Common questions
457 common questions about life admin in New Zealand, from 52 guides and 8 step-by-step checklists, grouped by topic. Tap a question to see the answer — every answer links to the official source.
Popular questions
- How do I get an IRD number?
- How long can I drive on my overseas licence?
- How many hours can I work on a student visa?
- How much is Working for Families per week?
- My landlord won’t return my bond. What can I do?
- Can I bring spices and sweets from home?
- What is the minimum wage in New Zealand?
- How much does it cost to live in New Zealand each month?
- How do I find a GP when I first arrive?
- How do I check an immigration agent is legitimate?
- I just arrived — what should I sort out in my first week?
- What is the process for renting a home in New Zealand?
- How does seeing a doctor work in New Zealand?
- What do I need before I start work in New Zealand?
- How does starting school work in New Zealand?
- How do I convert my overseas licence to a New Zealand licence?
- What is the process for having a baby in New Zealand?
- How do I apply for NZ Super?
Step-by-step checklists
Just arrived in New Zealand? A first-week and first-month checklist for new migrants and international students
- I just arrived — what should I sort out in my first week?
- What should I do first after arriving in New Zealand?
- How do I set up a bank account when I arrive in New Zealand?
- How soon should I enrol with a GP after arriving?
- How long can I drive on my overseas licence after arriving?
- How much rental bond can I be asked for, and how do I know it has been lodged?
- What do I need before I start work?
Renting in New Zealand: step by step from finding a place to moving out
- What is the process for renting a home in New Zealand?
- What should I watch out for when renting in New Zealand?
- How much notice do I need to give to move out?
- How long does it take to get my bond back?
- How often can my landlord raise the rent?
Seeing a doctor in New Zealand: public health eligibility, GPs, ACC and prescriptions
- How does seeing a doctor work in New Zealand?
- How does health cover work in New Zealand?
- Can I get public health care on a work visa?
- Does it cost anything to enrol with a GP, and how long does it take?
- How much do prescription medicines cost in New Zealand?
- Do I pay for treatment if I am injured in an accident?
Starting work in New Zealand: IRD number, tax code, employment agreement, minimum wage, KiwiSaver and leave
- What do I need before I start work in New Zealand?
- What is the minimum wage in New Zealand?
- How much annual leave and sick leave do I get?
- Will I be enrolled in KiwiSaver automatically when I start a job?
- What can I do if my employer has not paid me?
Starting school in New Zealand: enrolment requirements, school age, zones, fees and early childhood
- How does starting school work in New Zealand?
- What are the requirements for enrolling at a school in New Zealand?
- I am on a work visa. Do I pay school fees for my child?
- Is early childhood education free in New Zealand?
- Do I have to pay the school donation?
Driving in New Zealand: overseas licences, converting your licence, road rules, buying a car, WoF and rego
- How do I convert my overseas licence to a New Zealand licence?
- How do I get a New Zealand driver's license if I already have one from overseas?
- How long can I drive in New Zealand on an overseas licence?
- What should I check when buying a used car in New Zealand?
- What is the difference between a WoF and rego?
- What is the penalty for using a phone while driving?
Having a baby in New Zealand: pregnancy care, birth, parental leave and family payments
- What is the process for having a baby in New Zealand?
- Does it cost money to have a baby in New Zealand?
- What payments can I get from the government when my baby is born?
- How long is paid parental leave, and how much is it?
Retirement in New Zealand: NZ Super eligibility and rates, the SuperGold Card and KiwiSaver withdrawals
Just arrived in New Zealand: IRD number, bank account, RealMe and citizenship
Apply for an IRD number
- How do I get an IRD number after arriving in New Zealand?
- Where do I apply for an IRD number on a work visa or student visa?
- Is the IRD number application free, and how long does it take?
- What happens if I start work before I get my IRD number?
- I have been in New Zealand for a few months. Can I still use the new arrival process?
- Do I have to go to the AA to verify my documents for an IRD number?
- Can I apply for an IRD number before I arrive in New Zealand?
