New Zealand Moving & Removals Guide

Household Effects

Advice on moving the contents of your home to New Zealand

Duty free entry is granted providing you are taking up residency in New Zealand for the first time. Returning New Zealanders must have been away from the country for over 21 months in order to be granted duty free admission. If the owner is not in the country at the time of arrival of the effects, he can nominate a third party to clear them. The nominated consignee must pay a financial deposit to Customs & Excise which will be refunded upon the owner’s arrival into the country and presentation of original passport.

New items may be liable for duty and GST depending on type. It is advisable to obtain a licence prior to importation, as customs do not automatically allow entry, although discretion will be used for presents and souvenirs.

All household and personal effects entering New Zealand are subject to physical examination by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF). All items which appear dirty or may have come into contact with soil and vegetation such as gardening equipment; bicycles; patio furniture; golf clubs; vacuum cleaner bags, etc, will be inspected. All such items should be thoroughly cleaned prior to move day although extra cleaning costs may still be incurred upon inspection.

Required documentation for household goods only:

Original Passport
Inventory or packing list (completed by packing crew)

Motor Vehicles

Need to move your car or motor vehicle with you to New Zealand

First time residents may import motor vehicles (and most boats) Tax and Duty free providing: the owner intends to take up permanent residence in
New Zealand for the first time; has personally used the vehicle for at least one year before their departure date; is importing the vehicle for their own use; and will undertake in writing not sell or dispose of the vehicle within two years after importation. Returning New Zealanders may import a motor vehicle subject to payment of GST on the CIF value of the car. A statement of Compliance verified by either the LTSA or NZAA must be obtained prior to shipping any vehicle.

Immediately prior to shipping, all motor vehicles must have their chassis and wheels steam cleaned and the inside valeted (if applicable.) Vehicles can only be shipped with a minimal amount of fuel in the tank.

Additional documentation required for motor vehicles:

Verified Statement of Compliance
Vehicle registration form
Sales or purchase invoice
Evidence of intended permanent residence in New Zealand
Driving licence.

Restrictions

What can and can't you take with you when you move to New Zealand

Food items such as eggs, dairy and meat products must not be included for shipping as this is prohibited. Only food items, which are vacuum packed and fully sealed, should be included. Alcohol may be imported providing a full listing has been made. If the importer fulfils the above duty free exemptions for household goods, then he will also be exempt from duties on alcohol.

Untreated wooden items including bark and certain Christmas decorations made of natural products will be ordered for treatment or destruction at the importer’s expense. The shipping of bamboo products, basketware, caneware and rattanware is possible, although these may be required to undergo cleaning, disinfection, or fumigation at destination incurring extra costs. Feathers, furs, skins, tusks, etc, from endangered species are all prohibited; otherwise certain items may require further inspection and treatment. Generally speaking, items which have been treated during the manufacturing process, such as feather duvets or leather sofas, will not cause any problems.

Used rifles and shotguns may be imported but a permit must be obtained from the firearms officer at the local police station. Pistols and revolvers are strictly prohibited.

Additional Information

Electricity

The electrical supply in New Zealand is 240-250 volts. Domestic appliances from the UK should work/operate in New Zealand with an adapter, however it is best to check with the individual manufacturer.

Mobile telephone

Extensive AMPs network operated by Telecom New Zealand (www.telecom.co.nz), GSM 900 network operated by Vodafone New Zealand (www.vodafone.co.nz)

Internet

ISPs include Kiwilink (www.kiwilink.co.nz), Buzz (www.buzz.co.nz) and Free (www.free.net.nz)

GMT

+ 12 Hours

Country Dialling code

00 64 (followed by local code)
(9 for Auckland, 4 for Wellington, 3 for Christchurch)

You can also download and print this guide as a PDF document