Copyright (c) 2010 by AKLnzPINOYS All rights reserved.
Acknowledgements To the moderators of the AKLnzPINOYS who contributed articles for this booklet. To Ayan Abela who conceptualised and did the initial layout and front cover artwork. To Nil Baculo and Ka Uro for their help in completing the final layout. To Ruby Tomacruz who meticulously did the re-structuring and final editing. To Paulo Garcia who reviewed the topics on immigration and provided legal advice during the writing of this manual. To Karl Reyes for suggesting an inspired title for this booklet. To Jun Dolon, Noel Bautista, Carlo Jaminola and Frances Samonte for the shared photos. To Jesse Enriquez for the AKLnzPINOYS logo. To members of AKLnzPINOYS and Pinoyz2NZ who by unselfishly sharing ideas, precious time, invaluable information and personal experiences to other migrants and would-be migrants, have been the inspiration for this booklet.
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Contents Introduction
Driving in New Zealand
About the authors 5 Why a new migrant’s booklet? 6 Who is this booklet for? 6 Who is this booklet NOT for? 6 Disclaimer 7
The Road Code and driving basics 27 Driver licensing 28 Car buying 28 Vehicle insurance 30 Car accidents 31
Pre-departure
Accommodation and Housing
Pre-departure questions 9 Money matters 10 Bringing goods to NZ 10 Formalities 13 Preparing for your new life ahead 14
Upon Arrival and Your First Few Weeks Transport from the airport 15 IRD number 16 Banking 16 Community services 17 Getting around the city 20 Mobile phones and making overseas calls 20
Short-term housing 33 Longer term housing - renting 33 Moving in to the property - utilities 35 Furnitures and appliances 36
Education, Childcare and Healthcare School system 39 Choosing a school 40 Enroling your children 41 Childcare 41 Healthcare 42
Immigration Matters Employment Job search methods 23 CV preparation 23 Job interviews 24 Tips on job interviews 24 Job offer, signing a contract 24 Employee rights 25
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From Carabao to Sheep An Information Booklet for Pinoy Migrants in New Zealand
Seminars/forums for WTR visa/permit holders 45 The Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 45 Useful links for further reading 46 Sponsoring a relative or friend to visit NZ 47
Miscellaneous
Shopping 49 Dining 50 Money remittance, balikbayan box 50 Filipino community in NZ 50 Migrant support 51
For Pinoys, by Pinoys: In their own words Wanted: Local experience 55 Ang Kwento ni Ivy 57 Kabaligtaran 58 An etiquette guide for visitors and new migrants in NZ 59 Being an Ideal Guest in a New Zealand Setting 60 Puna’t Puri ng Kabayang Naligaw sa Middle Earth 61
Appendices List of URL Shortcuts a1 Pinoy Business Directory b1
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Introduction About the authors This information booklet is a collaborative effort by the moderators and members of the AKLnzPINOYS, a Yahoo group comprised of Filipinos residing or have plans to reside in Auckland, NZ. The founding members of AKLnzPINOYS were originally members of another Yahoo group, the Pinoyz2NZ. Back in December 2005, four members of Pinoyz2NZ, Beah U, Ana C, Ervin L and Rina L, who back then, were staying together in an Auckland CBD apartment held a dinner party and invited other Pinoys who were also members of Pinoyz2NZ. Among those present that night were Vicky and Bryce, Cherrie and Bob, and NZ old-timers Jun D, his wife Myra and Ka Uro and his wife Jean. That night turned out to be the first Pinoyz2NZ meeting in Auckland and the conception of a new group. A few months later, in February 2006, Jun D formally created AKLnzPINOYS. Today, the group has a membership of around 1300 members, led by its moderators -- Jun D, Carlo J, Ervin L, Ka Uro, Anthony P, Jinkee S, Jim & Bim T, Beah U, Carina & John F, Chris A, and Roland & Jade D. AKLnzPINOYS understands every migrant’s difficult and often lonesome plight during the course of settling in a foreign land. This is why AKLnzPINOYS aims is to be every Pinoy migrant’s 3K’s in NZ -kaibigan, kabarkada and karamay. The group wants every Pinoy in Auckland to have a network of friends willing to listen, support and assist anyone in need. At the same time, the group encourages members to help out others as soon as they are able to. AKLnzPINOYS subscribes to the concept of “pay it forward” i.e. paying the debt of gratitude not to the person who offered the favor, but to others instead. This information booklet is one of our ways of paying forward the debt of gratitude we received back when we were new migrants ourselves.
