Comprehensive Relocation & Settlement Services
Complete Home-to-Home Transition Support for Your Family
Relocating to New Zealand involves coordinating numerous services across property, education, healthcare, logistics, and community integration. Safe Haven NZ manages this entire process, ensuring your family transitions smoothly whilst maintaining your lifestyle standards.
Residential Property Search & Acquisition
New Zealand’s property market varies significantly by region, with distinct characteristics across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hawkes Bay and Queenstown Lakes area. We coordinate property searches aligned with your lifestyle preferences, connect you with experienced real estate agents, and arrange property viewings during reconnaissance visits.
Property Purchase Coordination
We work with conveyancing solicitors specialising in property transactions, coordinate building inspections, facilitate LIM (Land Information Memorandum) report reviews, and guide you through New Zealand’s property purchase process including REINZ standard agreements and settlement procedures.
Rental Accommodation Arrangements
For families arriving before purchasing property, we coordinate short term and long term rental arrangements, ensuring accommodation meets your family’s requirements and complies with New Zealand’s Residential Tenancies Act provisions.
Property Management Introductions
If you maintain investment properties or require property management for your residence during travel periods, we connect you with licensed property managers familiar with the Residential Tenancies Act and best practice management standards.
Private School Assessment & Enrolment
New Zealand offers numerous internationally recognised private schools, including international baccalaureate ( IB) programmes, Cambridge curriculum schools, and locally accredited independent schools. We assess schools based on your children’s educational needs, coordinate school visits, and manage enrolment applications.
State School Guidance
New Zealand’s state school system includes regularly zoned schools (enrolment limited to address zones) and out of zone schools accepting applications beyond their immediate area. We explain the zoning system, identify high-performing state schools, and coordinate enrolment documentation.
University Pathway Planning
For older students, we provide guidance on New Zealand’s eight universities, polytechnics, and institutes of technology, explaining admission requirements, programme options, and pathways from secondary to tertiary education.
International Qualification Recognition
We coordinate assessment of overseas educational qualifications through NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority), ensuring your children’s previous academic achievements are appropriately recognised.
Medical Insurance Arrangements
International health insurance provides coverage during your initial settlement period before accessing publicly funded healthcare. We coordinate comprehensive medical insurance policies suitable for your family’s health needs and visa requirements.
GP & Specialist Introductions
We connect you with general practitioners accepting new patients, assist with patient registration, and facilitate introductions to medical specialists if required for ongoing health conditions.
Public Healthcare System Navigation
Understanding New Zealand’s public healthcare system, including DHB (District Health Board) services, emergency departments, and prescription medication subsidies, helps you access appropriate healthcare services.
Private Healthcare Options
For families preferring private healthcare, we explain Southern Cross and other private health insurance options, and connect you with private medical centres and specialists.
Banking
Opening New Zealand bank accounts requires identity verification, proof of address, and sometimes visa documentation. We coordinate bank account applications with major New Zealand banks.
IRD Number Applications
Your Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number is essential for tax compliance, employment, and banking in New Zealand. We coordinate IRD number applications for all family members, ensuring correct tax residency status declarations.
Driver Licence Conversions
Many international driving licences can be converted to New Zealand driver licences without retesting. We coordinate the conversion process, arrange translation services where required, and provide guidance on New Zealand road rules and licensing requirements.
Vehicle Purchase Guidance
From understanding New Zealand’s vehicle import restrictions to coordinating new or used vehicle purchases, WoF (Warrant of Fitness) requirements, vehicle registration, and insurance arrangements, we provide comprehensive vehicle acquisition support.
Utilities & Telecommunications
We coordinate electricity, gas, water, internet, and mobile phone connections, explaining New Zealand’s deregulated utilities market and helping you select appropriate service providers.
Removals Coordination
We work with experienced international removal companies familiar with New Zealand’s customs requirements, biosecurity regulations, and quarantine inspection procedures. From packing services to customs documentation, shipping insurance, and delivery coordination, we manage your household goods relocation.
