Challenges faced in the current rental market

Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, is vibrant and diverse, a place where nature and urban life go hand-in- hand.  With a population of over 1.6 million people, the city has a high demand for rental housing. However, recent data shows that rental housing costs and availability are becoming increasingly challenging.

In this blog article, we will discuss three insights into rental housing costs and availability in Auckland based on current data on weekly rental prices and listings.

Insight 1: Rental Housing Costs are Increasing

According to Trade Me Property, the average weekly rental price for a three-bedroom house in Auckland in April 2023 was $730. That is an increase of 6.7% compared to the same period last year, while the average for a two-bedroom house has increased by 5.4% to $590.   

Further figures released this week by Tenancy Services show  the upper quartile figure for a 4 bedroom house in the suburb of Remuera as $1250.

Although these figures can be helpful to a certain degree, our team of Mobile Advisors are reporting that rental prices are even higher than reported. 

One example shared by a Mobile Advisor is that of a family of 6 who have recently arrived in Auckland.   Ideally wanting a 4+ bedroom in Remuera, close to the children's schools, they have had to double their initial budget just to secure temporary accommodation.    Our Advisor is now working with them to source long term accommodation but they are needing to reassess their overall housing budget,  as well as the area of Auckland they were hoping to live, due to the lack of affordable, centrally located homes that would be suitable.  

And it would appear that this is playing out throughout the country with increases across all price points in Auckland,Wellington and Christchurch.

So why the increase?  It is a combination of factors including  - population growth, limited new housing supply and increased demand.

Insight 2: Demand for Rental Housing is High

Trade Me Property reported that the number of inquiries for rental properties in Auckland has increased by 20% compared to the same period last year.  

The high demand is partly due to the high cost of purchasing property in Auckland but also due to Auckland's population growth.  The post Covid influx of international students and migrants looking for housing has put even greater pressure on an already tight rental market.  

Also impacting the demand is the recent weather events, particularly in Auckland, which have forced people out of their homes and into temporary housing situations.  

This has created a surge in demand for furnished rental properties but these properties represent a very small part of Auckland’s market with less than 2% of available properties being fully furnished. 

Insight 3: Rental Housing Supply is Limited

Although there is high demand for rental housing, the supply of available properties, particularly in Auckland, is limited.  According to Trade Me Property, the number of rental listings in Auckland in April 2023 was 8% lower than the same period last year. This means that potential tenants have fewer rental options to choose from, which further drives up rental prices.

Our Advisors are reporting that some property viewings are booked out as the demand is so high to even see properties.  It is not uncommon for there to be up to 100 applications submitted for a property.

Impacting the supply of available properties is the increase in tourism in NZ. In Auckland. For example, owners of CBD apartments are choosing to list them on platforms such as Airbnb for a higher, short-term return which removes that property from the long-term rental pool.

In conclusion, rental housing costs and availability in Auckland are becoming increasingly challenging. The high demand for rental properties, limited housing supply, and population growth are driving up rental prices. 

To find affordable rental housing, potential tenants may need to consider alternative suburbs or property types and be flexible in terms of their ‘must-haves’. 

They also need to be prepared to act quickly and ensure they can provide all the necessary and required information to assist their application including correctly completed documents, personal references, and information about pets.

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If you are a recruiter or HR Professional bringing international talent to NZ Mobile Relocation has a range of settlement support services to suit your candidates and your business - from baseline support to meet Immigration New Zealand’s AEWV Accreditation requirements through to personalised programmes to support your most valued international employees.

To book a demo of our AEWV Resettlement Portal, or to better understand how Mobile can help you to ensure you are offering the right resettlement services for your candidates and your business, contact our Principal Bridget Romanes.

Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India.  After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent. 

How to build a relocation policy

If you’re an employer recruiting offshore, a clear relocation policy is essential.
A relocation policy outlines the terms and conditions under which the company will provide financial and other support for employees moving to New Zealand.

In this article, we outline how to create a relocation policy that works for both the company and its employees, and is consistent with what other Kiwi businesses are offering.

Step 1: Decide what type of relocation and resettlement packages you’ll offer

There are typically three types:

• Lump sum: The employer provides a fixed amount of money to the employee to contribute to the cost of the move.

• Managed budget: The employer provides a claimable budget for the employee's relocation expenses.

