Emergency Services. phone numbers:  Fire - 111, Ambulance - 111, Police - 111

Accident and Sudden Sickness

In the case of a sudden sickness or serious accident, you can visit an Accident and Medical Centre, often called an A and E (Accident and Emergency) Clinic, in your local area, or the emergency department of a public hospital.

A & E Clinics

• Accident and Urgent Medical Clinics, Corner Anglesea and Thackery Streets, Hamilton, 07 858 0800
• Victoria Central Accident and Medial centre, Hamilton, 07 834 0333
• Radius Medical Davies Corner Accident & Medical, Hamilton, 07 855 5370
• Radius Medical Rototuna Accident & Medical, Hamilton,07 852 5377
• Waikato Hospital – 24 hour Emergency Accident and Medical Services Ph 07 839 8899 (All departments)

You can call the Ambulance service by ringing 111.

Talking to Emergency Services

Accident and Emergency - dial 111 for Fire, Ambulance, Police
It is a good idea to pin your current address above your telephone so you can read it out in the case of emergency. If you are ringing for an ambulance or police, tell them about landmarks near the accident site, such as shops, malls, restaurants or intersections. They will then be able to find you more easily.

Dialling 111 from a landline (ordinary phone)

Make sure you have a dial tone to dial an outside line. Dial 111, slowly. The operator will ask what service you need. Fire, Ambulance or Police. When you answer, the operator will connect you to that service.

Dialling from a cellular phone (mobile phone)

Make sure your power is on and ignition is on for a car phone. Push 111 and send. The operator will ask what service you need. Fire, Ambulance or Police. When you answer, the operator will connect you.

Ringing the Fire Service: Dial 111

Fire Service: Hello, Fire Service

Caller: _________________________ (Explain why you are calling fire service).

Fire Service: What is the address?

Caller: ____________________________________________ Street number

__________________________________________________ Street name

__________________________________________________ Suburb

__________________________________________________ City

__________________________________________________ Any landmark

It is very important to give the correct address to the emergency services so they can come to help you quickly.

For more information:

New Zealand Police:  www.police.govt.nz

Counselling and victim support services:  www.victimsupport.org.nz or telephone: 0800 842 846

Community based crime prevention programmes (Neighbourhood Watch):  www.neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz

If you are working you must pay tax. For more info, visit www.ird.govt.nz.  To do this you need an IRD (Inland Revenue Department) number. Your children will also need to have IRD numbers to receive government benefits

Phone: 0800 227 774 (if you are a salary or wage earner) or 0800 377 774 (if you are self-employed or in business)
IRD Call Centre hours: Monday – Friday: 8.00 am to 8.00 pm, Saturday: 9.00 am to 1.00 pm

Website: www.ird.govt.nz or visit the IRD office - Ground floor, 1 Bryce St, Hamilton

Application form for Personal IRD numbers:  Adult IR595, Child IR594
Application form for Business IRD number:  IR596

You need to attach a photocopy of ONE of the following forms of identification:

• Birth certificate
• Passport (must show page with passport number and personal details)
• 18+ card issued by the Hospitality Association
• Certificate of New Zealand citizenship
• NZ photo identification such as a driver’s licence.
• Certificate of identity

Your employer should ask you to complete an IR 330 form to provide your correct tax code to your employer. The tax that comes off and is paid to the government is called PAYE [Pay As You Earn].

Running a Business

If you plan to start your own business make an appointment with an IRD case worker who will help you through the process by ringing 0800 377 774.

It is a good idea to open a bank account as soon as possible. Banks usually ask for three forms of identification, one of which should have a photo on it, e.g. passport, overseas driver’s licence. Many banks have multilingual call centres to help non-English-speaking customers. All banks are not the same and charge different fees for their services. They may also offer different types of services. If you get a credit card or bank (EFTPOS) card the bank will give you a PIN (Personal Identification Number). Do not tell your PIN to anyone. If you lose your bankcard or think someone else has your PIN, contact your bank straight away on their 0800 number.

