Getting to Kiwi College
Info about pick-up at Airport
About Auckland
Tāmaki Makaurau is the Māori name for Auckland. As New Zealand’s largest city, there
are festivals, concerts, sports tournaments and cultural events throughout the year.
Climate
Auckland has a mild climate with four seasons. Summer is warm with temperatures between
20 – 28ºC, and it rarely drops below 6ºC in the winter. Spring and autumn are changeable and windy, and
temperatures range from 15 – 20ºC. Visit www.metservice.com for up-to-date New Zealand weather and climate reports.
Our seasons
Summer: December,January,February
Autumn: March,April,May
Winter: June,July,August
Spring: September, October, November
Autumn: March,April,May
Winter: June,July,August
Spring: September, October, November
Scenery
It’s an environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches,
forests and native bush. In the west, there are dramatic black sand beaches. In the east you can soak up the sun on golden
sandy beaches in the shade of pohutukawa trees. To the north there are farmland and
vineyards, and in the south you’ll find botanical gardens, unspoilt forest and peaceful bays to explore.
You can get a spectacular view of Auckland from one of the many volcano cones dotted around the city,or take a ferry
trip to climb the area’s most iconic volcano, Rangitoto.
Public Transport in Auckland
Bus, Train, Ferry
Auckland Transport will provide information about the timetables, journey planner, and fare information for Auckland buses, trains, and ferries. If you enrol in NZCEL or Foundation programmes, you are eligible for a discount of 20% on bus, train and ferry fares when using your AT HOP card. Please enquire at the Administration Office how you can use this concession.
Bicycle
When you ride a bicycle, you MUST wear a helmet and you will also need lights at night. You MUST ride the bicycle on the left-hand side of the street, or in the special bicycle lane.
Taxi / Uber
Taxis or Uber can be ordered by mobile phone.
Safety in New Zealand
New videos support available for international students in Auckland NZ
Keeping safe | New Zealand Police provides useful information to keep you safe in New Zealand with more information on the New Zealand Police website.
The Emergency number 111 connects to Fire – Police – Ambulance
You can call this emergency number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from any phone, including a mobile phone. If you have a pre-paid mobile phone, and you have run out of airtime, you can still phone 111 and you will be connected.
105 is a dedicated 24-hours a-day, 7 days-a-week number for reporting non-emergencies such as damaged property, stolen vehicles or providing Police information about crime in your area.
Driving in New Zealand
Your safety is important for us. Drive Safe has information about driving in New Zealand.
Before Driving in New Zealand
- You must have a licence. You can use your international driver’s licence for one year.
- Visit NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi to find an online copy of the Road Code. Multilingual brochures are available in Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Thai language.
- You must carry your licence or permit with you at all times when driving. If it is in a language that is not English, please make sure you get it translated and carry the translation as well as the original copy when you drive in New Zealand.
- The speed limit here is normally 50 km/hr in urban areas and 100 km/ hr on the motorways. Be mindful of the speed limit signs and road conditions at all times.
- Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt and babies/children under 7 must be in car seats.
Getting a Driver’s Licence
- You must get a New Zealand driver’s licence after one year.
- Go to New Zealand drivers’ licence to get more information how to prepare for and sit the test.
Rental cars
Visit Rental cars in New Zealand if you are interested in renting. Most car rental companies will
require that you are over 20 years old and that you have a current overseas license (translated if needed), a New
Zealand license or an International licence.
Buying a car
Some students decide to buy cars within the first month of their arrival in NZ. Before
you buy a car, we recommend looking into the AA Used Car Buying Guide. More information about car insurance can be found
on the Consumer Affairs website.
Accidents
If you get involved in an accident, make sure to pull over to the side of the road you
are driving on and park safely. If there is an injury, call 111 (ambulance, police or fire). If no one is injured,
exchange your information with the other party. Get the name, address, phone number, car number plate and make and
the name of their insurance company, you will then need to inform the police within 24 hours. They will issue you
with a report which you can then use to claim insurance.
Accident Insurance
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) provides accident insurance for all New
Zealand citizens, residents, and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other
medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website.
