Are you a New Zealander planning to move to Australia? by JJ Smith written by JJ Smith You’ve just landed in the right place! Whether you’re still in the dreaming phase or already knee-deep in planning, I’m here to help make your move across the ditch as smooth and stress-free as possible. My family and I made the move from Auckland to Brisbane over 15 years ago, and wow, did we learn a lot along the way. As a website designer, it felt natural to create Moving to Australia to share everything I discovered. I figured if my slightly obsessive research could help us, it could definitely help other Kiwis making the move to Australia too. There’s a lot to consider when moving to Australia. Yes, as NZ citizens, it’s easy for us to pack up and move to Australia to live and work as long as we want. But you are still moving country, and it takes a lot of planning and organising. So do yourself a favour and prioritise research time because the more you plan before you move, the less stressed out you will be on the plane to your new home. From setting up an Australian bank account, understanding foreign exchange, and moving your belongings, to understanding schooling, real estate (renting or buying), and everyday life in Australia—it’s all here. Whether you’re headed to Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, or somewhere in between, I’ve got you covered. I’ve also been answering readers’ questions for over 15 years, so if you can’t find what you’re after, just ask. I’m always happy to help! It’s actually my favourite part of the job, which is why I have been doing it for so long. Scroll through the posts below or use the below search bar to quickly find what you need. Your new Aussie life starts here! Search Moving to AustraliaSearch Good luck with your move to Australia. JJ Smith x 19 September 2024 0 comments FacebookPinterest
The Land of OZ, Consumer Mag by JJ Smith 19 September 2024 The question is… Why are so many New Zealanders moving to Australia right now? Thousands of New Zealanders cross the Tasman every year in search of a better life. Why … FacebookPinterest
Moving to Australia Process by JJ Smith 12 November 2024 Are you among the many New Zealanders considering moving to Australia? Find below a general guide to moving from New Zealand to Australia. Australia is one of the main destinations … FacebookPinterest
Documentation needed when moving to Australia by JJ Smith 25 March 2024 Don’t get caught out arriving in Australia without the documentation/paperwork you need! It will cause you a whole lot of stress, time, and worry! Australia can be really competitive when … FacebookPinterest
Money – What You Need to Know by JJ Smith 17 February 2024 Moving to Australia? There are definitely a few things you need to organise regarding money from NZ before you leave. Whether you’re opening an Australian bank account, moving money into … FacebookPinterest
Open an Australian Bank Account by JJ Smith 6 November 2024 Moving to Australia? Start your new life today with Australia’s leading bank. Say hello to the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. We’d like to introduce you to the Commonwealth Bank of … FacebookPinterest
Foreign Exchange/Money Transfer by JJ Smith 6 November 2024 Transferring money to Australia from New Zealand is something we all do when moving there, so why not make sure you get the best exchange rate on your money transfer? … FacebookPinterest
$19,000 exchange fee shocks family by JJ Smith 14 January 2025 A Kiwi dad is stunned and struggling to sleep over what he describes as the “outrageous” exchange rates imposed by a major bank for transferring money to Australia. The NZ … FacebookPinterest
Need to transfer money for Christmas? by JJ Smith 14 November 2025 Planning to send money overseas for Christmas or heading back to NZ for the holidays? Before going straight to your bank, take a moment to compare; you might be surprised … FacebookPinterest
Australian Tax by JJ Smith 14 November 2024 Australian tax file number, tax rates, tax calculator, and finding a tax agent/accountant. The Australian tax system works pretty similarly to New Zealand’s. The Australian Tax Office/Department (ATO) is the … FacebookPinterest
Getting Your Tax File Number (TFN) by JJ Smith 15 October 2025 If you’re moving to Australia from New Zealand, one of the most important tasks to tick off once you arrive is getting your Tax File Number (TFN). This should be … FacebookPinterest
Jobs in Australia by JJ Smith 3 May 2024 Moving to Australia and want to find a suitable job? If you are a New Zealand citizen, you are legally able to work in Australia. You may need to apply … FacebookPinterest
Australia Skill Shortages by JJ Smith 16 July 2025 Are you a skilled worker? Or are you willing to upskill to be more desirable to Australian employers? Australia is experiencing widespread skill shortages across various industries, impacting sectors such … FacebookPinterest
Move from NZ to teach kindergarten by JJ Smith 18 October 2024 Thinking about moving to Victoria, Australia, to pursue a career in early childhood education (ECE)? Whether you’re coming from another state or territory or from overseas, Victoria offers a supportive … FacebookPinterest
Moving Company to Australia by JJ Smith 14 May 2024 Should you take your belongings to Australia or buy new ones there? Find out… Moving is one of the most stressful things we do. Moving to Australia wants to make … FacebookPinterest
International Pet Transport by JJ Smith 15 April 2023 Get your pet safely to Australia from New Zealand with trusted international pet movers. I’ve researched your options for safely taking your beloved pet from New Zealand to Australia. Below … FacebookPinterest
Working With Children Check in Australia (WWCC) by JJ Smith 16 December 2025 If you’re planning to work or volunteer with children in Australia, one of the first things you’ll likely be asked for is a Working With Children Check (WWCC). This is … FacebookPinterest
Renting and accommodation in Australia by JJ Smith 8 May 2024 Moving to Australia and needing somewhere to live? Find out about short-term living options in Australia, finding a home to rent, flatting, what documents you need and more. It’s tough … FacebookPinterest
New Utility Connection Service by JJ Smith 5 July 2024 When you move to Australia, setting up utilities like electricity, broadband, and gas is not straightforward. As a newly arrived resident, you won’t have the necessary paperwork. That’s why you … FacebookPinterest
Buying a house in Australia by JJ Smith 27 May 2024 Are you a New Zealander wanting to buy a house in Australia? Yes, you can! If you’re an NZ citizen buying property in Australia, everything works the same as if … FacebookPinterest
Australian Mortgage by JJ Smith 21 November 2024 Looking to secure a mortgage for your new home in Australia? UNO Australia’s Online Mortgage Broker is here to guide you As a New Zealand citizen, securing a mortgage in … FacebookPinterest