- How do I get an IRD number for my child?
Apply for New Zealand citizenship
- How many years after getting PR or a residence visa can I apply for NZ citizenship?
- How many days do I need to be in New Zealand for citizenship, and will overseas trips affect it?
- How much is the NZ citizenship application fee, and has it gone up?
- Do I need IELTS or another English test for New Zealand citizenship?
- Can I get NZ citizenship if I have traffic fines or a criminal record?
- Can I keep my current citizenship, for example my Indian citizenship, if I become a New Zealand citizen?
- How long does NZ citizenship processing take, and when is the citizenship ceremony?
- When does the new NZ citizenship test start?
Cost of living in New Zealand: how to budget for rent, food, transport, health care and bills
- How much does it cost to live in New Zealand each month?
- How is rent charged in New Zealand, and how much is the bond?
- Is Auckland much more expensive than smaller towns?
- How can I check typical rents in a suburb?
- Do I need to tip in New Zealand? Do menu prices include tax?
- What does it cost to run a car in New Zealand? Is car insurance compulsory?
- Do I have to pay to see a doctor on a temporary visa?
- If I rent, who pays for water, power and internet?
Opening a bank account
- How do I open a bank account when I first arrive in New Zealand, and what do I need to bring?
- Can I open a New Zealand bank account before I leave home?
- Can I open a bank account if I don't have a permanent address yet?
- Do I need an IRD number before I can open a bank account?
- Why does the bank ask for so many ID documents to open an account or send money from overseas?
- How much cash can I bring into New Zealand without declaring it?
- What can I do if I have a dispute with my bank and the bank won't fix it?
- How do I check if a bank in New Zealand is properly registered?
RealMe login and verified identity
- What is RealMe, and how is it linked to my myIR account?
- What is the difference between a RealMe login and a RealMe verified identity? Which one do I need?
- Can I get a RealMe verified identity if I am not a New Zealand citizen?
- How long does RealMe verification take, and does it cost anything?
- Do I need a referee for RealMe? Who can be my referee?
- Can I apply for RealMe while I am still overseas?
- How do I verify my address in RealMe?
- Is the Govt.nz app the same as RealMe?
Food & drink: bringing food into New Zealand, alcohol rules and food safety
Arriving in New Zealand: declaring food and medicines
- Can I bring spices, snacks and sweets from home to New Zealand? Do I need to declare them?
- Do I need to declare Ayurvedic or herbal medicines when I arrive in NZ?
- Where do I fill in the arrival card now? Is there still a paper card?
- What is the fine if I forget to declare food at the NZ airport?
- What are the rules for bringing prescription medicines into New Zealand? How much can I bring?
- Do I need a permit to bring ginseng or traditional medicines into NZ?
- Can my family post food to me in New Zealand?
- How much cash can I bring into New Zealand without declaring it?
Buying and drinking alcohol in New Zealand
- What is the legal drinking age in New Zealand, and what ID do I need to buy alcohol?
- Can I use my Indian driving licence or another overseas licence as ID to buy alcohol in NZ?
- Can I give my 16-year-old a small drink at a family party at home?
- I am over 18. Can I buy alcohol for a friend who is under 18?
- Can I drink beer in a park or on the beach in New Zealand?
- Why can't I buy whisky or vodka at the supermarket in NZ?
- Can I buy alcohol on Christmas Day or at Easter in New Zealand?
- Can I drive after one drink in New Zealand?
Food safety and food recalls
- How do I check if food I bought at the supermarket has been recalled?
- What should I do if food I bought is recalled?
- What is the difference between 'use by' and 'best before'? Can I eat food after the date?
- How many days can I keep leftovers in the fridge?
- I got sick after eating at a restaurant. Where do I report food poisoning?
- Who do I report to if I find something in my food or see a dirty shop?
- Imported food at an ethnic grocery store has no English label. Is that allowed?
- What temperature should my fridge be?
Registering a food business
- What food licence do I need to open a restaurant in New Zealand?
