residency you are required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and then if successful at this stage, to then submit the formal residency application where you will need to have had medicals, chest x-rays (all applicants) and police checks (over 16 yrs only).
The immigration web site gives more detailed information on this process and also enables you to apply on line. You will need to have your NZ Nursing Council registration and job offer before submitting your EOI.
WORKING HOLIDAY VISAS:
These are available for people aged between 18 – 30 years of age and are issued for up to 2 years. You are only able to work for up one year of the two-year visa. These cannot be extended beyond the 2-year period.9
Hospital Staff’s Recruitment Consultants are happy to provide advice to candidates on immigration issues.
Please note: From 4th April 2007, all people applying for a visa of one year or more will be required to have a medical undertaken by an immigration approved practitioner – see immigration web site for details.
New Zealand High Commission
80, Haymarket
London SW1
Ph: + 44 134 471 6199 (If phoning from outside the UK)
Ph: 09 69 100 100 (If calling from within the UK. Calls are charged at £1 per minute and you can be put on hold. We recommend using their web site
What sort of timeframe should we allow for coming to New Zealand?
On average, we say to allow a minimum of 4 - 8 months from the initial enquiry to arrival in New Zealand. This takes into account gaining registration, job offers, work visas and giving notice to present employers. For those candidates who are applying for permanent residency before coming to NZ, the process may be a little longer, depending on how quickly your application is selected from the EOI pool. If you have already started the process of registration with the NZ Council, then you could be here within 4 months.
How easy is it to open a bank account in New Zealand?
Opening a bank account in New Zealand is easily done on arrival to the country. You need to ensure that you have a current passport, a job offer letter, evidence of New Zealand address and a current reference from your United Kingdom bank. However, some banks may only need some dollars and your passport!
One New Zealand bank, the ASB bank, now has a Migrant Banking Office in London to make it easy for UK and European residents to open an ASB Bank account and transfer money to their new home in New Zealand. Once you arrive in New Zealand your account can be activated by visiting one of their branches.
For more information www.migrantbanking.co.uk or phone +44 (0) 20 7710 3990
- How easy is it find rental property in New Zealand?
Generally this is easily done once you arrive in the country. The Immigration web site (www.immigration.govt.nz) has lots of really useful information on renting and buying property here – click on “work” and then on the “Living in New Zealand” icon on the right hand side of the page. Other useful web sites to look at for information on rental properties are www.nzflatmates.co.nz, www.trademe.co.nz or www.flatfinder.co.nz
For information on buying a house in New Zealand have a look at www.barfoot.co.nz , www.realenz.co.nz , www.open2view.com or www.ljhooker.co.nz
What is the climate like in New Zealand?
The warmest months are December, January and February (average maximum temperatures ranges between 20° - 25°C (68° - 77°F)), and the coldest are June, July and August (10 -15°C (50 - 60°F)).
What is my holiday entitlement?
Employees are entitled to at least four weeks paid leave as of 2007 after they have worked continuously for the same employer for 12 months. Currently it is 4 weeks however this may increase dependent on the Collective Agreement in place at each hospital.
Unless the employment agreement provides for other days, or the employee and employer concerned agree to other days, there are 11 public holidays (bank holidays) each year.
What are the hours of work in New Zealand?
In New Zealand we have a 40-hour working week. Standard hospital shifts are 8 hours (0700-1530, 1430-2300 and 2245-0715) but many Wards and Units also operate 10 or 12-hour shifts.
What is the Cost of Living like in New Zealand?
The cost of living varies depending on where you choose to live in New Zealand with Auckland being our most expensive city.
For more information about general prices, household living or internet grocery shopping visit www.statistics.govt.nz or www.woolworths.co.nz
What will Medical Care cost me in New Zealand?
If you are on a 2-year Work Permit or have New Zealand Residency, you will be entitled to free public hospital care under a reciprocal agreement if you are from the UK. If you are from another country please check with your consultant as to whether there is a similar agreement in place. Visits to a GP or Dentist are generally not covered and will need to be paid for.
Health Insurance:
Many New Zealanders have private health insurance due to the waiting lists in Public Hospitals. There are 2 main private health suppliers:
www.sxhealth.co.nz
www.hsws.co.nz
If you have private health insurance you are still entitled to receive public health services. It is unlikely that you will be offered health insurance as part of your contract.
Tax Rates
There is no deduction for National Insurance and you will be taxed according to your income – as follows: -
Up to $38,000 per annum 19.5%
$38,000 - $60,000 per annum 33.0%
Over $60,000 per annum 39.0%
Pensions
New Zealand hospitals do not offer pension schemes. You should contact www.ukpensionstonz.com for information on transferring your pension. |
