STUDY AND WORK IN NEW ZEALAND
STUDY AND WORK FACTS
General Information
(as recommended by the Ministry of Education)
When studying in New Zealand always choose a registered provider. Only registered private training establishments (PTEs) can legally offer you valid courses. Registration indicates that a PTE is capable of providing high quality education and training in a sound and stable learning environment. To maintain their registration PTE’s must successfully pass a regular quality audit carried out by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). This includes site visits, student interviews and document analysis.
Visa Information
To choose which visa best suits you and arrange details, talk to us or call the New Zealand Immigration Service on 0508 558 855. Also look up their very helpful NZIS website: www.immigration.govt.nz.
Tax
To work legally in New Zealand you must pay tax and have an IRD number (Inland Revenue Department). If this applies to you, we will take you through the application form for a tax number. Your IRD number will often be ready within a week and you are able to call the IRD at 0800 227 774 and obtain your number over the phone.
- You are classed as a resident for tax purposes if you are in the country for more than 183 days (approx 6 months). Therefore you are taxed as a New Zealand citizen (which means if you earn less that NZ$38,000 in a year you will be taxed at approx 20.7%. This figure includes income tax and the ACC earner levy).
- Every time you start a new job you will need to fill out a new tax form declaring your tax code. You will receive this form from your employers.
- You may be eligible for a tax rebate. The IRD will be able to advise you of this. To receive a rebate you will have to fill out a tax return. You can download all relevant forms (IR3 and IR50) from the IRD website.
- If you have any tax questions ring IRD on their individual number: + 800 227 774 or check out www.ird.govt.nz.
GST
The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZ$) - there are 100 cents to every New Zealand dollar.
GST (Good and Services Tax) adds 12.5% to the price of just about everything in New Zealand. The tax will always be included in the advertised price – unless otherwise stated.
Bank Accounts
All mayor credit cards are accepted in New Zealand. You are able to use your Credit card or ATM card at almost any bank machine, supermarket, shop, restaurant, café, bar, hostel; retail outlet etc. The main banks in New Zealand are ASB, ANZ, Westpac, National Bank, BNZ and Kiwibank, which are all nationwide and have Automatic Teller Machines (or ATM’s) in most towns.
If you want to open an account in New Zealand, remember that each bank has a variety of accounts and charges so we recommend you shop around for the one that best suits your needs.
Things to Remember...
- Branches are generally open from 9.00am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, although increasingly some branches are open on Saturday.
- Please ask your bank not to send you bank statements. Most banks offer online banking where all information relevant to your account can be accessed.
- At the end of your stay, please remember to close your account/s.
- If you plan to use both your home and New Zealand accounts, we suggest leaving funds in both, in case of an emergency.
ACC
We hope your visit to New Zealand will be accident free. But if you are injured here, you may need the help of ACC – New Zealand’s nationwide accident insurance. It is important to understand that ACC only covers accidents and not illness, so please do not consider it as an alternative for travel insurance. If you have an accident it is very important that you contact your insurance company.
More information can be found on their helpful website: www.acc.co.nz.
Travel Insurance
You have been issued with a travel insurance policy through your home organisation. It is very important that you read through your policy carefully and understand what you are and are not covered for. Never assume that you are covered, this is especially important if you are planning to experience some of the many adventure activities on offer in the country. READ your policy or contact your insurance company for clarification.
Remember ATNZ will help with your visa arrangements, flights, work placements and other related issues. Just let us know.
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