Australia and New Zealand Emigration Guide

Your Emigration Guide: Australia & New Zealand

Sponsored by Halo Financial

Editor: David Fuller

www.emigrate2.co.uk

GUIDE CONTENTS

Page 3

Editor’s Introduction

4

A Message from our Sponsor – Halo Financial

5

Australia: An Introduction Australia: Essential Information Australia: Regional Round Up Australia: Average Temperatures Australia: Key Financial Information Australia: Buying a Property Australia: Case Studies Australia: Visas

6 7 8 9 10 14 15

25

New Zealand: An Introduction New Zealand: Essential Information New Zealand: Regional Round Up New Zealand: Average Temperatures New Zealand: Key Financial Information New Zealand: Buying a Property New Zealand: Case Studies New Zealand: Visas

26

Further considerations

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

© Copyright Emigrate2 2012 - All rights reserved.

The opinions expressed by the magazine’s contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers. The publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of contributors’ information. No part of Emigrate2 magazine may be used in any other publication without permission, by means of written consent, of Emigrate2. Infringements of copyright will be liable to prosecution by the publisher.

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EDITOR’S INTRODUCTION

In the past ten or so years that I’ve been writing about emigration I’ve seen a significant change in the main reason people have for wanting to emigrate.

In the early noughties, a majority of those who were looking to sample a new life abroad were doing so mainly for lifestyle reasons – the chance to take advantage of what other countries had to offer for no other reason than that they could.

In recent years, however, due largely to the global financial crisis, the number one motivation for moving abroad has become economic factors. People looking to kick-start their career in pastures new, maybe having been made redundant in their home country and unable to find anything new, are now the leading source of immigrants.

One thing in this period has remained fairly constant, though: The popularity of Australia and New Zealand as potential emigration destinations. Even though both countries have suffered from the global economic crisis as much as most other developed nations, they have remained two of the most popular destinations for immigrants throughout.

To many migrants, it would seem, these two Antipodean countries offer newcomers the ideal combination of long lauded lifestyle benefits and the chance to succeed.

The fact you have clicked to download this very guide suggests that the idea of emigrating to either Australia or New Zealand appeals to you, too. No matter what your own particular reason is for looking to explore the possibilities awaiting you on the other side of the world, hopefully this guide can give you some idea of what to expect from a life in either country.

Over the following pages you will find out more about what it’s like to live in both – but we don’t want you to just take our word for this. We’ve spoken to a number of expats living in Australia and New Zealand, and their accounts of their new lives are sure to make for invaluable, and enlightening, reading.

Your new life in Australia or New Zealand starts here. Good luck!

David Fuller Editor

In the 2010/11 migration year 163,017 immigrants from all around the world arrived in Australia as permanent residents, while in the same year 48,069 settled in New Zealand

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EMIGRATE2 SPONSORED BY…

Halo Financial specialise in international money transfers and can often beat the banks by up to 4% when sending money overseas. As one of the UK’s leading foreign exchange brokerages, Halo Financial offer a combination of expertise, competitive exchange rates and efficient payment processing that’s simply unbeatable.

Foreign Exchange Technical Analysis 2013 Australian Dollar vs. British Pound Sterling - What to expect in 2013 Having strengthened against the Pound from A$1.56 to A$1.43 over the early part of 2013, the Australian Dollar slowed and even stepped back a little through March. The fact that the strife in Cyprus and tension between North and South Korea haven’t weakened the Australian Dollar is a clear sign that it is becoming less susceptible to investor sentiment and a more attractive long term bet for investors seeking a yield from Australia’s relatively lucrative 3% base rate. Australian banks are well capitalised and therefore secure, so the land down under looks like a very attractive place to park your money at present. We don’t see that sentiment changing immensely over the course of the year but, if the UK economy can muster the strength to recover, the Pound has real scope to strengthen in its own right and that is likely to be the catalyst which starts the recovery.

New Zealand Dollar vs. British Pound Sterling – What to expect in 2013 The Sterling – New Zealand Dollar exchange rate fell from NZ$1.97 at the turn of the year to NZ$1.79 in early April. That NZD strength happened in spite of turmoil in Europe and in spite of the geo-political tension in Korea. Historically, such events would have considerably weakened the NZD but, with recent data suggesting the NZ economy is well on its way to recovery the markets have begun to assume interest rates will rise later this year and the Kiwi will remain well supported.

As with all Sterling related currency pairs, if the UK economy can mount a recovery, Sterling will follow suit but we are not seeing any evidence of that yet.

Buying Australian or New Zealand Dollars - There really doesn’t appear to be much good news out there for you at the moment, so sooner rather than later seems to be the order of the day.

Selling Australian or New Zealand Dollars - Realistically, the trend is in your favour at present so let it be your friend as the old marketing saying goes.

For Further Information If you have an individual personal enquiry please call +44 (0)20 7350 5474 or head to www.halofinancial.com for the latest up-to-date news on the currency markets and how you can get the best exchange rate.

www.emigrate2.co.uk 4

AUSTRALIA AN INTRODUCTION

Immigration has played a hugely significant role in Australia’s history ever since the first convicts arrived there from the UK back in 1787.

While those convicts had little choice about being shipped to what was then a largely untouched, barren land located deep in the Pacific, and frequently referred to as ‘hell on earth’, those who have followed in their footsteps certainly knew what they were doing.

From the migrants who arrived during the 19th Century Gold Rush to those who moved to Oz through various repopulation schemes in the post Second World War years right up to modern day migrants, it’s not hard to fathom the country’s long-lasting appeal.

Population:

22,928,415 Area:

7,692,024 km2 Population density:

2.9 people per km2 Capital:

Canberra Largest city:

Sydney Currency:

Australian Dollar Average property price:

AUS$542,299

After all, this is a nation that boasts a fantastic climate, plenty of space (Oz has one of the lowest population densities in the world), over 10,000 beaches and some of the most iconic landscapes and scenery found anywhere on this planet.

Add to the mix a great education system (The Human Development Index ranks Australia’s education system as the joint best in the world), fantastic healthcare (an international comparative study of the healthcare systems in six developed countries – Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, the UK and the United States – found that Australia scored first or second on all of the indicators), and a booming, mining-led, economy and its appeal only grows.

Unfortunately, Australia’s popularity as a migrant destination is today so high, that the Oz government is mainly only interested in welcoming immigrants who can either benefit the country through their skills or who have close family already living in the country – without the right skills or close family ties, then a new life in Oz may remain little more than a dream for some.

