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Moving from US to NZ - School year; housing; cars

Moving from US to NZ - School year; housing; cars

Old Jul 4th 2012, 2:14 pm
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Default Moving from US to NZ - School year; housing; cars

My husband has an opportunity to move to NZ. I am an at home mom. We have three kids. What is the school year in NZ? If we move in August , is it the middle of a year? My girls are going into 5th and 9th grades in the fall here in the US. Any advise would be appreciated. Trying to see if you can rent a furnished house or are all of them unfurnished. If you buy a house , are they furnished or unfurnished? Just trying to figure out costs . Is it best to bring your belongings or just too expensive to buy new things? What type of stores are in the Auckland area? Cars are another concern. Are they too expensive to buy in NZ?
Thank you.
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Old Jul 4th 2012, 11:21 pm
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Default Re: Moving from US to NZ - School year; housing; cars

We moved from the US back in November so will try to answer a few of your questions based on our experience.

School year starts in end of January or beginning of February and ends mid December. The seasons are opposite because NZ is in southern hemisphere so summer is Christmas time. School year is altered accordingly so kids our out of school in the summer. Here is a link for more info http://www.minedu.govt.nz/theMinistr...msAndHols.aspx

We have two girls aged 11 and 13 and they love school here. They were home schooled their whole lives and we really wondered how they would do in public school but they have both taken to it well. We are in a town called Kerikeri and the school here is well funded with many opportunities for kids that are motivated with good family support. The thing I would say about NZ schools is if a kid doesn't want to "achieve" the school system will basically let them float on through and end up a dumb ass. I suppose is true of most public school systems, but if kids want to get into school and learn all kinds of stuff NZ is a country that still funds public education and give kids that want to grasp it a solid education.

Rentals: Someone may be able to tell you more about Auckland as far as housing goes but my understanding is housing is expensive there. Not sure about furnished or unfurnished but what we found up here in Kerikeri was there were a few furnished places available when we landed. We ended up renting an unfurnished place and moved here with 8 suitcases after selling everything.

Brining Stuff: We wanted a fresh start and made an adventure out of sleeping on the floor until getting beds and having "picnics" in the living room until we got a couch and a table. As far as bringing stuff I would say buy all the clothes and shoes you ever wanted and pack the maximum luggage on the plane with them as clothes are expensive and pretty junky here. We came from Hawaii and shipping was just way to expensive. Have talked to other immigrants that felt after the fact they wished they had brought a lot less stuff. If you spend $15k or more shipping stuff you have to wonder how much the stuff is really worth. Major appliances, TV, DVD, players, vacuum cleaners, etc all have to be replaced anyway as the power grid is different from the US. There are ways to put adapters on these items but it voids the warranties and makes it hard to ever get repairs. Sell all that stuff and use the cash to buy what you need when you arrive. The exception is computers and music equipment as they are made to travel across borders and work on all the major power grids with simple plug adapters.

Cars: Same story for cars as you will be driving on the other side of the road and need a car with steering on the other side as well. It is terribly expensive to try to convert a car so as far as we know no one really does this. There are two "kinds" of cars in NZ - one is called "New Zealand New" which means it was originally sold in New Zealand when it was new and the other is some form of used import. Many times you can tell the used imports because they come from Japan and will have Japanese knobs on the radio and dashboard.

We talked to a lot of folks and came to the conclusion the cheap used imports were risky as we are a one car family so we bought a "New Zealand New" Honda which really meant we we bought a a two year old Honda from the dealership in Auckland that was originally a New Zealand new car. This comes with the Honda warranty and has been a solid car. When you are looking at cars they have to tell you if the car was "New Zealand New" or not and it is definitely worth learning more about it. You also want to look at brands and make sure the kind of car you are buying is easily repaired in New Zealand.

As a general rule of thumb - everything is expensive in New Zealand. It is a fact of life here and one that takes some getting used to. Most everything is imported from other countries and many things are realllllly expensive because of importing, GST, and currency differences. Like anything in life you learn to adapt and adjust but it is something to get your head around as coming from the USA and land of walmart you will be surprised at the price differences on store bought stuff.

Hope this all helps a bit...
Cheers
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Old Jul 5th 2012, 12:42 am
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Default Re: Moving from US to NZ - School year; housing; cars

You can buy new new cars, not just NZ "new". My Toyota Corolla was brand new when I bought it . Not looked at the cost of cars lately as we can't afford to buy another one.

Housing in Auckland is expensive & most rentals are usually unfurnished, though we have had two furnished rentals in the past. One was an apartment in the city & the other was here in Gulf Harbour, on the Whangaparaoa peninsula. However, we bought a house back in April 2005 & so I'm not sure what rentals are costing at present. Obviously it will be dependant on area & type of housing.

