Moving to Canterbury

Immigration Approval

If you are not a New Zealand or Australian citizen or resident, you must apply for a work permit at your nearest New Zealand Embassy or High Commission. This may take several weeks, so we recommend that you begin this process immediately. Details on applicable visas or work permits can be found on our overseas applicants page.

Canterbury Accommodation

Canterbury is a great place to live, with a variety of options available to you to make yourself at home. Whether you decide to live in an apartment and enjoy the vibe of the central city, or prefer to live in a house in a relaxed rural town, you’ll find something to suit your preference and budget.

There are a number of different ways to find a place to live in Canterbury. Many people still advertise in local newspapers, shop windows, and more commonly - leading property websites. You may also find accommodation advertised through the CDHB intranet or cafeteria notice board.

Rental options available to you include flat or house share, short or long term furnished, or unfurnished property, or you might prefer purchasing a house or apartment. The following links will provide you with more information and give you the opportunity to see for yourself what is available.

• Trade Me
• Local Eye
• All Real Estate
• AdStuff

Schooling and Education

If you are relocating with your family you may like to have information regarding the schooling system in New Zealand.

New Zealand primary schools generally cater to boys and girls in a co-educational system, whilst secondary schools offer a choice of single-sex or mixed education for 13-18 year olds.

The Ministry of Education website will enable you to find out more information about schooling and zoning for Canterbury schools.

Tertiary Education

Canterbury boasts two world-class universities - University of Canterbury and Lincoln University.

CDHB is affiliated with the Otago School of Medicine which is based in Dunedin, but has teaching facilities in Christchurch.

Canterbury Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) provides a variety of medical and non medical adult education, with courses including Nursing, Midwifery, Mental Health, Medical Imaging and more.

Banking

Setting up a bank account in New Zealand is a straightforward and easy process. Please find a list of major banks in New Zealand below.

• ASB
• ANZ
• Bank of New Zealand
• KiwiBank
• National Bank
• Westpac

NZ Professional Registration Boards and Bodies

You will need to gain clearance for your qualifications from the relevant NZ Professional Registration Boards and Bodies to enable you to work in NZ.

Follow the link below for information relating to your profession.

• Medical Laboratory Science Board
• New Zealand Dietitians Board
• New Zealand Pharmacy Council
• New Zealand Speech Language Therapists
• Medical Council of New Zealand
• New Zealand Occupational Therapy Board
• Dental Council of New Zealand
• New Zealand Anaesthetic Technicians Board
• Nursing Council of New Zealand
• Midwifery Council of New Zealand
• New Zealand MRT Board
• New Zealand Psychologists Board
• New Zealand Physiotherapy Board
• New Zealand Social Workers Board

Cost of Living

The cost of living will depend on your lifestyle, and how and where you decide to live. The New Zealand Immigration website has some helpful information to give you a better indication on the cost of living in New Zealand.

Health

New Zealand has a good, and easily accessible public health system. The New Zealand Immigration website has some helpful information about the New Zealand healthcare system and who to contact should you have specific questions.

Personal Safety

Canterbury is a relatively safe region to live, work and play. However, as with anywhere in the world, there are precautions you should take to ensure your personal safety and the safety of your belongings.

For more information and safety tips please visit the New Zealand Police website.