(Dec 2012; source www.apm.com.au)

Average annual salary:

AUS$70,340 (May 2012; source www.abs.gov.au) *

*Full-time earnings only

Over the following pages, we’ll be looking into many aspects of living in Australia and introducing you to some of the key visas that will hopefully enable you to take advantage of all the country has to offer. We’ll also be hearing from a number of expats who have already done exactly what you’re hoping to do and emigrated, and find out why, for one family, the move to Oz can’t come soon enough...

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AUSTRALIA ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Education

Private Health Insurance

The education system in Australia is the responsibility of each individual state or territory government, meaning that the kind of education a child receives in Oz will differ slightly from state to state. Therefore the age at which a child starts school currently depends on the state in which you live. No matter where you settle, though, education is generally compulsory for children aged older than five or six and younger than 16 or 17.

Private healthcare providers in Australia generally provide both overseas visitors cover and permanent residency products that give freedom to choose doctors as well as when and where treatment takes place.

Banking The banking industry in Oz is dominated by the country’s four largest banks: Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ), Westpac, Commonwealth Bank of Australia and National Australia Bank – although there is a selection of smaller or state specific retail banks located in the country as well should this be your preference.

Most states allow children to leave school at the age of either 16 or 17, while some enable them to leave at 15, although this is only the case if the child is either going straight into full-time employment, obtaining an apprenticeship or completing a tertiary education course at an approved institution.

Opening a bank account in Australia is a fairly straightforward process; and you don’t even need to be a resident to do it. Due to Australia’s long term popularity as a migrant destination all of the ‘big 4’ banks enable you to open special accounts online prior to emigrating. However, you may find some services are restricted until you activate the account (which usually requires you to present yourself at the bank’s branch in person along with relevant forms of ID).

In order to gain the full ‘Senior Secondary Certificate of Education’ (SSCE) – Australia’s major school leaving qualifications – your child will need to complete Year 12 – these certificates are worked for between Years 10 and 12.

There are currently plans in place to introduce an Australian National Curriculum in the not too distant future.

It’s also worth noting that, depending on the bank you use and the type of account you have with them, you may need to pay a monthly service fee, while some accounts may even require you to maintain a minimum balance or face being fined.

Healthcare While Australia does offer a publicly funded healthcare system – known as ‘Medicare’ – you will still need to pay towards some health treatments once you arrive to live in the country. All permanent residents of Australia are entitled to join Medicare and can do so simply by visiting a Medicare Centre seven to ten days after their arrival in Oz and bringing with them their passport, travel documents and permanent visas.

Internet Access Australia benefits from one of the highest internet usages in the world, with a 2012 survey carried out by Buddecomm showing that 80 per cent of Australian homes have internet connection. However, the country may also soon benefit from some of the fastest broadband connection speed in the world, too.

All permanent residents who hold a Medicare card will receive subsidised treatments from medical practitioners who have been issued a Medicare provider number, and free treatment in all hospitals (providing they have admitted themselves).

The government currently has plans in place to replace all of Australia’s copper telephone lines with optical fibre that will run into 93 per cent of homes, schools and businesses. Fibre is the fastest broadband technology, and is currently used by approximately 34,500 Australian homes and businesses.

It is important to note however, that not all healthcare is subsidised by Medicare. For example, the system does not cover dental care, most optical care or ambulance/emergency services (or hospital stays which result from this). For this very reason, over half of all Australians also take out some form of private health insurance in addition to joining Medicare. Private care also gives the patient greater choice of where they can receive treatment.

The national broadcast network, which is costing the government in the region of AUS$37.4 billion, is due to be completed in 2021 and will allow users to download data at speeds of up to 100 megabits a second – about five times faster than the fastest ADSL broadband in today’s market.

Cover and eligibility for non-permanent residents through the Medicare system can also change depending on what visa type you enter Australia in on and what country you are from. The Department Of Immigration And Citizenship can help advise as well as healthcare providers themselves. Bupa Australia who have representatives here in the UK are able to assist with all aspects of overseas healthcare and are fully approved by the Department of immigration and citizenship.

The remaining 7 per cent of Australians who live in the most remote areas of the country will get fixed wireless or satellite connections, which are slower than fibre but much faster than what is available now.

Keeping in touch with friends and family back ‘home’ will never have been so easy.

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AUSTRALIA ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Take a quick look at what Australia’s six states and the Northern Territory have to offer newcomers Western Australia With its Mediterranean climate, stunning coastline and vibrant city scene, Western Australia has plenty to offer migrants. Most of the population is based around the state capital city of Perth in the south-western corner of the state. The central portion of the state is largely arid and thinly populated, with the mining industry dominant.

Northern Territory The NT is the least populous of Australia’s states and territories, despite boasting some of the country’s most iconic tourist attractions – Uluru and The Olgas to name just two. Migrants tend to base themselves around Darwin, although the more intrepid head inland towards the desert city of Alice Springs. Major industries in the NT include mining, petroleum and tourism.

South Australia South Australia is home to one of Australia’s fastest growing economies. The main city, Adelaide, is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere while the coastal countryside is home to many of the country’s largest wine producers. Much of the state enjoys a Mediterranean climate, while the major industries are wine production, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, defence technology and electronic systems.

Queensland Also known as the ‘Sunshine State’, Queensland enjoys a tropical climate, hundreds of sandy beaches and some of Australia’s best scenic delights – like the Great Barrier Reef. The population is concentrated in the south of the state, which includes the Gold Coast and Brisbane – Queensland’s capital. Tourism is the main industry, but mining, agriculture and the retail trade also predominate.

New South Wales New South Wales has long been popular with migrants (and tourists). Home to Sydney – Australia’s largest city – the state also boasts a plethora of picturesque coastal towns, a thriving cultural scene – especially in Sydney – and a scenic interior with over 780 national parks.

Information technology and financial services are leading industries in urban areas, while agriculture dominates the countryside.

Victoria Boasting the second largest economy in Australia after New South Wales and a thriving cultural scene based around the state capital, Melbourne, Victoria is a popular destination. Finance, insurance and property services are all burgeoning industries in the state. Victoria’s scenery and climate are both incredibly diverse, ranging from wet, temperate flatlands in the southeast to snow-covered alpine areas.

Tasmania Separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait, Tasmania feels like a country in its own right.

The state has a cooler climate than mainland Australia, with four distinct seasons. The north coast is the most densely populated area of Tasmania, although state capital Hobart lies in the south. Tasmania is mountainous, and boasts a wealth of stunning alpine scenery.

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January

February

March

April

May

June

Perth

24

24

22

18

16

13

Sydney

22

22

21

18

15

12

July

August

September

October

November

December

AUSTRALIA AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

Perth

12

13

14

16

18

21

Sydney

11

12

15

17

19

21

(Temperatures are in ยบC. Jan-Dec) Source: www.weatherbase.com

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AUSTRALIA KEY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Salaries and income tax Average weekly wage: AUS$1,352 Average annual wage: Approx AUS$70,340 Figures gathered: May 2012 Australia has a progressive (and fairly generous, at least for low earners) income tax system.

