18 months to go
Plan a visit to New Zealand to investigate the country. If this is not an option, start researching the web and find out about the country through other migrants .
Take a look at the different regions and cities , and investigate housing options.
Decide when you will tell friends and family. Older children sometimes need a bit of time to get used to the idea. If you have children, involve them from the beginning.
Take a look at your finances and plan how you can best repay debt/ save for the move.
Investigate what type of visa you and your family will need.
Contact an immigration consultant to help you through the process.
12 months to go
Attend an Opportunities New Zealand Expo to find out more about New Zealand and potential employment.
Check your passports. They need to be valid for at least two years before they are due to expire.
Collect all your personal papers, including driver’s licences, birth, marriage and adoption certificates, references for employment and qualifications, evidence of qualifications, etc.
Look into import restrictions for New Zealand if you have a pet.
Start the visa application process.
Start job hunting and contact companies that match your skills and qualifications.
6 months to go
Check average selling periods and put your house on the market.
Inform schools that your child will be moving to give them time and help them adjust.
Book your flights to New Zealand.
Look into transferring your pension to New Zealand.
Ask several freight companies for quotes for moving personal effects and furniture.
Research schools in New Zealand and review prospective schools’ websites.
Go for your medicals and apply for police checks for visas. Be conscious of validity cut off times for each.
Open a New Zealand bank account .
Find out what you need to do to ship your pets successfully, or find a new home for them.
Request credit references from your bank/lending institute.
Find temporary accommodation to bridge the gap between selling your house and leaving.
2 months to go
Book temporary accommodation in New Zealand.
Research cost of living in New Zealand .
Research taxes in New Zealand .
Sell any unwanted furniture or belongings.
Give formal notice to your current employer.
Register your children at their new schools in New Zealand.
Book your pet’s kennel accommodation in New Zealand.
Give notice to your landlord if necessary.
Book hotels and car hire for your first few weeks in New Zealand.
1 month to go
Start packing any non-essential items.
Give a forwarding address to all official contacts including your bank, passport office, DVLA and accountants.
Cancel accounts for TV, internet, phone and insurance.
Bring all your utilities and taxes up-to-date.
Give away or sell any remaining personal effects.
Pay off any outstanding debts.
Arrange for your post to be redirected.
Transfer your funds with a foreign exchange specialist.
Confirm bookings with travel agents and freight companies .
Cancel direct debits coming from your account.
Ask for a copy of your no claims bonus form from your insurance agency.
1 week to go
Cancel your car insurance and newspaper delivery.
Wind down the goodbye parties, leaving you with a bit of breathing space.
Finalise packing and ensure your possessions are ready to be sent.
Organise transport to the airport, leaving plenty of time.
Sell your car.
Cancel car insurance.
Change money into New Zealand dollars for spending when you first arrive.
Arrange little treats for children to keep them entertained on the flight.
1 day to go
Confirm transport to airport.
Double check your hand luggage has everything you need, including all your travel documents.
Try to have an early night!
