Living in New Zealand

1. Living and working abroad
New Zealand

2. Medacs Healthcare
Living and working abroad
New Zealand
Medacs Healthcare Group is the leading provider of healthcare
recruitment services throughout the public and private sectors, with
more than 20 years’ experience and a reputation for quality of service
and integrity that is second to none.
Operating in the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the
Middle East, Medacs Healthcare Group provide career solutions
for high-calibre professionals throughout the globe.
We recognise that we can deliver effective solutions for our
candidates only if we build strong relationships and deliver
world-class service. We provide a range of permanent, temporary
and interim roles for healthcare professionals both nationally and
internationally.
Confidence in our ability to provide a complete service stems from
our team of experienced consultants who are both qualified health
and recruitment professionals. Having worked in New Zealand and
overseas, they have the specialist knowledge to help develop your
career and your lifestyle.
Working in New Zealand can be exciting, challenging and a
wonderful opportunity to combine lifestyle with career choice.
We provide international candidates with every possible support
at each step of the way.
Brochure contents
03 An Introduction to Medacs Healthcare
04 The country in brief
06 Culture and lifestyle
13 Finance and banking
15 Who to contact

3. 04 – 05 Medacs Healthcare The country in brief
The country in brief
Where else in the world can you surf in the Source location:
New Zealand
morning then ski in the afternoon? Or lose
yourself in an isolated rainforest only an hour Bay of Islands
from a crowded city bar? New Zealand is a
playground for thrill seekers and adventurers Auckland
or people who just want to get away from
it all. Spectacularly beautiful landscape
includes vast mountain chains, steaming
volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, deeply
indented fiords and lush rainforests. Wellington
New Zealand – in the southern Pacific Ocean,
Christchurch
1,600 kilometers East of Australia. It’s made
up of the North and South Islands separated
by Cook Strait - and a number of smaller Dunedin
islands, with a total land area of 270,500
Stewart Island
square kilometres.
An independent nation and Interesting Fact… KIWI’S Perhaps the best-known kiwi
a member of the British New Zealand’s first settlers, is the delicious kiwifruit.
Commonwealth, It has a the Maori, named the kiwi Originating in China, kiwifruit
diverse multi-cultural bird for the sound of its chirp were grown in New Zealand
population of around 4 – kiwi, kiwi, kiwi! domestic gardens for decades
million people. The majority as Chinese gooseberries.
This flightless bird, about the
are of British descent, living However, when enterprising
size of a domestic hen, has an
alongside many other New Zealand farmers began
extremely long beak and
cultures such as Greek, Italian propagating the fruit
plumage more like hair than
French, Dutch, Dalmatian, intensively for export, it was
feathers. New Zealanders
Scandianvian and German. given the name kiwifruit and
have adopted this nocturnal,
The largest minority is New has achieved worldwide fame.
flightless and endearing
Zealand’s indigenous Maori
creature as their national The Treaty of Waitangi is New
who make up around 14%
emblem. Zealand’s founding document
of the population.
and established the country
Referring to New Zealanders
Equivalent in size to Great as a nation. Today the Treaty
as Kiwis probably dates back
Britain, California or Japan, continues as a living
to the First World War, when
New Zealand has a document and is the subject
New Zealand soldiers
population of approx 4 of much debate on race
acquired this nickname.
million – making it one of the relations in New Zealand.
world’s least crowded In the international financial
Top Tip
countries. markets, the New Zealand
When you apply for a job, you
dollar, the basic currency
could be asked about your
unit, is frequently called the
understanding of the principles
Kiwi. The dollar coin features
of the Treaty of Waitangi.
a kiwi bird on one side.

4. 06 – 07 Medacs Healthcare Culture and lifestyle
Culture and lifestyle
The society is diverse, sophisticated and
multicultural and the honesty, friendliness
and openness of Kiwi’s will impress you.
English is the common language spoken,
although you’ll also hear ‘Maori’ spoken –
the official language of the country.
