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!
Good luck with your move to Australia.
JJ Smith x
I was interviewed this morning by the lovely Ruth Evans, from Ruth Evans Productions, a BBC content producer. She is visiting NZ all the way from her home in London. She had just spent a month in Australia!
She’s working on a documentary about why so many New Zealanders are moving to Australia right now, what some call a “brain drain,” as many of those leaving are highly skilled workers. She’s also exploring the cultural impact of inbound immigration on New Zealand.
Australia is one of the main destinations for New Zealanders looking for a change of scenery, a better climate, job opportunities, to earn more, to be closer to family and friends, to have a new lifestyle, or simply a change because we can move to Australia so easily from NZ.
Check out the ‘To Do List’ below to learn what you need to do before you leave New Zealand and what you need to do once you arrive in Australia.
It will cause you a whole lot of stress, time, and worry!
Australia can be really competitive when it comes to jobs, apartments, and rentals. You might end up in a position where everyone wants the apartment you want, and you need to stand out (references).
You will need to prove your identity when applying for a property rental, driver’s licence, a white card or Medicare card, or setting up a mobile or superannuation account.
Whether you’re opening an Australian bank account, moving money into that account, having money ready to spend after you arrive, Australian tax obligations, or BPAY (I was like, what is BPAY?), below is all the information you will need to know about moving money to Australia from New Zealand and banking in Australia in general.
We’d like to introduce you to the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, which is known to Aussies as CommBank.
Meet the bank more new arrivals choose.
Money transfer/foreign exchange is a big deal, and it’s important to use a trusted foreign exchange company to ensure you get a great exchange rate without a huge margin and little to no fees.
From my research, online money transfer companies offer the best rates, with a lower margin compared to banks and no fees.
I’ve learnt a thing or two from my mistakes, so do the research now, register with XE and save yourself some cash!
The NZ Herald published an article after speaking with Carl Halvorsen, who revealed that ANZ Australia charged his family a staggering $19,600 above the official wholesale exchange rates during a transfer of NZ$780,000 to his daughter in Perth.
When the funds arrived in his daughter’s account, only A$687,012 was deposited—far less than the nearly A$700,000 (NZ$774,000) they had anticipated.
The Australian tax system works pretty similarly to New Zealand. The Australian Tax Office/Department is the equivalent of the IRD in New Zealand.
Your employer will pay the Australian Tax Department/Office tax on your behalf. If you are self-employed, you will need to file your own tax returns, so you will need to get an Australian tax accountant to help you file everything correctly.
If you are a New Zealand citizen, you are legally able to work in Australia. You may need to apply for a work visa if you are not a New Zealand or Australian citizen.
Hunting for jobs in Australia is very similar to looking for a job in New Zealand. The majority of jobs are advertised online, mostly by recruitment companies but also by individual employers.
Australia is experiencing widespread skill shortages across various industries, impacting sectors such as healthcare, teaching, construction, technology and more. Significant skill shortages in blue-collar jobs mean that all trades are in high demand.
Several factors contribute to these shortages, including an aging workforce, increased demand for specialised skills, and the lingering effects of border closures during the pandemic.
Australia has a history of paying its workers more than NZ, and if living in Australia has always intrigued you, then why not spend some time running the numbers and seeing how much more you will be paid if you make the move to Australia from New Zealand?
Victoria is known for its high-quality ECE system. The Victorian state government has invested significantly in the Best Start, Best Life reforms, expanding kindergarten programs across the state and creating more career pathways and opportunities for ECE professionals.
The strong commitment to early childhood education in Victoria makes it a promising destination for ECE professionals.
To provide a real-world perspective, we spoke with Ken Ah Honi, an early childhood teacher (head teacher) who moved from New Zealand to Victoria. Here’s his story:
Moving is one of the most stressful things we do. Moving to Australia wants to make your move easier. Here, you will find tips and advice on moving your personal effects to Australia from New Zealand that will help remove a lot of the stress from this process.
I’ve researched your options for safely taking your beloved pet from New Zealand to Australia. Below is a step-by-step guide outlining the eligibility and requirements for your cat or dog to move to Australia with you.
To move your pet to Australia from New Zealand, you must follow the guidelines set by the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.
Cats and dogs coming to Australia from New Zealand do not require an import permit, and there is no Australian post-entry quarantine period.