- What is the difference between a Food Control Plan and a National Programme, and which one do I need?
- Do I need to register to sell food I cook at home, like samosas or cakes?
- Do I register my café or bakery with the council or with MPI?
- How soon after registering will my food business be checked, and what do they check?
- Do I need to register to sell food at a weekend market?
- Does a school or charity fundraiser selling food need to register?
- What happens if my food business registration expires?
Shopping & consumer rights: refunds, faulty goods and small disputes
Returning faulty goods: your consumer rights
- Something I bought broke after a month and the shop says to contact the manufacturer. Is that allowed?
- I bought clothes but don't like them now. Can I return them for a refund?
- The shop will only give me store credit for a faulty item, not my money back. Can I refuse?
- My warranty has expired and the product stopped working. Can I still go back to the shop?
- I bought an extended warranty in the shop. Can I cancel it?
- Do I have consumer protection if I buy second-hand from a person on Trade Me or Marketplace?
- I've paid half of a layby and don't want the item any more. Can I get my money back?
- A sale price was fake and the 'original price' was made up. Where can I complain?
Small claims: the Disputes Tribunal
- A shop sold me a faulty product and won't give me a refund. Where can I make a claim?
- A tradesperson did poor work on my house. How do I claim some of my money back?
- What is the maximum amount I can claim at the Disputes Tribunal, and how much is the fee?
- Do I need a lawyer for the Disputes Tribunal? What if my English is not strong?
- My neighbour's tree roots damaged my drains. Can I go to the Disputes Tribunal?
- Can the Disputes Tribunal deal with a bond dispute with my landlord?
- Someone admits they owe me money but won't pay. Can the Disputes Tribunal help?
- Can I appeal if I lose at the Disputes Tribunal?
Housing in New Zealand: renting, bonds, healthy homes, buying, power and rates
Buying a home: overseas buyer rules and first-home support
- Can I buy a house in New Zealand on a work visa or work permit?
- I just got my resident visa. Can I buy a house straight away, or do I need to apply?
- What does 'ordinarily resident' mean, and how long do I need to live in NZ?
- My partner is a New Zealand citizen and I'm not. Can we buy a house together?
- Can I use my KiwiSaver to buy my first home? What are the conditions?
- Do I pay tax if I sell my house within 2 years? What is the bright-line rule?
- What is a LIM report, and do I need one before buying?
- Can I buy a house on an investor visa?
Healthy homes standards: minimum rules for rental homes
- My rental house is freezing in winter. Does my landlord have to provide a heater?
- Does a rental home need a heat pump, or is an electric heater enough?
- How do I check if my rented flat meets the healthy homes standards?
- My bathroom has no extractor fan and there is mould. Can I ask my landlord to install one?
- My house has an HRV system. Does that meet the ventilation standard?
- What is the fine for a landlord who does not meet the healthy homes standards?
- Does my landlord need to give notice before coming in to install insulation?
Power bills: switching electricity company and saving money
- How do I switch electricity company in NZ? Is there an official comparison website?
- How long does it take to change power company, and do I need to contact my old company?
- Do I have to pay a fee if I switch power company before my contract ends?
- Can my power company cut off my electricity if I can't pay the bill?
- Can the power company disconnect us if someone at home needs medical equipment?
- My power company is ignoring my complaint about my bill. Where can I complain?
- What is the Winter Energy Payment, how much is it per week and do I need to apply?
- Do the new power bill rules start in October 2026 or April 2027?
Rates and the rates rebate
- What are rates in New Zealand, and do I have to pay them every year after buying a house?
- Do I have to pay rates if I am renting?
- My income is low. Can I get help paying my council rates?
- How much is the rates rebate, and what is the income limit?
- I have a SuperGold card. Is the rates rebate different for me?
- When is the rates rebate deadline, and do I need to apply every year?
- I am retired and cannot afford my rates. Can I pay them later?
Rental bond: how much you pay, how to check it and how to get it back
- My landlord wants 6 weeks' rent as a security deposit. Is that legal?