Authors’ contact details Website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AKLnzPINOYS Email: aklnzpinoys-owner@yahoogroups.com
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Why a new migrant’s booklet? An inventory of the internet for materials catering to new migrants to NZ reveals a vast amount of information already available out there. From official advisories and step-by-step instructions from government websites to online guides and migrant packs from websites of private organisations. The amount of information is enormous such that it is very easy to be overwhelmed and end up being even more confused and lost. Furthermore, most of the materials available publicly tend to be broad in scope; catering to all migrants from different parts of the globe. Some information are also most likely to be more applicable for those coming from the UK, USA and Europe, or Asian migrants in general. There is none written specifically with Filipinos in mind. The main aim of this booklet is therefore twofold. First, simplify the complexity of settling in NZ; and second, tailor it for Filipinos. By only including the most important aspects in settlement, and by arranging the topics in more or less chronological order; from pre-departure to attaining permanent residency and assimilation with the community-- this booklet aims to provide an easy to follow and yet complete recipe a new migrant could use as a guide in the journey towards living a happy life in New Zealand. While a great deal of effort has been made to simplify the materials in this booklet, readers are nonetheless encouraged to do further readings by referring them to links to relevant websites all throughout this booklet.
Who is this booklet for? Much of the information contained here was based from experiences and points of view of Filipinos currently living in Auckland. Therefore, it is reasonable to say that this booklet best suits Filipino new migrants intending to settle in Auckland. All the same, new migrants regardless of nationality and regardless where they want to settle in New Zealand should find most of the materials written here to be useful.
Who is this booklet NOT for? This is not for visa or NZ Immigration applicants looking for tips and guidance on how to go about their applications. This is a settlement guide; NOT an immigration guide.
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From Carabao to Sheep An Information Booklet for Pinoy Migrants in New Zealand
Disclaimer The information contained in this booklet is not intended to address specific circumstances or immigration issues particular to any individual. AKLnzPINOYS makes no warranty as to the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information contained in this information booklet. Readers should be aware that New Zealand policies on immigration, labour, health, housing and other policies relevant to new migrants are constantly changing and therefore should seek appropriate professional advice in respect of their individual circumstances. All links and references to websites and other organisations are provided for the reader’s convenience only, and should not be taken as an endorsement of those websites or organisations. URL Shortcuts To make it easier for users to access websites, shortcuts (bit.ly) have been created to replace long website links (URLs). E.g. bit.ly/2fromAKLairport can be used in place of www.aucklandairport. co.nz/ToAndFromTheAirport/PublicTransport.aspx. Note that bit.ly shortcuts are case-sensitive. A list of these shortcuts can be found in the appendix. While all care has been taken to ensure all links are working at the time of writing, but because of the constantly changing nature of websites, we can not guarantee that links won’t be broken. If you discover any link or any information which you believe is incorrect, inaccurate or out-of-date, feel free to send the authors an email.
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Pre-departure Pre-departure questions Which city in NZ? Most immigrants choose among the three biggest cities in NZ: Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Different factors affect this decision, but the main consideration should be employability. To get an idea on which city could offer you the best chances of finding a job, search online job sites such as www.seek.co.nz for job vacancies relevant to your qualifications. You can use the number of vacancies per city as an indication of your employability in each city. Do this for several weeks to get a more accurate picture of the labour market per city and then use the information as basis for your decision.
Should I dispose of/sell all my properties/assets? This is a personal decision that depends on your own circumstances. If you need the cash, then you probably have no choice but to liquidate some assets. Avoid, however, borrowing huge sums of money just to support your immigration plans. In case your plans do not materialise and you must return home, you don’t want to end up with an enormous debt. Weigh your options carefully. One option is to defer your move to NZ until your financial situation has improved.
Should I travel to NZ ahead of the family, or should we all travel at the same time? There are advantages in going to NZ ahead of the rest of your family: •
While you are looking for a job in NZ, your partner can stay back home to continue working and looking after the kids. It may take many months to find a suitable job in NZ. With one of you still earning, the cash flow wouldn’t be too bad.
•
Because you only need to support yourself in NZ, you have significantly less expenses.
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You have more mobility, especially in looking for a job.
However, do not stop looking for jobs in the cities that you did not choose. Be open to all possibilities and do not let your initial decision limit your options.
Should I resign from my current job? This is a personal decision that will depend on your own circumstances, financial standing, assessment of the situation, and confidence level in risk taking. Some migrants who find it hard to adjust to the new lifestyle, weather, and culture may decide to return home. Some may not be able to find suitable jobs and are forced to return when their permits expire. It is a good idea to have the back up option to return to a previous job in case the move to NZ does not work out.
Once you land a job, you can start preparing for your family’s arrival. This way, the transition for the rest of your family will be easier and smoother when they arrive.
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Should I apply for jobs online while still in the Philippines?