• Full-service: The funds all aspects of the relocation.

New Zealand employers often provide a mix of these options - for example a managed budget to cover travel, shipping and temporary accommodation with full service direct funding of essentials like immigration advisory and resettlement services.

Step 2: Determine what expenses the relocation policy will cover

Common expenses include:

• Travel costs, eg airfares

• Temporary housing, eg hotel or short-term rental.

• Moving costs, eg shipping or air freight

• Resettlement support for newcomers eg bank account and IRD set up, city orientation, finding housing, schooling, spouse employment etc

Step 3: Provide clear communication and support to employees

A key component of candidate care for international hires is guiding them throughout the relocation and resettlement process. This includes:

• Providing a relocation package summary to employees before the relocation process begins.

• Offering pre-arrival support to help employees navigate the practical and emotional aspects of relocation and life in New Zealand.

• Providing ongoing targeted resettlement support to employees when they first arrive in New Zealand.

Step 4: Review your policy annually to remain competitive

At Mobile Relocation we work with Kiwi businesses and organisations hiring thousands of expats and migrants. Our Annual Report on Relocation Costs and Budgets has just been released to our corporate clients.
Below are the key trends we’re seeing in relocation policies:

• A greater spread in relocation budgets than in 2022, with a slight increase in maximums.  Employers continue to prefer making a contribution towards relocation costs, rather than fully funding.

• Increasing numbers of candidates are forgoing shipping.  Particularly singles and couples are choosing not to ship personal items to NZ due to long delivery times and cost.  Some are opting for unaccompanied airfreight which is quicker and relatively cost efficient.

• Employers are updating pre-2020 relocation policies and budgets as they are no longer fit for purpose for the following reasons:
  - costs are higher
  - stress levels of candidates and nervousness about international relocation has been enhanced by COVID
  - talent shortages and increased competition to attract skilled workers to NZ
  - The AEWV programme’s mandatory settlement information requirements has set a new baseline of support that employers must provide for all newcomers to NZ

A well-designed relocation policy can help companies attract and retain top talent while providing a seamless relocation experience for employees.

By following the above steps, employers can create a policy that is both comprehensive and flexible enough to meet the needs of their business and employees.

If you’d like a briefing on the results of our 2023 Annual Report on Relocation Costs and Budget, message me now and we’ll set up a time.

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If you are a recruiter or HR Professional bringing international talent to NZ Mobile Relocation has a range of settlement support services to suit your candidates and your business - from baseline support to meet Immigration New Zealand’s AEWV Accreditation requirements through to personalised programmes to support your most valued international employees.

To book a demo of our AEWV Resettlement Portal, or to better understand how Mobile can help you to ensure you are offering the right resettlement services for your candidates and your business, contact our Principal Bridget Romanes.

Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India.  After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent. 

What does relocating international talent to NZ cost?

If you’re an employer recruiting offshore, relocation costs will inevitably come up in conversations with international talent. 
Moving to a new job in a new country will leave your new employee out of pocket, and they’ll want to explore how you can help. 
Offering a relocation budget is almost a given in this highly competitive market if you want to successfully attract scarce international talent to your company.

How do you decide what’s a reasonable amount to fund?

At Mobile Relocation we work with Kiwi businesses and organisations hiring thousands of expats and migrants. 

Our Annual Report on Relocation Costs and Budgets has just been released to our corporate clients.
In this article we share the latest trends in relocation costs.

Relocation budgets typically cover the following items:

• Transporting personal effects to NZ (shipping)

• Airfares

• Temporary accommodation on arrival in NZ

If your business is considering a relocation budget for the first time, you’ll need to understand the actual costs. 

If you already have a policy, it’s important to ensure your baseline costings are accurate, otherwise you may no longer be competitive.

Overall, relocation costs remain significantly higher than pre-COVID, and below we break down the trends for each item. 

Shipping costs – prices have stabilised, but still significantly higher than pre-COVID

Overall, the rate of increase in shipping costs has stabilised going into 2023. The rampant price inflation caused by COVID-related supply chain disruption, container shortages and increased demand for shipping has eased.

Regionally, we are still seeing slight increases in shipping costs from Australia and the US, while pricing from South Africa, Asia and the UK is stable or has decreased slightly.

