According to the Department of Home Affairs, there are just over 598,000 New Zealanders permanently living in Australia. Many have made the switch across the ditch for the warmer weather (we bet they don’t miss those Central Otago winters!), better job opportunities, a romantic relationship, or a change of scene.
If you’re thinking about joining their ranks and moving from Aotearoa to the Great Southern Land, you’ll be embarking on a life-changing decision. As a parent, you will naturally want to be sure your family settles in quickly and happily. That means understanding visas, schools, healthcare, housing, and a host of other things that come with relocating to Australia. It is a lot to comprehend. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
This guide will help you plan your new life abroad with greater understanding and confidence. Hopefully, it will help you start your next chapter as smoothly as possible.
Moving to Australia
Before you cross over the Tasman, it is vital to have a clear plan in place, as this will make the entire process much easier. A great resource to get you started is Muval’s moving to Australia checklist. It covers everything from paperwork to shipping, which can save you time and help you stay organised.
However, outlined below is some more specific information about what you will need to understand.
1. Your visa options
If you are a New Zealand citizen, moving to Australia is actually pretty straightforward. Most Kiwis can live and work in Australia indefinitely on a Special Category Visa (SCV). This is granted when you arrive, so long as you have a valid New Zealand passport.
Should you not be a New Zealand citizen, you will need to research what relevant Australian visa options apply to you. These may include skilled migration visas and partner visas. It is a good idea to check the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest requirements.
2. Cost of living in Australia vs New Zealand
In Australia, the cost of living might surprise you because, depending on where you settle, it can be a lot more expensive than in New Zealand.
The price of rent, properties, groceries and fuel may be more than you are used to, particularly for those who are swapping cities like Christchurch, Hamilton, and Dunedin for Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Before committing to the move, take the time to compare the cost of living in Australia with that of New Zealand. You’ll want to make sure you will be able to afford it over a period of 10, 20 and 30 years plus.
3. Choosing where to live
Comprising a landmass of 7.688 million km², Australia is a massive country. As a result, there are several places within it you can call home.
If you are to move across the ditch, you’ll need to decide where you want to initially base yourself. This could be anywhere from a city or coastal town to a hinterland area or even out in the bush.
Many Kiwis initially head to the cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Hobart, before venturing further afield. That said, many beach lovers opt to go straight to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast in Queensland. Aside from being popular holiday hot spots, there are large communities of New Zealanders at both.
4. Finding schools in Australia
If you are moving with children, schooling will, of course, be a top priority. Overall, the standard of public schools in Australia is generally pretty high. In addition, most areas, including regional ones, also have very good Catholic and independent schools.
You’ll find it easier to choose a school in Australia once you have picked where you want to move to. That said, you should be aware of the role school zones can play in most states, because public school enrolments are based on where you live.
5. Healthcare
One of the major benefits of being a New Zealand citizen is access to Australia’s Medicare system. This covers basic medical care such as GP visits and hospital treatment.
To get started, you will need to enrol in Medicare after you’ve arrived in the country. This can easily be done at a local Medicare service centre with your passport and proof of address.
For those who want private health insurance, there are plenty of options available. They include Bupa, Medicare, and HCF. All of these can offer you extra coverage, such as dental and optical services.
6. Job opportunities
As a Kiwi, the good news is that finding work in Australia is often easier than it is for other migrants. The main reason for this is that New Zealand citizens can work without needing a separate work visa.
You’ll find excellent job opportunities in Australia for Kiwis across several sectors. These include healthcare, education, trades, IT, and hospitality.
Before you move, start browsing job boards like Seek or Indeed. It is also a good idea to connect with recruiters in your chosen city. Ideally, if you can secure a role before you arrive, this will make things easier for you.
7. Renting a home in Australia
It’s a good idea to initially rent when you arrive in Australia. But unfortunately, the country’s rental industry can be extremely competitive, especially in the bigger cities.
To secure yourself a place, you will need proof of funds/income, valid identification, and good references. However, it can take a while to find something suitable. For this reason, it can be helpful to arrange short-term accommodation for the first few weeks while you attend inspections. This gives you time to explore neighbourhoods and find the right fit for your family.
8. Settling in Australia with kids
Moving countries can be a massive upheaval, and it can take time for everyone to fully settle into their new surroundings. However, there are several ways to make it easier for the whole family. For example, you can get involved in local activities, such as joining sports clubs or playgroups. In addition to being fun, these are great places to meet people and make friends.
It’s also worth exploring your new surroundings together as a family. Visit local parks, beaches, and attractions so you can all become familiar with where you now live and find new places you will quickly love.
This article was written by Lucy Mitchell, Content Manager for Current.com.au | The Home of Australian Product Reviews, with editing by Kidspot NZ.
The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by Kidspot NZ of the website, information, products or services contained therein. All views are those of the author.
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