Useful Links for New Migrants to New Zealand

Useful Links

Arriving in a new country involves more than a visa. This page brings together the official New Zealand resources our clients need most in their first months — from getting an IRD number to enrolling children in school.
 
Every link goes to an official government or established not-for-profit source.
 
Already have questions about your visa? Book a consultation with one of our Licensed Immigration Advisers.
 

Immigration New Zealand

Immigration New Zealand — the official source for all visa information, applications and processing times. https://www.immigration.govt.nz/
 

Your First Month in New Zealand

Inland Revenue (IRD) — apply for your IRD number. You need this before you can be paid correctly. Without it, you will be taxed at the highest rate. https://www.ird.govt.nz/
 
govt.nz — central directory for every New Zealand government service. https://www.govt.nz/
 
Citizens Advice Bureau — free, confidential help in many languages on almost any practical question. Offices nationwide. https://www.cab.org.nz/
 
Consumer Protection — your rights when buying goods and services in New Zealand. https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/
 

Working in New Zealand

Employment New Zealand — your minimum rights as an employee: pay, holidays, breaks, leave, and what your employer must provide. Essential reading. https://www.employment.govt.nz/
 
Careers New Zealand — job descriptions, salary ranges and qualification requirements across every occupation. https://www.careers.govt.nz/
 
WorkSafe New Zealand — workplace health and safety rights and obligations. https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/
 
KiwiSaver — New Zealand’s voluntary retirement savings scheme. Most employees are automatically enrolled. https://www.ird.govt.nz/kiwisaver
 
Note: employment rights apply to you regardless of your visa type. If you believe you are being treated unlawfully, seek help — it will not affect your visa status.
 

Healthcare

Ministry of Health — how the New Zealand health system works and who is eligible for publicly funded care. https://www.health.govt.nz/
 
Healthline — free 24-hour health advice by phone. Call 0800 611 116. Interpreters available.
 
ACC — New Zealand’s accident compensation scheme. Covers everyone, including visitors, for injuries. https://www.acc.co.nz/
 
Enrol with a local doctor (GP) as soon as you arrive. Enrolment usually lowers your consultation cost.
 

Housing and Renting

Tenancy Services — rights and responsibilities for tenants and landlords, bond lodgement, and dispute resolution. https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/
 
Your bond must be lodged with Tenancy Services within 23 working days. If your landlord holds it themselves, that is unlawful.
 

Driving

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi — converting an overseas driver licence, the Road Code, and vehicle registration. https://www.nzta.govt.nz/
 
Most overseas licences are valid for 12 months from your arrival date. After that you must convert to a New Zealand licence.
 

Education and Schools

Ministry of Education — enrolling children in school, early childhood education, and how school zones work. https://www.education.govt.nz/
 
Education Review Office (ERO) — independent reports on every school and early learning centre in New Zealand. https://ero.govt.nz/
 
New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) — recognition and assessment of overseas qualifications. https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/
 

Money and Cost of Living

Sorted — independent budgeting, KiwiSaver and mortgage tools. Free, not-for-profit. https://sorted.org.nz/
 
Inland Revenue — tax rates and codes https://www.ird.govt.nz/
 
You will need a New Zealand bank account to be paid. Most banks allow you to begin the application before you arrive.
 

Community and Support

Ministry for Ethnic Communities — support and services for migrant and ethnic communities. https://www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz/
 
Citizens Advice Bureau — language support https://www.cab.org.nz/
 

Emergency and Safety

Emergency services — call 111 for Police, Fire or Ambulance.
 
New Zealand Police — non-emergency: call 105 https://www.police.govt.nz/
 
Get Ready — earthquake, tsunami and civil defence preparedness. Important in New Zealand. https://getready.govt.nz/
 

Closing call to action

Need advice on your visa, not just information?
 
The pages above tell you how New Zealand works. They cannot tell you whether you meet visa requirements, or which pathway gives you the strongest case. That requires a Licensed Immigration Adviser.
 
Book an Appointment · Submit a Query · Contact Us
 
This content is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute immigration advice under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. Immigration policies are subject to change. For advice specific to your circumstances, contact a Licensed Immigration Adviser.