Moving from the Pacific Islands

Life in New Zealand can be very different from your life in the Pacific. Learning more about New Zealand can help you decide if you want to live and work here, and bring your family.

In New Zealand:

• pay may be higher, but things cost more
• it can take longer to travel to work
• employers may have different ways of working
• there are many different people and cultures
• it is colder than in the Pacific Islands and it can take time to get used to this change.

Talk with others

Get advice from your family and friends who live in New Zealand about life here. Ask those who have recently arrived what they:

• like about living in New Zealand
• do not like about living here
• found hard when they arrived.

Cost of living

New Zealand is more expensive to live in than the Pacific Islands. You will pay more for things like housing, clothes, food and power.

Make sure you have enough money to cover your first few months here. Budget for any unexpected costs when you arrive and are settling in.

Consider living in a smaller town instead of a big city. Smaller towns are usually cheaper to live in.

Cost of living in New Zealand

Choosing where to live

Where you decide to live may depend on where you find work.

The cost of buying or renting a house in New Zealand can be expensive. You might be able to stay with family. If you cannot stay with family, find out if you can stay in temporary accommodation. Then you can look for something more permanent.

Finding somewhere to live

Finding a job

New Zealand has a lot of work opportunities but getting a job can take time. Do your research and find out about industries in New Zealand and what skills are in demand.

Searching for a job

The jobs we need people for are on our ‘Green List’. Even if your job is not on the list, there are many opportunities in New Zealand for people with skills.

Finding work in New Zealand

Main job sectors in New Zealand

Green List roles — jobs we need people for in New Zealand

You will find it easier to get a job if you:

• have qualifications, training or skills
• have a New Zealand-style CV
• understand what New Zealand interviews are usually like, and
• ask for advice and tips from friends and family who have been through the job interview process here.

You can also contact friends and family in New Zealand and ask if they:

• know of any jobs
• could introduce you to interested employers before you arrive in New Zealand.

Help with a job application

Careers.govt.nz has information about how to find a job, how to write a CV and cover letters, and explore jobs for the skills you have.

Job vacancy and recruitment websites — careers.govt.nz

CV builder — careers.govt.nz

Skill Matcher — careers.govt.nz

Know your employment rights

Find out about your rights and responsibilities as an employee in New Zealand.

Rights and responsibilities — Employment New Zealand

Coming with a family member who can support you

Check if you are able to come to New Zealand if you are supported by a family member who has a visa or can get one. For example, if your partner was selected in a ballot and can bring family.

You can only stay for the same length of time as the person who holds the visa is allowed to.

Special conditions apply for the Pacific Access Category Resident Visa and the Samoan Quota Resident Visa.

When you apply for your visa

Prepare your visa application carefully:

• Gather all the documents you need.
• Remember to include your job offer, if you need one.
• Get your medical examination and police check certificates.
• Make sure you have the correct fees ready.
• Ask someone else to double check everything for you before you submit it.

How to prevent delays with your application

Before you move

Remember to take all your important documents with you to New Zealand. This includes your driver licence, passports with New Zealand visas, and birth certificates for everyone coming with you.

Planning your move

Use the NZ Ready tool to help plan your move to New Zealand. It can give you a list of things to do for your situation, which will make your move easier.

NZ Ready

Settling into New Zealand

Moving to a new country is a big change. It can take time to feel at home.

Your Pacific community will be an important source of support.

Community organisations have useful services and information. Find out more about these organisations on our website. We also have information about banking, health care and finding somewhere to live.

Setting up your life in New Zealand

Getting help in your language

Language Assistance Services (LAS) is a free government service. It is available in over 300 languages.

You can use LAS to talk to any government agency that uses this service. This includes phone and video interpreting, and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can get help when calling or meeting with a New Zealand government agency. Find out how to request an interpreter if you or someone you know needs language support. 

Accessing interpreting services when calling government agencies — Ministry for Ethnic Communities

To find out more about government interpreting services, and the participating agencies, visit the Ministry for Ethnic Communities website.

About government interpreting services — Ministry for Ethnic Communities

Buying things, taking loans and money transfers

We have laws to protect you if you have bought faulty goods or have other problems. For example, hidden or unadvertised fees are usually illegal. Check your rights on the Commerce Commission website.

Your rights as a consumer — Commerce Commission

Borrowing money and buying on credit — Commerce Commission

The Commerce Commission has good advice on taking loans.

Know what to look for when getting a loan — Commerce Commission

If you are sending money back to your family in the Pacific, make sure you compare costs. Find the option that gives you the best value when transferring money.

Transferring money