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How to get started

In Ashburton District, you will find friendly neighbours, colleagues and services ready to help you.

Here are some handy tips to get you started:

  • You will need a mobile phone with a New Zealand number and an email address to open bank accounts, process your tax number, rent a house, enrol with a doctor, etc.
  • There is no public transport in Ashburton, plan accordingly to get to your destinations.  Check the "Getting around" tile in this guide, to find more information.
  • Set up power and internet for your home - no need to worry about paying for water.
  • Ensure you have rubbish and recycling wheelie bins and a green crate for glass recycling at your home if you live in an urban area.
  • Follow the Ashburton District Council Facebook Page.
  • Introduce yourself to your neighbours.
  • Sign up for a free Ashburton Library card - remember to take your ID with you.
  • Take a walk around your new neighbourhood – explore our parks, walks and reserves including the Ashburton & Tinwald domains.
  • Visit a few of our landmark attractions; Lake Hood, Mount Hutt, Mt Sunday and our high-country lakes.
  • Explore different volunteering, recreation or community groups that you can join, you can contact Citizens Advice Bureau or Hakatere Multi Cultural Council to find out their details.
  • Explore the New Zealand Now website: Your guide to living & working in New Zealand www.newzealandnow.govt.nz.

Renting

The rental market is limited at the moment, and finding a suitable home for you and your family can take time.  Make a plan and consider you will have to provide:

  • Reference letters from your previous landlords.
  • A letter from your employer.
  • copy of your ID.
  • A bond.*

*When you rent a house, you might need to pay something called a 'bond,' which is usually the same as two to four weeks' worth of rent. This money is a security deposit for the landlord. It's there to cover any damages to the house or if you haven't paid rent. You get the bond money back when you move out, but only if everything is okay - if there's no damage or unpaid rent.

Other factors to consider:

  • Most rental homes are not furnished.
  • The rent is paid weekly.
  • You must pay for services such as electricity, phone connection and internet.
  • There may be some whiteware included in the house (like dishwasher, washing machine, stove), ask the landlord.
  • When you find a rental, it is recommended to get "contents insurance", this insurance covers the items in your home in case of a natural disaster like a flooding or earthquake.  Check what the insurance companies offer and select the one that adjusts to your budget.

Finding a rental property:

In Ashburton, landlords prefer that you have a look of the house before to applying for it.  To apply for a house, you will need to fill in a form with your details and attach a scanned copy of your reference letters, employment letters, and copy of your ID.

You can look for rentals on Real Estate and TradeMe. Thera are also Facebook pages and groups (Accommodation Ashburton NZ), local newspapers and community boards.

To find out more information about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant and other questions you may have about tenancy agreements, go to  Aratohu website.

You have to pay tax on any income you earn. If you do not have an IRD number, tax will be deducted at the non-declaration rate, which is higher than the normal rates.

It is crucial to obtain an IRD number as all your personal information is associated with this number.
You are required to obtain an IRD number if you:

  • Earn any income, such as from a job, benefit, or pension.
  • Apply for Working for Families Tax Credits, a student loan, or child support.
  • Open a bank account or join KiwiSaver.
  • File tax returns.

Additionally, you may need an IRD number if you are purchasing, selling, or transferring New Zealand properties.


Apply for an IRD number.

If you’re an NZ citizen, you can apply online or complete a paper application   at your local New Zealand Automobile Association (AA) located within Paper Plus on 109 East Street, Ashburton.
IRD numbers for individuals— Inland Revenue


If you have a work, student or resident visa, or an Australian passport, you can apply online or complete a paper application. 
New arrival to New Zealand — Inland Revenue


If you live outside NZ, you need a current New Zealand bank account before you apply for an IRD number.
Living overseas — Inland Revenue

First decide what bank you would like your money to go into, check their interest rates, service fees and other services they offer.

To open a bank account, you will need:

  • Make an appointment at your selected bank and ask what you will need to open your account, as these vary from bank to bank.
  • NZ phone number
  • Email address. (Banks have apps where you can do all your banking online in minutes).
  • Original passport and any other photo ID you have, like driver's licence.
  • A recent document to prove your physical address (tenancy agreement, job offer, power bill).
  • Your tax number from your home country, if you are from overseas.
  • Your IRD (NZ tax number, if you have one, if not, you can give it to your bank later, but make sure you do, as you will get taxed the highest rate, if you do not update it).