There are companies who rent out furniture, so that is an option for you to consider whilst you wait for your stuff to arrive. Most Brits will tell you to bring everything as most stuff costs more here. Any stuff you don't need can be sold on TradeMe (NZ equivalent of Ebay) & believe me, Kiwis will buy anything

Best of luck with all your plans
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Old Jul 5th 2012, 12:53 am
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Default Re: Moving from US to NZ - School year; housing; cars

Originally Posted by Vitalstatistix
Most Brits will tell you to bring everything as most stuff costs more here. Any stuff you don't need can be sold on TradeMe (NZ equivalent of Ebay) & believe me, Kiwis will buy anything
This is where the you have to be careful on advice in the forums... appliances from the US won't be selling on TradeMe as they dont work here so when someone says "bring everything" you have to ask what "everything" means.

Cheers
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Old Jul 5th 2012, 1:05 am
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Default Re: Moving from US to NZ - School year; housing; cars

the majority of properties in Auckland are unfurnished - of course, there probably are some that are furnished, not sure if there is a specialist agency for this.

All "types" of stores are available in the Auckland area. Its the largest city in New Zealand. Auckland is rather spread out, so everything is here, you just may have to drive about a bit to access it all.

Just having a little think about replacing the average contents of your home - you COULD be looking at quite a lot of money - yes, you can get cheaper than what i've put below - but I don't think the quality will be great - I have to admit - I have not purchased furniture here apart from a bed. The average cheap double/queen bed will be around $1000

Good quality lounge suite - $5K?
Good quality dining table and chairs - $5k?
Contents of kitchen - $1k
Good quality Queen/king bed $2-3K
Bedroom furniture - $1-2k for set (drawers/bedside tables)

Then all your other clothes, dvd's, cd's, books, shoes, bed linens, bedding, towels etc and the other decorative stuff that makes up your home.

I originally came with a backpack so of course, did not bring much! I can't wait to get my stuff sent over from the UK, and whilst it will cost a fair amount, it will be much much cheaper than replacing it all and starting again. the stuff i can afford here is not great quality whereas the stuff I had in the UK is very good quality.

Like most other things - cars seem to be more expensive in NZ than in other countries - but thats the local market. Brits importing their cars don't have the same issues as from the US though as we drive on the same side, so probably not that practical to bring a car with you. Autotrader and seek have cars for sale.
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Old Jul 5th 2012, 1:09 am
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Default Re: Moving from US to NZ - School year; housing; cars

Originally Posted by jeffrey.dalton
This is where the you have to be careful on advice in the forums... appliances from the US won't be selling on TradeMe as they dont work here so when someone says "bring everything" you have to ask what "everything" means.

Cheers
What like a fridge, washing machine? Okay, don't bring your TV or anything to do with it and obviously, don't bring your car (though I have seen a couple of left-hand drive cars on the road here).

I can't help it if you come from some backwater Country
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Old Jul 5th 2012, 3:29 am
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Default Re: Moving from US to NZ - School year; housing; cars

Originally Posted by jeffrey.dalton
This is where the you have to be careful on advice in the forums.
So true is that. Although you wouldn't be meaning to undermine the thoughts of others ,which are freely given here , would you.

At least with an open forum like this , one will get a good cross section of experiences and points of view & of course, one is free to ask away about anything.

appliances from the US won't be selling on TradeMe as they dont work here so when someone says "bring everything" you have to ask what "everything" means.

Cheers
Not strictly true is that. As you have stated, certain small appliances bought from the US work here with the use of a transformer or converter. some larger appliance too. Not everything a person owns remains under warranty. It may just be serviceable and reliable. Parts for repairs can be difficult if the appliance breaks down but there again , this is NZ .Make Do and Can Do is how it is.

When my UK front loader broke down I called a repair man with little hope of it being fixed really coz of parts etc but he came up trumps. So you see, my experience is different to what you have suggested.

Items from the US do sell on Trade Me.
It is best to check whether or not it is worth shipping appliances and electronics on an item by item basis.

As Vital and many others have stated , NZ is an expensive place to be. Replacing items is also expensive, especially once earning the old NZD . Choice can be very limited so it is wise to spend some time investigating what can brought and then to bring over as much as one can, if you decide to ship.

With shipping over a container, it is best to get quotes from several worldwide shippers in your area to compare the prices. You will also need to check out marine insurance.

Last edited by BEVS; Jul 5th 2012 at 3:50 am.
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Old Jul 5th 2012, 3:41 am
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Default Re: Moving from US to NZ - School year; housing; cars

Originally Posted by jeffrey.dalton
We talked to a lot of folks and came to the conclusion the cheap used imports were risky
Who on earth have you been talking to .