Sample calculation (weekly):
You get a head start if you start applying online while still in the Philippines. Don’t feel disappointed if responses are mostly rejections. While most companies do not entertain overseas applicants, some may line you up for an interview. It could be helpful to inform prospective recruiters/employers of the date of your arrival in NZ so interview schedules can be pre-arranged.
•
What are the better months of the year to come to NZ? Generally, the months of February though July are good months for job hunting. From November to January, most companies are winding down because of the long Christmas to New Year break. August, September, and October are not too bad.
Money matters Cost of living in NZ In NZ, cost of living is computed on a weekly basis. The easiest way to estimate your total weekly living cost is to use an online tool such as bit.ly/ livingInNZ. For an estimate of the cost of house rentals, read the section on Accommodation and Housing in this booklet. For general information on the cost of living in NZ, refer to bit.ly/NZCostofLiving.
How much money should I bring? Generally, you must have around 3 to 6 months’ worth of money per person. This is based on the assumption that it would take you about that much time before you can find a job.
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From Carabao to Sheep An Information Booklet for Pinoy Migrants in New Zealand
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Accommodation (flatting/room rental): $150 Food, transport, etc: $250
Total per week: $400 In this calculation, you must bring a minimum of $4800 to live comfortably for 12 weeks. Take note that this minimum amount does not include any allowance for other expenses such as money to buy clothes, appliances, furnitures, or a car, or to pay medical bills if you have to.
Is it better to bring NZ$ or US$? Filipino migrants who recently arrived in NZ say that they got a better deal by converting their pesos to NZ$ right away. However, it still depends on the exchange rates at the time of conversion. Calculate how much your pesos will be worth when converted directly to NZ$, and when converted to US$ then to NZ$. Include any applicable commission or conversion fees that are charged by the bank or money changer.
Bringing goods to NZ What goods can I bring? You can bring clothes, shoes, jewelry and other personal items considered for personal use only without paying any duty. Other household goods and appliances must have been owned and used by you to qualify for duty-free entry.
What goods should I not bring? Some goods are strictly prohibited from bringing to NZ. Failure to abide with Customs regulations can land you a stiff fine or imprisonment. On your arrival to NZ, you will be asked to fill up a Passenger Arrival Card. You must tick “YES” in the Customs section of the card if you are bringing:
•
goods that may be prohibited or restricted, such as weapons, objectionable (indecent) articles, or illicit drugs,
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goods in excess of the $700 allowance and the tobacco and alcoholic beverages allowance,
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goods for commercial, business, or trade purposes,
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goods carried on behalf of another person, or
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NZ$10,000 or more, or the equivalent in foreign currency. It is not illegal to bring in more than NZ$10,000, however, you must declare it in the arrival card.
There are prohibitions and restrictions in bringing in fruits, plants, medicine, food, agricultural products, wood carvings, guns, DVDs, etc. Some are prohibited because they are deemed harmful, while some may be allowed but only after thorough inspection or treatment. If in doubt, always DECLARE to avoid prosecution or fines. If a declared item was later found to be prohibited, it will be confiscated by Customs, but you will not be charged with any offence. For more information, refer to: bit.ly/ArrivingNZ.
Can I bring electronic appliances? The alternating current voltage in NZ is 240 volts and frequency of 50 hertz. In the Philippines, we use 220 volts and frequency of 60 hertz. Most electrical and electronic gadgets from the Philippines will work in NZ but will need a power plug adaptor which can be purchased in stores for $5 or less. However, consider the following when bringing electronic items to NZ: •
Potential difficulty in servicing the items if they need to be serviced. Some gadgets, even with the use of transformers, may not work properly or may not last long because of the difference in frequency.
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Shipping cost. Before bringing any electronic item, check the prices of similar items in NZ. It might be cheaper to buy in NZ because you don’t have to worry about shipping costs to NZ.
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Warranty. Check the warranty card of the items bought in the Philippines and ensure that it is applicable in NZ.
For prices in NZ, refer to: • www.trademe.co.nz • www.pricespy.co.nz
Is it better to buy a laptop from the Philippines? Buying a laptop in NZ is usually a better option, unless the laptop has warranty that will be honored in NZ, and the price compared to NZ price is significantly lower. If you prefer to buy a laptop from the Philippines, choose a brand that is popular in NZ, such as HP, Compaq, Toshiba, Sony, Apple, Dell, Acer, Asus, IBM, or Lenovo. These brands have service centres in NZ and have good resale values. For laptop/computer prices, refer to: • www.trademe.co.nz • www.pricespy.co.nz
What important documents should I bring? If your visa is anything other than a visitor visa, the documents that you might need in NZ include: •
Philippine driver’s licence valid for at least the next 12 months. This will allow you to drive legally in NZ and could be used as a secondary ID.