EFTPOS: (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point Of Sale):

EFTPOS is available in most shops in New Zealand. You can use your bankcard to make payments in shops using EFTPOS machines. You also need a PIN number. Check it out with a bank near you.

Banks have many other services. They have competent staff that will discuss and explain their services. Be sure you ask all the questions and acquire knowledge of the services you may want to use.

Banks in Hamilton and Waikato region are all listed in the Yellow pages of the local telephone book or use the websites below to find one near you.

• ANZ Banking Group: (New Zealand) Limited: www.anz.co.nz
• ASB Bank Limited: www.asbbank.co.nz
• Bank of New Zealand: www.bnz.co.nz
• Kiwi Bank Limited: www.kiwibank.co.nz
• National Bank: www.nationalbank.co.nz
• Westpac Banking Corporation: www.westpactrust.co.nz

Most banks are open for business Monday to Friday between the hours of 9.00am - 5.00pm and many of the above are represented in the smaller towns throughout the Waikato region.

Most newcomers decide to rent a house or apartment when they arrive until they know the areas and can find a house to buy in the suburb they choose. There are many types of houses available in Hamilton/Waikato region. You should also think about the school you want your children to attend because schools have home zones (see under choose a school).

Renting a private house or flat

Properties for rent are usually advertised in newspapers, especially on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Look in the classified advertisements section under Houses To Let and Accommodation Vacant (The Waikato Times, New Zealand Herald). You can also visit or call a real estate agent to look at their list of houses for rent. You can also check on various websites such as www.trademe.co.nz.

Tenancy Agreement

This is a legal contract between you and the landlord, and the law says you must have one.

You have to talk about and agree on what is written in the contract. You should only sign the agreement when you have decided you want to live in a place. There are two kinds of agreements - periodic and fixed. For more information, visit www.tenancy.govt.nz

Contact: Tenancy Services: 0800 836 262 for free advice and information about renting, or ask for A guide for tenants published by Tenancy Services at the your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau or Tenancy Services office, at Housing NZ on 850 Victoria street.

Utility Services

General information about rubbish collections, recycling, water, rates and other can be accessed through the websites for both councils in the district.

• Hamilton City Council:  www.hamiton.co.nz - Phone 07 838 6699
• Waikato District Council:  www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz - Phone 0800 492 452

Power

There are several power suppliers in the District. When you move into a new home you will need to contact a supplier to arrange your power connection. All providers have a free phone number to call. A bond may be required to be paid with the first bill.  See Yellow Pages- Electricity Supply Retail, or email the Settlement Support Co-ordinator at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Water Services

The Hamilton City Council or Waikato District Council is responsible for providing water in the District, dependent upon where you live. Property owners are responsible for providing water on most rural properties. Rural water comes from rainwater or by buying water (see Yellow Pages - Water Carriers), or from natural water sources like springs, streams or dams.

All water passing through a water meter on your property is charged for by Hamilton City Council or Waikato District Council. The cost of maintaining the water system on your property from the point of supply is your responsibility. If there is a water leak on your property it is your responsibility to fix it. Contact a plumber. See the Yellow Pages for listed Plumbers.

If you think there is a leak in the line from the supply point to your home, contact your respective council’s Customer Services.

Telephone

There are two service providers:

• Telecom:  free Phone 123 and follow instructions or www.telecom.co.nz. Telecom has an Asian Call centre staffed with Cantonese, Mandarin and Korean speakers phone 0800 168 168.
• Telstra Clear:  free Phone 0508 888 800 and follow instructions or www.telstraclear.co.nz.

Internet & Wi-Fi

There a number of internet providers in New Zealand. Compare their service and offers. Check the Yellow Pages phone Directory –see “Internet”. Hamilton and many other areas, including some Libraries and local cafes offer free Wi-Fi (wireless internet access). There is a free Wi-Fi zone at Garden Place and Hamilton Central Library in the city centre.

