Settling in to Life in New Zealand

New Zealand Immigration Department statistics suggest that migrants from the UK overwhelmingly settle well in New Zealand, but we know from the many migrants we have worked with that some don’t. It may pay to have a think in advance about how all of the members of your family can start fitting in.

One of the most important things is to have realistic expectations of life here – do as much research as you can. You have obviously made a good start on your research already if you are reading this!

New Zealanders are well known for their friendliness, and you will probably find that you have more conversations in passing with neighbours and shop assistants that you would in a city in the UK. It really is a massive advantage to you that you share a first language with Kiwis, and that many of them have visited the UK. But many migrants report that striking up friendships with New Zealanders is quite hard, and find that they initially socialise mainly with other migrants.

On one level this is understandable – many of the people you meet will have social and familial networks that have been in place for years, much the same as your own may have been in the UK. If you think back, you may not have consciously gone out to make friends since you first left home. So how do you start?

Migrants who are working may find it easier to meet Kiwis, and work can be a great place to get started on a social life – after-work drinks, functions, sports teams and conversations around the coffee machine about last night’s TV are all a big part of working life in New Zealand, as they are in the UK. Just be aware that while you speak the same language, the sense of humour is slightly different in NZ, and note especially that Kiwis tend to be quite aware of politically correct language.

Outside work, have a think about any interests you may wish to pursue once you are in New Zealand – perhaps something you have not had time to do for a while, or something you have always wanted to try. Most high schools and tertiary institutions have night and weekend classes in a wide range of subjects, and there are hundreds of clubs and societies out there.

Local councils often sponsor websites with heaps of information about events and activities you can get involved with;

For Auckland information, see www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/default.asp

For Wellington http://www.wotzon.com/ and http://www.feelinggreat.co.nz/

For Nelson, see http://www.itson.co.nz/

For Christchurch, try http://www.localeye.info/ and the library-run database Cinch

For Dunedin, see http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/events

And for any other region or city, start with the local council webpage – they usually have plenty of information for locals and visitors alike.

Consider also subscribing to the local paper when you arrive – it can be a great way of finding out what is going on. For example, the Christchurch Press prints a comprehensive events guide on Fridays. Admittedly there is always much more on in summer than in winter, a factor to consider in your migration planning.

If you have children, consider taking the time to get involved in their pursuits – sports clubs, social clubs and schools are always on the lookout for volunteers, and many offer the opportunity to get involved with a short-term project such as a working bee or sausage sizzle rather than committing to committees!

Give yourself a few months to get settled in your new home – many migrants we have spoken to have commented that things were a bit quiet for their first six months in New Zealand, and that their first winter was particularly hard. Keep reminding yourself why you left the UK, and try to stay positive and open to new experiences. We sincerely hope that, like us, you’ll feel at home in no time.

Read on for New Zealand Immigration Settlement Statistics and our five tops tips for settling successfully in New Zealand.

Broadbase International will work with you every step of the way to help you make a confident start to your new life in New Zealand. Please contact us if you have any questions about the financial side of life in New Zealand, and don't forget to order your free copy of our comprehensive New Zealand Guide.