Pet Relocation Services
Importing pets to New Zealand requires compliance with strict biosecurity requirements including microchipping, vaccinations, blood tests, and quarantine arrangements. We coordinate specialist pet relocation services ensuring your animals meet all Ministry for Primary Industries requirements.
Temporary Accommodation
We arrange serviced apartments or short-term rentals for your initial arrival period, providing comfortable accommodation whilst you finalise long term housing arrangements.
Airport Arrival Assistance
For families requiring additional support, we can arrange airport greeting services, initial accommodation transfers, and orientation assistance during your first days in New Zealand.
Foreign Exchange Coordination
Transferring investment funds to New Zealand requires compliant foreign exchange processes. We connect you with licensed foreign exchange providers experienced in large value transfers, helping you understand exchange rate considerations and transfer timing.
Large Animal & Livestock Relocation
For families with horses, breeding livestock, or other animals, New Zealand’s import protocols are particularly stringent. We coordinate specialist services for large animal importation, working with Ministry for Primary Industries approved agents and veterinary specialists.
Veterinary Compliance & Health Certification
All animals require comprehensive health certification, veterinary examinations, and treatment protocols before shipping. We coordinate these requirements with MPI-recognised veterinarians and ensure all documentation meets biosecurity standards.
Import Permits & Quarantine Arrangements
Obtaining import permits from the Ministry for Primary Industries requires detailed applications and compliance with specific conditions. We manage this process, coordinate quarantine facility bookings, and ensure animals transition smoothly through New Zealand’s biosecurity system.
Pension & Superannuation Transfers
Transferring overseas pensions or superannuation to New Zealand involves tax considerations and specific transfer arrangements. We coordinate advice from licensed financial advisers specialising in international pension transfers and tax compliant retirement fund management.
Flight Booking Coordination
We coordinate international flight bookings for your family, helping you navigate visa entry requirements, transit regulations, and optimal travel routes to New Zealand.
Due Diligence Site Visit
Many families visit New Zealand before committing to residency applications. We coordinate reconnaissance visits including property viewings, school visits, business meetings (for Business Investor Visa applicants), and area orientation.
Travel Itinerary Development
During reconnaissance visits or initial settlement, we can coordinate comprehensive itineraries including accommodation bookings, transport arrangements, and scheduled meetings with relevant service providers.
Professional Network Introductions
Building business and professional networks in New Zealand helps your career development and business establishment. We facilitate introductions to relevant professional organisations, industry associations, and business networking groups.
Social & Community Connections
From sports clubs and cultural associations to expatriate community groups and local interest organisations, we help your family build social connections supporting successful settlement.
Cultural Adaptation Support
New Zealand’s culture, business practices, and social norms may differ from your home country. We provide cultural orientation helping your family understand New Zealand customs, workplace culture, and social expectations, facilitating smoother integration.
Education Services:
- Private and state school assessments
- University pathway guidance
- Enrolment assistance and coordination
- Educational needs evaluation
Healthcare Services:
- Medical insurance arrangements
- GP and specialist introductions
- Private healthcare options
- Health system navigation
Essential Services:
- Banking and financial accounts setup
- IRD (tax) number applications
- Driver licence conversions
- Vehicle purchase guidance
- Utilities and telecommunications setup
Travel Arrangements:
- Flight booking services
- Travel itinerary planning
- Initial reconnaissance visits coordination
Relocation Logistics:
- International removals coordination
- Pet and large animal relocation services (horses, livestock)
- Veterinary compliance and health certification
- Import permits and quarantine arrangements
- MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) coordination
- International shipping arrangements
- Temporary accommodation booking
- Airport arrival assistance
Financial Transfers:
- International money transfer coordination
- Foreign exchange guidance
- Banking relationship establishment
- Pension and superannuation transfers
Community Integration:
- Professional network introductions
- Social club and community connections
- Local area orientation
- Cultural adaptation support
