Official starting links for moving to New Zealand

These are the official starting points. Use these first, then come back to KiwiHelp for practical clarity.

One-line reassurance: You do not need to do everything today. Start with Immigration, then do one step at a time.

Disclaimer: KiwiHelp is not a registered immigration adviser. This page is shared from a community help point of view and general experience, not as licensed immigration advice.

We update this list regularly as policies and systems change.

Immigration and Visas (Start Here)
This must be first. Everything else is secondary.
Immigration New Zealand
Key sub-links to look for later: Skilled Migrant Category, Accredited Employer Work Visa, Resident Visa pathways. This is the source of truth. Everything else online is commentary.
Skill Assessment and Qualification Checks
People miss this step and waste months.
NZQA Qualification Assessment (New Zealand Qualifications Authority)
Used for: overseas degree recognition, skilled migration points, employer confidence.
English Language Requirements
Do not guess. Use official sources.
IELTS
PTE Academic (Pearson PTE)
Immigration NZ lists accepted tests, but these two cover most cases.
Cost of Living and Salary Reality Checks
This is where expectations break.
Cost of living (Live and Work in New Zealand)
PAYE and take-home salary calculator (paye.net.nz)
Helps you understand take-home pay after tax, ACC, KiwiSaver.
Jobs and Market Understanding (Not Job Boards Yet)
this will help
Careers New Zealand
Used for: skill shortages, salary ranges, job outlook by role.
Transport and Everyday Mobility
Auckland Transport
Metlink (Wellington)
You can later regionalise this.
Libraries and Community Spaces
This signals settlement, not just migration.
Auckland Libraries
Libraries matter in NZ more than migrants expect.
Exploring New Zealand (Mental Health Matters)
This shows balance. Smart touch.
Tourism New Zealand (official)

Looks confusing? Need advice from a licensed immigration adviser?

Share your details below. We will help you to connect you with a licensed immigration adviser.

Official starting links for moving to New Zealand

These are the official starting points. Use these first, then come back to KiwiHelp for practical clarity.

One-line reassurance: You do not need to do everything today. Start with Immigration, then do one step at a time.

Disclaimer: KiwiHelp is not a registered immigration adviser. This page is shared from a community help point of view and general experience, not as licensed immigration advice.

We update this list regularly as policies and systems change.

Immigration and Visas (Start Here)
This must be first. Everything else is secondary.
Immigration New Zealand
Key sub-links to look for later: Skilled Migrant Category, Accredited Employer Work Visa, Resident Visa pathways. This is the source of truth. Everything else online is commentary.
Skill Assessment and Qualification Checks
People miss this step and waste months.
NZQA Qualification Assessment (New Zealand Qualifications Authority)
Used for: overseas degree recognition, skilled migration points, employer confidence.
English Language Requirements
Do not guess. Use official sources.
IELTS
PTE Academic (Pearson PTE)
Immigration NZ lists accepted tests, but these two cover most cases.
Cost of Living and Salary Reality Checks
This is where expectations break.
Cost of living (Live and Work in New Zealand)
PAYE and take-home salary calculator (paye.net.nz)
Helps you understand take-home pay after tax, ACC, KiwiSaver.
Jobs and Market Understanding (Not Job Boards Yet)
this will help
Careers New Zealand
Used for: skill shortages, salary ranges, job outlook by role.
Transport and Everyday Mobility
Auckland Transport
Metlink (Wellington)
You can later regionalise this.
Libraries and Community Spaces
This signals settlement, not just migration.
Auckland Libraries
Libraries matter in NZ more than migrants expect.
Exploring New Zealand (Mental Health Matters)
This shows balance. Smart touch.
Tourism New Zealand (official)

Looks confusing? Need advice from a licensed immigration adviser?

Share your details below. We will help you to connect you with a licensed immigration adviser.