Buying a House

Properties for sale are advertised through local real estate agents. Listings are also found in the Waikato Times newspaper, New Zealand Herald, local community newspapers, as well as in Property Press available at your local real estate agencies. It is useful to consult your lawyer for advice, before making a final decision.

A useful preparation can be gained by visiting the Consumer Organisation website www.consumer.org.nz and look at 'Buying and Selling'.

If you do not have a lawyer and want advice on how to choose one, contact the local District Law Society. A directory of District Law Societies is available at: www.nz-lawsoc.org.nz or www.propertylawyers.org.nz It is important to talk to your lawyer at every stage if you are new to the whole process of buying a property in New Zealand.

Housing New Zealand Corporation (HNZC)

If you are having trouble being able to afford a place to rent in NZ, Housing NZ Corporation may be able to help you. To apply for a house from HNZC you must be eligible (meet certain conditions). You must have lived in New Zealand for two years.

If you are a quota refugee you are automatically eligible for a Housing New Zealand house. HNZC charges rent to its tenants based on their income. For more information Phone 0800 801 601. Visit www.hnzc.co.nz or visit their office at 850 Victoria Street, Hamilton.

If you have difficulty speaking English, you can ask for an interpreter in advance and your case manager will organise this for you.

Where to buy your food

There are many supermarkets, butcher shops (fresh meat outlets), fresh fruit, and vegetable markets, all around the district. These are listed in the Yellow Pages of the telephone book. Some of these supermarkets carry stocks of international foods as do some smaller grocery stores.

Fresh produce is available and can be purchased inexpensively Saturdays from the Frankton Market, Farmer’s Market on Sunday morning on River Rd and other weekend markets listed see: http://www.visithamilton.co.nz/page/pageid/2145833821/Shopping_and_Markets

Listed below are some of the retail shops for international groceries and ingredients:

• Moshim’s Discount House (Indian):  55 Kent Street, Frankton, Hamilton
• New Save Asian Fresh Supermarket: 130/136 Tristram Street, Hamilton
• New Save Asian Fresh Supermarket: 247 Clyde St, Hillcrest, Hamilton
• New Save Asian Fresh Supermarket: Westfield Shopping Centre, Hukanui Rd, Chartwell, Hamilton
• Thaimarket & Asian Supplies Limited: 447 Grey Street, Hamilton East, Hamilton
• NZ Prime Halal Meats, 162 Clarkin Rd, Fairfield, Hamilton

Supermarkets are listed in the Yellow Pages of the local telephone book. Most supermarkets have some international food products.

All children in New Zealand must be enrolled in school by the time they are age 6 to 16. Most children begin school on or soon after their 5th birthday. Visit the Ministry of Education website - www.moe.govt.nz

You can acquire a list of schools in the Hamilton/Waikato region from the Settlement Support NZ office or in the Yellow Pages. You can also find a list of Hamilton Schools in the Hamilton Directory for New Settlers.

For schools across the Waikato District you can go to the national school index at:  
www.minedu.govt.nz/Parents/AllAges/SchoolSearch

Types of schools

Most students attend state-funded public schools, but there are other options such as religious based schools (eg: Catholic, Christian) and others as listed here:

• State schools: Funded through taxation. Generally co-educational (boys and girls together) at primary, intermediate and secondary level. Some offer single-sex education at secondary level.
• Special schools: State schools that provide education for students with special physical, sensory, emotional or intellectual needs.
• Integrated schools: Schools that used to be private that have now become part of the State system.
• Designated character schools: Governed by their own independent boards but which meet certain registration standards. They can be either co-educational or single sex.
• Boarding schools: Schools that are either independent or a partly state- funded school. They charge boarding fees. Students usually live at the school all week and may come home at weekends.
• Correspondence schools: They provide distance-learning facilities to students who may live a long way from their nearest school.
• Home schooling: Available for parents and caregivers who want to educate their children at home.

To obtain a government report on any particular school go to website - www.ero.govt.nz.

Home zones

Check the ‘school zone’ before enrolling your child in a school. If you live out-of-zone your child may have to go on a waiting list.