For the 2013/14 tax year, residents who earn less than AUS$18,200 a year are exempt from paying any income tax.

Those who earn between AUS$18,201 and AUS$37,000 will face an income tax of 19 cents for each AUS$1 earned over AUS$18,201.

Those who earn between AUS$37,001 and AUS$80,000 pay AUS$3,572 plus 32.5 cents for each $1 earned over AUS$37,000.

Residents who take home an annual salary between AUS$80,001 and AUS$180,000 are taxed $17,547 plus 37 cents for each $1 over $80,000.

At the top end of the scale, residents with a salary in excess of AUS$180,001 pay a one off tax of AUS$54,547, plus 45 cents for each AUS$1 earned over AUS$180,001.

Cost of living rankings Six Australian cities feature in Mercer’s annual cost of living index, which ranks 214 cities worldwide in order of most expensive by measuring the comparative cost of over 200 items in each location. These items include transport, food, clothing, household goods, the cost of housing and entertainment.

This is how the Australian cities ranked in 2012 (the figures in brackets are where they were placed a year previously): Sydney – Melbourne – Perth – Canberra – Brisbane – Adelaide –

11th (14th) 15th (21st) 19th (30th) 23rd (34th) 24th (31st) 27th (46th)

Pensions Australia offers two chief sources of retirement income – Superannuation and the Age Pension.

Superannuation is funded by Australian employers, who must pay 9 per cent of an employee’s ordinary time earnings into a ‘retirement fund’. The type of fund differs for each employer, but must be registered and approved by the Australian government. It is important to note that Superannuation funds are not final-salary schemes, so your income when you retire is dependent on the performance of your funds. It is possible for you to add your money to the fund, in addition to the 9 per cent from your employer. The Age Pension is funded by taxpayers and paid to you by the government. As of 20th March 2011, the Age Pension was worth maximum of AUS$18,962 a year for single people and AUS$28,584 a year for couples depending on income.

However, in order to qualify for an Age Pension you must have lived in Australia as a resident or citizen for ten years. You can currently draw your pension in Australia when you reach 65 years of age, although this is set to change to 65.5 years of age in 2017 and to 67 in 2023.

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AUSTRALIA PROPERTY

Market overview

Mortgage info

Although Australia’s property market did not emerge from the global financial crisis completely unscathed, it did not suffer anywhere near as badly as markets in other developed nations. In fact, after an initial slowdown in late 2008 and throughout 2009, by 2010 the market had rebounded so strongly that many experts believed Australia had the best property market in the world.

Although the market then had another mini-slump in 2011, the country’s housing market bounced back in 2012 with the median house price rising by a solid 2.1 per cent over the year. What’s more, in the final quarter of 2012 all state capital cities recorded growth in median house prices for the first time since the March quarter 2010. According to Australian Property Monitors, confidence in Oz’s housing market is so strong right now that buyer activity is set to continue to rise through 2013.

In Australia, you can only purchase a house once you are classed a permanent resident – unless you receive special approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board. It is also unlikely that you will be able to take out a Home Loan – as Australian mortgages are more commonly called – without having a job first. Generally speaking, single people will be allowed to borrow up to three times their annual salary, whilst couples can borrow up to 4.5 times their combined annual salary. It is possible that banks may compromise on these limits if they feel happy that you can support larger monthly repayments – by, for example, having significant savings in place. For self-employed people, loans will be handled on a more discretionary basis, with around a 60% loan-to-value ratio probably the best deal you can hope for. Interest rates may also be higher for self-employed people.

National average house price: AUS$542,229 State capital with lowest average price: Hobart, Tasmania – AUS$322,420 State capital with highest average price: Sydney, New South Wales – AUS$656,415 Price sources: Australian Property Monitors (December 2012)

It’s also worth noting that first-time buyers in Australia are entitled to a homebuyers grant of AUS$15,000 when buying a new home and AUS$5,000 when purchasing an existing home.

Location: Mackay, Queensland

Location: Perth, Western Australia

Location: Hallett Cove, South Australia

Number of bedrooms: Two

Number of bedrooms: Four

Number of bedrooms: Five

Features: Fenced courtyard, single garage, air-conditioning, located close to Central Business District

Features: Three bathrooms, double garage, swimming pool, airconditioning, paved entertaining area, separate study

Price: AUS$250,000

Features: Two bathrooms – one featuring ten-jet spa bath, solar power system installed, set on 520m2 land area, located close to all local amenities

Website: www.realestate.com.au

Price: AUS$550,000

Price: AUS$720,000 Website: www.realestate.com.au Website: www.domain.com.au

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AUSTRALIA CASE STUDY - ROBERT JOHNSON

Journalist Robert Johnson has his wife Nichola’s skills to thanks for his family’s new life in Australia.

“My wife is a neonatal nurse, Robert explains. “Fortunately for us, nursing is a profession in demand here in Australia - so she sent her CV off to the hospitals in South Australia, had an interview over the telephone at 5 or 6am in the morning and luckily she got the job.

We wouldn’t have come out if one of us hadn’t have landed a job. I’m a journalist and my profession isn’t simply in demand here.”

The Johnson’s – Robert, Nichola and their two daughters Grace (eight) and Ava (four) – arrived in Australia on Easter Monday 2012, having decided to try and emigrate due to a combination of economic and lifestyle factors in the UK. “Both of our jobs were under threat back in November 2011,” recalls Robert. “I had previously been out to Australia three times, the third time with my wife and two kids in early 2011. This gave us an idea of what life could be like.

Our busy working lifestyles meant we were literally passing each other at the door before going to work so we didn’t have great quality time together as a family. We wanted an outdoor lifestyle for us all and to be able to build a better future for our kids.”

Name

Robert Johnson Originally from

Bootle, Cumbria Moved to:

Adelaide, South Australia

Robert believes that his family’s new life has certainly fulfilled their expectations, enabling them to spend more time together as a family and make the most of Australia’s fantastic climate. Both Robert and Nichola are also happily employed (although it did take Robert a good few months before he found his current job as a senior writer in Health Workforce Australia’s communication and marketing department) and the family already say they consider Adelaide as ‘home’.

However, Robert does warn those thinking of making a similar move that settling in new surroundings is not easy. “Emigrating is the toughest thing you will do in your life,” he states.

“You must be prepared for the emotional rollercoaster during the visa process, emigrating and settling. It can be tough for everyone concerned and there will be days when you want to pack your bags and go back to the UK and others when you realise why you have made the move.

