Moving from New Zealand to Australia – A Guide for Civil Engineers and Construction Professionals

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November 22, 2024

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If you are a Civil Engineer or a Construction Professional moving to Australia for better work opportunities, our moving guide will help you prepare for this transition.

How hard is it to move to Australia if you have a Kiwi passport?

Thanks to the Special Category Visa 444 (SCV), moving to Australia is as easy as showing your passport at customs. This visa lets you:

• Live and work indefinitely.
• Earn Aussie dollars without sponsorship.
• Apply for citizenship after four years.

It’s free and there are no lenghty applications.

Shipping your belongings to Australia

If your belongings are in good condition and hold personal value, shipping them may be more cost-effective than replacing everything upon arrival. However, for items that are easily replaceable or nearing the end of their lifespan, purchasing new ones in Australia might be more practical.

If you’re moving an entire household from New Zealand, a full container is typically used. The cost for a full container load ranges between $11,790 and $13,290, with an estimated transit time of 6–8 weeks (Source: Move to Australia). For smaller shipments, sharing a container can be more economical, though it may result in longer transit times.

Before traveling to Australia, review the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s guidelines to understand what items are allowed and which are prohibited. Upon arrival in Australia, you must declare all food, plant material, animal products, and other items that could pose a biosecurity risk. Failing to declare biosecurity risk items or providing false information can lead to significant penalties, including fines.

Bringing your pets to Australia

Bringing a pet from New Zealand to Australia is a straightforward process due to the close biosecurity relationship between the two countries, however there are some conditions you have to meet.

Your pet must have resided in New Zealand since birth or for at least 180 days before export. If your pet was previously imported into New Zealand, additional documentation may be required. While there is no quarantine period for pets arriving from New Zealand, a vet must complete a health certificate within 72 hours before departure, confirming your pet is free from contagious diseases and fit to travel. (source: Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry).

Finding rental accommodation

We are going to be honest here – Australia’s rental market is currently experiencing significant challenges, with affordability reaching record lows in several major cities. In major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, the rental market is highly competitive.

Tenants typically pay a bond (security deposit) equal to 4 weeks’ rent. This is held by a government body, such as the Rental Bond Board in New South Wales, and is refunded at the end of the tenancy if no damage or rent arrears occur.

Australian landlords typically request proof of income, employment references, and a rental history. If you’re new to the country, providing these can be tricky—be prepared with bank statements and a letter from your New Zealand landlord. Good rentals go quickly, so be ready to inspect and apply on the same day.

Regular inspections (every 3–6 months) by landlords or property managers are more common in Australia. These inspections check for cleanliness and maintenance.

Websites like Realestate.com.au, Domain, and Flatmates.com.au are the go-to platforms for browsing rental listings.

Opening an Australian bank account

Australia has several major banks that offer services suitable for new arrivals. Many banks allow you to set up an account online before you arrive in Australia. This can simplify the process and provide immediate access to your funds upon arrival. For example, CommBank enables you to open an account online and then verify your identity in person once you arrive Commonwealth Bank.

To open a bank account, you’ll need to provide identification to meet the 100-point ID requirement. Common documents include:

• Passport: Typically worth 80 points.
• Driver’s Licence: Worth 20–40 points, depending on the bank.
• Proof of Address: Such as a utility bill or rental agreement.

While not mandatory to open a bank account, providing your TFN to the bank ensures that any interest earned is taxed at the correct rate. Without a TFN, your interest may be taxed at the highest marginal rate. You can apply for a TFN through the Australian Taxation Office.

• Commonwealth Bank (CommBank): Allows you to open an account online up to three months before your arrival. Commonwealth Bank
• National Australia Bank (NAB): Permits account opening online up to 12 months before arrival. MoneyHub
• Westpac: Requires you to be in Australia to open an account. Westpac
• ANZ Bank: Offers account opening options for new migrants.

Applying for a Tax File Number

Australia has its own taxation system managed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). If you’re planning to earn income as an employee, contractor, or business owner, you must have a Tax File Number (TFN). Employers use your TFN to report your earnings to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and ensure that the correct amount of tax is withheld from your salary.

Without a TFN Employers are required to withhold tax at the highest marginal rate (currently 47%), which is significantly higher than the rates for most taxpayers.

Apply for a TFN

Looking for work? Register your details here or explore our current vacancies

Choosing a Superannuation fund

Superannuation, or ‘Super’, is the compulsory Australian retirement savings system, designed to assist people in saving for their retirement. Employers pay part of an employee’s earnings into a super fund, which invests the money and grows it over time. Super is a cornerstone of Australia’s retirement income system, alongside government pensions and private savings.

