Prepare for New Zealand
If you like the idea of studying in a one-of-a-kind country that has some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, as well as an easy-going culture with an array of outdoor activities available, then Aotearoa New Zealand could be the place for you.
New Zealand’s size means its diverse landscapes and tourist attractions are never more than a day’s travel away. From pristine black sand beaches to crystal-clear lakes; lush rainforests to snow-capped mountains, you can explore the stunning natural landscape by land, sea, or air.
Seafield School of English’s campus is based on Queen Street, Auckland, which is just a few minutes walk from the Viaduct Harbour, the Sky Tower, world-class shopping, and beautifully landscaped urban parks. At Seafield, you won’t be short of activities to choose from — our social club organises hikes, restaurant outings, museum trips, and more!
Auckland consistently rates as one of the world’s most livable cities – offering a top-notch quality of life amidst a cosmopolitan hub of activity and sightseeing opportunities. You’ll be joined by friendly people in a diverse, multicultural environment that celebrates inclusivity and welcomes people from all corners of the globe.
People
New Zealand is lightly populated with 5.2 million New Zealanders (affectionately known as Kiwis). Geographically, over three-quarters of the population live in the North Island, with one-third of the total population living in Auckland.
Well-known for their friendly and laid-back demeanour, Kiwis are often described as kind, practical, and adaptable. This extends into New Zealand’s global outlook, with a strong focus on climate change, conservation, and human rights.
New Zealand has two official languages, English and te reo Māori. The Māori people are the indigenous people of New Zealand, and Māori culture plays an important role in New Zealand’s identity. Māori values emphasise respect for nature, family, and community.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) is an important partnership agreement signed on 6 February 1840 by representatives of the British Crown and 540 Māori rangatira (chiefs) to enable the British settlers and Māori (tangata whenua or indigenous people of the land) to live together in Aotearoa New Zealand under a common set of laws or agreements.
Due to the differences in Māori and English translations of the Treaty, we must honour the spirit, intention, and core principles of the Treaty. Seafield is committed to the rights and obligations articulated in the Treaty – to protect Māori rights and taonga (treasured possessions). Our international learners need to understand the importance of respecting the spirit of the Treaty. Please visit nzhistory.govt.nz to learn more.
History of New Zealand
According to Māori legend, Kupe, the great Polynesian navigator came to the South Pacific around 1,200 years ago. His first sight was not of the land itself but of a long white cloud that hovered above it, and so he named it Aotearoa, which in te reo Māori means the Land of the Long White Cloud.
European settlers began arriving in New Zealand in the early 19th century, drawn by opportunities for trade, whaling, and missionary work. Their arrival led to significant cultural and social changes. Today, Aotearoa New Zealand is proud of its identity as a diverse and multi-cultural Pacific nation, based on a partnership between Māori and New Zealanders of European origin and Māori.
Living in New Zealand
Cost of Living in New Zealand
To live comfortably while you are in Auckland, you will need to have about NZ$20,000 per year available for living costs, above the cost of your tuition fees as per the criteria set by the current, immigration policy of New Zealand.
We strongly recommend that while in New Zealand you do not carry large amounts of cash. We suggest opening a bank account as soon as possible after arrival. All major banks have branches within 100 meters of the Campus. You can also purchase goods using EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale) at nearly all retailers. Any large amounts of money may be sent in the form of a bank draft, however electronic transfers are, in most cases, the most efficient method of sending funds to New Zealand. Overseas cheques are sometimes difficult to clear and are not recommended. Find further information here.
Currency and Banking
The local currency is the New Zealand dollar.
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
All goods and services in New Zealand are imposed with a 15% Goods and Services Tax (GST). Under law, the prices displayed must include the GST content.
Tipping
Tipping is not normally the custom at New Zealand airports, taxis, hotels or restaurants.
Working in New Zealand
Accommodation
- Homestay is a popular option for international learners. Learners usually have a room with a bed and study desk, laundry facilities, cleaning services, and utilities such as internet. Seafield can organise a homestay for you and select a host family to provide appropriate accommodation
- Flats are an economical option that are typically shared between two or more flatmates
- Apartments and motels can provide temporary accommodation and may cost between NZD 75–250 per night, depending on the location and quality of the facilities
For tenancy information visit tenancy.govt.nz.
Accommodation for International Students under the age of 18
The Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016 requires that students under 18 live in an accommodation approved by Seafield School of English.
Medical and Travel Insurance
The New Zealand Government require that students have medical and travel insurance before travel and during their studies at Seafield and period living in New Zealand.
Most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the full costs of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly-funded health services are available from the New Zealand Ministry of Health. The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance for temporary visitors to New Zealand but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website.
Your insurance must meet the requirements of the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of practice 2016. A copy of the code is available in English on our website. You can also read the Code in different languages from the NZQA website. International students who are enrolled for educational instruction of 2 weeks’ duration or longer must have appropriate insurance covering the following:
- The student’s travel – to and from New Zealand, within New Zealand and if the travel is part of the educational instruction, outside New Zealand,
- Medical care in New Zealand, including diagnosis, prescription, surgery, and hospitalisation,
- Repatriation or expatriation of the student as a result of serious illness or injury, including cover of travel costs incurred by family members assisting repatriation or expatriation,
- Death of the student, including cover of travel costs of family members to and from New Zealand, and costs of repatriation or expatriation of the body, funeral expenses and include the student’s travel to and from their country of origin or citizenship before their educational instruction begins and after it ends (which may be outside of the enrolment period).