“It’s no bed or roses. You don’t get off the plane and have a perfect life. Like everything in life you have to work at it and give it time.”

When

April 2012 Visa used

State sponsored skills visa (subclass 176)

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AUSTRALIA CASE STUDY - JONATHAN ORD

We speak to Brit Jonathan Ord just months before he makes his life-changing move down under Jonathan Ord’s main reason for wanting to leave the UK will no doubt strike a chord of many of you who are reading this guide.

“We want a better quality of life than we have here in the UK and want to move to a country that feels as though its best days are ahead of it,” he says, simply.

Later this year (the middle of 2013), Jonathan’s wishes will come true. He, along with wife Helen and their two young children, Will (two) and Madeleine (six months) will be swapping their life in County Durham for one in Australia’s capital, Canberra.

“We’ve previously been to Canberra on a recce visit and we really liked it,” explains Jonathan.

“We’ve also already got friends who live there, which helped with our decision,” he adds.

The fact that Jonathan’s skills are also in demand in Oz (he’s a policy specialist) was also an important consideration behind the family making the move – and not only because it helped them obtain their visas.

“The fact that Australia wanted people with my skills made me feel wanted,” continues Jonathan. “The visa process was long and quite involved, but I consider that to be fair enough.

It’s important that the Australian government is satisfied over who is being granted permanent residency.”

Name

Jonathan Ord Originally from

Sedgefield, County Durham Moved to:

Canberra, Australian Capital Territory When

Mid-2013

Jonathan also has some advice for anyone who is looking to make a similar move: “We found using an agent invaluable and would strongly recommend anyone else to do the same,” he says. “They are experts and are so helpful. We found it was worth every penny to hire them.”

As the long awaited move draws closer and closer, I can’t help but wonder if there’s anything Jonathan will miss about the country that has been his home for the past 33 years?

“Apart from family and friends, I’ll miss British TV, football... That’s about it,” he answers.

He is in little doubt, it seems, that a move to Oz is definitely the right decision for him and his family. “We are looking forward to a new start and enjoying a more outdoors life, which will be good for our children,” he enthuses. “We’re also looking forward to living in a country with close links to south-east Asia.”

To the Ord family, and anyone else hoping to emigrate this year, Emigrate2 wishes you the very best of luck.

Visa used

State sponsored skills visa (subclass 176)

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AUSTRALIA CASE STUDY - HOLLY GALT

As far as doing things for love go, moving to Australia would surely rank quite highly as being one of the more pleasant ways of pleasing your partner.

Yet that’s just what Londoner Holly Galt has done recently in a show of affection for her Australian husband, Steve. “Having lived in the UK for over 11 years, he wanted to spend a few years back in Sydney,” Holly explains. “We decided to move out here after we got married at the beginning of 2012.”

Name

Holly Galt Originally from

North London

While emigrating as the spouse of an Aussie citizen is one of the more straightforward ways of obtaining an Australian residence visa, Holly says that she did find the process a little laborious at times – you have to prove to immigration officials that you are in a bona-fide relationship.

“At the time, I found the process long and extremely time consuming, but ultimately my visa was granted after only six months. We were impatient though, and I originally came out here on a tourist visa and had to leave the country for four days when my partner visa was ready to be granted. I can’t fault my case officer at the Department of Immigration, though, as she kept me up-to-date at all times.”

Although the couple’s Australian adventure is still in its fledgling stages – especially for Holly – she has found much to like about her new life.

Moved to:

Sydney, New South Wales When

July 2012 Visa used

Partner visa

“It’s really great to be close to my husband’s family and friends who we haven’t spent much time with over the years,” she says. “The weather is also an important part of life here – I love being able to eat outside most evenings. I’m also enjoying living near the water; if you’ve had a bad day, the best way to chill out is to have a glass of wine overlooking the harbour!”

However, Holly is still coming to terms with being away from the UK (a normal reaction in the early stages of starting a new life so far away from familiar surroundings). “I miss family and friends the most, and at times I miss the life we had in London. Sydney is pretty slow in comparison. Christmas is hard; I will never get used to cold meat and salad for lunch!”

So does she see herself staying in Oz for good?

“Time will tell,” she answers. “We’ve only been here seven months and we have set ourselves a deadline of two years (July 2014) to make the decision whether to remain here permanently or head back to the UK. I think moving to Sydney has been right for us at this stage of our lives, but whether we stay here for good remains to be seen.”

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AUSTRALIA CASE STUDY - JAMES BLACKWELL

Geologist James Blackwell’s reason for moving to Australia back in 2008 is one that has become all too familiar in recent years.

“The industry I work in [he’s an Environmental Hydrogeologist – look it up] was suffering due to the economic downturn, opportunities were limited, and while I was employed, there was not much chance of further development,” he explains. “After speaking with some colleagues who had ‘done a stint abroad’, I decided to look into it. Australia at the time was suffering a skills shortage of qualified geologists and environmental consultants so there were opportunities.”

As a single 24-year-old, James was free to explore the possibilities of a new life without having to uproot a family, and he soon discovered just how in need of workers in his field Australia was.

“I was lucky enough to find a company in Melbourne who hired me on the back of a phone interview. I was brought over to Oz on the Employer Nomination Scheme, so came in on the Temporary Business Visa,” he continues. “The company were really good and helped me through the process, so I found it all pretty straightforward.”

Being in a new country on the other side of the world will no doubt sound daunting to many who are planning on emigrating with a family unit in tow, so how did James feel going it alone at a relatively young age?

Name

James Blackwell Originally from

Bristol (originally from Maesteg, Wales) Moved to:

Melbourne Victoria When

June 2008 When

Temporary 457 (initially); Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (for residency)

“As I didn’t know anyone when I arrived, I joined a newly formed football team,” he answers.

“Well, after almost five years, I now run the club, and we are mainly expats, so we have a bit of a support network – even if it is getting up at stupid times of the night to watch the Premier League!”

Today, James is a fully-fledged permanent resident of Australia and much has changed since he first arrived five years ago. When asked what he like best about his new life, James cheekily replies: “I should probably say my new wife – I recently got married to a Kiwi woman, who I met in Oz. Seriously, though, I find Australia very similar to the UK. It’s sunnier and warmer, but then Melbourne gets its fair share of ‘iffy’ weather.”

James continues: “It sounds cliché, I know, but it’s more relaxed here, the work place is a lot more flexible in terms of working hours and there are also a few more things to do in your leisure time, whether it’s spending time on the beach or getting out and about.”

While James admits to missing his family, British pubs and some UK delicacies - Walkers crisps, Jaffa Cakes and Greggs pasties – he has few doubts that he made the right choice to emigrate all those years ago, even though he would like to return to the UK – which he still calls ‘home’ – one day.