Public Library Services
It is easy to join the Public Library for free; for more information go to Auckland Council Libraries: Join the library A library application form is available from the library reception or you can download an electronic form.
To become free members of the public library and get a library card you need to provide a copy of your passport and a student confirmation letter. Please ask for a confirmation letter at the Kiwi College Administration office.
There are public libraries in Albany, Browns Bay, Glenfield, Takapuna and Auckland City Centre, with vast resources. Visit Auckland Council Libraries for daily hours.
Living Costs
Education New Zealand provides students with five ways in which to cut living
cost while studying in NZ. As part of your student visa application, you’ll need to have about
$20,000 (NZD) per year available for living costs, this is above the cost of your tuition.
There are a number of essential and non-essential living costs that you might be required to pay while choosing
to live and study in Auckland. You can calculate how much your everyday expenses such as accommodation, power,
groceries, and transport are likely to cost by using Immigration NZ cost of living calculator.
The types of costs associated with renting will include rent and bond (Tenancy
Services weekly rent will provide an estimate of the rent in your chosen
area.), sharing in the power, water and internet bill, food and furniture if the rental property is
unfurnished.
New
To Renting has information explaining your basic rights and what you must do
under New Zealand tenancy law.
If you decide to buy your own car, associated cost will be Car Insurance, Warrant of Fitness (WoF)
and Rego. NZ Transport agency has more information about
potential costs.
Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS)
The Funds
Transfer Scheme (FTS) is a secure way for students from other countries
to transfer funds to support themselves while studying in New Zealand. Currently FTS is
only available to students from:
- China
- India
- Philippines
- Sri Lanka
Banking Services
Banking Services
We recommend opening a New Zealand bank account for your convenience. Our major banks are:
Most New Zealanders use EFTPOS instead of cash. With an EFTPOS card you can make purchases and payments from your
bank account, where money is taken directly (debited) from your bank account.
Opening a bank account in New Zealand
Kiwi College can assist you with your banking arrangements and obtaining an IRD number.To open an account in New Zealand, you’ll need to take the following documents to
the bank:
- A passport
- Proof that you are a full-time student, such as a letter from Kiwi College or a fees invoice
- Proof of a residential address in New Zealand. Contact the Administration Office at Kiwi College to assist you.
- IRD number
After completing an application form, you will be given an account number. You can make deposits and withdrawals
on the same day. Your bank card is usually mailed to your residential address within a few days of receiving
your bank account. Take your card to the bank to select a PIN (security) number. Do not show your PIN to anyone.
If you lose your bank card or think someone else has
your PIN contact your bank straight away on its free phone 0800 number and cancel your card.
Remember your bank card is not an acceptable form of identification.
Culture Shock
Most international students will experience some difficulties adjusting to a new
country and culture. Feeling
homesick is totally normal, and should be expected. Talk to your classmates or your teacher, or visit our Student
Support Officer.
Common signs of culture shock
Everyone experiences culture shock differently, listed below are some common signs and symptoms of culture shock:
- Feeling homesick, sad, frustrated, depressed angry or/and lonely
- Feeling worried about your health
- Headaches and pains
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Feeling overwhelmed by small problems
- Feeling shy and insecure
Ways to cope with culture shock
Remember to be kind to yourself and don’t expect too much too soon. Listed below are some useful suggestions to help
cope with culture shock:
- Stay in touch with friends or other people you trust
- Exercise, get plenty of sleep and eat healthy food
- Use English as often as possible, if it’s your second language – confidence with English will help you adjust more quickly
- Learn as much as you can about New Zealand culture, values and attitudes, and try to respect them
- Be open to learning new things and spend time doing things you enjoy
- Keep your sense of humour
Support off campus
Listed below are services that you can access while off campus:
Depression Helpline
0800 111 757 (24/7) Free text 4202 (24/7) Email: via this online form Depression Helpline websiteLifeline
0800 543 354 or within Auckland 09 522 2999(24/7) Go to Lifeline websiteMental Health Crisis Team
0800 800 717 (24/7) Go to Mental Health websiteYouthline
0800 376 633 (for 24/7 phone counselling) Free text 234 between 8am and midnight Email: talk@youthline.co.nz