It’s tough landing in a new country without somewhere to go from the airport, especially if you have a family. I get a lot of enquiries about where to stay when you first arrive before you can get a rental in Australia because it’s almost impossible to get one before you leave New Zealand.
The Australian rental market is quite similar to NZ but Australia is so much bigger, so it’s more competitive than New Zealand for both renting and buying.
Like New Zealand, there are positives and negatives to each city and each suburb and it is important to do research before you leave New Zealand, especially before you make any fixed arrangements.
Compare & Connect handles all the paperwork on your behalf, ensuring you can quickly access essential utilities such as electricity, gas, broadband, pay TV, and more.
Skip the stress, save time, and avoid endless research by filling out one simple online form and get everything sorted!
Yes, you can! If you’re an NZ citizen buying property in Australia, everything works the same as if you were an Australian citizen buying property in Australia. You may even be eligible for the first homeowner’s grant.
However, if you are not an NZ citizen, depending on your visa and residence status, there are some restrictions for foreigners wanting to buy property in Australia.
Find below some advice on buying your dream home in Australia and some smart tips to avoid paying more than you need in fees and charges.
The Australia Government First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) – lets you withdraw some of your KiwiSaver to help buy your first Australian home.
Yes, you read right… There is quite a history with this, but once again New Zealanders moving to Australia can transfer their KiwiSaver to Australia and use some of it as a deposit for their first home. You must meet the criteria the ATO set and ensure you set up the right account with the right super fund provider.
You can drive on your NZ license for up to 3 months in Australia. Then you must transfer your New Zealand driver’s licence to an Australian licence to drive legally. Find out how below, state by state…
When you first get to Australia, you will probably need to utilise Australia’s fine public transport when you are looking for a car. Uber is available in Australia. You can easily rent a car when you first get there and pick it up from the airport, which makes exploring your new city easier.
Medicare is Australia’s main healthcare government-funded scheme. New Zealand citizens can enrol in Medicare immediately (recommended a week after you arrive) if you can prove you’ve moved to Australia (see below).
Until you enrol with Medicare Australia, you can get healthcare under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement New Zealand has with Australia. This covers essential treatment in a public hospital, and of course, Doctors will happily still see you but it will cost more because you aren’t registered with them.
Medicare is a publicly funded universal health care scheme in Australia. Operated by the government authority Medicare Australia, Medicare is the primary funder of health care in Australia, funding primary health care for Australian citizens and permanent residents (except for those on Norfolk Island).
Residents are entitled to subsidised treatment from medical practitioners, eligible midwives, nurse practitioners and allied health professionals who have been issued a Medicare provider number and can also obtain free treatment in public hospitals.
As an NZ Citizen, you are eligible for Medicare Australia. However, you need to either live in Australia for 6 months or provide proof that you’ll be living there for the next 6 months.
There are many things to consider when moving to Australia, and whether you can still get the prescription medication you need is high on the list.
There also might be an operation you’ve been told you might need, and you want to know if you will be covered under Medicare and how much it will cost.
New Zealanders who are 67 years or older and live in Australia should be eligible for an Australian Age Pension. As long as they meet the resident, income, and asset eligibility criteria.
Please note that the eligibility criteria have recently been changed, so you will need to wait until you are now 67 to receive the Australian Age Pension if you were born on or after 1 January 1957. Read more below.
Under Australia’s international social security agreement with New Zealand, NZ citizens living in Australia can apply for the Australian Age Pension (over 67 years, see below), Disability Support Pension (DSP) (if they are severely disabled), and Carer Payment (if they are caring for a partner on DSP), irrespective of whether they are protected or non-protected SCV holders.
I found it quite hard to find information on Australian schools online, and it wasn’t until I had kids that I figured out how it all worked. The information below will definitely help you find a good school for your child to move to in Australia.
Below, you will find Australian school term dates, which vary from state to state, where to find schools in the area you’re moving to, top-ranked schools and what paperwork you need to get from your child’s current school to give to their new school in Australia.
The Australian Government provides funding to all states and territories to ensure all children have access to early childhood education, particularly in the year before they start school (4-6 years old). There might still be a fee, especially for kids under four.
The cost of having a baby will vary depending on whether you give birth in the public or private system. In Australia, pregnancy care in a public hospital or birth centre is free because it is covered by Medicare, which covers New Zealanders on an SCV, Australian citizens, and some visitors to Australia.
