So, You Want to Move to New Zealand: An American's Comprehensive Guide to Relocating and Adapting to Life in Aotearoa - 2nd Edition

New!! Volume 2, published Nov. 2024 with the most up-to-date information. Are you considering moving to New Zealand? Or looking to enjoy an extended vacation? This comprehensive guide will support you every step of the way! Written by a dual citizen of New Zealand and the United States, this book is packed with tips, resources, and perspectives from other American expats to help you start a new, exciting life in the Land of the Long White Cloud.

Whether you are looking to relocate permanently, or just want to spend a few weeks or months road-tripping across this stunning country as a tourist, this book is for you! Discover everything you need to know about Aotearoa New Zealand, including:

• NZ's 16 regions, their unique local cultures, economies, and features;
• Tips and tricks to make the immigration process less stressful;
• What to do with your possessions and pets;
• Advice on buying a car, landing a job, and finding a rental;
• An overview of New Zealand's rich history and culture;
• Te reo Maori pronunciation and quirky Kiwi slang;
• Deep dives into New Zealand's Healthcare, Education, and Housing sectors;
• How New Zealand became the only country in the world to abolish most lawsuits;
• Work/life balance, vacation time, childcare subsidies, and paid parental leave explained.
• Interviews, advice, stories, and perspectives from over a dozen Americans living in New Zealand. PLUS! Detailed chapters on United States Expat Taxes and Banking ? crucial information for any American looking to relocate overseas! Honest, easy to read, and chock-full of statistics and helpful resources, this e-book is an indispensable guide for anyone considering a move or visit to New Zealand!

Detailed Section Overview

• History, Government, and Politics
• NZ's 16 regions & map
• Planning Your Move: What to do with your possessions: what to ship, sell, store, or donate
• Immigration and relocation resources, links, and tips
• Immigration advisers, recruitment agencies, and how to avoid scams
• Special Banking and Retirement options for expats
• US Expat Taxes - strategies, pitfalls to avoid, and resources
• Why do I need to file US taxes at all if I live abroad?
• New Zealand slang and te reo pronunciation
• Kiwi Coffee Culture - say goodbye to drip coffee, and hello to the flat white
• Driving Differences - driving on the left side, how to choose a car, EV and hybrid subsidies, the price of petrol, driving hazards, and more!
• The ACC - accident-related healthcare for all (even tourists) and what it means for you
• New Zealand Healthcare - costs, benefits and drawbacks, who is eligible, private vs. public insurance, dental care
• How NZ abolished nearly all lawsuits
• Childcare - subsidies, cost, options, kindergartens and pre-schools, daycares, and more
• NZ Education System - public, private, home school, higher education costs and subsidies, universities & colleges, trade schools
• Work / Life Balance - vacation time minimums, sick and bereavement leave, miscarriage leave, domestic abuse leave, national public holidays
• The New Zealand Real Estate Market - average prices, laws, policies, and practices
• Cost of Living - tips and tricks on how to adapt to New Zealand's high prices
• Where to find your favorite American foods
• Managing Culture Shock and Homesickness
• "Conversations with Ameri-Kiwis" - quotes from other US expats who live in New Zealand, their perspectives and advice
• What is Tall Poppy Syndrome?
• Interesting Facts about New Zealand
• Resources section

Auteur

Melissa Cox is a former journalist and non-profit writer. Born and raised in Delaware, she moved with her American husband to New Zealand with just two suitcases, her guitar, and dreams of a new life. Today, she is a proud dual citizen, mother to an adorable Ameri-Kiwi boy, lover of the natural world, enthusiastic gardener, and keen traveller. As a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, she pens poetic lyrics detailing the stunning beauty of New Zealand, Hawai'i, and beyond.