School Terms

School starts at the end of January and ends mid December and is sectioned into 4 terms. More information about the New Zealand education system can be found at www.minedu.govt.nz

New Zealand LAW

By law, children under the age of 14 years are not allowed to stay in a house unsupervised. To leave children under the supervision of other children who are under the age of 14 is also illegal.

Education or qualifications approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), see www.nzqa.govt.nz/for-international/qual-eval/index.html.

To work in New Zealand you must have:

• citizenship in New Zealand or Australia; or
• a residence permit, work permit or a Variation of Conditions which allows you to work on a student or visitor permit.

You should have

• An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV), one that is suitable to present to NZ Employers. Check it with Careers NZ – Ph: 0800 222 733. A CV tells the potential employer about your education, work experience and skills.
• Your documents may have to be officially translated. See Yellow Pages of the telephone book and listed under the title of Interpreter & Translation Services.

Careers NZ

Has free services for migrant job seekers. These include information, advice, guidance and strategies for effective job seeking. They will also help you prepare your CV. Ph: (09) 438 8875 or 0800 222 733, or visit www.careers.govt.nz.

Volunteering - an opportunity to gain Kiwi experience

Volunteering is a great way to integrate into New Zealand work force, learn about the local community and start networking and making work contacts all while keeping your skills current and gaining invaluable New Zealand work experience. Visit Volunteering Waikato at www.volunteeringwaikato.org.nz or phone 07 839 3191 to find out more.

Where to look for jobs

Recruitment Agencies

These are listed in the Yellow Pages of the local telephone book under “Personnel Consultants” and “Human Resources Management Consultants”.

Newspapers

Waikato Times, Community papers and The NZ Herald for jobs advertised in the Hamilton/Waikato region. There are many Recruitment agencies listed in the Yellow Pages.

Hamilton City Libraries

Provides free access to selected websites to search for jobs and you can read the Daily newspapers for free in the library. You can also use the internet for free for short periods and there is a Wi-Fi zone inside the Hamilton Library and in the city centre at Garden Place.

Useful job related links

• www.seek.co.nz
• www.careers.govt.nz
• www.newkiwis.govt.nz
• www.jobcafe.co.nz
• www.search4jobs.co.nz
• www.jobstuff.co.nz
• www.dol.govt.nz
• www.nzherald.co.nz
• www.trademe.co.nz
• www.dol.govt.nz

Self-employment

If you are planning to start your own business, there are many agencies which can help.

IRD

Phone: 0800 377 774
IRD Call Centre hours: Monday – Friday: 8.00 am to 8.00 pm, Saturday: 9.00 am to 1.00 pm

Website: www.ird.govt.nz or visit the IRD office Ground floor, 1 Bryce Street, Hamilton.

Chamber of Commerce (Waikato)

The Waikato Chamber of Commerce Business Centre offers access to training and development programmes, which cover many business-related subjects like planning and finance. This is aimed at people wanting to start a business or owners and operators of small to medium businesses wanting to get bigger.

Phone:  07 339 5895
Website:  www.waikatochamber.co.nz

Other places for Business Advice

Most Banks have a Business Management section and a Great Deal of Advice as well as publications to assist you. Work and Income Service Centres also have some advice for ‘would be’ small business owners.

There is an abundance of Small Business Advice available and it is advisable to speak to your bankers and the Inland Revenue before making further decisions. Speak with the Settlement Support Co-ordinator to learn about further advisors.

Labour Laws

There is a wide range of employment laws designed to protect employees from discrimination in the work place. For an overview of work place issues, and the agencies that can assist you, see; www.dol.govt.nz/er, or ring the Employment Relations Infoline, Free Phone 0800 209 020.

Human Rights Commission

It is illegal in NZ to discriminate on the grounds of race, ethnicity, background, sex, age, disability, religion or family status, among other things. If you feel you have been discriminated against, you can contact the Human Rights Commission. The Commission provides free and independent help. www.hrc.co.nz or Free Phone: 0800 496 877.