“I have a good, secure job, earn a decent wage and have a lovely new bride,” he says. “I’m here for now, but will probably leave to come ‘home’ for some time, but I have no doubt that I’ll be back.

“Australia is an amazing place and it is starting to feel like home...”

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AUSTRALIA VISAS

“An introduction to Australia’s main visas”

Skilled visas

•

Employer Nomination Scheme: Through this programme, foreign workers can be sponsored by employers for permanent residency from overseas.

However, it is more likely that employers will only sponsor foreign workers who are already working in Australia on a temporary visa.

•

The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme: This is similar to the Employer Nomination Scheme, but can only be used by employers based in regional and low population growth areas of Australia to fill vacancies in their business.

Australia’s new skilled migration system – Skilled Migrant Selection Register (also known as ‘SkillSelect’) – requires applicants to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) prior to applying.

You may then be invited to submit an Australian visa application on the basis of your EOI. The invitations to apply will be issued based on how in demand your occupation is down under and the number of points achieved through a visa points test.

All prospective visa applicants will also be required to meet the relevant English language requirements and obtain a skills assessment prior to their EOI submission.

Providing you are invited to apply for a visa there are three main skilled categories open to you. These are: •

Skilled-Independent: This visa allows you to settle anywhere in Oz and work (or not) in any occupation.

•

Skilled-Sponsored: A permanent visa usually used by people unable to meet the minimum points score for a Skilled-Independent visa. Applicants must be either sponsored by an eligible relative living in Australia or nominated by a state or territory government.

•

Regional-Sponsored - A three-year provisional visa.

The minimum points score for this visa is lower than that of the two permanent skilled visas. Applicants must be either sponsored by an eligible relative living in a regional/designated area of Australia or nominated by a state or territory government. After living for two years and working for one year in a Specified Regional Area, applicants will then be invited to apply for a permanent visa.

Employer sponsored visas

Family There are visa options available for the following family members of Australian citizens: Spouse (including same sex partners); Prospective Spouse; Parents; Children; and Aged dependent relatives. However, no matter what your relationship is, a relative of an Australian permanent resident or citizen does not have automatic entitlement to residence in Oz. Most family visas will require the applicant to reside in Australia on a temporary basis first.

Business There are four main business categories: •

Business Owner: For owners, part-owners and senior managers of a business.

•

Senior Executive: For senior executive employees of major businesses.

•

Investor: For business people willing to invest in Oz.

•

Business Talent: A state sponsored visa for high-calibre business people.

These visas generally involve a two-stage application process - with temporary then permanent visas being issued providing certain requirements are met.

Australian employers can sponsor foreign skilled workers who have skills and experience in particular occupations required in Australia to come and work for their company.

There are three main types of employer sponsored visas: •

Temporary Business (Long Stay) 457 Visa: The most common employer sponsored visa. Visas can be valid for up to four years and are renewable. Overseas businesses establishing an Australian presence can also sponsor under this visa programme.

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NEW ZEALAND COUNTRY OVERVIEW

The majority of immigrants who choose to live in New Zealand do so for one reason and one reason only: The lifestyle.

NZ has a well deserved reputation for offering its residents a slower-paced way of life – particularly when it comes to work. It’s very much a country where the mantle ‘work to live’ is placed firmly above that of living to work.

Population:

4,430,400 Area:

268,021 km2

A major emphasis is almost always placed on putting leisure time first. And when it comes to ways of spending this increased leisure time, the choices are endless. NZ likes to think of itself as something of an adventure playground – indeed, adrenaline fuelled activities such as bungee jumping and zorbing both originated in the country – and pursuits like kayaking, white-water rafting and hiking (or trekking as it is more commonly known in NZ) are all hugely popular. Then there is rugby union – seen by some, well, most, Kiwis as a national religion. When rugby season is in full flow if New Zealanders aren’t actually playing the sport, then you can be almost certain they’ll be watching it.

Capital:

Wellington Largest city:

Auckland Currency:

New Zealand Dollar Average property price:

NZ$370,000 (Jan 2013; source www.reinz.co.nz)

Average annual salary:

NZ$49,348

More serene pastimes exist too. As anyone who has watched Hollywood blockbusters such as The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit or The Chronicles of Narnia will already know, New Zealand has many scenic delights: There are few better ways to spend a day then to take a gentle stroll and drink in the fantastic landscapes that abound no matter where you choose to settle.

Yet for all its lifestyle benefits, a majority of immigrants in the country still need to work – quite often getting a visa will depend on it. Unless you have family already living in the country, then the NZ immigration system will almost certainly require you to have a job or a job offer in order to qualify for a visa, meaning that not everyone will find emigrating to NZ a straightforward process.

Over the following pages, we’ll be looking at many aspects of living in NZ and will introduce you to some of the key visas that will hopefully enable you to one day sample the lifestyle for yourself.

We’ll also be hearing from a number of expats who have already done exactly what you’re hoping to do and emigrated...

(Dec 2012; source www.stats.gov.nz) *

*Full-time earnings only

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NEW ZEALAND ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Find out more about three aspects of everyday life that you may face when you arrive to live in New Zealand.

Education Generally, children in NZ start school on their fifth birthday – or on the nearest school day after it. However, school does not become compulsory until the age of six.

A majority of children in NZ stay in education until they are 18, but your child can choose to leave school when they are 16 and with parental and/or school permission may even be allowed to finish their education at 15 if they have a full-time job lined up. Usually only children who are deemed to have found school a struggle throughout will be awarded permission to finish a year early.

The main qualifications in NZ are called the National Educational Achievement Certificate (NEAC). There are three levels of NEAC: Level 1 (which is studied for in Year 11 – when your child is 16); Level 2 (Year 12); and Level 3 (Year 13). The award of any NEAC is dependent on your child earning enough credits in that particular academic year. Credits are awarded for completing courses and the standard of work they produce.

According to the most recent data released by the New Zealand Ministry of Education, 82 per cent of school leavers hold a NEAC Level 1 or above.

Healthcare Publicly funded healthcare is available for all permanent residents of New Zealand – or for holders of work permits lasting more than two years. To gain access to public healthcare you simply need to register with a local GP. Publicly funded healthcare, however, does not necessarily mean ‘free’. While a number of healthcare service procedures in NZ do come without cost – including most hospital treatment, children’s immunisations and healthcare during pregnancy and labour – things like prescription drugs, ambulance services and even visits to your GP incur costs (although fees for children under 6 are often waived).

You can save money on these procedures by joining a Primary Health Organisation – a government-funded body which is operated by the District Health Boards. These are free for all NZ residents to join.

If you are only a temporary resident of the country (i.e. your permit only allows you to live in the country for less than two years) then you will need to take out private health insurance.