The Maori were New Zealand’s first settlers.
They made an epic journey from legendary
Hawaiki, probably in Polynesia to the North,
about 1000 years ago. The great explorer
Kupe, who legend says first discovered New
Zealand, named the new land Aotearoa – Economy and Government Immigration Protocol Driving Licence
New Zealand is a modern Work permits are arranged Dress is informal and relaxed You can legally drive for up to
Land of the Long White Cloud. parliamentary democracy through the New Zealand on many occasions. Smart 12 months if you have either a
based on the Westminster Immigration Department. casual clothes are acceptable current driver’s licence from
parliamentary system. The at most restaurants and your home country, or an
Visas currently available:
parliament is currently made nightspots. Men are generally International Driving Permit
up of 120 Members Work Visa – valid for 3-5 years not expected to wear suits (IDP). Recent law changes
representing eight parties, depending on qualifications and ties, except in more mean all drivers, including
with 21 members classing formal bars and restaurants in overseas visitors, must carry
Work to Residency Visa – for
themselves as Māori. major cities. their licence or permit when
healthcare professions who
Time Zone wish to stay permanently in Getting around driving. If your licence is not
New Zealand is one of the New Zealand In New Zealand, all motorists in English, you should bring
first places in the world to see drive on the left-hand side of an English translation with
Skilled Migrant Category you or obtain an International
the new day. It is 12 hours the road
(SMC) Visa – eligibility Driving Permit.
ahead of GMT (Greenwich
determined by a points based The speed limit on the open
Mean Time). In summer the
Climate The clear, unpolluted system assessment. road is 100km/h (approx
country has daylight saving,
New Zealand has a largely atmosphere and relatively 60m/h). In built up areas the
when clocks are put forward Working Holidays Visa – valid
temperate climate. While the low latitudes produce speed limit is 50km/h
one hour to GMT+13. for a period of up to 24 months
far north has subtropical sunlight much stronger than and is open to people aged 18 Drivers and passengers must
weather during summer, and Europe or North America, so Daylight saving begins on the
to 30. wear seat belts at all times
inland alpine areas of the be prepared to wear hats and first Sunday in October and
South Island can be as cold as sun block if you plan to be out ends on the second Sunday of Professional Registration All children, from birth, must
-10 C in winter, most of the in the sun for more than the following March, when You’ll need registration in by law be restrained in an
country lies close to the 15-20 minutes. clocks are put back to GMT+12. your field of practice prior to age-appropriate car seat/
coast, which means mild seeking work in New Zealand. capsule.
Travel
temperatures, moderate The North of New Zealand is For healthcare professionals
sub-tropical and the South Three and a half hour flight
rainfall, and abundant who are not from a
temperate. You can check on from Eastern Australia, a
sunshine. comparable health system,
weather conditions in New non-stop overnight flight
a skills conversion course
Snow fall is mainly only in the Zealand in newspapers, on from the United States, and
may be required. For certain
central North Island where the television news and on around 10 hours flight from
professions, an English
the Ski fields are located and the New Zealand Met Service most places on the Pacific
language assessment might
on Mount Taranaki. The telephone service and Rim, like Singapore, Hong
also be needed.
South Island gets the most website: www.niwa.cri.nz Kong and Tokyo, it takes
snow due to the Southern around 24 hours to fly to New
Alps that run the length of the Zealand from the UK. You can
Island. make the journey either via
Asia or the US.

5. 08 –09 Medacs Healthcare Culture and lifestyle
Relaxing
The lifestyle is also open and expansive.
New Zealand has a thriving cultural life, with
a unique mix of European, Maori, Polynesian,
Asian, and increasingly, other traditions.
Traditional social constraints and class
structures are less evident.
They have a firm belief in social equality
and a dislike of formality and stuffiness.
The differences between high and low
income people are not pronounced and most
New Zealanders have access to a range of
affordable social and sporting activities.