Employers are required to contribute a percentage of your earnings (currently 11% as of July 2023) to a super fund of your choice. This is known as the Superannuation Guarantee (SG). Contributions are on top of your regular salary or wages.

Employees can also contribute to their super voluntarily, either through salary sacrifice (pre-tax) or after-tax contributions.

Choosing a superannuation (super) fund in Australia is an important decision that can significantly impact your retirement savings. There are several types of super funds in Australia. Your choice will depend on your employment situation, investment knowledge, and preferences:

• Industry Funds: Typically low-cost and not-for-profit, designed for workers in specific industries but often open to everyone.
• Retail Funds: Run by financial institutions or banks, offering a variety of investment options but often with higher fees.
• Corporate Funds: Arranged by employers for their employees, usually with tailored benefits.
• Public Sector Funds: Designed for government employees, often with competitive benefits.
• Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs): Allow you to manage your super investments directly, but require significant knowledge, time, and regulatory compliance.

Use comparison tools like the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) YourSuper comparison tool or independent comparison websites to evaluate funds.

Healthcare in Australia for New Zealand citizens

“New Zealand and Australia have a reciprocal health care agreement, which means that New Zealand citizens travelling to Australia are eligible for limited subsidised health services for medically necessary treatment while visiting Australia. The reciprocal health care agreement covers treatment that is medically necessary. Medically necessary treatment means any ill-health or injury which occurs while you are in Australia and which requires treatment before you return home (Source: Australian High Commission New Zealand).

If you are a New Zealand citizen residing in Australia, you are eligible to enroll in Medicare, provided you can demonstrate that you live in Australia. Medicare covers many healthcare services, however it does not cover all medical expenses such as dental care, physiotherapy, podiatry, etc. Medicare may not cover all costs associated with private hospital services or elective procedures.

Many Australians opt for private health insurance which can provide coverage for services not included under Medicare. If you are a high-income earner, holding private health insurance can help you avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge, an additional tax for higher-income earners without appropriate private hospital cover.

Private Health Insurance in Australia

Private health insurance in Australia generally falls into two main categories:

• Hospital Cover – Covers treatment as a private patient in a hospital, including accommodation, surgery, and specialist fees.
• Extras (or Ancillary) – Covers non-hospital services such as dental, physiotherapy, optical, and alternative therapies.

Policies range from basic to comprehensive, with varying levels of coverage. As there are many options available, researching different insurers and policies is crucial. Tools like the Australian government’s PrivateHealth.gov.au website allow you to compare policies based on price, coverage, and customer reviews. Most plans have waiting periods for certain treatments, such as obstetrics or pre-existing conditions, and understanding these upfront can save frustration later.

In Australia, the private health insurance sector is predominantly led by a few major providers. The largest private health insurers by market share are:

• Medibank
• Bupa
• HCF (Hospital Contribution Fund):
• nib
• HBF

Driving in Australia

New Zealanders can generally use their New Zealand driver licence in Australia for the first three months after arrival, if it has not expired or been suspended. You must carry your NZ licence at all times.

If you plan to live in Australia permanently, the rules vary by state or territory. In most cases, you’ll need to transfer your NZ licence to an Australian licence after a specific period, usually 3 to 6 months of residence.

It is very important to check with the licencing agency in the particular state that you are planning on visiting. See the list below:

New South Wales: www.rta.nsw.gov.au
Victoria: www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
Queensland: http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/
South Australia: www.transport.sa.gov.au
Western Australia: www.dpi.wa.gov.au
Tasmania: www.transport.tas.gov.au
Northern Territory: http://www.transport.nt.gov.au/
ACT: www.canberraconnect.act.gov.au  

Getting a mobile phone in Australia

Getting a mobile phone is one of the first things you’ll want to sort out. Australia has three major mobile network operators: Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone, as well as numerous smaller providers (known as Mobile Virtual Network Operators or MVNOs) that use these networks. Telstra has the widest coverage, particularly in rural areas, while Optus and Vodafone are typically cheaper in metro areas. MVNOs like Boost Mobile, Amaysim, and Aldi Mobile use major networks and often offer lower-cost plans.

Prepaid Plans are pay-as-you-go plans, ideal if you’re staying short-term or want flexibility. You pay upfront for a set amount of calls, texts, and data. Postpaid Plans are monthly plans with set inclusions. Some include a phone, while others are SIM-only.