Banking Like in Australia, the Kiwi banking system is dominated by four banks - Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ), Westpac, Commonwealth Bank of Australia and National Australia Bank. This quartet accounts for nearly 90 per cent of the entire New Zealand banking sector. Aside from these, there are fewer than 20 other banks operating in the country – both domestic and foreign owned.

Opening a New Zealand bank account can be done without too much hassle and the four largest banks enable you to do this before you even arrive to live in the country. Generally, you will need to apply to open an account online and once this is confirmed you will be able to start depositing money into the account immediately (be warned that some banks may charge you to transfer money from them into your new account).

To open an account once you arrive to live in the country – or to activate an account you have already set up – you will simply need to bring your passport and proof of address (and account details for existing accounts) into a local branch of your bank.

Banking in NZ is not free. The amount you will be charged will depend on the bank you use and the type of account you open.

Internet Access The 2012 Internet Service Provider survey reveals that internet usage is high throughout New Zealand and that more Kiwis are currently using fast speed broadband than ever before.

The survey found that by June 2012, 93 per cent (roughly 1.6 million people) of fixed Internet subscribers in NZ were using a broadband connection - 11 per cent more than at the same time a year earlier.

The majority of internet subscribers (96 per cent) were downloading data at speeds between 1.5 to 24 megabits per second, up from 86 per cent in this speed category in 2011. The total number of subscribers in the lowest downloading speed category (less than 1.5 Mbps) decreased to just 2 per cent, compared with 12 per cent in 2011.

However, so far government plans to convince more Kiwis to take up using ultra-fast broadband have not been that well received. Figures released in February 2013 revealed that only 2.8 per cent of those able to hook up to ultra-fast broadband had connected at the end of last year. The NZ government hopes to be able to offer download speeds of 100 megabits per second to 75 per cent of New Zealand by the end of 2019.

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NEW ZEALAND REGIONAL ROUND-UP

Not sure where to settle – here’s a quick round-up of what NZ’s most popular regions have to offer...

Auckland By far and away New Zealand’s most populous region, Auckland is dominated by the city of the same name. As well as being the most populous region in NZ, Auckland is also the most prosperous economically and the country’s financial capital. The region also benefits from an oceanic climate, with warm, humid summers and mild, damp winters.

Waikato Waikato is NZ’s fourth-largest region – both in terms of population and land area. The region’s main urban centre is Hamilton, one of the country’s fastest-growing cities and an increasingly popular destination for students. With its wet temperate climate and many acres of pastoral land, Waikato’s major industry has traditionally been agriculture – particularly dairy farming.

Bay of Plenty The Bay of Plenty region is situated around an eponymously named body of water. In addition to boasting some stunning coastline, the inland reaches of the region lies within the Taupo Volcanic Zone; Rotorua is particularly famous for its geothermal activity. While the region has one of NZ’s least developed economies, sun seekers may be attracted to its subtropical climate.

Wellington Occupying the southern end of the North Island, the Wellington region is home to NZ’s capital city – also called Wellington. The capital is renowned for its eclectic cultural scene and for being NZ’s political centre. The region generally enjoys a temperate climate, although Wellington City is nicknamed the ‘Windy City’ for all too obvious reasons.

Nelson Located in the geographic heart of NZ at the top of the South Island, Nelson vies with neighbouring Marlborough for the title of NZ’s sunniest region. Extremely scenic, Nelson is surrounded by mountains on three sides and acts as the gateway to the picturesque Abel Tasman National Park. The Nelson economy is largely based on the horticulture, tourism and forestry industries.

Canterbury Dominated by the vast expanses of the Canterbury Plains and the surrounding Southern Alps, Canterbury is NZ’s largest region by area. Christchurch is the region’s largest city and one of the most popular areas outside of Auckland for newcomers to settle in – jobs are currently rife there after a series of earthquakes decimated the city and its surroundings.

Otago One of New Zealand’s most diverse regions, Otago is home to the adrenaline junkies’ paradise of Queenstown and the rather more serene Otago peninsula – home to a vast array of marine and avian wildlife including penguins, seals and albatross. Unsurprisingly, tourism is big business in Otago. However, the region does suffer from one of the country’s coolest climates.

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January

February

March

April

May

June

Auckland

20

20

18

16

13

12

Christchurch

17

16

15

12

9

6

July

August

September

October

November

December

NEW ZEALAND AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

Auckland

11

11

12

14

16

17

Christchurch

6

7

9

11

13

15

(Temperatures are in ยบC. Jan-Dec) Source: www.weatherbase.com

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NEW ZEALAND KEY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Salaries and income tax Average weekly wage: NZ$959 a week Average annual wage: Approx NZ$49,348 Figures gathered: Dec 2012 For the 2012/13 tax year (2013/14 rates had not been announced at the time of writing) every working individual in New Zealand has to pay a rate income tax, no matter what they earn.

Those earning up to NZ$14,000 a year pay an income tax of 10.5 cents on each dollar earned, while individuals who earn a salary of between NZ$14,001 and NZ$48,000 pay 17.5 cents on each dollar.

Those who take home between NZ$48,001 and NZ$70,000 a year pay 30 cents per dollar, while the highest earners (those on an annual salary of more than NZ$70,001) pay 33 cents per dollar. Those who fail to notify the tax office of their earnings will pay 45 cents for each dollar earned, no matter what their final salary is.

Cost of living rankings Two New Zealand cities feature in Mercer’s annual cost of living index, which ranks 214 cities worldwide in order of most expensive by measuring the comparative cost of over 200 items in each location. These items include transport, food, clothing, household goods, the cost of housing and entertainment.

This is how the two Kiwi cities ranked in 2012 (the figures in brackets are where they were placed a year previously): Auckland – 56th (118th) Wellington – 74th (136th)

Pensions New Zealand also offers two main retirement schemes. The country’s Superannuation scheme is paid by the government to all eligible people in NZ – by eligible you must have lived in New Zealand for at least 10 years since you turned 20, with five of these years being since you turned 50 (you do not need to have been classed as a ‘permanent resident’ for this duration).

Superannuation in NZ is part of your taxable income, with the amount you eventually receive governed by your earnings. It is important to note that Brits can use National Insurance payments to make themselves eligible for New Zealand Superannuation, while you should also be aware that if you’re drawing a pension from the British government this will also affect your NZ superannuation.

The other major NZ retirement scheme is KiwiSaver – a government backed, voluntary, savings plan. All NZ residents are entitled to join KiwiSaver and the country’s government will contribute NZ$1,000 to each person’s savings when they sign up for the first time. You can choose to contribute 2%, 4% or 8% of your gross wage to KiwiSaver and must stay in the scheme for at least a year. What’s more, you are entitled to a compulsory employer contribution to your KiwiSaver account at a minimum of 2% of your gross salary.