New Zealand is passionate about sport and
have a great love of the outdoors.
New Zealand is a great Radio blend of influences has While you are here, take the Alcohol Environment Nature The characteristic New
country for sports and leisure There are two main state- created a mouth-watering opportunity to discover more Most night-spots, restaurants New Zealand is situated in After only 1000 years of Zealand forest is a temperate,
– its countryside offers owned radio stations and range of flavours and food about New Zealand Wines. and cafes serve liquor 7 days the South Pacific ocean, human settlement New evergreen rain forest with
limitless possibilities. about 120 privately-owned available from cafes and Our white wines, particularly a week. You can purchase between latitude 34’S and Zealand has lost many native giant tree ferns, vines and
radio stations including ones restaurants nationwide. Chardonnay and Sauvignon alcohol from liquor outlets 47’S. The country runs species. But impressive gains epiphytes – looking a bit like
Sport
that provide programmes in Blanc, have achieved an (beer, wine and spirits) and roughly north-south with have been made in recent the popular image of a jungle.
You can explore the outdoors For dishes that have a
different languages. international reputation for supermarkets (beer and wine mountain ranges down much times to protect and enhance The giant kauri, among the
with tramping, skiing and distinctly New Zealand style
excellence. only) 7 days a week. Legally of its length. Its two main what is left. These include largest trees in the world, is
cycling, or take up team sports Shopping look out for lamb, pork and
you must be 18 years old to islands cover 266,200 sq km removing introduced pests now restricted to relatively
such as rugby, basketball and Shops in New Zealand open venison; salmon, crayfish, New Zealanders do not
buy alcohol or consume it in (103,735 sq miles), about the from island wildlife small forest pockets in
netball (tennis is the most most days of the year. Some Bluff oysters, paua (abalone), expect tips for normal service
a public place, and you may size of Japan or California andsanctuaries, the establishment Northland and on the
popular sport in New Zealand). shops (such as supermarkets, mussels and scallops; kumara – even in restaurants and
be asked for a photo-ID. slightly larger than Great of 13 national parks, three Coromandel Peninsula.
If you enjoy fishing, swimming takeaway food outlets and (sweet potato); kiwi fruit and bars. However, tipping for
Britain. maritime parks, two world
or golf, you’ll find plenty of petrol stations) stay open 24 tamarillo; and pavlova, our extra special service or Music New Zealand is a land of
heritage areas, hundreds of
opportunities. And for the hours a day. national dessert, made from kindness is at the discretion Lively DJ and band scenes, New Zealand’s separation unique birds. The best known
nature reserves and
adventurous, there’s always meringue and lashings of of the visitor. Hotels and particularly in the larger from other land masses for is the kiwi, New Zealand’s
You can buy almost every ecological areas, a network
bungy jumping, white-water fresh whipped cream topped restaurants in New Zealand cities, have given New more than 100 million years unofficial national symbol.
type of food in New Zealand of marine reserves and
rafting and skydiving. with fresh fruit or berries. do not add service charges to Zealand’s night life a renewed has allowed many ancient Also flightless are the weka
– from specialty stores such wetlands, and protection
their bills. vibrancy. You will find a variety plants and animals to survive and the endangered kakapo,
Easy access to the great as butchers and delicatessens While the main cities support for special rivers and lakes.
of night-clubs, cabarets, and evolve in isolation. the world’s largest parrot
outdoors is a feature of the to large supermarkets. New a few elegant, silver-service To protect people from the In total, around 30 percent
pubs, concerts and live Complimenting the unique which, at a pinch, is just able
way of life and even those Zealand has most restaurants, the trend is health effects of second- of New Zealand’s land area is
performances to choose from flora and fauna is a landscape to scramble up into shrubs
living in the major cities are international fast food chain towards more relaxed hand smoke, smoking in all protected conservation land.