To set up a postpaid plan or purchase a SIM, you’ll need Your New Zealand passport and you may need a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement. The provider may run a credit check, so ensure you have some financial history in Australia.

Enrolling your children in school

New Zealand citizens can enroll their children in Australian public (state) schools without paying international student fees. They are treated as domestic students, which means they are exempt from international tuition fees (source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade).

If you opt for private or independent schools, tuition fees will apply, and these can vary significantly between institutions.

The Australian school year typically runs from late January to December, divided into four terms. For example, in Queensland, children start Prep (the first year of primary school) if they turn five by June 30 of that year. However, other states might have different age requirements so it’s important to do your research.

Public schools generally use zoning systems, meaning admission is determined by the family’s residential address. Private schools do not have such restrictions, although they may have selective entry requirements or waiting lists. They charge significant tuition fees, ranging from a few thousand to over $45,000 annually, depending on the institution. By contrast, New Zealand’s private school fees are generally lower but still significant.

If you want to do more research on a particular school visit https://www.myschool.edu.au/

The My School website offers parents comprehensive data on Australian schools, facilitating informed decisions about their children’s education. Key information includes:

• School Profiles: Details such as school type (public, private, or independent), location, student demographics, and available facilities.
• Academic Performance: Access to National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) results, allowing parents to assess a school’s academic standing over time.
• Financial Information: Insights into school funding sources and expenditures, providing transparency regarding financial management.
• Student Attendance: Data on attendance rates, highlighting student engagement and school environment.
• Community Context: Information on the socio-economic background of the student population, offering context to the school’s performance and resources.

Adapting to Australian climate

New Zealanders might be used to a warm summer day reaching 25°C, but in many parts of Australia, that’s considered a cool day. Summer temperatures can regularly soar above 35°C and it’s not just the daytime—some nights barely cool down.

In tropical areas like Queensland and the Northern Territory, the humidity can feel oppressive. Kiwis used to breezy, fresh air might find themselves sweating before they even start work. While NZ enjoys clear seasons, in much of Australia there’s “hot,” “hotter,” “ridiculously hot,” and “slightly cooler.

• Sydney: Hot and muggy, thanks to the humidity.
• Brisbane: Feels like a sauna, all year round.
• Perth: Dry heat that leaves you parched.
• Darwin: Monsoon rains followed by sauna-like heat.
• Melbourne: Unpredictable—carry a jacket, sunscreen, and an umbrella, no matter what the forecast says.
• Tasmania: Cool enough to make you double-check if you’ve actually left New Zealand.

While New Zealand is no stranger to rain and flooding, Australian rainstorms are on another level and roads can into rivers within minutes.

Sun safety in Australia is taken very seriously. Australia has higher levels of ultraviolet (UVR) radiation than New Zealand because it’s closer to the equator. To protect yourself, you should:

• Wear protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+ or higher) at least 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat that shade your face, neck, and ears.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV damage.

Australian wildlife and how to stay safe

The reputation of Australian animals as being terrifyingly dangerous is a bit of a mixed bag—it’s partly true but often blown out of proportion by media. Deadly encounters with crocodiles, shark attacks, or spider bites are rare. Most animal-related deaths in Australia don’t come from venomous or scary creatures, but from horses and cows.

While most of the spiders and snakes you’ll encounter will be harmless, it’s good to understand which critters you should approach with caution and some safety rules to follow.

Most animals attack only when they feel threatened. Avoid provoking or cornering them, and keep your distance espcially when it comes to snakes. If you encounter a snake, call a professional snake catcher for removal if it’s in your home or property.

Look before you sit, step, or reach into hidden areas like woodpiles, rocks, or bushes. Always shake out clothing, shoes, and gloves before wearing them. Pay attention to signs in parks, beaches, or bushland that warn of local wildlife risks (such as crocodiles or sharks). Stick to patrolled beaches and swimming areas, where lifeguards monitor for sharks and jellyfish.

Getting licensed to work as an Engineer or Construction Professional

If you’re planning to work as an engineer or on construction sites, you’ll need a few key pieces of paper:

• White Card: This is your “get on site” pass, and you can’t start work without it.
• Engineers Australia Membership: For engineers, this shows you’re up to Aussie standards.
• State Licenses: Some states, like Queensland, require extra certifications for engineers.

Finding a job

If you are a Civil Engineer or a Construction Professional moving to Australia from New Zealand, we would like to help you with your job search! Register your details here or explore our current vacancies

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