When you reach 65 years of age you are entitled to withdraw any funds that are in your account as a lump sum – although as NZ has no retirement age you can continue working and withdraw your funds at a later date.

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NEW ZEALAND PROPERTY

Market overview

Mortgage info

The words ‘stability’ and ‘New Zealand property’ have not been seen together too often in the past five years. After a period of sustained price growth in the early-to-mid noughties (house prices boomed by 123 per cent between 2001 and 2007), property prices throughout the country started to fall rapidly in 2008 as the global economic crisis reached Kiwi shores. The market then rebounded in 2009 before losing pace again in 2010 and then levelling out in 2011. However, 2012 witnessed sustained price growth throughout the year as purchasing confidence returned to the country and the early signs are that the market will continue to recover during 2013. Figures, released by the Real Institute of New Zealand in February 2013 revealed that house prices were up by 4.2 per cent in January compared to what they were a year ago and property analysts in the country are hopeful that prices will continue to grow throughout the year.

It should be fairly easy for an expat to obtain a mortgage in New Zealand. Kiwi banks generally tend to lend around 75-80 per cent of a property’s value to non-residents.

However, depending on how you are planning to use the property – in other words, if it’s for you to live in rather than buy as an investment property – and whether you have a job lined up (and what the salary is) then it’s not unheard of that a NZ bank will loan you between 85-95 per cent of the house’s value.

Always make sure that you receive your mortgage offer from the bank in writing, as this should help safeguard you against any sudden changes in the market. The mortgage offer will be valid for up to six months.

It’s important to note that when making an offer on a house in NZ, that offer must be put in writing using a Sales & Purchase Agreement as a verbal offer is not legally binding. This agreement will include any caveats that will need to be completed – such as organising financing – before the sale will go through. The average NZ house purchase takes only four to six weeks to complete.

National average house price: NZ$370,000 Major city with lowest average price: Invercargill, Southland – NZ$189,000 Major city with highest average price: North Shore City, Auckland – NZ$626,000 Price sources: Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (January 2013)

Location: Cambridge, Waikato

Location: Geraldine, Canterbury

Location: Beachlands, Auckland City

Number of bedrooms: Three

Number of bedrooms: Three

Number of bedrooms: Four

Features: Covered BBQ area, timber decking, car parking space, goodsized rear garden Price: NZ$239,000

Features: Double garage, set on over 1,300m2 of land, separate living, dining and kitchen areas, located close to shops, parks and local entertainments

Features: Two bathrooms, double garage, 218 m2 of living space set on 761m2 of land, under floor heating, located close to schools and shops

Website: www.rwcambridge.co.nz

Price: NZ$389,500

Price: NZ$739,000

Website: www.propertybrokers.co.nz

Website: www.harcourts.co.nz

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NEW ZEALAND CASE STUDY - JONATHAN CORR

When Jonathan Corr moved to New Zealand in 2008, it wasn’t as though he was fulfilling a long-held desire to emigrate to the land of the long white cloud.

Name

Jonathan Corr Originally from

Sheffield, Yorkshire Moved to:

Blenheim, New Zealand

“My marriage broke up and I had the option of staying in England or trying New Zealand on a Working Holiday visa before I was too old to be eligible,” explains Jonathan. “I booked a one way ticket with Singapore airlines in June 2008, and moved out with just a single suitcase – which got lost on the way, making arriving in Christchurch in the middle of winter a bit hard.

“I ended up living in Blenheim and was there for the first three years of being in NZ,” Jonathan continues. “Before I came out here I was looking online for IT jobs and saw one in Blenheim (an area I had never heard of) sent over my CV and ten minutes later had a phone call from the business owner telling me to come and see him once I arrived. I did and was offered the job.”

However, so fast did Jonathan’s move to NZ come about, that he didn’t have time to tie up all of his loose ends in the UK – including the sale of his two British properties; one of which was let out.

“Trying to sell after the housing market collapsed in 2008 was a bit of a mission,” he reflects.

“It took a lot of time and I had to support two UK mortgages from New Zealand for around nine months until we sold them. The selling process itself wasn’t too difficult but I often felt a bit detached from what was going on and it was hard to know if the estate agents were always working hard to get the properties sold.”

Another complication for Jonathan – and one anyone who is planning to let their property out will need to consider – was dealing with, shall we say, ‘awkward’ tenants.

When

June 2008 Visa used

Working Holiday initially, then work to residence

“The rental property we owned turned into a real nightmare with tenants not paying their rent and then it taking us nine months to get them evicted. Going through the court and eviction process at a distance probably made it a lot harder than me actually physically being in the UK would have done.”

However, in spite of the frustration and financial strain this placed on Jonathan, he says that he couldn’t be happier with life in NZ. In fact, since arriving in the country he has even twice had a complete career change, swapping his office-bound IT job for, firstly, an outdoor life as a dairy farmer, and then for a life behind the wheel as an ambulance officer.

“Emigrating was the best thing I ever did,” he enthuses. “I’ve met so many great people and had so many awesome experiences since coming here. What’s more, I’ll qualify as an NZ citizen next year which will open up even more opportunities for me.”

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NEW ZEALAND CASE STUDY - MARC DENHOLM

Marc Denholm should have more reason than most to regret his decision to emigrate. For since arriving to live in New Zealand in 2005, the former Londoner has been present at some of the worst natural disasters to hit the country for many years – namely the earthquakes which destroyed large swathes of Christchurch in 2010 and 2011.

However, despite the tragedy and trauma that Marc, his Kiwi wife Amanda and their two young children have witnessed and no doubt experienced first-hand, the family have nevertheless stayed in Christchurch and have no plans to move anytime soon.

“I love the accessibility that there is here in Christchurch,” enthuses Marc. “If you want to go to the beaches then they are only 25 minutes away, great skifields are only 40 minutes away and there is plenty of open space which is great for us as a family with young children. “

Name

Marc Denholm Originally from

London Moved to:

Christchurch, Canterbury When

2005 Visa used

Skilled Migrant Category

The relatively small size of New Zealand’s third-largest city is also something that Marc finds advantageous. “It’s big enough to be what I’d term a city – but there is a definite feeling of community here. This is something you don’t tend to get in larger metropolises, like London.”

So did the earthquakes not make him at least think twice about staying in Christchurch?

“Not really,” he replies. “I think maybe if I’d lost my house or if someone I knew had been injured or killed or I’d lost my job then perhaps I’d have a different way of thinking. But none of those things happened.

“For us, life here does feel pretty normal again. Our house damage was fairly minor and our daily routine wasn’t majorly disrupted. The kids don’t talk about what happened – they seem to be perfectly happy.”