Travel costs – prices have increased, but coming down in 2023 as supply increases

In early 2023 airfares were significantly higher than in 2022 but we are continuing to see this ease as airlines increase capacity into New Zealand.

Temporary accommodation costs – price increases of around 10-12%

Inflation and significant increases in demand for temporary accommodation since the border opened have pushed up Airbnb, serviced apartment and hotel prices.

Total costs 

Depending on  the employee’s family size (single, couple or with children) and country of origin, total relocation costs currently range from NZ$16,000-55,000.

Our next blog will share our findings on the relocation policies typically offered by New Zealand employers.

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If you are a recruiter or HR Professional bringing international talent to NZ Mobile Relocation has a range of settlement support services to suit your candidates and your business - from baseline support to meet Immigration New Zealand’s AEWV Accreditation requirements through to personalised programmes to support your most valued international employees.

To book a demo of our AEWV Resettlement Portal, or to better understand how Mobile can help you to ensure you are offering the right resettlement services for your candidates and your business, contact our Principal Bridget Romanes.

Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India.  After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent. 

How do relocation benefits attract international candidates?

International recruiters are always after the extra edge that will attract candidates to New Zealand, and their company.  Offering a relocation benefit helps with the cost of moving here and ensures a successful resettlement.

Kiwi employers have been providing our resettlement and relocation programmes to their international hires for the past 7 years, and we’ve now worked with thousands of newcomers from all over the world as they come to fill roles here in New Zealand.

We collect data to understand what international candidates prioritise and then advise recruiters on how to build relocation and resettlement benefits packages to convert offshore talent.

So what do we see working in 2023?

Support is valued

42% of international candidates said their resettlement programme was super-important in the decision to take the role.

This could be the difference between a candidate choosing your business, ahead of another employer who doesn’t offer a relocation benefit.

Help with housing

93% of international candidates were concerned about finding somewhere to live in New Zealand.  Many come from countries where housing is significantly cheaper than it is here, and most have read media reports about our housing shortages.

While employers can’t magic up housing, our Home Find programmes do ensure our clients rental applications get to the top of the list.   Typically we find homes for newcomers within 2 weeks of arriving here.

Address family needs

41% of international candidates worried about how their spouse and children would adjust to life in New Zealand.

The biggest risk in a successful international hire is not the employee, it’s the family.  37% of international assignments failure is due to family issues, spouse dissatisfaction or the family not settling, according to research by BRG.

Investing in family wellbeing, like our School Find and Family Support programmes, is an effective way for employers to ensure families embed in New Zealand.

Position relocation support as a wellbeing benefit

56% of international candidates appreciated that their employer offered a resettlement programme to support their wellbeing.

Moving countries is not easy. 

People want their employers to acknowledge this, and provide tangible support to help them minimise the stress and maximise the adventure of living and working in New Zealand.

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If you are a recruiter or HR Professional bringing international talent to NZ Mobile Relocation has a range of settlement support services to suit your candidates and your business - from baseline support to meet Immigration New Zealand’s AEWV Accreditation requirements through to personalised programmes to support your most valued international employees.

To book a demo of our AEWV Resettlement Portal, or to better understand how Mobile can help you to ensure you are offering the right resettlement services for your candidates and your business, contact our Principal Bridget Romanes.

Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India.  After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent. 

What our clients value about our Resettlement Portal.

For Immigration New Zealand Accredited Employers, providing International candidates with  information about NZ, and how to successfully settle here, is now a requirement. 

As advocates for comprehensive settlement support we consider this the baseline - a great place to start to ensure your candidates success. But, the information must be clear to understand, up to date and cover all the key points of settling in a new country.

After speaking to our existing clients and understanding the challenges involved in both providing the key information, and tracking who receives it, Mobile Relocation developed an online tool to meet their needs.

Our Mobile Resettlement Info Portal not only provides all the necessary resettlement information in a user-friendly way but it ensures accredited employers meet their INZ obligations.

And our clients love it!

Currently, over 700 visa-holders have access to this portal from 35 employers in a variety of sectors including engineering, professional services, transport, central/local government, food processing and media.

