Samsalter

Hey guys,

Couple of weeks away from moving over to Auckland from South Wales, UK.

What can you get here in the UK that you can't get in NZ?
Thinking clothes/shoes/small electrical items may be a lot cheaper here in the UK.

maybe there is something that you didnt take over and you regret it?

Let me know guys

scrubbedexpat094

Bring everything! Seriously

MrsFychan

Yep everything and more

MrsFychan

I regret not bringing over my Henry Vacuum Cleaner.

desmondo84

buy stuff - whatever you can fit in the container!!

garethwm

Be aware that you may theoretically be liable to a 5 to 10% customs duty on new items. Dont bring them in their boxes. Also, because of dust and unwanted insects it may contain, a used vacuum cleaner will likely alert the attention of customs. Also be careful of cane furniture and stuff like that.

MrsFychan

agree but make them looked used

inkedneonurse

So things that flag up to customs and may result in your crates being opened:-
Hoovers
Christmas decorations

Anything else

BEVS

Just keep a list of any such items and a note of what you did to clean them and declare on the form.

We brought in work tools/boots. Garden equip. Bikes. Xmas decs etc. Our container wasn't even opened and there were no charges.

Stuck in Auckland

Yes take them out of the boxes/packaging and remove the price tag

movingtonewzealand

We brought everything with us, including used hoover, walking gear, tools. Tons of stuff that MPI have nightmares about but we had no extra cleaning charges or anything like that. Important thing is to make a list of everything and of course to clean everything. Splash a bit of jays fluid on at the end as well, so they can smell its been cleaned.

escapedtonz

Customs could be interested in items you haven't owned for at least 12 months and could charge you 15% GST on their value which is the reason to take things out of their new boxes so they don't appear new. It's not as if you can take them back to the shop so no reason why you need the box. Obviously all this is just because there is a risk your container could be pulled for a random check.


Customs aren't interested in hoovers, Christmas decs etc. That is MPI (Ministry Of Primary Industries) - used to be called MAF.
They are interested in anything that has picked up dust, dirt, plant or animal material no matter how tiny, so these items plus anything worn or used outdoors - tents/bikes/shoes/golf clubs etc etc.
Also interested in anything natural like wood products, plant products, cane, wicker, anything with wax etc. Majority of the stuff can be brought in but they'll wanna inspect it to make sure its been commercially manufactured and not just picked up off the beach/forest and shipped to NZ. I think from memory that any wax product is not allowed?
You can have a look at the MPI website for pointers.

scrubbedexpat094

I brought loads of candles over (twice!) with no problems. Bees wax products may be a different kettle of fish though.

Samsalter

I wish I knew this before I shipped my stuff.
I have taken the following things:-
-Dyson Hoover (cleaned as good as possible)
-PS4 (bought Christmas 2015, used but shipped in original box)
-Projector (bought in the summer, used but put it back in the original box)
-Golf Clubs (cleaned as good as possible)

I tried not to take wooden items, apart from a toy box and baby cot.
and I tried to clean everything as best I could.
I hope I don't get charged for keeping things in good condition and in original boxes.

Is there any smaller everyday items that are way overpriced in NZ?
Thing that comes to mind is shoes and work clothes.
Should I buy myself some new shoes and pack them in my suitcase?
or is the price similar in NZ and not worth the hassle?

Samsalter

Also I appreciate your comments regarding things being more expensive in NZ, and to ship over everything.
but I have checked some baby furniture and the price seems similar to UK, so not everything is expensive out there.(note, I cant tell if quality is different from the internet)

Really, I want to know of any specific items that you personally regret not bringing with you?

Thanks