Living in New Zealand
Starting a new life as an immigrant requires cramming a lifetime of knowledge, experience and information into an incredibly short space of time. This scramble to gather information usually becomes extremely frustrating, and is often impossible. This leads to considerable disillusionment and dissatisfaction with the emigrant's new country. Add to this the practicalities associated with migration, such as finding accommodation, transportation, etc. and it can become overwhelming.
When you arrive, why not sign up for social clubs, playgroups for your children and even expat groups to help you get adjusted? You can also get professional resettlement advice, which can pay for itself in helping you avoid costly mistakes in your new homeland.
What to expect
New Zealanders speak English and drive on the same side of the road, but don't let that lull you into a sense of false security. You will find some very real differences in culture that you may not have thought of, and you need to prepare yourself for in order to reduce culture shock upon arriving. New Zealanders create an incredibly friendly environment, but you'll still need to be aware of the different customs and social standards that may exist within your new homeland.
Finding and making a home
Finding a place to live is also a key part of making your new country feel like home. Research regions, commuting distances (and traffic during rush hours) in addition to public transportation options. Picking the wrong area could find you spending 45 minutes in the car to go a mere 5 miles, or so far out in the country that going to work or sending the children to school is extremely inconvenient.
Expat expenses
Banking as an expat - Before you leave, try to arrange a bank account. This will make your life much easier; as once you're in New Zealand it is more difficult to establish a banking presence. Keep in mind that you will not have a credit history in New Zealand, and you'll need to start from scratch. Having a bank account already set up for you can help you build up your credit rating. The Bank of New Zealand offers a bank account for migrants, which you may want to investigate.
Education in New Zealand - Education is also very different in New Zealand. Get as much information as possible before you go, and weigh up the pros and cons of the educational system to determine if it is the best for your child. As in the UK, private education is available, but remember it can be expensive.
Driving in New Zealand
Distances and speeds are measured in kilometres, not in miles. Speed limits and the rules of the road are also different. Prepare yourself in advance by reading up on New Zealand road rules, and you'll need to find out the rules about driving on a UK licence and converting your UK licence to a New Zealand one.
Removal quote appointment booking service
Britannia Bradshaw can help your move go smoothly. Contact us for a free, no obligation quote, or by calling 0161 877 5555 (Manchester) or 0121 504 0966 (Birmingham & Coventry) and speak with one of our removals specialists.
How are our appointments carried out
In the current times you might prefer that we don't visit your house in person to carry out a survey. This is fully understandable and we can just as easily undertake the survey by video call, using whatever method you're comfortable with, usually FaceTime or WhatsApp.
See what our customers think of us...
Your staff have been wonderful from start to finish
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Recommended
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Positive approach and reassurance
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Aaron, John and Luke were very helpful. Good communication and attitude.
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
Just keep doing the same thing
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your move?
Your staff have been wonderful from start to finish, and dealt with any issues that arose.
Professionalism and competitive prices
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
We were shopping around for quotes on Google. Your local rep visited and we took it from there. All the other companies tried to do this via video call
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
9/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
9/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Professionalism and competitive prices won although some competitors were cheaper when considering monthly storage
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
We moved twice 16/09/2024 from Culcheth to storage - great team, non stop and very very good and polite. 07/04/2025 storage to Bridlington - some of the 4 man team are local to our new address and all 4 were a cheery, friendly lot who again worked tirelessly and efficiently. Would highly recommend even though there was some slight damage incurred on a kitchen unit door
How would you rate our communication?
9/10
How can we improve our service?
I can’t help you there as we were very pleased
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your move?
We had two exceptionally sunny days for moving so that made everyone happy and relaxed and they were all a pleasure to work with
Everyone who we came into contact with made our move easier
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Googled removals and storage in our area. We have also seen your vans in our neighbourhood.
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Impressed by Martin during his visit. We didn’t get any other quotes. Happy with yours.
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Both teams were excellent. They were professional, courteous and hard-working. We would highly recommend them and you as a company.
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
Not applicable - we were very happy with the service from all members of the team.
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your move?
Everyone who we came into contact with made our move easier and less stressful, thank you.
Very helpful
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Previous knowledge
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Previous knowledge
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Very helpful
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
N/A
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your move?
N/A
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