Live in New Zealand Lane Neave Lawyers

Below is a very brief practical checklist of some information that will need to be considered and attended to during the immigration process.

6+ MONTHS BEFORE DEPARTURE

  • Obtain advice regarding visa eligibility (Live in New Zealand team can assist);
  • Gather together all personal documents such as Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, Driving Licences, References, and Passports with at least two years before they expire. If the documentation cannot be located replacements should be ordered (and extensions/new passports organised);
  • Place house on the market;
  • Consolidate all bank accounts; and
  • Avoid entering into long term financial commitments.
  • Avoid entering into long term financial commitments.

6 TO 3 MONTHS BEFORE DEPARTURE

  • Liaise with children’s schools and ask them to prepare handover information that will need to be provided to their intended New Zealand schools;
  • Make arrangements for shipping of pets (Live in New Zealand team can assist);
  • Sell any unwanted items and furniture;
  • Make arrangements for shipping of personal and household goods (Live in New Zealand team can assist);
  • and Talk to financial advisors regarding pension transfers and other investments (Live in New Zealand team can assist)

3 MONTHS BEFORE DEPARTURE

  • Provide notice to your employer;
  • Confirm and arrange removal of household goods;
  • Consider holding a garage or car boot sale to dispose of any unwanted items;
  • Contact a school to register your children;
  • Request medical and dental records;
  • Open a New Zealand bank account (Live in New Zealand team can assist);
  • Make arrangements for currency account in preparation for sending funds to New Zealand;
  • Investigate temporary accommodation options in the event that you may be required to rent before departure (Live in New Zealand team can assist);
  • Book your flights;
  • Arrange travel insurance; and
  • Organise birthday cards and presents for occasions during the three month period before departure (you will not have time later).

2 MONTHS BEFORE DEPARTURE

  • Request last minute up to date statements on endowments, investments and other pension documentation;
  • Book temporary accommodation in New Zealand (Live in New Zealand team can assist);
  • Have any goodbye parties planned at this stage (you will run out of time later);
  • Provide notice to your Landlord (if applicable); and
  • Organise and complete tax refund forms etc.

1 MONTH BEFORE DEPARTURE

  • Notify banks, Passport office, Driving License authority, Inland Revenue, Insurance Brokers, Accountants etc of your new address (if applicable);
  • Bring utilities up to date and cancel all household accounts;
  • Arrange for post redirection;
  • Arrange transfer of funds to New Zealand (Live in New Zealand team can assist);
  • Start packing – non essential items;
  • Arrange private health cover in New Zealand if desired (Live in New Zealand team can assist);
  • Pay any outstanding debts;
  • Close remaining surplus or unwanted bank or Building Society accounts;
  • Confirm your booking with your proposed removal company;
  • Obtain a copy of your No Claims Bonus from your insurer;
  • Prepare a travel file of key documents;
  • Arrange for rental car upon arrival in New Zealand (Live in New Zealand team can assist); and
  • Shred/destroy unwanted personal documents.

2 WEEKS BEFORE DEPARTURE

  • Collect remaining hand over records from Doctors, Dentists, and Schools; and
  • Sell your car and cancel car insurance.

1 WEEK BEFORE DEPARTURE

  • Cancel short term arrangements such as milk or newspaper;
  • Arrange for a small amount of currency for each country en route to New Zealand;
  • Ensure furniture and all goods being shipped have left or are about to leave;
  • Create a phone cascade list so you are able to make one call in New Zealand and then others will filter the news down for
  • you to avoid making numerous calls on arrival;
  • Arrange farewell cards and presents that children may want to give to friends before departure;
  • Make sure your transfer to the airport is organised; and
  • Pack activities for children for the journey.

ON ARRIVAL

  • Contact home to advise that you have arrived safely;
  • Try to adjust to local time as quickly as possible by avoiding sleeping during the day as much as possible;
  • and Purchase a prepaid mobile (you can buy a Sim card and use it in your phone) as long as you have the ability to unlock your phone.

1 WEEK AFTER ARRIVAL

  • Obtain an IRD number from the New Zealand Inland Revenue Department (Live in New Zealand team can assist);
  • Contact your new employer;
  • Consider purchasing a vehicle and obtaining car insurance;
  • Contact the schools to confirm children’s enrolment; and
  • Introduce yourself to your neighbours.

1 MONTH AFTER ARRIVAL

  • Set up regular payments for utilities;
  • Register with local Doctor and Dentist;
  • Continue to review financial position and transfer funds if required (Live in New Zealand team can assist);
  • Consider drafting Wills in New Zealand (Live in New Zealand team can assist); and
  • Consider joining sports clubs or social clubs to assist with the assimilation process.

The above is merely a summary of the type of matters that require attention, the order and timeframes specified vary from case to case although this should provide a useful start point.