and there are also six casinos, that contains an unrivalled and small trees. Another
often within less than a outlets. cafe-bar dining. There is a hospitality venues, including
in Auckland, Hamilton, variety of landforms. In a New Zealand welcomes unique bird, one capable of
twenty-minute drive of open wide variety of international bars, restaurants, cafes, and
Dining, Tipping and Service Christchurch, Dunedin and couple of days’ drive it is everyone to experience flight, is the inquisitive kea,
and unspoilt countryside. food available including casinos, is prohibited in New
New Zealand’s ‘Pacific Rim’ Queenstown which are open possible to see everything and discover its unique and which is renowned for its
Japanese, Indian, Halal, Zealand.
TV cuisine style takes its 24 hours a day. from mountain ranges to precious natural heritage. fearlessness of humans and
Italian, Mexican, Chinese,
New Zealand has four national inspiration from Europe, sandy beaches, lush We only ask that you make its cheeky personality.
Malaysian, Thai and more
television channels. There are Thailand, Malaysia, rainforests, glaciers and as little impact as possible,
than 900 Asian restaurants
also regional television stations Indonesia, Polynesia, Japan fiords and active volcanoes. so future generations may
throughout New Zealand.
and some private, specialist and Vietnam. This unique also enjoy it all.
channels.

6. 10 –11 Medacs Healthcare Culture and lifestyle
Health and living
Economy and Government Most children start school Kindergartens and play- to: www.education.govt.nz. Finding accommodation To find permanent It is usually easy to find rental There are deposits required
New Zealand is a modern at 5 years of age; The New centres also charge a small You can choose from cities accommodation in New accommodation in NZ. There to connect electricity, gas and
parliamentary democracy Registering with a GP such as multi-cultural
Zealand Government funds fee as these are subsidised by Zealand it is best to use themay be fees for a real estate the telephone. Most rental
based on the Westminster To register with a GP just call Auckland the subtropical ‘city
state schools. You may have the Government. Websites to internet. The website agent or a letting centre. A properties are unfurnished or
parliamentary system. The your local Medical Centre and of sails’, centre stage
to provide additional funding look at: www.barnardos.org.nz Trademe (www.trademe. bond must be paid for a flat or semi-furnished. Single, family
parliament is currently made ask to register. You will need Wellington or the South
for example, sports clothes, www.nzchildcare.co.nz. co.nz) or checking the local house to the Tenancy and shared accommodation
up of 120 Members to provide identification. Island’s garden city
school trips, text books; real estate agents rental Tribunal. Bond money is an is fairly easy to find in all parts
representing eight parties, Primary school: Christchurch and ‘Edinburgh
School uniforms are not boards online: amount paid to be refunded of New Zealand. In the major
with 21 members classing Children up to 10 years, of the South’ Dunedin. If city
usually worn at primary at the end of the lease unless centres as a rough rule of
themselves as Māori. Intermediate school: living isn’t your thing, we Crockers Property Management
schools but are worn at most there is any damage to the thumb, you will pay
Children from 11 to 12 years, have stunning regional areas
intermediate and secondary LJ Hooker property. A Bond will usually approximately $100 to $150
Education Secondary school: Children including the farming rich
Education facilities are schools. Private schools are be equivalent to 2 to 4 weeks per bedroom per week.
from 13 to 17/18 years. Waikato and our feted wine Harcourts
located in all areas of New also available. rent. Landlords usually ask for Therefore a 3 bedroom house
After the age of 17/18 years, producing areas such as Hawkes Bayleys two weeks rent to be paid would be $300 - $450 per
Zealand. To find out more The school year has four
further study is from a choice Bay, Wairarapa, Marlborough before the tenant moves in. week. Landlords are generally
about the schools located in terms, with the new School First National
of many New Zealand and Central Otago. looking for a minimum of 6
your area, please contact year commencing in early
them directly. institutions: Polytechnics, Century 21 months commitment from
February.
