Moving back to NZ - A few questions?

Question

Hi everyone,

After living in Australia and briefly in Canada for the past few years I have decided to move back to NZ to try and get back on my feet. I lived in Wellington most of my life and have decided to go back there. Just a few things I wanted to enquire and ask others opinions.

What health insurance would be recommened? I know that its a very broad question but mainly looking about which health funds are better or with better rates?

Bank account? Being I am close to 25 I see Bank of NZ has some good deals one that has no fees. My past feelings of Bank of NZ was not great customer service. But I am not sure if things have changed in the past few years. Any suggestions?

Rooms for rent? Can someone suggest where is the best places to look for renting a room? Internet, newspaper etc? Also what are the rates around for doing so?

Finally any other advice about NZ to help my move would be great.

Thanks

Answer 1

Hi - yes Southern Cross Healthcare is probably you're best bet (www.southerncross.co.nz). As for bank accounts if you what great service try ASB Bank (my opinion) but the most consistent low cost bamks are Kiwibank (www.kiwbank.co.nz) and TSB Bank. As for renting, ther local newspaper in Wgtn is still your best bet (Dominion Post) or if you goo to www.Trademe.co.nz it has a section on lease properties and flatmates wanted although notr as exhaustive as the newspaper). Renting rates are around $120-200 depending on what you're looking for.

Answer 2

Don't need health insurance in NZ - unless you have the extra money to splurge towards it - or you can't be bothred with waiting lists. - my prems are $110 per year NZD, and this covers my children as well...

Bank account - The National is pretty good fee wise( but don't quote me on that) as I am a previous student and I don't have bank fees - my package knocks it out, BNZ provide the same. but the best ones are the community banks I.e Psis, or TSB, or a packge via the major ones BNz etc...

Rentals, in wellington are best on trade me - until you meet some peoples like that

rates on trademe are free, the room might costs you anywhere from $60 - $160 per week, depending on what you're after, I.e flatting, sharing or you're own place - you're own place will cost you anywhere from $160.00 per week, to whatever you are prepared to spend on accomadation.

Answer 3

health insurance = tax payers of nz

Answer 4

There is really only one health insurance scheme and that is Southern Cross. There used to be others but one by one Southern Cross has bought them out. Most NZers don't have insurance in this field as the Social Security system covers most things, but you have to be prepared to go on looooooong waiting lists for some procedures.

I have been with BNZ for many years, but I think at your age you'd get a better deal from Taranaki Savings Bank or KiwiBank (both are available right through the country).

Rooms for rent - -you may be able to do this by Googling, but I would suggest local newspapers, most of which are available online. Short term stays can be arranged through the YM or YWCAs or through the Youth hostel Association.

I've no idea of prices in this respect.

Also perhaps try the cabins at motor camps and holiday parks, they usually allow up to 6 weeks stay, although some allow much longer tenancies.

have fun back here,

DriverT

Answer 5

Hi.  NZ doesn't have compulsory health insurance as Canada does, we pay through our taxes.  However, some people find it beneficial to take out private health insurance such as Southern Cross (the best known) to cover things like surgery.

As for bank accounts, most major banks offer accounts with few or no fees.  Depends on what you are after.  I'm with an Internet based bank and I've never had a problem.  And this particular bank always scores highly on customer services surveys despite having no physical branches.  BNZ have really worked on their profile, so you may find them much better than you did in the past.  I'd check the websites of the banks and go with the one that makes you feel the best, i.e. gives the warm fuzzies or has the best interest rates.

Most people generally look for flatmates online now, TradeMe.co.nz is the most popular I think.  I've found that there is no-where near as many advertisements in the main papers since the rise of Trade Me.  If you want to find your own flat, you can do that there too.

Hope this helps, good luck!