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How the year is ending in New Zealand
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December 2021

Just like that, it's the end of 2021! While this year has been quite the ride, we are glad to have connected with you. And we're thrilled to be ending this year on a high note with border openings in sight and hope for big changes coming in the new year. We wish you a very happy festive season!


This month, we're sharing:
  • Summary of this year's expert interviews
  • Latest Move to New Zealand Resources
  • How we're evolving our services
  • Immigration & Border Updates
  • Kiwi Christmas & New Year
  • Word of the Month: bach
 
Summary of Expertise

Part of our expertise at getting people settled in New Zealand involves connecting our clients with the professional service providers who are themselves subject matter experts.

Throughout the year, we've brought you interviews on a range of topics including finance, immigration, family relationships, and mental health.

For your reference (or catching up in case you missed any), we've compiled them all right here for your information and enjoyment:
 
For more frequent updates on global relocation and life in New Zealand:
 
 
The experience of arriving in New Zealand sometimes changes by the day, so having a trusted advisor by your side is more important than ever.

Our clients have been leaning on their advisors to ease them through two recent changes to the environment.

First, managed isolation is now 7 days in a facility followed by self-isolation until getting a negative day 9 test result. The logistics of securing a place to self-isolate and arranging appropriate transportation to the spot could be tricky without someone on the ground to help.

Perhaps more impactful is our reliance now on the vaccine pass, digital proof of vaccination. Under the current Covid framework, a vaccine pass is required for access to most public places as well as private gatherings. At present, this new technology only recognises vaccines given in New Zealand while many of our clients who arrived within the last year received some or all of their vaccines outside New Zealand. The Mobile team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to share the most recent developments in this area so that their vaccinated clients can access all the places they're legally entitled to enjoy.

As New Zealand's approach evolves, so too do our services!
Every detail counts.

Make sure you haven't forgotten something critical.
IMMIGRATION & BORDER UPDATES


Just prior to the discovery of the omicron variant, the Covid-19 Response Minister, Chris Hipkins, outlined the following steps towards opening the New Zealand border:
  • From 17 January 2022 - Quarantine-free travel to New Zealand from Australia for 'New Zealanders and other eligible travellers'
  • From 14 February 2022 - Fully vaccinated 'New Zealanders and other eligible travellers' can enter from any other country
  • From 30 April 2022 - Foreign travellers can enter New Zealand from any other country

We are hopeful that it will be safe to continue with this reopening plan in the new year.
For the Birds

Even in semi-urban environments, the natural world is a big part of daily life in New Zealand. In particular, the presence of beautiful bird song is immediately noticeable.


Right now, birds are particularly top of mind in New Zealand. Not only is bird song particularly present as warmth returns across New Zealand, but the 2021 Bird of the Year has just been announced. This divisive annual poll is known to cause heated discussions amongst whānau, perhaps even more so this year because a bat (!!!) won.

It can be exciting for children and adults alike to get familiar with our birds before arriving in NZ to be able to experience the thrill of spotting a particular species in the wild for the first time.

In support of this, here are some book suggestions:
Kiwi Christmas & New Year

End of year and Christmas celebrations are in full swing in New Zealand. The school year ends in mid-December, and most families spend the next month together, often away from home. Many workplaces are quiet or closed during the holiday period (roughly 15 December through 15 January, though it varies a bit by the year). This year is looking to be particularly special for whānau that have been separated for the last quarter of a year due to Covid restrictions. You can read more about Kiwi Christmas traditions here.
Word of the Month: bach

Bach refers to a modest holiday home. For the last generation, Kiwi families have had a bach (or access to a relative's place) where they spend school holidays and summers year after year. These days, baches span a range from very basic fishing/hunting hut to an elaborate beach house.

Two NZ-specific websites for renting someone else’s bach are
BookaBach and BachCare. TIP: Linens and cleaning are not standard, so be sure to find out whether you need to bring your own sheets/towels and clean up after your stay.
Meri Kirihimete and Happy Festive Season
from the whole Mobile Team!
If you think any part of this newsletter would be helpful to someone else in your circle, please feel free to pass it along.
 
 
 
 

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