- I paid the bond to my landlord. How do I know they lodged it with Tenancy Services?
- How do I get my bond back after I move out, and how long does it take?
- My landlord wants to keep part of my bond for cleaning and I don't agree. What can I do?
- Can my landlord ask me to pay one month's rent in advance?
- Do I have to pay an extra bond if I have a pet? What is the maximum?
- How do I apply to the Tenancy Tribunal about a bond dispute, and how much does it cost?
- I moved out a long time ago and never got my bond back. Can I still claim it?
Renting rights: repairs, rent increases and notice to end a tenancy
- My landlord says the rent goes up next month. Is that allowed? How much notice must they give?
- How many times a year can my landlord increase the rent? Is there a limit on how much?
- I have a periodic tenancy. How many days' notice must I give before I move out?
- My landlord is selling the house and gave me 42 days to leave. Is that legal?
- Can my landlord come for an inspection without telling me? How often can they inspect?
- My hot water cylinder is broken and the landlord won't fix it. Can I stop paying rent?
- My fixed-term lease is ending. How do I give notice if I don't want to renew? Does it renew automatically?
- Can I keep a cat or dog in a rental? Can my landlord just say no?
Getting around: overseas licences, road rules, buying a car, WoF, rego and buses
Buying a used car: checks, change of ownership and your rights
- What is the difference between buying a used car from a dealer and from a private seller in NZ?
- How do I check if a used car has money owing on it or is stolen?
- How do I transfer ownership of a used car? Do both the buyer and seller need to do it?
- The dealer says the car is sold 'as is, where is'. Is that legal?
- My car from a dealer broke down after a few weeks. Can I return it?
- How do I apply to the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal and how much does it cost?
- I bought a car from a private seller and it has problems. What can I do?
- What is the CIN on a car window and what should I check on it?
Driving on an overseas licence and converting to a New Zealand licence
- How long can I drive in New Zealand on my overseas driving licence?
- How do I convert my overseas licence to a New Zealand driver licence?
- Do I need to pass a theory test and a practical test to convert my licence?
- My licence is not in English. Where can I get an English translation?
- Can I drive in New Zealand with only an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
- I heard the 18-month overseas licence rule is changing to 12 months. Does it affect me?
- Which countries do not need a theory test to convert their licence?
- Can I convert my overseas licence if it has expired?
Road rules and traffic fines
- What are the give way rules at intersections and roundabouts in New Zealand?
- Can I use my phone for GPS navigation while driving in NZ?
- Until what age does a child need a car seat in New Zealand?
- What is the drink driving limit in New Zealand? Can I drive after one drink?
- How much is the fine for speeding 20 km/h over the limit, and how many demerit points do I get?
- How many demerit points before my driving licence is suspended?
- How do I pay a speeding ticket in NZ, and what happens if I don't pay?
- How do I dispute a traffic fine I think is wrong?
Taking the bus: transport cards and discounts
- What card do I need for buses in Auckland, and how much is an AT HOP card?
- Can I pay for the bus in Auckland with my credit card or phone?
- Do kids pay for the bus in New Zealand? What age is free?
- Is there a student discount on buses for university students?
- How much discount do I get on buses with a Community Services Card?
- When can I travel free with a SuperGold Card if I am over 65?
- What card do I use for buses in Wellington, and are peak and off-peak fares different?
- Can I still use a Metrocard in Christchurch? What is Motu Move?
Vehicle registration (rego) and warrant of fitness (WoF)
- What is the difference between rego and WoF in NZ? Do I need both?
- How often does my car need a WoF?
- WoF is changing to every 2 years. When does this start for my car?
- My car failed its WoF. What do I do, and do I pay again for the recheck?
- Can I drive with expired rego? What is the fine?
- I'm going overseas for a few months. Can I put my rego on hold?
- Do I need to pay RUC for an electric or diesel car? How much is it per 1000 km?
- Where do I put the rego label on the windscreen?
- How much does rego cost, and do I still pay if I'm not using the car?
