Demystifying Border Exceptions and Critical Purpose Visas

What are the visa options for Kiwi recruiters, HR teams and businesses to get international talent into New Zealand?

With our borders closed for nearly 18 months, skill shortages are starting to bite for the many businesses dependent on international talent they just can't find locally.

So we asked Lane Neave Immigration Partner, Rachael Mason to explain all you need to know in our latest Mobile Expert Interview.

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5 Lockdown Tips for expats and returning Kiwis

After 170+ days without community COVID transmission, New Zealand plunged back into lockdown on 17 August 2021.

For our recently-arrived expat and returning Kiwi clients, this is their first experience of lockdown New Zealand style.

Our lockdowns are strict, and it can be quite an adjustment figuring out how to manage routines, source what you need and take care of wellbeing in a Kiwi context, even if you’re an overseas lockdown veteran.

So we’re sharing our 5 top tips for nailing lockdown as a newcomer to New Zealand.

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Relocating to New Zealand - One Year In

Over the past 18 months there has been intense focus on Kiwis expats returning to New Zealand, over 50,000 so far. What’s often forgotten is that many are relocating to Aotearoa with international spouses or partners, for whom New Zealand is not home. They face a different set of challenges which are no less worthy of attention.

Amanda Sadlier, moved from Seattle to Auckland with her Kiwi husband in July 2020. Here are her reflections on the experience, and what she’d tell herself if she could go back in time.

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How expats can cope with shipping mayhem

Relocating household effects is an important task for most expats and returning Kiwis moving to New Zealand. It’s a complex and costly exercise in normal times, but COVID has significantly disrupted international shipping.

Extra charges and delays are now frequent occurrences for our clients, so we asked shipping expert, Matthew Woodley from NZ Vanlines to explain what’s happening and we’ve pulled together some tips to make the best of the situation.

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The Facts about MIQ

We’ve worked with many expats and Kiwis relocating to New Zealand since COVID hit in 2020. They worry about many different things - jobs and careers, how their kids will adjust, culture shock. But the most common concern is MIQ.

We decided the only way to get accurate and authoritative information was to ask the Head of MIQ, Megan Main. Here are our top three tips for expats moving to New Zealand or Kiwis planning to return home and needing to go through MIQ.

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An American in New Zealand

Relocating to New Zealand is a dream for an increasing number of Americans attracted by the country’s handling of COVID and liberal politics. But what is it really like for someone from the US to live in New Zealand? What are the challenges, rewards and stand-out differences? Hear from one of our clients as she reflects back on her two-year experience of being an American in New Zealand.

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Soothing your MIQ worries | Interview with Head of MIQ Megan Main

Returning Kiwis or people wanting to relocate to New Zealand often asked questions like: How much longer will MIQ be required? What’s it like with young children? Can you choose which hotel? When and how will MIQ requirements change for people vaccinated? Since it’s such a hot topic we´re happy to provide you the answers as we had the opportunity for an exclusive video interview with the Head of MIQ, Megan Main.

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Impacts of Reverse Culture Shock for Returning Kiwis

Culture shock is a well-known phenomenon when moving abroad. Yet the phase of readjustment and possible emotional difficulties when coming back to your home country - reverse culture shock - is often underestimated. Many Kiwis face this as they relocate to New Zealand. In this article we answer the most common questions about reverse culture shock, so you can understand the challenges and triggers and be equipped to deal with them.

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4 Tips for Relocating Your Pet to New Zealand

When you think about moving to New Zealand, you may wonder about how you’ll relocate your favourite pet. It’s often possible to bring your cat or dog with you, but you should know that the process is involved. Further, the difficulty and expense have recently increased due to the very limited number of flights currently operating.

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5 creative ways to win the battle against MIQ boredom

Many people relocating to New Zealand dread the compulsory 14 day stint in managed isolation (MIQ). Creativity can be your secret weapon in getting through. Your imagination, and a few simple supplies, can provide mental release from the four walls of your MIQ room, build connection with the world outside and help you use the time to recharge before embarking upon life in New Zealand.

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‘Survivor Guilt’ and returning Kiwi expats

Prior to COVID, survivor guilt was a thing you heard about in relation to plane crashes. Now it’s showing up for Kiwis returning to New Zealand., who find living a COVID-free and ‘normal’ life here difficult, knowing that whanau offshore are ill, or enduring months of lockdown. This article explains survivor guilt and how to beat it so you can enjoy life when you relocate to New Zealand.


. This article explains survivor guilt and how to beat it.

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Don't forget....

As we planned our move to New Zealand from the US, I carried a nagging worry about overlooking some key piece of the relocation puzzle. Whether you’re a returning Kiwi, or a family relocating to NZ for a new life, moving countries is complicated.

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