Thats:
* Over 700 expats or migrants who have been given a head start to setting up life here
* Over 700 people who can access information about the new country they will call home at any time and as many times as they need - including after their arrival
* 35 HR/People teams who are not being contacted as often by their new employees to answer resettlement questions
* 35 organisations who can focus time and resource on other important tasks
* 35 organisations who are confident they are meeting their INZ obligations due to the monthly report generated by The Portal

Ashleigh Arend Kumar, People Capability Business Partner at Connetics, shares her view of the value of the Portal:

”The Mobile Relocation platform has been a huge time-saver for us – when the new Immigration NZ requirements were announced, the thought of having to create resettlement collateral across all the regions that we operate in, that met all of the requirements, well it was somewhat daunting to say the least!

When we came across the Mobile Relocation platform, we quickly jumped at the opportunity to work with them. We were given a run through of what the platform looks like and how it will look for our international recruits – we could see it was user friendly and easy to navigate. We have the confidence that the platform covers all of Immigration NZs requirements, and as things change we are confident the platform will be kept up to date with the latest information.

We receive a monthly report of the people that have logged in to the platform so we have a record we can provide if we are ever asked – so again, a huge time-saver for us.

Connetics highly recommends the Mobile Relocation platform for any organisation recruiting internationally.”

If your team and your organisation would like to benefit from The Mobile Resettlement Portal - reach out to Ange@mobile-relocation now.

We look forward to working with you.

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If you are a recruiter or HR Professional bringing international talent to NZ Mobile Relocation has a range of settlement support services to suit your candidates and your business - from baseline support to meet Immigration New Zealand’s AEWV Accreditation requirements through to personalised programmes to support your most valued international employees.

To book a demo of our AEWV Resettlement Portal, or to better understand how Mobile can help you to ensure you are offering the right resettlement services for your candidates and your business, contact our Principal Bridget Romanes.

Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India.  After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent. 

The AEWV Settlement Solution

If you're a New Zealand-based employer of international talent, there are 3 important questions you’ll need to answer to continue successfully recruiting overseas in 2023.

• Have you gained Employer Accreditation under the new Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) programme?

• Do you understand the new mandatory settlement information requirements that all employers must fulfill?

• Are you meeting the requirements in the most cost-efficient and effective way to keep your accreditation?

One key difference from previous visa schemes is the mandatory requirement to support the visa holder’s resettlement.

All employers must:

• provide specific information about resettling in New Zealand

• prove to Immigration NZ that the resettlement information is being provided. 

Mobile Relocation has worked with international recruiters and HR teams for nearly 7 years providing comprehensive resettlement information to International candidates.
We understand what INZ needs.  And what relocating and expats must know to settle here successfully.

What is required?

There are 9 key pieces of information that must be provided:

• accommodation options

• transport options, both private such as driver licencing information, and public transport options

• cost of living estimates

• how to access healthcare services

• how to contact the Citizens Advice Bureau and what services they can provide

• relevant community groups that may assist them with settling into New Zealand

• how to obtain an IRD number

• available options for industry training and qualifications

• specific job and industry hazards

What happens if employers don’t meet these requirements?

Employers who fail to meet the settlement requirements may face penalties, such as fines or revocation of their accreditation.

Immigration NZ has stated that compliance may be reviewed at any time, and certainly at the time of annual re-accreditation. If audited, employers will be asked to provide evidence of the resettlement information that is being provided to visa-holders.

Aside from compliance, resettlement support also manages the risk that employees may struggle to settle in New Zealand. For example newcomers to NZ can find it difficult to secure a place to live in our competitive housing market. This can have a negative impact on their health and well-being, as well as their productivity at work.

How are you currently managing this process?

You may think you have a sufficient system in place, but are you confident that you are providing all the necessary information, and the information is up to date?  
We know that some organisations are sending out multiple pdf documents to cover off the details - a rather labour intensive solution.
Reporting on who has received this information is also a requirement so do you have measures you place to do this?

How can employers meet the Settlement Requirements efficiently and effectively?

Drawing on our 7 years experience in resettling expat and migrants in New Zealand, Mobile Relocation has developed an online tool that supplies the necessary comprehensive resettlement information to AEWV Visa-holders AND ensures that the employer’s reporting aspect of the requirements is being met.

The Mobile AEWV Resettlement Portal

With this Portal we:

• Provide the resettlement documentation to complete your INZ accreditation application

• Deliver all the INZ-required information to your AEWV holder in a professional portal

• Supply you with INZ-required proof that your visa holder has accessed the information.

