So you want to move to New Zealand
Thanks to the recent US election result, “moving to New Zealand” has been (understandably) trending on Google searches. It has also brought up a lot of similar emotions to the 2016 Election Night when after working a long shift, I sat down for the first time in hours in absolute disbelief. My work threw an election-watch party with speciality beers we brewed for the candidates, and it was so busy I barely noticed the votes turning red. I remember sitting down with my (now) husband and speaking into Snapchat saying “come to New Zealand! You’re safe here!” And ever since that day, I’ve intended to write this post. Not only for political reasons, but for anyone who is looking for a change. Maybe you want to experience something new? Live somewhere new? Maybe you’re like me and dreamt of life abroad every waking moment.
So you want to move to New Zealand
I don’t blame you. It’s a pretty great place. And I think I’m allowed to say that after living here for nine years.
Aotearoa. The land of the long, white cloud. Famous for flat whites, a 5 to 1 sheep-to-human ratio, and some pretty spectacular nature scenes, this country has a constant stream of tourists, travellers and immigrants. As an immigrant who went through many visas over the years, I am more than happy to offer advice for those on the fence about calling New Zealand home, even for a short while.
Heads up you may not want to continue if you’re against higher taxes, strict gun laws and universal healthcare. It’s weird, but it’s like the government puts the people first. Crazy, right? Of course, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies, but when comparing school supply lists that don’t include a bulletproof backpack, I think this country is doing a lot of things right.
For example, I, an immigrant in this country on a work visa, gave birth in this foreign country, spent five long days in a hospital and the only money we spent was $40 for parking. I also chose to have a homebirth and I had supported FREE care before, during and for six weeks postpartum. I also received paid maternity leave both times for 26 weeks and my job was secure for a year post-birth. Needless to say, it was cheaper for me by thousands to give birth in a foreign country rather than my own. Wild.
Still curious to find out how to become a Kiwi? Read on my friends.
A few reasons why to move here
Frodo fans
LOTR has a massive fanbase across the globe. I’ve seen countless precious ring necklaces and there are crazy cool places all over the country where filming took place including one of our favorite spots in the Wellington region, the Pinnacles) and of course, Mt. Doom (Mount Ngaruhoe) which we visited often when living on the North Island.
safety
I wish I could say Jacinda still ruled the roost, but unfortunately, the government has changed hands. Regardless, this country is one of the safest out there. According to the Global Peace Index, New Zealand is the fourth safest country. Its swift actions to shut down the country saved thousands of lives during the pandemic. As a person from the States, it was comforting to see Jacinda’s quick actions on gun control after the horrific mosque shooting in Christchurch in 2019 —something the US could learn from.
Honestly, the thing I fear the most here is car accidents because oftentimes, tourists have little driving experience on skinny, windy country roads like ours and/or have never driven on the left side of the road.
The scenery
Yes, this should be number one, but I wanted to keep you intrigued. If you know me, you know how much I love this country’s landscape. It’s ever-changing on two small islands with wild weather and ethereal skies, amongst a bird paradise. Don’t believe me? Check out my North Island & South Island Guides
Kiwis
(I’m talking about the people) Folks here are kind, helpful and often willing to go out of their way to ensure you get to where you’re going. After years of living in downtown Chicago, I grew a hard shoulder to turn away from any beggars or lost visitors. When a tourist looks lost here, within seconds a Kiwi shows up to help. And now I’m a person who is willing to do the same. I will fully admit, that this country has made me kinder.
Lifestyle
Life here is less stressful and it shows in the people. Family time is precious. Holidays (or vacations for the USer’s reading) are long and frequent. All full-time workers accrue four weeks of paid leave days a year regardless of their profession. Maternity was just bumped up to 26 weeks by Aunty Cindy a few years back. That means 26 weeks of paid maternity leave, with zero hospital bills. Reiterating family is important. The population as a whole seems healthier and values time outdoors including all the crazy adrenaline hobbies like mountain biking, skiing/snowboarding, surfing, spearfishing, bungee jumping, and skydiving, to name a few! Food laws are stricter and you’ll find much shorter ingredient lists on the back of our products in the supermarkets vs. the same product on a US shelf. I’m honestly boggled when I go back to the States and read labels.
Are you making a pro/con list on whether to move or not? I can help, check out my ups and downs of living abroad post!
The downsides of living in New Zealand
It’s not perfect, no place is, and before I sell you on a plan to uproot your life and move here, I’m going to share the flaws.