We are eligible for Parental Leave Pay as New Zealand citizens living in Australia on an SCV and don’t have to wait the two-year wait period for newly arrived residents. However, you do need to meet the income and work tests. Read more below.
In Australia, you receive antenatal care from your GP, midwife, or obstetrician, and you will have very similar options for your child’s birth as in New Zealand.
I am happy to be a contributor to Stuff’s latest news article about moving to Australia. It’s a good read and backs up my standpoint of how important it is to research before you move.
Get to know your employment industry in Australia, the demand for your skills, how quickly job listings turn around, your approximate salary, what paperwork you are going to need, etc. The same goes for the rental market: where do you want to live, what are the current rents, and once again, what paperwork you are going to need. Information is king.
The article talks to a number of New Zealanders living in Australia and compares the cost of food, healthcare, student loans, rentals, buying and selling a house, retirement, and dining out.
Definitely have a read of the comments. There are some insightful comments and I had a few chuckles.
Check it out – ‘Stop romanticising Oz’: Kiwis across the ditch reveal hidden costs.
As a New Zealander, you have a unique opportunity if you’re considering a move to Australia. New Zealand and Australia have a Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement that allows their citizens to visit, study, live and work in either NZ or Australia for as long or little as they want.
Australia announced on 22 April 2023 a new direct pathway to citizenship for eligible New Zealand citizens who have lived in Australia for at least 4 years immediately before the day you apply.
The changes will come into effect from 1 July 2023 this year and be retrospective.
Read more on my direct pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders in Australia post.
As an NZ citizen, you will be automatically granted a non-protected Special Category Visa (SCV) when you process through Australian border control, subject to meeting the health and character requirements (read more below). There is no mention of this at border control. It all happens electronically. The SCV is automatically cancelled upon departing Australia.
This visa gives New Zealanders many of the same rights as Australian citizens. However, you should be aware of a number of exclusions from government assistance.
As a New Zealander, you have a unique opportunity if you’re considering moving to Australia. Australia and New Zealand have a Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement that allows their citizens to visit, study, live and work in either NZ or Australia for as long or little as they want. However, there are exclusions as below.
If you are a New Zealander with a criminal history, you will need to get written confirmation from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) before you travel to Australia. If you have been imprisoned for over a year, you will need to apply for an Australian Visa. Read more below.
Below are a list of frequently asked questions we get regularly. If there is something you want to know please use the comment form at the bottom of the page.
Workers on Australian construction sites must have a construction induction card (White Card) before starting work. Workers must show their white card to the PCBU on the site and to any inspectors who ask to see it.
The nationally recognised certification is known as ‘CPCWHS1001 – Prepare to work safely in the construction industry’.
Please note that you must physically be in Australia to sit a White Card course. White cards are recognised Australia-wide.
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It is a mandatory contribution that is made by employers on behalf of their employees, and it is designed to help individuals save for their retirement.
Moving to Australia is a big step, and choosing a city is not easy because Australia has many amazing places to live.
They all have unique opportunities, and the information below will help you choose which city best suits you and your family.
The eight states have individual characteristics and climates. Do you want to live in tropical Queensland, cooler Canberra, laid-back Darwin, or right in the hustle and bustle of Sydney?
Whatever your reason for moving to Victoria, you will be glad that this city has so much to offer.
Melbourne is Australia’s second largest city with four million residents. Its the sports, arts and cultural capital of Australia. Its numerous lane-ways of house bars, cafes and restaurants are covered in street art. Its renowned for its coffee culture!
New South Wales offers a multitude of experiences, with plenty of things to see and do which suit all tastes and interests. Read on to find information on almost everything that is associated with moving to NSW…
Sydney is Australia’s oldest city and is famous for its harbour, beaches, and iconic landmarks (the Opera House, Bondi Beach, Darling Harbour).
Sydney is Australia’s most expensive city and often features on the list of the most expensive cities in the world. It has vast amounts of natural beauty, a huge cultural beating heart, and an epic entertainment scene. It hosts the famous Sydney Mardi Gras (Australia’s biggest LGBT parade). It’s been named the sixth-best city for students and has several world-class universities.
The Gold Coast is surrounded by stunning beaches, lush rainforests and a relaxed lifestyle. It is a playground of theme parks, watersports, top-end shops, delicious food and exciting nightlife. Its home to Australia’s most famous theme parks including Dreamworld, Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet’n’Wild.
