Top five tips for making the move to Auckland in 2020

If you’re thinking about doing something different in 2020, then how about making the move to one of the world’s most liveable cities?

Auckland has plenty of jobs on offer in sectors including IT, construction, infrastructure, education and healthcare. What’s more, you’ll be relocating to a city that really does have it all: stunning scenery, idyllic coastlines, beautiful beaches, cultural heritage, a vibrant night life and so much more.  

Is it hard to move?

We understand that moving to a new city can be a daunting prospect and moving to a new country can seem like a massive undertaking. But relax, help is at hand. We have put together useful resources and tips based on the most frequently asked questions we receive from people looking to relocate to Auckland.

1.    How can I find a job?

With skill shortages in several key areas, Auckland employers are searching the globe for employees to fill vacancies. There are many online recruitment sources to start your job search. The largest and most popular websites are Seek and Trade Me Jobs. There are also specialist recruitment agencies that deal specifically with people looking to relocate to Auckland. You can find a list of these at living and working in Auckland which includes other useful resources to help with your job search.

Undertaking desktop research is another great way to find out more about the Auckland work scene and will help you get a good understanding of the job market, salaries and career prospects. If you haven’t done so already, now’s the perfect time to update your CV (résumé). You’ll be competing with candidates from around the world, so make sure your CV is error free and well written. Our guide to finding your dream job in Auckland should help.

2.  Will I need a visa? 

The short answer is yes, and it’s worth knowing that you will probably need a job or job offer to apply for one of New Zealand’s resident or temporary work visas. New Zealand has a points system in place, which takes into consideration if your skills are in demand, your qualifications and what experience you have.

There are various types of New Zealand visas available, ranging from a Working Holiday Visa to an Investor Visa. The three main work visas are: 

• Essential Skills Visa 
• Work to Residence Visa
• Skilled Migrant Visa

New Zealand Immigration has put together a helpful comparison of popular visa types. 

3. Will I be entitled to a relocation package?

Employers are often keen to recruit someone with the right skills and will include a relocation package with their job offer. This could include covering the costs of a trip to find a suitable home, the costs of house sale and purchase, transport costs to the new location and cost of temporary housing or hotel accommodation.

Some companies frequently deal with relocating new employees, while in other cases, the employer may need full details of what a move will cost in terms of time and money spent. 

As with any job-related benefit, it's important to have all the details in writing so that everybody is clear on expectations and coverage. This article talks about relocation packages in more detail. 

4. How much does it cost to buy or rent a property?

Buying or renting property in Auckland is comparable with many of the world’s largest cities. Many people who move here choose to rent before committing to buying a property. This makes good sense and allows you to get to know the city better, understand commute times and find the perfect neighbourhood for your family’s needs.

Auckland is made up of four quarters (north, south east and west) and within each area there are suburbs. The cost of property is primarily based on which suburb you live in, along with lifestyle factors such as commuting, public transport, access to the city centre, schools and shops. 

There are a number of online resources you can browse before you even set foot in New Zealand that will give you a clear indication of the costs you can expect to pay. Check out: Hometopia, Trade Me Property and Real Estate NZ

Find out more about the cost of living in New Zealand’s largest city.

5. What sort of healthcare can I expect?

New Zealand citizens, residents and those holding a work visa that’s valid for two years or more will qualify for free or subsidised care in the public health system. However, those with a work visa for less than two years will need to pay for healthcare as required. There are many general practitioners (GPs), out-of-hours clinics and hospitals, and plenty of options for specialist care. 

Costs arising from injuries caused by accidents are coved by ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation). It provides no-fault insurance cover for injuries resulting from accidents such as car crashes, falling off a bike or being injured at work. You can discover more about the New Zealand healthcare system and its services. 

Career opportunities

Auckland is experiencing rapid growth across the construction and technology sectors. With numerous large-scale projects underway, there are more career opportunities than ever before. If you’re considering making the move, now could be the right time.

We’ve put together a series of videos so you can hear first-hand from people around the world who have chosen to make Auckland their new home.

What are you waiting for?