Day 7: Settle In 🌿
The admin is done. Now it's time to actually settle in and start building your new life in Aotearoa.
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Set up utilities if renting
Power: compare at powerswitch.org.nz. Internet: compare broadband at broadbandcompare.co.nz. Immigration NZ: "How you get services like electricity, water and the internet in New Zealand may be different to what you are used to."
Docs: Proof of address, bank account Time: 1 hour - 28
Understand your tenant rights
Immigration NZ: "It is important to learn about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant." Read tenancy.govt.nz. Take photos of the property on move-in day. Know about the bond (up to 4 weeks' rent, lodged with Tenancy Services).
Docs: — Time: 30 min - 29
Learn about Māori culture
Immigration NZ: "Māori culture and language, and the Treaty of Waitangi, are important parts of life in New Zealand." Watch a basic intro video. Learn "Kia ora" (hello), "Haere mai" (welcome), "Aotearoa" (NZ).
Docs: — Time: 30 min - 30
Celebrate! 🎉
You've done in 7 days what takes most people 3–4 weeks of confusion. Go to a local cafe. Order a flat white. You made it.
Docs: — Time: ∞