Seafield will, if required, arrange standard international student cover through Southern Cross Healthcare at the cost of the student.For more information please check out: Southern Cross Travel Insurance, Orbit Protect International Student Insurance
Safety
We would like your student journey to be a safe and enjoyable one. Auckland is a safe and friendly city, however you are recommended to take precaution as you would in any large city. The videos here give you sensible tips on how to deal with any incidences and ways in which to protect yourself from danger. Have fun, enjoy yourself and stay safe.
Watch this video for sensible tips.
Transport
Public transport in Auckland
Auckland, the largest metropolitan area of New Zealand is serviced by three modes of public transport – bus, train and ferry. These services are coordinated by Auckland Transport under the AT Metro brand. Britomart Transport Centre in the heart of the CBD is the main transport hub.
International students are eligible for a discount on the public transport services. The HOP card has attractive concessions for Tertiary Students. You can pay your fares on Auckland’s public buses, trains and ferries in cash or by using the pre-pay AT HOP smart card. The AT HOP fares are generally at least 20% cheaper than paying cash for the same journey. When using your AT HOP card, you must always ‘tag on’ when you start your trip and ‘tag off’ at the end.
AT HOP smart cards can be bought online or at many locations across Auckland, including the i-Site shop located in the arrivals area of Auckland International Airport. You can add money to your AT HOP card at various stores around the area, and at the large blue Ticket and Top-up machines around Auckland, located at all train stations and at the Northern Busway Stations. A complete list can be found on the AT Metro website.
Driving in New Zealand
All vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road. Before you drive in New Zealand you should read the Road Code to learn about the rules of the road, especially the ‘give way’ rule which differs from any other country. You must also take out a minimum level of insurance against damage to other people or their property. If you have a driver license from another country or an international driving permit, you may drive in New Zealand for a maximum of one year. If you would like to continue driving, you must hold a New Zealand license. There are three kinds of licence, as follows:
Learner Licence
First you must pass a theory test. If you pass the test, you may begin driving, but only with a supervisor who is an experienced driver. You may carry passengers, if the supervisor agrees. If you use a driving instructor during this time, you will pay for each hour of instruction – roughly around $50.00 per hour.
Restricted Licence
After six months as a Learner driver you may attempt a practical driving test for a restricted licence. If you pass the test, you may drive on your own between 5.00 am and 10.00 pm. For other hours a supervisor must accompany you. You may carry close relatives, but you can carry other passengers only if the supervisor agrees.
Drivers from some countries may not need to sit the practical test – you need to ask if this applies to you.
Full Licence
Once you have passed the full licence practical test, you don’t have to follow any of the restricted licence conditions any more.
Community Services
Advice
If you’ve recently moved to New Zealand, you probably have lots of questions about how things work here. Citizens Advice Bureau is a great place to find answers to common questions and discover community services available in your area. Youthline also provide a lot of information for young people in New Zealand and activities and events going on in the community.
Need Help Right Now?
Lifeline Aotearoa’s telephone counselling service provides 24 hours a day, 7 days a week counselling and support. Call 0800 543 354 to speak with someone who can help.
Civil Defence Emergency Information
Civil Defence are the people who help prepare for and respond to emergencies like major fires, floods, extreme weather, an earthquake or tsunami. Their website has important information on how to get ready for an emergency.
Family Services
Use this directory to locate and contact support for services relating to addiction, basic needs, disaster recovery, education and training, employment, ethnic services, family violence, health, mentors, legal and civil services, mental health, parenting and caregiving, special needs and disability, youth services and ISO capability.
Healthcare and Dental Care
All international students studying in New Zealand are required by the “Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students” to have a compliant medical and travel insurance for the duration of their New Zealand student visa. Seafield can arrange the same on behalf of the student with Southern Cross Travel Insurance. The regular insurance policy does not cover dental problems. You will need to consult a private practitioner for any dental problems. Dental care is expensive in New Zealand and you may wish to consider insurance to cover this aspect of your health care.
Eligibility for Health Services
Most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may have to pay the full costs of treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly funded health services are available through the Ministry of Health. View these on their website here.
Accident Insurance
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website.
Postal Service
Post offices in New Zealand are called Postshops. You can find a Postshop near you, and get information about postal services and Kiwibank (the bank that New Zealand Post operates) at this website.
Police advice for new arrivals
New Zealand has four main emergency services – Fire and Emergency, Police, Ambulance and Civil Defence. In New Zealand, the number to call if you need Fire, Police or an ambulance in an emergency is 111. Calling 111 is free. You can call this number from a mobile phone, even if you have no credit left. The operator will ask you which service you need and connect you to the right one.
Leisure and Attractions
New Zealand has an unlimited range of tourist attractions and activities, located throughout the country. There are many free visitor attractions such as walks and museums in addition to huge range of other attractions and activities that New Zealand is famous for.
Often considered an adventure playground, key ways to explore the great outdoors include mountain biking, surfboarding, bungee jumping, snowboarding, skiing and hiking. Many of New Zealand’s mountain regions offer skiing and snowboarding in the winter. In the summer it is possible to surf in the morning and visit a glacier in the afternoon. Popular sports include the national game of rugby, as well as netball, cricket, squash, sailing and soccer. New Zealand maintains a high professional standard in a number of sports notably sailing (former America’s Cup holders) and rugby (the All Blacks).
Climate
Surrounded by sea, New Zealand enjoys a temperate climate with relatively small seasonal changes. Winter lasts from June until August and summer is from December to February. In Auckland the climate does not get uncomfortably hot or unbearably cold. However, extremes will be found particularly in the mountain ranges in winter, which makes the skiers happy!
In summer the average maximum temperature in New Zealand ranges between 20 – 30 degrees centigrade and in winter between 10 – 15 degrees centigrade. Expect rain in the winter months.
New Zealand’s weather is subject to change on a daily basis!