Universities and Colleges of the incoming tenant, this is
School is compulsory for Raywhite
There are many good Education. Note that anyone usually negotiable. Long term
children aged from 6 to 16 childcare facilities in New attending tertiary education rentals are commonplace.
years, at primary, intermediate Zealand, which are required will be charged international
and secondary school. to be registered. Private student fees unless they are
childcare centres charge a fee an New Zealand Resident. For
to take care of the child. further info on Education go

7. 12 –13 Medacs Healthcare
Finance and banking
New Zealand’s unit of currency is the dollar
(NZ$), comprising coins with values of 10, 20
and 50 cents, $1 and $2, and notes with values
of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.
There is no restriction on the amount of
foreign currency that can be brought in or
taken out of New Zealand,
However, every person who carries more than
NZ$10,000 in cash in or out of New Zealand
is required to complete a Border Cash Report.
Exchange Rates To pay tax in New Zealand shopping malls, or wherever Money Transfers
Banks should be able to tell you must have an IRD there is a block of shops. Western Union provides
you what the current number. If you do not have worldwide money transfers.
The list of New Zealand banks Agents are available in all
exchange rate is with the an IRD number then you will
are below: Budget Travel and Trevelex
New Zealand dollar. Foreign be charged the highest tax
currency can easily be rate. To register for a tax Bank of New Zealand branches.
exchanged at banks, some number you must contact the
BNZ National Insurance Numbers
hotels and Bureau de Change Inland Revenue Department Before commencing
kiosks, which are found at (IRD) when you arrive in New ANZ employment you are required
international airports and Zealand and complete the to register with the Inland
ASB
most city centres. required paper work. Their Revenue Department and will
website is www.ird.govt.nz The National Bank be issued with an I.R.D
Tax
Tax in New Zealand is tiered Applying for Bank Account Kiwi Bank Number.
and depends on how much You to need to be living in
Westpac
you earn. The maximum tax New Zealand with proof of an
rate in New Zealand is 38%, address and have two forms TSB Bank
but this is changing on the of identification on you.
International credit cards and
1 October 2010 when the Banking hours are usually
ATM cards will work as long as
highest tax rate will decrease Monday to Friday 9 - 4.30pm
they have a four-digit PIN
to 33%. GST (Goods and and the occasional branch is
encoded. Check with your
Services Tax) is currently open on Saturday morning.
bank before leaving home.
12.5% but on the 1 October Cash machines are located
2010 it will increase to 15%. outside all banks and in

8. 14 Medacs Healthcare
Communication
Telephone Post
The monthly fee covers the Post Offices are open 9am
following services in your Line – 5pm on weekdays. Some are
Rental; Monthly home line open Saturday mornings. Mail
rental, Standard national and within New Zealand can be
international calling rates, sent in a variety of ways.
unlimited local calling, Regular postage stamps are
111 Emergency operator $0.50; delivery time is 2 days
assistance, your White pages between major centres, a bit
listing & maintaining the longer for rural areas.
Telecom network.
For international mail use
Most public call phones take an airmail sticker. From NZ
cards purchased from to Europe, letters will take
bookstalls and newsagents, between 6 and 12 days
with a minimum value of to deliver.
NZ$2. Some public call-
phones also accept credit
cards, but very few accept
coins.
Mobile phone
There are several mobile
phone networks in New
Zealand. You can arrange a
variety of payment plans or
choose ‘pay as you go”
options.
Computers
You will need a RJ45 type plug
to be able to connect your
laptop into a computer
socket in New Zealand, and
an adaptor with a flat two or
three-point power plug to
connect to the power supply.
Emergency numbers
The emergency number in
New Zealand is 111 for Police,
Fire or Ambulances.
Contact details
Medacs Healthcare
Suite 1.1
72 Dominion Rd
Mt Eden
Auckland 1024
New Zealand
(P.O. Box 74385, Greenlane, Auckland 1546)
Telephone: +64 9 630 1769
www.medacs.co.nz