The weather changes markedly from season to season. Canberra has low humidity, dry heat in summer, and cool winters, including frosts.
“Criminally overlooked Canberra packs a big punch for such a small city.” That’s what Lonely Planet thinks. Named #3 best city to visit in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2018 – ranking higher than any Australian city has ever been ranked before.
Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia. With a Mediterranean climate and relaxed lifestyle, the city offers an amazing quality of life, affordable housing, and good economic opportunities.
Perth’s over 2 million residents have an amazing outdoor lifestyle—surf beaches, Swan River, and Kings Park (400 hectares of protected park and bushland). From its beautiful weather to its endless day trip options, Perth has plenty to offer its locals.
There are a few things to consider, especially tax implications, as you need to consider both tax systems, whether you are employed or contracting (employment type), and your tax residency status (Australian resident, non-resident, or temporary resident for tax purposes).
Providing the answers to questions we all ask when deciding whether to make the move from New Zealand to Australia. Even giving individual-specific advice where needed.
I have learned a lot over the last 15 years from personal experience and through interacting with visitors. This is my job, I spend hours making sure the information here is up to date.
If you would like to help me, you can use one of my referral partners.
They pay me a small amount per referral, and you get a quality service while saving hours of research time.
By nature, I love to get the best deal available. I always research any purchase or company thoroughly and evaluate all my options. So trust me, I’ve done the research for you.
I only recommend companies that I have used personally or know someone who has and that they measure up to my referral partner standards:
You will find them scattered throughout the site.
Please email me if you require further information.
Generally, New Zealanders on an SCV are not able to get an Australia student loan, known as a HELP loan, unless they have been living in Australia for 10 years. Read more below.
Regarding your NZ student loan, if you’re going overseas for 6 months or more, it won’t be interest-free. Below is all the information you need, including repayment amounts and a student loan repayment calculator.
Below is our Moving to Australia Checklist (Pre Move Planner). Let us help you organize and plan your move. You can download a printable version here, ready for you to print and put on your fridge – MTA-MovePlannerChecklist.pdf.
New Zealand citizens with a valid New Zealand passport are able to move to Australia from New Zealand without having to apply for a visa. We apply and get granted a Special Category Visa 444 (SCV) simply by processing through border control. You must meet the character requirements, see below.
After you have been living in Australia for four years, you can apply to become an Australian citizen. We no longer need to apply for an Australian permanent visa (permanent resident) first.
If you are making plans to move to Australia, applying for health insurance is an important part of the process. Aside from that, it’s always a good idea to prepare for the unexpected.
In Australia, the public health system Medicare covers most Australian residents’ healthcare needs. However, Medicare does not cover everything, and you can choose to take out private health insurance to get a wider range of healthcare options and more comprehensive coverage.
The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) in Australia is designed to encourage and assist home ownership across the country, and for eligible borrowers, it’s a great start to life as a property owner.
The grant differs in each state and territory; in most places, it applies to new homes only.
The Australian government’s First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) and other benefits are available to permanent residents as if they were citizens. Because NZ citizens are considered to be permanent residents of Australia, they are eligible for the grant.
FHOG does not consider NZ property for eligibility; it considers only property you’ve owned in Australia.
New Zealand citizens are treated as residents for tax purposes once they complete a stay of six consecutive months (183 days) in Australia. Like in New Zealand with the IRD, you need to complete and file a tax return in Australia with the Australian Tax Office (ATO).
Income tax is applied to an individual’s taxable income and is paid on all forms of income. This includes wages from your job, profits from business and returns from investments (including rental properties in NZ). Income tax can also apply to assets, such as when a house or shares are sold in Australia or New Zealand.
The Australian tax year runs from 1 July to 30 June. When you lodge a tax return, you include how much money you’ve earned (income) and any expenses you can claim as a deduction.
Hi… I’m JJ Smith.
I’m the creator and editor of Moving to Australia and have been for 17+ years! I know everything there is to know about New Zealanders moving their families and life to Australia. Either from first hand experiences and research or through the questions from visitors to this website… and I’m here to help!
I love helping people via Moving to Australia.
Providing the answers to questions we all ask when deciding whether to make the move from New Zealand to Australia. Even giving individual specific advice where needed.
I have learned a lot over the last 17+ years from personal experience and through interacting with visitors. This is my job, making sure the information here is comprehensive and up to date.
If you would like to help me, you can use one of my referral partners.
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