Family & kids: pregnancy, parental leave and family payments
Best Start payment for new babies
- What payments can I get from the government when my baby is born?
- How much is Best Start per week and how long can I get it?
- At what family income does Best Start start to reduce?
- My baby is born in 2026. Can I still get the full Best Start amount?
- Can I apply for Best Start when I register my baby's birth?
- Can I get Best Start while I'm on paid parental leave?
- We are on work visas. Can we get Best Start for our new baby?
- How do I get an IRD number for my baby?
FamilyBoost childcare payment
- What is FamilyBoost and how do I apply?
- How much of my daycare fees will the NZ government pay back?
- What is the household income limit for FamilyBoost?
- What is the most I can get from FamilyBoost each quarter?
- I forgot to claim FamilyBoost last quarter. Can I still claim it?
- Can I get FamilyBoost if I am on a work visa?
- How long does a FamilyBoost refund take?
- How is household income worked out for FamilyBoost if I am self-employed?
Getting married in New Zealand
- How do I get married in New Zealand, and how much does it cost?
- How far ahead do I need a marriage licence, and how long is it valid?
- What is the cheapest way to get married? How much is a registry ceremony in total?
- We are not New Zealand citizens — we're visitors or on work visas. Can we get married here?
- How many witnesses do we need, and who can be a witness?
- How do I get a marriage certificate? How much is it and how long does it take?
- Do I have to change my surname after marriage? Is there any paperwork?
- I need to use my New Zealand marriage certificate back home or in another country. What do I need to do?
Paid Parental Leave
- How much is paid parental leave in New Zealand per week?
- How long does Paid Parental Leave (PPL) last?
- Can I get paid parental leave on a work visa in NZ?
- I started a new job a few months ago. Can I still get paid parental leave?
- Does my husband or partner get paternity leave, and is it paid?
- Can I transfer some of my paid parental leave to my partner?
- My baby is already born. Is it too late to apply for PPL?
- Can self-employed people get parental leave payments?
Pregnancy and birth: midwives and antenatal care
- I'm pregnant in New Zealand. What should I do first?
- Do I have to pay to see a midwife in NZ?
- I'm on a work visa and pregnant. Is delivery free?
- My husband is a NZ resident but I'm not yet. Is my pregnancy care free?
- How do I find a midwife near me?
- Can I give birth at home in New Zealand?
- Will someone visit me at home after the baby is born?
- What is Plunket and does it cost anything?
Working for Families tax credits
- What payments can I get in New Zealand if I have children?
- How much is Working for Families per week?
- At what family income does Working for Families start to reduce?
- I just got my resident visa. Can I apply for Working for Families?
- Can families on a work visa get Working for Families?
- How do I apply for Working for Families in myIR?
- IRD says I was overpaid Working for Families at the end of the year. Why do I have to pay it back?
- Has the in-work tax credit gone up this year?
Education: early childhood, school enrolment, domestic fees and student loans
Is my child a domestic student (free school)?
- I am on a work visa. Do I have to pay school fees for my child in New Zealand?
- How do I know if my child is a domestic student or an international student?
- I am doing a PhD in New Zealand. Can my child go to school for free?
- I am on a student visa for a master's degree. Is school free for my child?
- Can my child go to school on a visitor visa? Do we have to pay?
- What is a Dependent Child Student Visa and how much does it cost?
- My work visa is expiring soon. Until when can my child study as a domestic student?
- Will my child still be a domestic student at university?
Kindergarten, daycare and 20 Hours ECE
- At what age can my child get 20 Hours ECE in New Zealand?
- Is 20 Hours ECE completely free, or will I still have to pay something?
- What is the difference between kindergarten, daycare and Playcentre?
- How do I find a daycare or kindy near me and check reviews?
- My child goes 30 hours a week. Is there help with the extra hours?
- How do I apply for FamilyBoost, and how much can I get back each quarter?
- Can families on a work visa get the Childcare Subsidy?
- Can my child use the 20 free hours at two different centres?