The goal is to ensure you meet the AEWV requirements without any additional work from your team.

Want to learn more?

Book in now for 15-minute no-obligation demo with our Portal guru, Ange at Ange@mobile-relocation.co.nz

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Mobile Relocation has a range of settlement support services to suit your candidates and your business - from baseline support to meet Immigration New Zealand’s AEWV Accreditation requirements through to personalised programmes to support your most valued international employees.

Bridget Romanes is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India.  After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent. 

How to attract expat executives to NZ

New Zealand is a melting pot of different cultures and nationalities and, as the country navigates the current ‘talent short’ labour market, organisations are looking even more to highly skilled expats  to fill vacant roles.

Attracting, and retaining international talent is challenging - especially when competing against other growing international cities around the world.

Thinking about how your organisation can stand out from the competition requires you to put the person, your potential employee, first - think about their big picture.

Working in NZ can offer wonderful experiences, in a beautiful part of the world, but can also offer situations and challenges they haven't faced before.

Ensuring your offer includes a well designed and personally tailored relocation package is crucial to your success.  

What should a relocation package include?

First off,  a relocation package should include all the basic items: flights, budget for shipping personal effects, temporary accommodation on arrival and resettlement support to help organise essentials like bank accounts and finding long term housing to rent.  For executive roles the options include offering an  accommodation allowance to cover or part-cover rent, healthcare cover, an annual trip home and an education allowance for children.

That's only the beginning though. What will really add value for a candidate in the context of moving to New Zealand?

A realistic housing budget

The supply of quality houses to rent in NZ is limited, and can be expensive. 

Official house price data can often be misleading.  For example the Median Rent for a 4 bedroom house in a nice central Auckland suburb is NZ$1050 per week yet Mobile’s executive expat clients are paying closer to $NZ2000, with top properties renting for up to NZ$5000 per week.

It is important to understand the needs of your candidate, and their family, so their budget is realistic.

Consider other living costs.

In addition to housing,  estimate the living costs based on your candidates personal situation.

Depending on where they come from, expats can find food and clothing more expensive in New Zealand.  Yet other items like childcare and utilities can be cheaper. In all cases, knowledge is power- ensure you understand their personal situation. 

Education

For candidates who are looking to relocate with children, understanding their children's educational needs is invaluable.

Many expats value the experiences and education their kids have in the public school system in NZ.  Others prefer private for reasons of continuity with schooling in their home country. 

Given private schools cost upwards of NZ$20,000 per annum this may impact their financial situation.  Take the time to understand the educational expectations for their children.

Trips home, and the leave to take them

Expats and their families can often feel geographically isolated once they have settled. NZ is often a very long way from ‘home’ and international airfares are expensive.  

 With standard agreements offering 4 weeks annual leave it can be worthwhile considering offering additional time off for travel (and recovery) time.

A family onboarding programme

BGRS  research identified the major causes of international assignment failure as family issues, spouse dissatisfaction and inability to settle in their new country.    It can be hard for families in New Zealand where there is just not the level of expat infrastructure they may have relied on previously.  

Incoming expat executives will have an onboarding programme organized for them at the office.  There is enormous value (and peace of mind)  knowing their family is also being upskilled and equipped for life in New Zealand.  

Mobile Relocation packages can include finding schooling and housing, connecting to local communities and interest groups, locating sporting groups and clubs for children, enabling spouses to re-establish their careers and/or pursue their interests.  Here’s a list of the type of resettlement services available for families.

Closing the deal

The most important aspect of a valuable, and attractive, relocation package is research.  Learn about your candidate, their personal situation, what is important to them.

When you do get to the final signature from your candidate, just remember that is only a small part of the big relocation and resettlement picture.  

Your success in supporting them,  will contribute to their success for you.

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If you are a recruiter or HR Professional bringing international talent to NZ Mobile Relocation has a range of settlement support services to suit your candidates and your business - from baseline support to meet Immigration New Zealand’s AEWV Accreditation requirements through to personalised programmes to support your most valued international employees.

To book a demo of our AEWV Resettlement Portal, or to better understand how Mobile can help you to ensure you are offering the right resettlement services for your candidates and your business, contact our Principal Bridget Romanes.

Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India.  After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent. 