Knowledge of English is crucial in New Zealand. If you feel that you need help with your communication skills, you can enrol for English classes to improve your English. English language classes are run by local secondary schools and private training agencies. There is a range of fees so it's good to shop around.

Classes are referred to as ESOL - English for Speakers of Other Languages.

Contacts for ESOL programmes in Hamilton/Waikato region:

ECN English Academy

Level 5, Tower Building, 48 Ward Street, Hamilton

Phone:  07 839 2010
Email:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website:  www.ecnenglish.com

English Language Partners Waikato

Waikato Migrant Resource Centre, Boundary Rd, Claudelands Park, Hamilton

Phone:  07 853 2188
Email:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website:  www.englishlanguage.org.nz

English Link Assessment and Consultation Service

Waikato Migrant Resource Centre, Boundary Rd, Claudelands Park, Hamilton

Phone:  07 853 2196
Email:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

River City Training Academy Ltd.

Hillsborough Terrace, Hamilton

Phone:  07 839 5917
Email:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website:  www.rivercity.co.nz

South Pacific Island Institute

74 Commerce St, Frankton, Hamilton

Phone:  07 846 1076
Email:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

University of Waikato – Waikato Pathways College

Gate 1, Knighton Road, LAIN Building, Hamilton

Phone:  07 858 5600
Email:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website:  www.waikato.ac.nz/language

TrainMe (Division of ATC New Zealand)

21 Ruakura Rd, Hamilton

Phone:  07 853 0772
Email:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website:  www.trainme.org.nz

Waikato Institute of Education

103 London Street, Hamilton

Phone:  07 858 5600
Email:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website:  www.wie.ac.nz

Wintec (Waikato Institute of Technology), Centre for Languages, ESOL Classes

E Block, Ground Level, Tristram Street, Hamilton

Phone:  07 834 88888, ext 8596 or 0800 2946 832
Email:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website:  www.wintec.ac.nz

Local Schools / Colleges

Many schools provide English as a second language classes within their ‘Community College [evening] classes for a small charge. Telephone a college near you and/or visit their websites.

Public Libraries

ESOL resources are available at Hamilton City and at many Waikato region Libraries. Their resources can include bilingual books, picture books, tapes, CDs, DVDs & videos, magazines, books for new readers and IELTS material. For enquiries about public libraries near you, phone the Hamilton Council at 07 838 6699. Libraries can be found in most Waikato towns. Visit www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz or call Waikato District Council at 0800 492 452.

You can drive using a current overseas licence or an international driving permit for a maximum of one year after you arrive. It is recommended that you read a Road Safety brochure which the local Settlement Support Co-ordinator can give you. Some are available in different languages. They can advise you about “What’s Different About Driving in New Zealand” or you can visit www.nzta.govt.nz/ or phone 0800 822 422

You must convert your overseas licence to a New Zealand driver’s licence before one year has transpired. You will have to pass a theory test and, depending on the country you have come from, pass a practical driving test as well.

The Transport Safety Authority and its driver licensing agents can supply you with an application form for an overseas licence conversion.

Driver licensing agents include the New Zealand Automobile Association, Vehicle Testing New Zealand, Vehicle Inspection New Zealand and On Road New Zealand.

In New Zealand you must carry your driver’s licence or permit at all times when you are driving. If your overseas licence is not in English, NZTA suggest you carry an official translation with you.

Drivers who are new to this country, people learning to drive and people wanting to gain a new licence class need to refer to the ROAD CODE. You can buy a copy or read one at your public library. For more information: www.ltsa.govt.nz or phone 0800 822 422

Breaking traffic laws can result in having to pay large fines. Everyone in your car must wear a seat belt. If you have young children in the car, they must use an approved child safety seat. Do not leave unsupervised children in the car. Car seats are available for hire from Plunket, ph: 07 5787811

Insurance

It is very important to insure your car with an insurance company as soon as possible. If you hit another car you will have to pay out a lot of money to the car owner if you are uninsured. Insurance also pays to fix your car if someone else hits your car. It also pays for your car if it gets stolen. See listings in the Yellow Pages of the local telephone book for insurance companies.