It’s expensive. From eating out to produce, rent and activities, costs are high. But tax is included in everything you buy. Petrol is $$$ since no oil is drilled in New Zealand, an environmental benefit that does hurt when filling up at the station. It costs well over $100 to fill our tank. In Queenstown, we pay around $2.76 per litre for 91 petrol. Translate that into USD, 1 gallon = 3.785, we pay US$6/gallon.
It’s far from home. Unless you’re from another Pacific Island or Australia, it’s a pricy flight home. Over the eight years, we’ve poured a lot of money into flying across the globe, but it’s worth it for us to see family and friends, and travel with our kiddos.
It’s intimidating to start over. Maybe you come with some friends, maybe alone, or maybe with your immediate family, regardless, it can be challenging to make friends. I recommend staying at a hostel at first to meet people and learn more about your area. Join FB groups in the town you plan to move to, and check out the library for free events and pinned group meetups.
your visa options on moving to New ZeALAND
1. working Holiday Visa
Many immigrants start on a Working Holiday Visa. This visa is aimed at 18 to 30-year-olds (35 in some countries) and is perfect if you want to try out living in New Zealand. You have a year to live and travel in the country, but once that year is up, the visa is done and you can’t apply for it again. If you’re from the UK or Canada, you may extend it another year, check your country’s guidelines. This is the visa my husband and I entered on
To find out if you can apply for this head to NZ immigration and scroll down to List of Countries.
Cost varies (for US citizens it’s NZ$420)
If you don’t qualify for the above, here are the other options.
2. Green List Roles
Immigration has changed dramatically since I arrived in 2015. Then, it was much easier to work the system to gain work visas like my Essential Skills Work Visa in which I had to prove a Kiwi couldn’t do my job. Even in the hospitality industry, we found ways to obtain these visas. Then 2020 happened and it’s become a more expensive and difficult process. NZ Immigration said goodbye to the short-term and long-term shortage skills lists and now calls it the Green List.
On this list, you will find over 200 roles in demand. Most have high qualifications and need multiple years of experience, but it is still worth checking out. Typically these roles are in the medical field, construction industry, engineering, farming, IT and teaching. Many require job offer proof, which means you’ll need to start applying if you qualify for one of the Green List roles. If it’s a top-tier role, you qualify for Straight to Residency, which is slightly infuriating for those who had to work at it for 7+ years, but I guess the country is saying, we need these people now and we need them to stay.
If you do qualify for a Green List role, your immediate family (spouse/children) will also be granted visas under the same conditions as yours.
Cost for Straight to Residence & Work to Residence Visas is NZ$4290 (must be under 55 years old)
3. Investor visa
What’s your bank account looking like? Have you won the lottery recently? For the small (jokes) price of NZ$10 million, you can invest and obtain residency immediately. That’s only (jokes again) US$6.019 million. This is called the Investor 1 Resident Visa and it costs NZ$7900.
There was another Investor Visa, but it’s been shut down since 2022.
4. student visas
I’ll be honest I completely forgot about Student Visas. With a little digging, I’ve found a few options for study visas. By choosing this route, you’ll have a lot of research to do on the schools, where they are located, costs, etc. These visas will require a letter of offer from an approved education provider and proof you can afford to live in New Zealand for the next years.
Fee Paying Student Visa costs $750 and you are allowed up to four years. You must show proof of funds for tuition payments and savings to live in New Zealand during those years. You may show overseas loans, proof of a homestay, scholarships, etc. You can work up to 20 hours during school and full-time only on holidays. All the details are here.
Pathway Student Visa costs $750 and you are allowed up to five years to complete three courses (one at a time) while working part-time hours (max 20) during school and only full-time during the holidays.
Student and Trainee Work Visa “is for students and trainees who want to get practical work experience in their field for example, dental and medical trainees” it costs $1355.
If you do receive one of these visas, you may bring your spouse and children with you, but they will need to apply for a Partner (or Dependent) of a Student Visitor Visa.
5. partnership visas
Now this avenue will take a bit of time, but get yourself a Kiwi partner! I’m kinda of kidding, but also not. I am not saying commit visa fraud although we know so many individuals do this in order to obtain green cards in the US. The process for a partnership visa is not easy. Ryan and I completed at least three partnership visas during our Sponsored Work Visa time. You must prove your relationship. You must prove you have lived together for a year (names on the same lease) and you must provide relationship evidence.