Kiwi Phrases For Recruiters to share with new arrivals

New Zealanders are a unique bunch of people - a multicultural society of friendly, inventive, outgoing and welcoming people located a long way from the rest of the world.

They also have some unique sayings and phrases that may not make any sense to international newcomers.

If you are recruiting offshore talent to our little piece of paradise it might be worth sharing a few of these examples.

Yeah Nah.  Although this non-committal statement doesn’t really make any sense you will hear it often.  It is generally used in jest and basically means indecision or ‘probably not’.  You will also hear  ‘’Yeah right”, which when said in a sarcastic way, means ‘definitely not’.

Good as Gold. If you hear someone using this common phrase you know everything has gone well or everything is fine.  It's an easy response to “How did it go?” or “I’m running 5 minutes late” - “Good as gold”

Snowed under.  Despite evoking the image of being buried under an avalanche, in NZ this means something completely different.  Kiwis use this slang for when they have more things, especially work, than they feel they can deal with. If you need to skip a work function because you are busy and feeling overwhelmed, use the phrase ‘snowed under’ and your colleagues will totally get you.

Tiki tour. Don’t be alarmed if a helpful local offers to take you on a tiki tour of your new town or city -  it simply means going out for a drive to look around an area or place. It can also mean enjoying taking the long way or the scenic route to get to a destination, or even going on a journey with no actual destination in mind. The NZ Government once operated low-cost tours using this name and it has been used regularly by Kiwis ever since, even as the title of a television series.

Sus. This is essentially an abbreviation of suspect or suspicious, referring to something (or someone) untrustworthy. If you hear someone say “ The guy seemed sus’’  You should take it to mean ‘the guy’ can’t be trusted.

Chuffed. You can tell a colleague that you are chuffed to have closed a business deal and they will know exactly what you mean - you are quietly delighted and feeling rather proud.  Probably not used as much as some other slang words but you will be sure to hear it at some stage.

Hard case. Chances are you will meet a few ‘hard cases’ during your time in NZ. This term of endearment describes someone who is a real character - someone who is witty and/or you find particularly amusing.  Be assured Kiwis won’t take offense to being called a hard case if you meet someone who fits the criteria.

There will plenty of other phrases and slang words that will be new to the ears of your international recruits. If you would like to help them understand more about the origins of Kiwi culture, be sure to share this link to Te Ara, the Dictionary of New Zealand. You may even learn something yourself.

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Mobile Relocation connects you with what you need to thrive in New Zealand.   Contact us today to talk about how we can carry your relocation burden.  

Mobile Relocation delivers resettlement and relocation programmes for businesses employing offshore talent.
Our goal is to get your expat and migrant talent up and running in NZ as quickly as possible - reducing their time to effectiveness in their new role, and enabling them to deliver their skills and expertise to your the benefit of your business.

Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India.  After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent.  bridget@mobile-relocation.com

Ready to move to New Zealand? Get our FREE Move to NZ Checklist now.

What to expect from a Kiwi holiday season

If you’ve recently relocated to New Zealand your first Kiwi Christmas is no doubt going to be a very different, but equally memorable, experience. 

IT'S NOT JUST CHRISTMAS - IT'S SUMMER

Given Christmas Day falls in summer the weather has a huge influence on how Kiwis spend their day celebrating.   Forget hunkering down inside drinking eggnog around the fire - most NZ’ers will be outside soaking up the sun and enjoying nature's playground. 

You will often see families and groups of friends migrate to the beach or the lake to cool off, or to the local park for a run around and friendly game of touch rugby or cricket to work off their festive lunch

Not sure how to spend your day?  

Pack your lunch and head out and about to enjoy your local reserve, beach or river.

Be sure to pack sunscreen though  - the NZ sun can be harsh so sun protection is essential in the summer. 

THE FOOD

It's a wonderful, long day of feasting on December 25th - a day when diets go out the window in favour of enjoying conversation and laughter around a table brimming with good food. 

As well as imported traditions such as English style ham and turkey, Kiwis enjoy more local kai (food) like salmon and crayfish or hangi (food steamed underground).

Christmas Dessert will almost always feature the pavlova - topped with fresh fresh summer berries or kiwifruit.  Australians may still debate ownership of this sugary delight but it belongs to NZ!

If invited to join friends or workmates on Christmas Day it is always nice to arrive with a small contribution - maybe some fresh berries, a box of chocolates or something from home that makes Christmas special to you.  