Getting a ticket for an offence

If you break the driving laws, such as speeding, parking in the wrong place or not having a current warrant of fitness or registration, you can be given a ticket or fine by a police officer or parking officer. You need to make the payment or resolve the matter before the due date. If you do not pay before the due date, you may be taken to court.

For more information on infringement tickets or options for payment:

Phone:  0800 408 409
Email:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website:  www.fines.co.nz

Hamilton Transport Centre

Hamilton city, regional and Intercity Buses leave from the city centre on the corner of London and Anglesea Streets.

Operating Hours

Operates Monday to Saturday and most public holidays using the Saturday times (excluding Christmas Day, Good Friday, Waitangi Day and Anzac Day). There are also Night Rider buses available Friday – Saturday nights, at half the usual fare. Every 10 minutes there is a FREE bus circulating in the CBD of Hamilton (Monday – Friday 7am-6pm and Saturday 9am -1pm).

Timetables

Timetable booklets are available from -

• Online Travel Planning Tool : All timetable, routes and fare information is available on the Busit website:  www.busit.co.nz
• Hamilton Transport Centre
• Hamilton i-SITE visitor centres located at the Hamilton Transport Centre

For information and links to other regional transport options visit:  www.busit.co.nz/Contact-us/Transport-links

Fares

Fares operate on a zoning basis and a single fare in the Hamilton city costs: Adult $3.10 Child $1.60 Children under 5 years - Free

When your journey needs to be broken, please ask the driver for a transfer ticket at the start of your journey. This allows you to transfer to another route within the same zone within 60 minutes of purchasing your ticket. (Excludes return travel.)

Telephone: 0800 4 BUSLINE - 0800 4 2875 463. If you will be a regular user of the service, ask about Bus-it Cards. This is a pre-pay system which allows a 25% discount.

Waikato Regional Council is responsible for providing passenger transport services in the Waikato Region. A call centre handles service and timetable enquiries, complaints or lost property. Phone: 0800 4 2875 463- 0800 4 BUSLINE. Calls are handled 24 hours. Website: www.busit.co.nz.  Visit the website to view timetables and maps for bus services throughout the Waikato region – including Hamilton City, Taupo, and services between Hamilton and the Waikato regional towns of Huntly, Paeroa, Te Aroha, Morrinsville, Cambridge and Raglan. It also provides a Kihikihi to Te Awamutu service.

There are six Hamilton public libraries and membership is free to all residents. The Waikato District Council has reciprocal membership rights, where residents of other district can join Waikato District residents can join those Councils’ libraries free of charge it they wish. To join the library, visit your local branch and fill out a membership form. You will need to present a document showing your name and photograph (for example your passport or driver’s licence), and a letter with your current address on it, such as a telephone or power bill.

Libraries have a lot of different services for children and teens and people with special needs. Libraries also provide books and services for people from a very wide range of cultures and in a number of languages.

Things you can borrow from a library include books in English and other languages, bilingual books, English and foreign language study kits, foreign language dictionaries, magazines, DVDs & videos, music CDs, cassettes, audio books, and computer games.

For more information, visit your nearest library or the websites at www.hamiltonlibraries.co.nz.

Where to find your nearest library:

Hamilton City Libraries

• Garden Place Library, 9 Garden Place. Ph: 07 838 6826
• Chartwell Library, Lynden Court. Ph: 07 838 6844
• Dinsdale Library, Whatawhata Rd. Ph: 07 8386855
• Glenview Library, MacDonald Rd. Ph: 07 838 6821
• Hillcrest Library, Masters Ave. Ph: 07 838 6855

Waikato District Libraries

• Huntly, 242 Main St, Huntly. Ph: 07 828 8539
• Meremere, Te Puea Ave, Meremere. Ph: 09 232 6562
• Ngaruawahia, 4 Jesmond St, Ngaruawahia. Ph: 07 824 5905
• Raglan, 7 Bow St, Raglan. Ph: 07 825 7054. 
• Te Kauwhatata, 5A Main St, Te Kauwhata. Ph: 07 826 4820. 
• Tuakau, 72 George St, Tuakau. Ph: 09 236 9823

For any council services in the Wider Waikato Region check out your local council website - visit www.localcouncils.govt.nz.

