The latest from New Zealand

Rights and Responsibilities

It’s good to understand the differences between legal rights and responsibilities that apply to citizens and non-citizens in New Zealand.

Voting: You need not be a NZ citizen to vote. Rather, you’re eligible to enrol and vote if you are 18 years or older, a citizen or permanent resident (not required to leave NZ by any certain date), and you’ve lived in New Zealand continuously for 12 months or more at some time in your life.

Property Ownership: While there are exceptions, property ownership is generally limited to citizens and permanent residents. When you are buying with another person with different immigration status, only one person must qualify.

Opening Accounts: Those with any immigration status (other than the pre-COVID traditional visitor visa) can engage with banking, utilities, mobile accounts, and subscription services.

Vehicle Ownership: As long as you can satisfy the identity requirements, you may purchase a vehicle.

Driver License: Regardless of immigration status, you can get a driver license as long as you can satisfy the identification requirements and pass the test; depending on where and when you last had a license to drive, you may be eligible to convert your license without taking a test.

Taxes: Tax requirements vary based on the source of income. Anyone earning or potentially earning in New Zealand is encouraged to apply for an IRD number from Inland Revenue, New Zealand’s taxing authority.

Government Healthcare: You’re entitled to free or subsidised healthcare if you’re a NZ citizen or permanent resident, Australian citizen or permanent resident living in NZ for 2+ years, work visa holder eligible to stay for 2+ years, or a minor (under 17) with an eligible parent.

Shocking: From a Year of Lockdown to Life in New Zealand

For most of the world, it’s been more than a year since it was safe to move about in public without precautions like physical distancing, masks, and copious amounts of hand sanitiser. After all that time with constant heightened awareness and then 14 days in the restricted managed isolation environment, it can feel like a real shock to the system to enter the New Zealand public.

At Alert Level 1, you can expect for people to typically interact like pre-COVID, complete with handshakes, hugs, and kisses; large group gatherings; and fully operational private and public spaces. Masks are required on public transit and infrequently utilised otherwise. The good news is that the sense of normalcy you may have been desiring for the last year is available; the bad news is that it’s normal to experience a significant adjustment coming from a place with high COVID rates.

If this induces anxious cold sweats just thinking about it, there are some things you can do to prepare to ease into this environment.

Download the COVID Tracer App and use it to track your movements once you arrive in NZ.

Establish your own boundaries. Wear a mask if it makes you feel more comfortable. Keep meetings and gatherings small and outdoor until you’re ready for larger groups or to be indoors.

Communicate your boundaries. Let those around you know when you need more personal space or if you prefer not to shake hands. Get information to make sure that you’re not going to be put in a situation you’re not ready to face, such as a large meeting in a confined space.

Set a schedule that allows for rest, processing the transition, and pursuing things you enjoy. Coming out of any lockdown takes adjustment and can make “ordinary” tasks feel taxing. Setting up a new life in a new community comes with decision fatigue at the best of times. Put these together, and you’re facing a real challenge. Be sure that you’re taking the best care of yourself possible to be able to meet the challenge.

Be gentle with yourself: this discomfort won't last forever.

IMMIGRATION UPDATES

Beginning 11 April, there is a minimum 2-week ban on travel from India.
Beginning 19 April, there will be quarantine-free travel between Australia and New Zealand. This does not change immigration restrictions on who can enter the country.
NZ citizens and permanent residents entering MIQ on or after 1 June 2021 must stay in NZ for 180+ days or be subject to paying MIQ fees.
STATUS QUO: The border remains closed with limited exceptions. Those able to enter must book a spot in MIQ (managed isolation/quarantine) before departing and must provide a pre-departure COVID test result.

National Treasures: Statutory Holidays and Annual Leave

Research shows that taking time away - truly removed from big responsibilities - is good for wellbeing and productivity.

Whether cause or effect, New Zealand’s reputation for having a high quality of life relates to our boundaries on working periods and resulting work-life balance. This is something many returning Kiwis and expats value about the Kiwi lifestyle.

Currently, NZ recognises 10 national public holidays, plus regional anniversaries. Next year, an 11th national holiday will be added to celebrate Matariki: the rising of Matariki, or the star cluster known as Pleiades, which marks the start of the Māori New Year.

Additionally, most employees in NZ are entitled to four weeks of annual leave, often able to be taken in advance by new employees.

Both statutory holidays and annual leave are highly regarded in Kiwi culture. Non-hospitality businesses often close for holidays, and employers generally expect and respect employees taking their annual leave.

While the summer months of December, January, and February are quite common times for people to take large chunks of annual leave combined with statutory holidays, you’re invited to game the system and make the most of these national treasures.

Even if you’re not yet in New Zealand, it’s not too soon to start thinking about where you want to explore or relax during your time off. And, if the science holds true, taking time away is in the public interest - both for workers and businesses.

ANZAC Day is honoured annually on the 25th of April with somber dawn services that remember the 25 April 1915 dawn landing of WWI ANZAC (Australia New Zealand Army Corps) troops on the Gallipoli Peninsula (Turkey) for the Gallipoli Campaign, which resulted in significant ANZAC casualties. Although the day has roots in this one particular battle, returning Kiwis will see that ANZAC Day has evolved into a day of national pride, honouring all New Zealanders who have served in wars overseas.