*I will note, your partner does not have to be Kiwi, but they must hold NZ residency or be a NZ citizen. There are immigrants here that hold those visas/citizenships from across the globe.
For example, I printed up FB messages, FB photos going back to 2012 when we first met. They want to see you’ve met eachother’s families. Provide photos of you with their parents and vice versa. Take a holiday (vacation) together with receipts of plane tickets purchased together. I also wrote out a long detailed timeline of our relationship. I’ve heard some who reached out to friends and family to write reference letters — a great idea, but more time consuming. We sent in hand-written cards to eachother, and the list goes on. Our partnership visas were never questioned because we provided endless receipts. Some will face in-person interviews or phone calls, or even be asked for more proof.
more details on proof of partnership here.
Cost for Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa - NZD$5360 (this avenue will grant you residence status)
Cost for Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa - NZD$1630 (this avenue will allow you to work in NZ)
Cost for Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa - NZD$341 (you will not be allowed to work in NZ on this visa)
“But how do I find a Kiwi partner, Tor?”
Maybe I should start a match-making app, maybe people will be upset for me saying this, but if you’re looking for love and want a chance at a new life in a new country, why not put yourself out there?
Look up FB groups in your city/country like Kiwis in the USA. Find bars that play rugby and show All Blacks games. Look for Kiwi events in your area. I know this is super niche, but with the power of social media these days anything is possible. TikTok is a surprising source of information. Pop up a video saying “I’m looking for (wo)man in New Zealand, 6’5, blue eyes, wants a partner from the States,” iykyk. Manifest that shit. Start picturing yourself frolicking in lupin fields. See yourself waking up to Tui songs every morning. If you put that energy out in the universe and if you truly truly want to move here, I believe you will.
If you want to scroll through all the available New Zealand visas (there are many), head to NZ Immigration Visas and you’ll find all the info you need. If you need help there are many immigration lawyers available, however, they will be costly.
Have I convinced you to try to move to new zealand?
Maybe you’ve read this and said fuck it, I’ll stay put where I am.
Maybe you’ve realised there are no avenues for you and for that I am sorry. The Ministry of Immigration has made it very difficult over the years and unfortunately, these visas tend to benefit the privileged. Those with existing health conditions are often denied entry. It’s an ugly truth that I wish I could change.
If you are on the fence about making the jump to our small, but mighty Pacific Island nation, feel free to reach out to me. Here, on Instagram, on Tiktok. My inbox is always open and I love helping people who are interested in this country.
I’ve recently found @kiwifroyo on Tiktok who chose to move to NZ from the States with her family. There are many more like us. Type American expat in New Zealand in the search bar and you’ll be inundated with videos on expat life here.
If you are looking for more resources or want to ask immigration questions, Migrants in New Zealand on FB does a decent job of answering them. Another great group is Moving to New Zealand and I’m sure with a quick Google search you’ll find more blogs, YouTube videos, testimonials, etc. on the topic.
Are you worried it’ll be very different from home? There’s a good chance it’ll take some time to get used to the ways of life here. I’ve heard plenty of stories of Americans not loving it because it lacks the conveniences they’re used to. I’ve also had friends leave because they expected it to be similar to Australia with wages and it’s not. A handful of the world population thinks we’re the same country (my brother once thought this, love you, Erich). We are often left off world maps and while some may be upset over that, I think it’s hilarious and in some ways keeps our country safer. If you’re from the States and you’d like to learn about the culture shocks you’ll have before arriving, I highly recommend checking out @phoebemerrick_’s series on TikTok.
If you do move to New Zealand…
Please please learn its history.
Learn Te Reo, and learn to embrace the beautiful Maori culture that was here long before colonisers.
Racism is not welcomed or the idea that your nationality is better than others.
Come with a promise to take care of the environment, it’s fragile as fuck and we don’t need outsiders ruining it. When you arrive in our country (can I say our now?), get behind the Tiaki promise; a promise to uphold the beauty of the land for current and future generations.
Embrace the Kiwi kindness and spread it. As a Chicagoan, I used to drive like an aggressive asshole. I used to speedwalk past tourists who looked like they needed help. Now, I happily let in cars while driving, I help out tourists, and I answer hundreds of DMS asking for advice. Kindness is free and it’s contagious. I can proudly say this country has made me a better human.
If you’ve made it this far, I appreciate you. As I said before, feel free to reach out if you have questions x
Ngā mihi (thank you or kind regards in Te Reo),
Tori