GENERAL FAQ's
1. What is living in New Zealand like?
Kiwi’s pride themselves on their can-do attitude. They’re not afraid of hard work and do a lot of tasks themselves. Most clean their own homes, work in their own gardens, do DIY (do it yourself) home maintenance in and around the home and even grow some of their own food. Lots of homes in the suburbs have small vegetable gardens. No job is too menial or beneath Kiwis. When living in New Zealand a similar attitude will be expected of you. It is the responsibility of tenants to keep their accommodation clean and tidy and maintain the garden whether you partake in the shared accommodation through Ligament or source your own accommodation. A positive can-do attitude is a must for living in New Zealand!
2. What is New Zealand’s climate like?
Weather in New Zealand can be unpredictable. Locals like to joke that you can experience four seasons in one day. It’s a cardinal rule that if you are going anywhere at night, even in summer take a coat / cardigan! If you are planning on doing any hikes, trips overnight, you should be prepared for anything! Weather for anywhere in NZ can be found here: www.metservice.com
If you are arriving towards the middle of the year it will be winter in New Zealand. It will be cold so get prepared with a really warm coat, beanie, scarf and good shoes that will keep your feet warm and you will be fine!
3. What are the seasons in New Zealand?
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Summer – December, January and February
(NI - typical 25⁰C - 10⁰C, SI - typical 22⁰C - 10⁰C)
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Autumn – March, April and May
NI – typical 23⁰C - 6⁰C, SI - typical 22⁰C - 2⁰C )
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Winter – June, July (typically the coldest month) and August
(NI – typical 23 - 6⁰C, SI - typical 23 - 6⁰C )
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Spring – September, October and November
(NI – typical 23 - 6⁰C, SI - typical 23 - 6⁰C )
You will still have the odd extremes, far hotter/colder days all around New Zealand
4. What is the rental situation like in New Zealand?
House prices have increased dramatically over the past few years due to an increasing population, our lack of construction workers, long consent processes to build new house made worse since the 2010 Christchurch Earthquakes and the 2016 Kaikoura earthquakes, and an increased number of Citizens returning to New Zealand and buying property due to the Covid Outbreak. This means Accommodation rates can increase from time to time, to cover the raising rental costs the company is subjected to. You are however, moving to the best country in the world 😊 fresh clean air and water, safety, great healthcare system, schools, food, not to mention the incredible scenery with so many things to see and do 😊
5. How much annual leave is a full-time staff member entitled to?
Four weeks annual leave is accrued over a 52-week period. Ligament allows you to use this as it is accrued, i.e. you don’t need to wait for your first 12 months to have access to your annual leave.
6. Is there an induction plan for new starters? If so, what does this involve?
Yes, depending on how much experience you and how well you pick up the new systems, depends on how much input you will need. Our standard Induction period includes full system training, ACC familiarisation, Clinic and Ligament process familiarisation, shadowing and peer reviews. We make sure that you feel fully supported and comfortable!
7. How much does it cost to live in New Zealand?
Here is a great website that gives a range of comparisons for you to compare costs from where you live to living in NZ.