Moving Here

Moving countries and cities can be a difficult process, but the communities of Palmerston North City, Feilding, and wider Manawatu are eager to make the transition as easy as possible for you.

Domestic Relocation

Finding relevant information on a new area is a vital step when it comes to relocating.

It is helpful to have a good understanding of buying and renting house’s and transport systems, as well as what schools, healthcare and work opportunities are available in Palmerston North City and Manawatu.

For active or artistic families, knowing what sporting or creative arts groups are present in the Region can also be important, or you may simply be interested in learning about local things to see and do and regular events.

International Immigrants

Palmerston North City and Manawatu is a fantastic places to live and work, with a merged urban/rural lifestyle, and a welcoming, diverse community.

Centrally located in the Lower North Island, Manawatu has a variety of key industry sectors and is host to many national headquarters such as Toyota. The lifestyle in Manawatu is laid back and affordable, with lifestyle blocks within 10 minutes from the City.

Taxes

Before you start looking for a job it is important that you get an IRD tax number. An application for this can be made at any post shop or AA shop. You will need to provide an overseas passport showing your New Zealand immigration visa or permit, and an offer of employment letter from your employer.

Interpreter Services

Language Line is a telephone interpreter service that aids people who speak little to no English. Offered in over 40 different languages, it is free for users and offers interpreters for important governmental meetings when required.

Bank Accounts

It is important to you that you open a bank account as soon as possible. When employed, your employer will request your bank account number for wages and is a versatile way to set up automatic payments. Having access to an EFTPOS card gives you the opportunity to make purchases freely.

The main banks are: ASB, ANZ, BNZ, Kiwibank, Westpac

Housing

When looking at renting or buying a house in the region, advice on listings are available through the Housing Advice Centre. Many migrants that come here prefer to rent when they arrive. This gives them time to save money and decide where they would like to live, what size house they are after, as well as their budget restrictions and transport requirements.

Some things to bear in mind when renting a property are:

• Power and electricity: You will need to have the power connected through opening an account with an electricity provider. They will have a free phone number to call.
• Telephone: All local calls made are free through a fixed landline. More information can be found in the Yellow Pages under ‘Telecommunication Services
• Insurance: It is important to insure your possessions.

Healthcare

Health Care in New Zealand is important, you can find information on our Health Care System and how it works through the Ministry of Health. For regular health care and advice you must register with a local General Practitioner or Doctor. To find a GP visit our Healthcare section.

Assistance once you arrive

Also recommended for new residents in the Newcomers Network, which will connect you to a warm community through social activities and support. Anyone is able to join, whether you are a new migrant to New Zealand or have simply moved to the Manawatu Region from another part of the country. For more information contact Palmerston North Newcomers Networks.