THE ENFORCED BREAK

Most of NZ will get away for a break over Christmas and January. Whether it be to the beach, the ‘bach’ (the quintessential NZ holiday home) or away camping at their favourite spot Kiwis will be taking advantage of all the public holidays to maximise work-free time over summer.

Business slows down, cities empty out, pace of life is slower.

Be mindful that shops also shut so be sure to get any Christmas & New Years Day essentials in advance.

Perhaps you could use this time for a road trip - explore some parts of NZ you haven't had a chance to visit yet.

IT’S ALL ABOUT PEOPLE

Whanau is the Maori term for a person’s extended family and close friends or community.

If away from family this year create your own whanau by asking workmates, neighbours, friends to join your Christmas celebrations.

There will no doubt be many other expats and newcomers to New Zealand in the same situation as you - reach out to those you know and have an international day of celebration!

Christmas away from home is what you make it and we wish you a wonderful, memorable festive season. 

Mobile Relocation connects you with what you need to thrive in New Zealand.   Contact us today to talk about how we can carry your relocation burden.  

Mobile Relocation delivers resettlement and relocation programmes for businesses employing offshore talent. Our goal is to get your expat and migrant talent up and running in NZ as quickly as possible - reducing their time to effectiveness in their new role, and enabling them to deliver their skills and expertise to your the benefit of your business.

Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India.  After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent.  bridget@mobile-relocation.com

Ready to move to New Zealand? Get our FREE Move to NZ Checklist now.

Investing sustainably for your values

Many investor migrants choose NZ based on personal feelings of alignment with our social, business and political environment.

In the latest Cambridge Chats webinar organised by Cambridge Partners, Mobile’s Founder & Principal Bridget Romanes had the opportunity to join Roger Robson-William, Chief Sustainability Officer, Plant and Food Research and Dominic Sheehan, Financial Adviser, Cambridge Partners to discuss the links between values-based migration and sustainable investment.  

Bridget also talks about why more people are moving to New Zealand, seeking the clean green dream, and what may happen when they get here.

Dr Robson-Williams discussed what sustainability actually is and some of the key opportunities and challenges we face. He also provided insights into initiatives that Plant and Food Research are doing and the decisions consumers can make to be more sustainable.

Dominic discussed what sustainable investing means and introduced some of the key terms and concepts, including options available to investors. He addressed some of the challenges that accompany sustainable investing and investigating the trade-off between targeting an environmental/social return and targeting the best financial return.

If you are a recruiter or HR Professional bringing international talent to NZ Mobile Relocation has a range of settlement support services to suit your candidates and your business - from baseline support to meet Immigration New Zealand’s AEWV Accreditation requirements through to personalised programmes to support your most valued international employees.

To book a demo of our AEWV Resettlement Portal, or to better understand how Mobile can help you to ensure you are offering the right resettlement services for your candidates and your business, contact our Principal Bridget Romanes.

Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India.  After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent. 

Making the most of Christmas as an expat in New Zealand

I spent a total of 10 Christmas Days as an expat based in Singapore and India. What I learned from the experience is that being away from your home country for a significant holiday is what you make of it, and is best approached with creativity and positive thinking.

Here are some ideas for how expats in New Zealand might spend 25 December:

Establish new traditions

Many expats want to follow some of their home country’s Christmas practices regardless of where they are in the world.  That can be as simple as connecting with your extended family through a zoom call. 

We always enjoyed hosting some form of Christmas meal together with friends or visiting family, or sometimes just us!

But we have brought back one element of Christmas from India that still appears each year in our home in New Zealand.  While travelling in Goa, one of India’s most Christian states, I came across a set of Christmas tree placemats which we’ve used for our first Christmas in New Delhi, and every year since.

What Kiwi element can you introduce to your traditions this Christmas?

Eat out

On the other hand, some of my least-stressful expat Christmas’s were spent with someone else doing the catering!

Most Kiwis wouldn’t dream of eating out on Christmas Day as it’s a day for family and home, but living in Singapore was a release from that expectation.  All the major hotels offered amazing buffet meals on 25 December - so easy to just gather a group of friends and book in for a novel experience.

If you are concerned that trying to replicate a home-based Christmas won’t work for you, why not explore what New Zealand’s hospitality sector has to offer?