There are plenty of imported vehicles that are driven every single day on the roads here with no worries. Our own car is a Japanese import and has run without any sort of problem for the past 8 years. It had some warranty as it was bought through a dealer. There has been no problem with repairs and replacements. I don't know anyone at all that has had a problem like that.

Best thing is to wait until you are here and know where you are settling. You will then know which type of vehicle will be best for your needs. As we are semi-rural , our vehicle is a small 4 wheel drive suitable for the non-tar sealed roads hereabouts.

One thing to note. Insurance is not compulsory here, so watch the paint on your brand new vehicle.

The Dog & Lemon Guide may be of some use

Also , maybe start a new thread about vehicles in NZ. We have quite a few folks into their wheels.

Last edited by BEVS; Jul 5th 2012 at 3:52 am. Reason: add a bit. NZ is as capable of repairs and replacements as anywhere else in my 8yr of NZ exp.
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Old Jul 5th 2012, 3:44 am
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Default Re: Moving from US to NZ - School year; housing; cars

Originally Posted by BEVS
There are plenty of imported vehicles that are driven every single day on the roads here with no worries. Our own car is a Japanese import and has run without any sort of problem for the past 8 years. It had some warranty as it was bought through a dealer.
I think the main risk with a Jap import is that you have no way of knowing the service history. so you could buy a 5 year old car but no idea what its had done to it.

As i'm finding though, buy a 2nd hand NZ new car does not necessarily mean it has a full service history! so far, its seeming its not so much the done thing here...(although this is based only on a very small amount of cars I've inquired about past the advert).
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Old Jul 5th 2012, 3:59 am
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Default Re: Moving from US to NZ - School year; housing; cars

Originally Posted by tkolites
What is the school year in NZ? If we move in August , is it the middle of a year?
Yes. Please do start another thread/topic about schools here in NZ. Plenty of people around to help you with this.

Trying to see if you can rent a furnished house or are all of them unfurnished.
There are furnished and unfurnished. The unfurnished often come with white ware. It is possible to rent furniture etc. Most of us 'rough it' for the first few weeks until our wordly goods arrive. Some landlords can be very helpful once they realise you have just landed & offer to lend you 'stuff' to get by with.
Some people choose to stay in a holiday home or a motel for a few weeks whilst they find their feet.

If you buy a house , are they furnished or unfurnished?
For the most part, unfurnished. White wear, carpets and drapes may be left.
.
What type of stores are in the Auckland area?
Best to start another topic/thread to ask about Auckland . We;ve a fair few live up that way and can help with all things Auckland.

Cars are another concern. Are they too expensive to buy in NZ?
Thank you.
Don't be concerned & don't over think all of this ,otherwise you can give yourself headboil. We've all been there and done that & we are all willing to help and unravel the mysteries.

One step at a time and....breathe.
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Old Jul 5th 2012, 6:26 am
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Default Re: Moving from US to NZ - School year; housing; cars

Originally Posted by Caz8NZ
I think the main risk with a Jap import is that you have no way of knowing the service history. so you could buy a 5 year old car but no idea what its had done to it.

As i'm finding though, buy a 2nd hand NZ new car does not necessarily mean it has a full service history! so far, its seeming its not so much the done thing here...(although this is based only on a very small amount of cars I've inquired about past the advert).
Ours came with a full service history - translated. We had a full pre-purchase inspection done and the dealer then re-imbursed the money spent when we finally went to buy the vehicle. It came with a full WOF at point of purchase.

It's also worth noting that, as with other large purchases in NZ, one should haggle on the price.

I agree. NZers , from our own experience, are not so concerned on servicing their vehicles It's more DIY . Local garages around us actively and aggressively push this by offering an assortment of incentives , like prize draws for a hamper
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Old Jul 5th 2012, 2:04 pm
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Default Re: Moving from US to NZ - School year; housing; cars

Originally Posted by jeffrey.dalton
This is where the you have to be careful on advice in the forums... appliances from the US won't be selling on TradeMe as they dont work here so when someone says "bring everything" you have to ask what "everything" means.

Cheers
You need to be mindful of the fact that this forum is aimed at Brits and therefore primarily our members are Brits. In which case appliances from the UK will work as long as the plugs are changed. Hence Vitalstatistix's post.

Will appliances from the UK work in NZ?
UK plugs differ from New Zealand plugs, but the voltage and frequency are the same. You will need to use an adapter or fit a new plug to the end of the flex. However, the loading of the device should not exceed 2.3 kw. The voltage in New Zealand is 230 Volts and the frequency is 50 Hertz.

Source: Electricity Authority- NZ
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