Find a family doctor

It is a good idea to register with a family doctor or GP (General Practitioner) when you move into the District. A GP is your primary health care provider. To find a GP look in the front section of the telephone directory under Registered Medical Practitioners & Medical Centres. If a member of your family is sick, your GP is the first person you should call.

You are free to register with a GP of your choice. See listings for local registered general practitioners in the front of the white pages of the local telephone book.

GPs set their own fees and provide different services from other GPs. Fees vary so check with the GP before deciding which one to enrol with.

Children under 6 years can visit the doctor for free.

If you have health insurance, some or all of your costs may be covered. To find a health insurer go to the Yellow Pages of the local telephone book for listings under - Insurance Medical.

For an explanation of the New Zealand health system and health insurance see www.everybody.co.nz.

Prescriptions are subsidised in New Zealand and some pharmacies are open later than the usual trading hours.

Healthline is a free, 24 hour a day telephone advice service which now includes the Well Child telephone advice service.

Free Phone:  0800 611 116
Website:  www.moh.govt.nz/healthline

Having a Baby

Permanent residents and long term work permit holders are entitled to free maternity care in New Zealand. Once you find out you are pregnant you need to register with a midwife who will look after your health while you are pregnant and deliver your baby.

Midwifery practices can be found in the Yellow Pages see ‘Midwives’.
Waikato District Health Board - Midwifery Service – for further information phone: 07 839 8848.

Plunket is a national society providing services for children under 5 years. Plunket has information for new parents at parent centres. Children’s car seats can also be rented from the Plunket Society. Please check legal requirements of seats, car seats/restraints are compulsory for all persons, including small children and babies. For help and support visit www.plunket.org.nz or free phone: 0800 933 922.

Community Services Card

Permanent residents who are on a low to middle income may be eligible for a Community Services Card from Work and Income to help with the cost of prescriptions and doctors’ fees. Call free phone 0800 999 999- to see if you are eligible.

High User Health Card (HUHC)

People who visit their doctor 12 times or more in 12 months (face-to-face visits) because of continuing health problems and who do not have a Community Services Card.

There are many companies that can provide insurance for your house, possessions and life. Look in the Yellow Pages of the local telephone book for your choices of insurers.

If you find it difficult to choose an insurance company or plan, some useful information is provided free by the Consumers’ Institute of New Zealand at www.consumer.org.nz.

The Consumers’ Institute also provides personal advice to its members. If you want to become a member, visit the same website and apply for a subscription on-line, or call 0800 266 786 for more details.

Consumer magazine is a very useful resource when purchasing a whole range of products and services, including results of product tests and evaluations (such as value for money, features and reliability) compared to other products of the same type. It is available at your local library.

Join a sport group or club activity. See Sports Waikato's website at www.sportwaikato.org.nz.

Meet with a Newcomer support group – ask the Settlement Support Co-ordinator, telephone 07 853 0468 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

CAB has a list of different activities and sport clubs and other interest groups, telephone 07 839 0808 or 0800 367 222.

Volunteer for local work experience with Volunteering Waikato telephone 07 839 3191 or visit www.volunteeringwaikato.org.nz.

Join the Waikato Newcomers Network, for more information telephone 07 853 2192 or email newcomers This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

If you belonged to a Church or a religious community in your country of origin you may wish to seek a similar liaison here. They can help you enormously in your settlement.

A list of these can be acquired from the local Settlement Support New Zealand office at Level 2, Caro St Community Building, Hamilton, or from Citizen’s Advice Bureau located at 55 Victoria Street, Hamilton.

Follow the links in the resource section of this website.