The latest news from New Zealand for November 2021

November 2021

We're sending out our November newsletter a bit early to get you the newest MIQ news as soon as possible.

Even as we grapple with Covid in some of our communities, this transition brings with it the hope of getting closer to opening our borders to the rest of the world. We look forward to 'MIQ' and 'border exemption' leaving our lexicon in favour of 'welcome' and 'no delay.' As things continue to evolve, we'll keep you informed.

For the newest MIQ update, read on.

This month, we're sharing:

Getting acquainted with NZ before arriving
Latest Move to New Zealand Resources
From Mobile Client, Emelie: Making the most of time in MIQ
Immigration, Border, & MIQ Updates
The Mobile Experience: Orientation to Auckland in Lockdown
Word of the Month: Arvo

Getting acquainted with New Zealand before arriving

We want to help you make the most of your time waiting for your move to Aotearoa. It’s never too soon to become familiar with Kiwi culture, nature, and customs. For returning Kiwis, these can help you prepare the rest of your family and perhaps refresh your memory if you’ve been away for a while.

Discuss and celebrate New Zealand holiday traditions. For example: Waitangi Day (6 February) - recognises the Treaty and complicated history of NZ; ANZAC Day (25 April) - marked with ANZAC biscuits and somber remembrance; and Kiwi Christmas (25 December) - involves BBQ and summer fun.

If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, make note of the seasonal differences. Perhaps imagining a warm southern summer will brighten your grey northern winter. And, on your longest day in June, we’re having our shortest one!

Make a pepeha. Students and adults are increasingly asked to share their pepeha as a way of introducing themselves to their class/workplace, so it’s good to have some background knowledge before you land. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to be welcomed with a pōwhiri.

Start, refresh, or build your te reo Māori skills. You can start with these songs like Hello Song and Greetings, get a book of easy learning or a phrase a day for adults or a visually stunning guide for younger ones, or sing along to Lorde’s new mini-album in te reo Māori (available here and discussed here).

Hang up a map. Get used to the layout of our motu and practise pronouncing place names.

Familiarise yourself with New Zealand flora and fauna. Why not learn the te reo and English names at the same time? As you go, perhaps make cards or a simple spreadsheet to keep track of when you see endemic creatures and plants upon your arrival. This type of scavenger hunt can be great in the event that you arrive during a time of social distancing.

Sport is huge in New Zealand, so why not pick a team or athlete to follow? YouTube will give you lots of clips of Kiwis competing in the recent Tokyo Olympic Games and Paralympics, or you can start prepping to root for Team New Zealand in the Beijing Games. From the All Blacks (rugby) to Black Caps (cricket) to America’s Cup and the FIFA Women’s World Cup (coming to NZ in 2023) beyond, you have many options.

Pick up a book on New Zealand history or Tikanga Māori or something written by a Kiwi author.

Making the most of time in MIQ

Emelie recently relocated with Mobile from the UK to Auckland after a border delay of more than a year. Today, she is sharing her experience and tips with you. Thanks, Emelie!

I first accepted my New Zealand job offer in May 2020. Little did I know that border closures meant I wouldn’t be able to make the move from London, UK to Auckland until July 2021!

It was an uncertain time in many ways, but I was incredibly fortunate to meet other future NZ expats via Mobile’s group Zoom calls, which proved invaluable in order to share thoughts and experiences.

After finally arriving in NZ, my Mobile advisor and I worked through as many logistical issues as possible whilst in MIQ. This is my top tip for those making the move at this time. Not only does it help pass the isolation time (you will have plenty of it!), but having IRD numbers, home country rental/character references, bank accounts, and tax affairs in order will make the transition much easier.

I also made friends on the flight who subsequently became my MIQ buddies, including a WhatsApp chat, daily coordinated outdoor time, and we even have a group holiday booked for January 2022. Highly recommended!

During MIQ, I scoured the internet for any rentals I was interested in. I found one in particular that I really liked, and my lovely Mobile advisor, Jane, was able to meet with the landlord and do a video viewing for me. Three days after spotting the apartment, and with massive thanks to Jane, I had signed the contract. I had my first NZ home secured before even being out of isolation! That turned out to be incredibly lucky as Auckland subsequently went into lockdown three days after I left MIQ and the day after I moved in.

Having moved countries multiple times in the past - NZ is number four - I thought I was very well prepared for the challenges ahead, but I have really appreciated the support I’ve been given by Mobile with moving personal effects, accommodation, and settling in. Once lockdown levels drop in Auckland, I’m really looking forward to buying my advisor Jane a (big) glass of wine.

Immigration, Border, and MIQ Updates

Right Now:

Vaccination requirements for non-citizens arriving in NZ begin 1 November.
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.
MIQ spots are released through a virtual lobby system, though demand far outstrips supply. The system is subject of an independent investigation. Look at the website regularly for the announcement of new room releases.

Coming Soon:

NEW: Beginning 14 November, isolation upon entry to New Zealand will be reduced to 7 days in an MIQ facility followed by self-isolation for approximately 3 more days. Details of the new regime and fees are here. Further summary is available here.
NEW: From 8 November, there will be one-way quarantine-free travel into New Zealand from certain islands in the Pacific.
Generally: With a self-isolation pilot programme coming and the need to allow community Covid cases to self-isolate, momentum is building for increased travel to NZ and decreased reliance on MIQ. We are quite hopeful for changes coming in the first half of 2022.

The government has unequivocally said that the single best way to move forward in safely opening New Zealand is to get vaccinated. If you have not yet gotten both vaccinations, we encourage you to do so.

While Auckland's lockdown doesn't stop Mobile clients from getting out of MIQ, it does present barriers for allowing us to be with our clients.

We remain available remotely, and we're finding ways to comply with government restrictions and keep our clients safe.

One such adaptation was a doing an orientation in cars side-by-side.

Mobile Advisor Louise and her clients used the magic of Blue Tooth to stayed connected by phone while following one another through the city. When they wanted to discuss things at length, they pulled into a carpark for a longer chat. Although it was through glass, it's so nice to continue offering a smiling face and expert local knowledge when our clients most need us.

No matter what this uncertain time throws at us, you can be sure we'll find a way to be there for you.