For now, then, Marc is looking forward to what the future holds for the ‘new’ and hopefully even better Christchurch. “What’s happening here with the rebuild is unprecedented. I’m pretty excited about everything that’s going to take place here in Christchurch over the next 10 to 15 years.”

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NEW ZEALAND CASE STUDY - JANET GROAT

Having been born in Auckland only to leave the city three months later, it would be another 30 years before Janet Groat visited the city, and indeed New Zealand, again.

Janet’s British parents had originally emigrated to NZ in the 1970s, only to return to the UK a few years later after failing to settle in the paradise of the Pacific.

Having spent most of her life living in Edinburgh, a few years ago Janet discovered that she was eligible to claim NZ citizenship by dint of having been born there, and for her 30th Birthday she and her husband Kane visited the country to see if they would like to live there, having tired of life in the UK. The trip was an overwhelming success. “We went to Auckland and then flew down to Wellington,” recalls Janet. “Then we hired a car and drove back to Auckland through Rotorua and Taupo, stopping to see all the tourist attractions like the glow worm caves and geothermal sites.” While Janet and Kane liked both of NZ’s largest North Island cities, the diversity and climate of Auckland sealed it as the place they wanted to live.

Name

Janet Groat Originally from

Edinburgh, Scotland Moved to:

Auckland When

November 2010 Visa used

NZ citizen sponsored her husband through Partner category

Due to Janet’s citizenship the couple’s emigration process was relatively straightforward. “I was lucky that I was able to claim citizenship through birth and able to sponsor my husband through the Partner/Family category. He had to fill in some paperwork and go for a medical and chest x-rays, while I had to get my sponsor form notarised. Finally we both needed to get police checks done,” Janet explains. “It was a relatively simple process and once the forms and payment had been sent away it took about two months to come through.”

The couple arrived to live in NZ in 2010 and have not looked back since. They started making friends immediately, even joining a Science fiction group to expand their social network, while Kane has joined an indoor football team.

The house they now live in is also a source of much contentment to the Groats. “After living in a flat for so long it’s a bit of a shock having a house with a garden, so we are trying to learn how to look after it and grow things,” Janet says. “We have lemons, grapefruits, mandarins and grapes growing at the moment and I’ve just got an olive tree to plant. It’s great to sit out on the deck after work, enjoying a barbecue dinner and a nice glass of New Zealand white wine.”

It may have taken 30 years for Janet to rediscover the country of her birth, but it doesn’t look like she’ll be waving goodbye to it again anytime in the near future.

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“Here’s a quick overview of the country’s main visas”

NEW ZEALAND VISAS

Skilled visas

Business

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is a points-based system that takes into account factors including qualifications, work experience, and New Zealand’s current skills shortage situation. Preference is given to applicants who either have a NZ job offer or are intending to move to a designated area of absolute skills shortage.

New Zealand offers a number of different business visas: •

Long Term Business Visa (LTBV): A popular temporary visa aimed at experienced business people who are interested in being self-employed in their own business. Providing your Long Term Business application is approved, you will be given a ninemonth work visa, which enables you to buy or establish your own business in New Zealand. This visa can be extended for a period of up to three years. At the expiration of this period you will have to apply for residency to stay in NZ – probably through one of the entrepreneur categories (see below).

•

Entrepreneur Category: Those who have successfully established a business in New Zealand through the LTBV, and have been ‘self-employed’ in that business for at least two years, may be eligible for residence under the Entrepreneur Category. They will need to prove the business has benefited New Zealand,

•

Entrepreneur Plus Category: The aim of this visa is to fast track applicants by removing the two-year selfemployment criteria outlined above. Instead, applicants must have invested half a million NZ dollars into the business and created a minimum of three new full-time jobs for Kiwi citizens or residents.

If you answer ‘yes’ to most of the questions below then you should be able to apply under the SMC •

Are you under 56 years of age?

•

Do you have a New Zealand job offer?

•

Do you have a tertiary trade or related qualification?

•

Do you have at least two years work experience?

You will also need to score enough points through the country’s immigration points system to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI). The higher the score the more likely it is that you will be invited to apply for residency.

EOI’s that are not selected will remain in a pool for up to six months, but if your circumstances change and you can score more points then you are free to lodge a new EOI at anytime.

Work to Residence This visa involves working temporarily in New Zealand and then upgrading to permanent status at a later date. You can apply for a work visa when you are living outside or already in New Zealand – for example, as a tourist. The visa is valid for two years, after which time you will need to apply for residence – usually through the SMC – in order to stay in the country.

Family There are four, fairly self explanatory, family streams in NZ: Partner; Dependent Child; Parent – including a Parent Retirement Category which allows parents of NZ residents to invest in a four-year temporary visa; and Sibling or Adult Child.

Your relative must be willing to sponsor your application.

Your partner or any dependent children cannot be included in your Work to Residence application. They will need to apply for their own visitor, student or work visa.

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FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Some other things you’ll need to think about before making the big move...

Currency The exchange rate that you secure for transferring large sums, such as the proceeds from the sale of your property, will have a huge bearing on your spending power once you arrive in Australia or New Zealand. You should start thinking about exchanging you currency for Oz or NZ Dollars soon after you start on the long road to emigration. Forget moving money through high street banks, though; the best exchange rates are available through currency exchange specialists. These companies can arrange ‘forward contracts’, allowing you to secure a good rate of exchange up to two years in advance. Such an arrangement can mean peace of mind as you know your nest egg is protected from any devaluation of the pound. You may find yourself obsessing over getting the best possible exchange rate for your pounds, but rest assured this is actually quite normal; after all, it is an important exchange. If this is the case speak to a foreign exchange (FX) specialist as they watch the money markets constantly and you can instruct them to watch for the sort of rate you are after.

Removals Arranging for removals firms to visit your home and offer you quotes for shipping your belongings should not be left to the last minute. By taking this step early you can be sure of a competitive deal and ensure you select the firm you feel most confident entrusting your treasured belongings to. When making your selection it is important to check your preferred removal company holds the international movers’ quality standards marque – FAIM (FIDI Accredited International Mover).

Australia and New Zealand have different rules on what you can and can’t take with you (or what will incur hefty custom costs). A good removal company will be able to advise you on what’s worth shipping and what isn’t.

Pet removals If you want to take your furry, feathered or even scaled family members with you, then you will need to find out the rules regarding the transportation of pets to your destination country. Australia and NZ both have significant yet vulnerable agricultural industries and there are strict rules on moving animals there. Dogs, cats and horses are generally the only pets allowed into both countries – and even then some breeds may be forbidden. However, it’s always worth checking with a pet transportation specialist first as they will be able to advise you of all the rules and regulations.

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