Starting school in New Zealand: school age and school zones
- What age do children start school in New Zealand, and when is school compulsory?
- Can my child start school on their 5th birthday? What is cohort entry?
- How do I find out which school zone my address is in?
- Can my child go to a school if we live outside its zone? How does the ballot work?
- Do I have to pay the school donation?
- What is the difference between state, state-integrated and private schools, and what do they cost?
- If we move out of the school zone, can my child stay at the same school?
- Can I rent a house in a school zone for a short time to get my child into a good school?
Studying at university: student loans and allowances (StudyLink)
- How long after getting my resident visa can I get a student loan in NZ?
- How much can I borrow each week for living costs on a student loan?
- What is the difference between a Student Allowance and a Student Loan? Do I have to pay them back?
- Can my child get a Student Allowance if we have a high income?
- Is the NZ student loan really interest-free? What happens if I move overseas?
- Is final-year Fees Free still available, and how do I apply?
- When should I apply to StudyLink? Do I need to apply again every year?
- My child is turning 18 and starting university. How do we pay fees and living costs?
Work & tax: pay, leave, tax codes, KiwiSaver, job loss and running a business
Annual leave, sick leave and public holidays
- How many days of annual leave do I get in New Zealand? Can I take leave in my first few months?
- How many sick days do I get per year? Do part-time workers get sick leave too?
- My employer wants a medical certificate for sick leave. Who pays for the doctor?
- How much am I paid for working on a public holiday? Is it double pay?
- If I work on a public holiday, do I get a day off in lieu?
- When is Labour Day this year? How many days off do we get at Christmas?
- A family member has died. How many days of bereavement leave can I take?
- I'm resigning. Will I be paid for my unused annual leave?
KiwiSaver retirement savings
- What is KiwiSaver and should I join?
- I was put into KiwiSaver automatically at my new job. How much will come out of my pay each month?
- Has the KiwiSaver contribution rate gone up to 3.5%?
- How much do I need to save each year to get the full government contribution?
- Can I still get the KiwiSaver government contribution if I earn over NZ$180,000 a year?
- Can I use my KiwiSaver to buy my first home in New Zealand?
- How do I take out my KiwiSaver money when I turn 65?
- Money is tight. Can I contribute only 3% for a while?
Lost your job? Jobseeker Support explained
- What financial support can I get if I lose my job in New Zealand?
- How much is Jobseeker Support per week after redundancy?
- I got my residence visa (PR) less than 2 years ago. Can I get Jobseeker Support?
- Can I get an unemployment benefit if I am on a work visa and lose my job?
- How long after approval does the Jobseeker payment start?
- What do I have to do while on Jobseeker Support? Can it be stopped if I miss an interview?
- My child is 18. Do their parents' earnings affect their Jobseeker Support application?
- Does my employer have to pay redundancy compensation?
Minimum wage and employment agreements
- What is the minimum wage in New Zealand right now?
- My employer pays me NZ$20 an hour. Is that legal?
- I'm 17 and my employer says I only get the starting-out wage. Is that right?
- My employer told me to start work before signing a contract. Is that allowed?
- Can I complain if I was dismissed during a 90-day trial period?
- I'm on an AEWV work visa. Can my employer give me a 90-day trial period?
- My employer doesn't give me payslips. How can I check my hours and pay records?
- When does the minimum wage go up? Will it increase in 2027?
Starting a business: sole trader, company and GST registration
- Where do I register as a sole trader in New Zealand?
- How much does it cost to register a company in NZ, and how do I do it?
- At what turnover do I have to register for GST?
- My business earns less than NZ$60,000. Can I register for GST voluntarily?
- I don't live in New Zealand. Can I be the only director of an NZ company?
- What is provisional tax, and do I pay it in my first year?
- What is an NZBN, and do sole traders need one?
- Is it better to be a sole trader or start a company in NZ?
Tax codes and your end-of-year tax refund or bill
- I have two jobs. Should I use tax code S or SH for my second job?