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Any other photo ID (in the absence of a driver licence). Some banks and government agencies, such as the IRD, require a second form of identification aside from passport.
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•
Child’s immunization and health records for school admission purposes.
Important note for Visitor or Limited Purpose Visa holders:
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Birth certificates, marriage certificates.
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A certification from your vehicle insurance company that you have not made a claim in the past 3 to 5 years. This could help you get a discount on vehicle insurance premiums.
Bringing in some of the documents mentioned could cause Immigration NZ to presume that you intend to seek employment in NZ, and your entry to NZ could be denied.
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Health records for medical or life insurance purposes.
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Educational documents such as transcript of records or diploma. These may be required if you intend to study in NZ.
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Professional certificates: These are needed for professional board registration (e.g. lawyers, accountants, scientist, engineers, teachers).
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Shipping your goods to NZ There are freight forwarders that can ship your personal belongings, furniture, and household items to NZ. Consult the phone directory from your origin country or the Pinoy Business Directory at the end of this booklet.
From Carabao to Sheep An Information Booklet for Pinoy Migrants in New Zealand
Formalities CFO or POEA? If you are a WTR visa holder, you must register with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) and attend their half-day Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS). Your passport will then be stamped with a registration/emigrant number. The CFO stamp is required by immigration officers in Manila before leaving for NZ. NZ Work Permit holders or contract workers, on the other hand, must attend the PDOS conducted by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). The POEA’s Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is the counterpart of the CFO stamp, and is required at the Manila airport prior to departure. For more information, refer to: • www.cfo.gov.ph • www.poea.gov.ph
CFO’s Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) Filipinos leaving the country to settle permanently abroad are required to register with the CFO and attend the PDOS. Emigrants 12 years old and below are exempt from attending the PDOS but must still be registered (registration by proxy is allowed). Emigrants aged 13 to 19 must attend the Peer Counseling Program to help facilitate their adjustment to a new environment. The topics discussed in the seminar include: • • • • • •
Travel regulations Immigration procedures Cultural differences Settlement concerns Employment and social security concerns Rights and obligations of Filipino migrants
For the registration procedure and requirements, contact: CFO Manila Phone: +63 (2) 562-3848, +63 (2) 561-8321 ext. 104, 105, 201- 203 Fax No.: +63 (2) 561-8332 E-mail: cfodfa@info.com.ph cfomieo@info. com.ph CFO Cebu Telefax: E-mail:
+63 (32) 255-5253 cfocebu@cfo.gov.ph
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Preparing for your new life ahead Get used to life at home without domestic help If you are used to having helpers at home, adjusting to a lifestyle without house help is one of the most difficult challenges you will face in a foreign country.
Learn to drive The car is the preferred mode of transport in NZ. Some jobs also require applicants to have a valid driver licence. If you don’t know how to drive, learn at least the basics of driving before coming to NZ. If you have a driver licence, ensure that it is valid for at least the next 12 months. You are legally allowed to drive in NZ for 12 months using a valid overseas driver licence.
Read materials about NZ
It is a good idea to experience living on your own without anyone helping you with house chores. This will force you to learn how to do everyday chores like cooking, washing, cleaning and taking care of your children.
Familiarise yourself about NZ. Read materials about its people, culture, history, sports, etc. Make sure to share what you learn with the rest of the family. Learn common Kiwi terms and phrases -you can search “kiwi slang” on the Internet.
Learn self-help skills
See your health specialists, manicurist, hairdresser...
On your spare time, learn new skills such as cooking, baking, hairdressing, sewing, swimming, carpentry, car mechanics, replacing a fuse, or fixing a leaking tap. These skills can save you money or even help you earn extra income. For example, giving your child a haircut can save you around $15.
Learn to use software tools popular in NZ Some software that are widely used in NZ may not be common in the Philippines. When you do an online job search, these tools or programs are normally mentioned in the job requirements. Learning such tools beforehand could give you an advantage over other applicants.
In NZ, you may find the fees to see health specialists somewhat over the top. Most specialists charge from $200 per consultation. It is therefore highly recommended that you see your health specialists prior to your departure— your dentist/ orthodontist for a complete dental checkup, your optometrist to get an extra eye wear, and your skin specialist for skin treatments. Likewise, why not treat yourself to some salon services? Get a haircut and your nails done a few days before your departure. You won’t regret doing so because such services are not cheap in NZ. The usual price of a haircut starts at $15 for men and $20 for women.
For example, most accounting jobs require some familiarity with MYOB, an accounting package used by a lot of NZ companies. If you are aiming for an accounting job, you have a better chance if you already have MYOB skills.
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From Carabao to Sheep An Information Booklet for Pinoy Migrants in New Zealand