Te noho ki Aotearoa

Life in New Zealand


Pre-departure guide

Preparing for your move to New Zealand? Our pre-departure guide is here to help! Download it for essential information on what you need to know before you leave your home country, and get tips on living and studying in New Zealand.

Common Māori phrases

Te Reo Māori is the native language of Aotearoa (New Zealand). Most Kiwis (New Zealanders) know and use some te reo Māori phrases in their everyday communication. Understanding and learning a few phrases and words will be a great way to start understanding our rich culture.

Kia ora – Hello or thank you

Aotearoa – New Zealand

Ka kite anō – See you later

Kai – food or eat

Ka pai – Good/great and thanks

Te Papaioea – Palmerston North

Te Pai Matauranga ki te Ao – UCOL’s Māori name

Kiwi – other than the kiwi bird, this means a New Zealander

Tēnā koe – Hello to you (one person)

Tēnā koutou – Hello to you all (more than 3 people)

Kaimahi – Staff (we use this word a lot to describe UCOL staff members)

Ākonga – student (we use this word a lot to refer to UCOL students)

Culture Shock

Culture shock is an experience we have when we leave a place we’re familiar with and move to a cultural environment which is different from our own. It’s very normal and everyone experiences it at different levels. Symptoms of culture shock include:

  • Extreme homesickness.

  • Feelings of helplessness/dependency.

  • Disorientation and isolation.

  • Depression and sadness.

  • Hyper-irritability, may include inappropriate anger and hostility.

  • Sleep and eating disturbances (too little or too much).

  • Excessive critical reactions to host culture/stereotyping.

What should you do when experiencing culture shock?

The feeling of culture shock can happen at any time while you’re away from home. If this feeling persists for at least two weeks, come and chat with us. Some of the best ways to minimise the feelings of culture shock are to call your family or friends back home, take a rest day, and spend time with new friends.

The four stages of adjustment

Having an understanding of these four stages will provide you with some certainty of the normality. Knowing the new normal isn’t far away might be just the motivation you need to continue this journey.

The 4 stages of adjustment

Cost of Living

Wondering how much it costs to live in New Zealand? Good news—living expenses here are broadly comparable to many OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries, making it an attractive choice for international students.

Plan your budget like a pro

By combining these resources, you’ll have a clear picture of your expected costs and how to manage them effectively.

Working in New Zealand

Planning to work while you study? Here’s what you need to know!

If you hold a student visa, you may be eligible to:

  • Work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during your study period.

  • Work full-time during scheduled holidays.

Your exact work rights depend on your visa conditions, so always check your visa details to confirm what you’re allowed to do in New Zealand.

Learn More About Working in New Zealand

Learn more about working in New Zealand, with the latest rules and helpful tips at the Naumai Website. This website is the official go-to resource for understanding work rights and staying compliant while studying.


Job search websites

Visit the Tahatū website to explore job opportunities related to your field of study and learn about the job application process in New Zealand.

Working part-time is a great option! Many employers offer short-term or casual roles that fit perfectly around your study schedule.

Find Jobs Easily with Student Job Search (SJS)

One of the easiest ways to discover these opportunities is through Student Job Search (SJS). Whether you’re:

  • Currently studying at UCOL

  • Applied for the next semester

  • Or recently graduated

…you can register with SJS and start finding jobs in your area today.


Paying Tax

If you intend to work while studying in New Zealand, you will need to apply for an IRD number and pay tax on your income. Visit Inland Revenue’s website to find out about your tax obligations and how to apply for an IRD number.

Banking

You should bring only a small amount of cash to New Zealand. If possible, you should set up a New Zealand bank account before leaving your country to make credit card and cash withdrawals as soon as you arrive.

If this isn't possible, the UCOL International Support Staff can assist you with bank arrangements soon after you arrive.

Transport

Urban bus service
As a student at UCOL, you can travel on the Palmerston North and Whanganui urban buses for free by showing your Student ID card to the driver. You can check when the next bus will arrive with real-time tracking using your mobile phone.

Full-time students at UCOL’s Wairarapa campus are eligible for discounted trips using Metlink bus services. See Metlink Website for more information.

Driving in New Zealand
Students must know the New Zealand road rules before driving in New Zealand. In general, you can drive using your overseas driver’s license for up to 12 months, but after this time, you must convert your license to a New Zealand driver’s license. Read more about the rules and regulations from the New Zealand Transport Agency.

National public transport
New Zealand’s national public transport system includes buses, ferries and trains. Students planning a tour throughout New Zealand can obtain special student travel passes.

Accommodation

UCOL can provide advice on finding accommodation close to your campus; however, you will need to contact the accommodation provider directly to book your place, or you can talk to your agent about this. See our Accommodation page for full details.

Food

New Zealand is a food lover’s paradise! You’ll find a complete range of fresh meats, poultry, and fish, along with plentiful fruit and vegetables. For the best variety and prices, check out local specialty produce shops. You’ll often hear the word ‘kai’ (pronounced kah-ee) in New Zealand, which means ‘food’ in Māori.

Explore Global Flavours

Craving tastes from home? Most supermarkets have an international section, and there are specialty stores offering ethnic foodstuffs from around the world.

Dining Near UCOL Campuses

All UCOL campuses are within easy walking distance of restaurants and food outlets serving a wide range of cuisines—perfect for quick bites or dining out with friends.

Bringing Food from Home?

If you plan to bring food from your home country, check New Zealand’s biosecurity rules first to ensure your items are allowed. This helps protect the country’s unique environment.

Clothing to bring

New Zealand has four seasons and changeable weather. Often, it can feel like we experience all four seasons in a day. It's recommended that you bring:

  • Woollen jerseys

  • Waterproof jackets

  • Covered shoes with rubber soles

  • Sports shoes

Keeping Safe

Living and studying in one of the world’s most peaceful countries means you can focus on your goals—but taking sensible precautions ensures you're also enjoying life safely and confidently.

In the 2025 Global Peace Index, which compares 163 countries, Aotearoa New Zealand climbed to the 3rd most peaceful globally and retained its spot as the most peaceful country in the Asia–Pacific region.

But even in one of the world’s safest nations, it pays to stay prepared. New Zealand Police’s Guide to Keeping Safe is available in multiple languages and packed with practical safety tips for daily life.

Aotearoa is surrounded by water, and swimming is a huge part of the kiwi summer culture. Water safety is no joke here. Regardless of whether you're a strong swimmer, be sure to read through the essential information from Water Safety NZ.

We recommend you also check the water quality of your chosen swim spot each time – just a shower of rain can change whether a spot is safe to swim in - https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/swimming

In an emergency

UCOL wants to ensure that all our learners, staff and visitors stay safe. We believe that everyone has a role to play in making this happen. You are responsible for your own personal health, safety and security on campus. Ensure that you know who to contact in an emergency, or if you have concerns about your safety or security while on campus.

In the event of an emergency, please call the following numbers:

  • Fire/Police/Ambulance - phone 111

  • the UCOL 24-hour International Student Support number – free phone 0800 826 546

  • Non-urgent phone for Police – phone 105

In New Zealand, it is important that you know what to do in an earthquake. Find helpful information about earthquakes and tsunamis in 22 different languages from our country’s official source, Civil Defence.

Legal Rights

Police in New Zealand do not routinely carry guns and are friendly and helpful. Anyone who is arrested will be permitted to speak to a lawyer. If you want to know more about your legal rights in New Zealand, make sure to ask at your Orientation.