- What is the difference between the M and ME tax codes, and can I use ME?
- I didn't fill in an IR330 when I started my job and 45% tax was taken from my pay. What can I do?
- Does Inland Revenue refund my tax automatically after 31 March, and when will I get it?
- I got a tax bill from IRD. When do I have to pay it?
- My family gets Working for Families. Can I still use the ME tax code?
- I have rental income or I'm self-employed. Do I need to file an IR3?
- Do I need to apply for a tax refund in New Zealand?
Work disputes and unpaid wages
- My employer has not paid my salary. Who can I complain to?
- I was fired without a reason. How do I complain, and is there a time limit?
- What is a personal grievance, and how do I write one?
- Does MBIE mediation cost money? Do I need a lawyer?
- How much does it cost to take my employer to the ERA?
- I am on a work visa and my employer asked me to pay money for the job. Can I report this? Will it affect my visa?
- I resigned and my employer has not paid my final pay and holiday pay. What can I do?
- I am being bullied or harassed at work. Who can help me?
Working on a student visa
- How many hours can I work per week on a student visa?
- My student visa still says 20 hours. How do I change it to 25, and what does it cost?
- Can I work full-time during the semester break or summer holidays?
- Is there a limit on work hours for PhD or Research Masters students?
- Can I work while studying English at a language school?
- Can a high school student in Year 12 or 13 work? Whose permission do I need?
- My course has finished but my visa is still valid. Can I keep working?
- Can I be self-employed or work as a freelancer on a student visa?
Health: GPs, ACC injury cover, prescriptions, dental and mental health
Enrolling with a GP and who can get publicly funded healthcare
- How do I find a GP when I first arrive in New Zealand?
- Can I get public healthcare in NZ on a work visa?
- Does it cost money to enrol with a GP, and what documents do I need?
- Can international students enrol with a GP in New Zealand?
- Why do so many clinics say they are not taking new patients?
- Are GP visits free for children in NZ?
- Who can I call if I feel unwell at night and cannot see a doctor?
- How do I change to a different GP clinic?
Getting help for your mental health
- I am very stressed and can't sleep. Who can I talk to?
- What is 1737, and is it free?
- My friend says they want to end their life. What should I do?
- Do I need to see a GP first to get counselling in New Zealand, and is it free?
- Is there a helpline for teenagers or young people?
- Who can I call in the middle of the night if I feel overwhelmed?
- A family member's mental health has suddenly got much worse. Who do I contact in an emergency?
Injured in an accident: ACC cover
- Do I have to pay to see a doctor if I get injured in New Zealand?
- I'm visiting my children in NZ on a visitor visa and had a fall. Does ACC cover me?
- How do I make an ACC claim? Do I have to fill in a form myself?
- I got hurt at work. Who pays my salary for the first week?
- How much does ACC pay if I can't work because of an injury?
- Can I go straight to a physio for a sports sprain?
- Can I get ACC if someone assaulted me?
- What is the ACC phone number?
Prescription costs and dental care
- How much does a prescription cost in New Zealand?
- Do children have to pay for prescription medicines?
- Is there a limit on how much I pay for prescriptions in a year?
- What is a Prescription Subsidy Card and how do I get one?
- Why did I pay NZ$15 for a prescription from a specialist?
- Is dental care free for children in NZ, and until what age?
- Can I get government help with the cost of adult dental treatment?
- I have bad toothache but can't afford a dentist. Can Work and Income help?
Retirement: NZ Super and the SuperGold Card
NZ Super (New Zealand Superannuation)
- What age can I get NZ Super?
- How many years do I need to live in NZ after getting PR to get the pension?
- Can my parents get NZ Super if they have lived in New Zealand for 10 years?
- How much is NZ Super every two weeks?
- Can I get NZ Super while I am still working?
- I get a pension from my home country. Will it reduce my NZ Super?
- When can I apply for NZ Super, and how do I apply online?
- Do the years I lived overseas count towards NZ Super?
SuperGold Card for people aged 65 and over
- My parents are over 65 and live in New Zealand. How do they get a SuperGold Card, and does it cost anything?
- Can I get a SuperGold Card if I don't receive NZ Super?
- Is public transport free with the SuperGold Card, and at what times?
- What card do seniors need for free buses and trains in Auckland?
- How do I replace a lost SuperGold Card?
- Which shops give SuperGold Card discounts?
- Can I keep using my Community Services Card after my NZ Super is approved?
- Can I use the SuperGold Card as photo ID?
Safety & help: emergencies, disasters, scams, free advice and voting
Emergency numbers and getting help
- What is the emergency number in New Zealand?
- Do I call 111 for an ambulance? Is it free to call?
- My English is not good. What do I do when I call 111?
- My car was stolen or my house was broken into, but it already happened. Who do I call?
- My child has a fever at night and I don't know if we need the emergency department. Who can I call for advice?
- My child swallowed dishwashing liquid or medicine. What number do I call?
- How can a deaf person, or someone who can't speak easily, contact emergency services?
- I saw a broken-down car or a dangerous driver on the motorway. What number do I call?
Enrolling to vote and voting
- Can I vote in New Zealand if I have PR or a resident visa?
- When is the 2026 New Zealand election, and when does enrolment close?
- How do I enrol to vote in NZ? Can I do it online?
- Can I enrol on the day at the voting place?
- Will I be fined if I don't enrol to vote?
- Do I need ID to vote? Can I vote without an EasyVote card?
- How do I vote in local council elections for mayor and councillors? Do I need to enrol separately?
- I moved house. Do I need to update my address on the electoral roll?
- Where is my nearest voting place, and how do I find it?
Free advice and legal aid
- Where can I get free advice in New Zealand, and can I get help in my own language?
- I have a dispute with my landlord or employer. What can I do if I can't afford a lawyer?
- Is Legal Aid free in NZ, or do I have to pay it back?
- How do I apply for Legal Aid if I'm charged with a crime or going to the Family Court?
- My English isn't strong. Can I get a free interpreter when I call a government agency?
- What can a Community Law Centre help me with?
- What is the CAB phone number and when are they open?
- Is there free legal help for young people under 25?
Getting ready for earthquakes, tsunamis and other emergencies
- What should I do in an earthquake in New Zealand? Should I run outside?
- I live near the beach. When should I leave after an earthquake? Do I need to wait for a tsunami warning?
- What should I put in an emergency kit, and how much water should I store?
- Do I need to register for Emergency Mobile Alerts on my phone?
- What should I do if an earthquake happens while I am in bed at night?
- What should I do if there is an earthquake while I am driving?
- Can I go back into my house if it is damaged after an earthquake? Should I contact my insurance company?
- How do I find out if my home is in a tsunami evacuation zone?
Immigration advice and visa policy: licensed advisers and how to check them
- How do I check that an immigration agent in New Zealand is legitimate?
- Does an immigration adviser need a licence? Can a lawyer help instead?
- Can my education agent help with a work visa or residence?
- Can my employer or a recruiter give me visa advice?
- What happens if I use an unlicensed adviser for my visa?
- How do I complain about my immigration adviser?
- Will reporting an unlicensed adviser affect my visa?
- Where can I find reliable information about visa rules?
Scams in New Zealand: common tricks and how to report them
- I got a call from 'Inland Revenue' saying I owe tax and must pay now. Is it real?
- Someone says they are police or embassy officials from my home country and I am involved in a crime. They want me to transfer money. What should I do?
- I got a text saying my parcel could not be delivered and I need to click a link and pay a fee. What should I do?
- I transferred money to a scammer. What is the first thing I should do? Can I get my money back?
- Someone I met online says crypto investment is guaranteed profit. Can I trust them?
- A family member messaged me on WhatsApp from a new number saying their phone broke and they urgently need money. How do I know if it is real?
- Where do I report scam texts and scam calls in New Zealand?
- Where do I report a scam to the police, and what evidence do I need?
How does this apply to me?
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