Building a whanau

When you’re living overseas, the concept of whanau is a great way of shaping who you’d like to have around your Christmas table.  Whanau means not just your blood relatives, but also close friends and people you form relationships with.  Many expats build strong networks like this as they don’t have family living in the same country.

Consider having a Christmas celebration involving your whanau, and also reaching out to other expats - perhaps workmates who’ve recently arrived in New Zealand.

If you’re offered the opportunity to join a Kiwi family, jump at it!

One of the most heartwarming stories I’ve heard from a client was how much they appreciated their manager inviting all the expats in his team to Christmas Day at his house. 
To help you prepare for what to expect, take a look at our recent blog here

Going back home for Christmas

This year, in particular, many New Zealand-based expats are heading back to Christmas in their  home country for the first time since COVID hit in 2020.

Our Kiwi Christmases as an expat were wonderful - to be back in New Zealand summer with family and friends - but also very busy and not super-restful. 

It’s important to set yourself up for success not exhaustion. We often found it easier to set a couple of dates for big gatherings and invite everyone to come to us, rather than racing around to see people individually. 
Also take a look at our blog with tips on how to manage the big trip home here.

Volunteer

Why not spend some time giving back by volunteering on Christmas day?

Check what’s around your area and if any groups need help. There could be a homeless shelter nearby that needs extra hands for serving Christmas lunch, or a nursing home that’s looking for people to make their clients feel loved on Christmas day. Perhaps there’s an animal shelter and you can spend the day snuggling with kittens and puppies.

Who knows, you may even make some new friends or find a new calling.

Holiday

One of the best things about living in New Zealand is that Christmas coincides with the long summer holidays.  Most people combine statutory holidays and leave to get at least 10 days off.  Many businesses even shut down for around three weeks.

So one option is to take a completely different approach to Christmas and use it as an opportunity to explore this part of the world - either around New Zealand, the Pacific Island, Australia or even up into Southeast Asia.

Regardless of how you choose to spend your Christmas we wish you a very safe and Merry one!

Mobile Relocation connects you with what you need to thrive in New Zealand.   Contact us today to talk about how we can carry your relocation burden.  

Mobile Relocation delivers resettlement and relocation programmes for businesses employing offshore talent. Our goal is to get your expat and migrant talent up and running in NZ as quickly as possible - reducing their time to effectiveness in their new role, and enabling them to deliver their skills and expertise to your the benefit of your business.

Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India.  After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent.  bridget@mobile-relocation.com

Ready to move to New Zealand? Get our FREE Move to NZ Checklist here.

Where’s the value in expat settlement support?

The New Zealand government’s new AEWV visa scheme makes it compulsory for all employers to provide settlement information when they recruit internationally.

So, any expat or migrant relocating to New Zealand for a job will be given a head start on setting up here - everything from how to find a place to live, obtain a drivers licence, open a bank account and more.

That’s a game changer for candidates.

But where do businesses, recruiters and HR teams get value from their investment in settlement support?

The data

Our annual survey of 50 NZ-based international recruiters and HR teams answers this question.

We discovered their three top value points for settlement services were:

1. saving time and work 

2. keeping stakeholders happy

3. making offers more competitive

So, how does this play out in terms of business outcomes?

Candidate care

The war for talent demands that employers go the extra mile to look after candidates throughout the hiring process.

Candidate care is even more complex for international hires, as they need to be supported not just into a new role, but also through relocating and setting up in a new country.

For recruiters this impacts their workload, and pulls time and energy away from core functions.

Outsourcing the settlement support component of candidate care to a trusted provider, with a body of expert knowledge to meet the AEWV requirements, buys back hours in the day.

Stakeholder relationships

On one hand is the hiring manager, desperate for the skills and experience the new employee is bringing from offshore.

On the other side is the candidate, keen to start work, but also frantically trying to sort out all the logistics like schooling, housing etc in an unfamiliar new city.

Recruiters and HR teams satisfy both sets of stakeholders by providing a settlement support solution.  Candidates get the help they need, while managers are assured that their new talent will turn up on day 1, settled and ready to focus on work.

Attraction

Presented as a benefit, settlement support can be a deal-maker for international candidates.

Preliminary data from our latest client survey shows that 40% of candidates saw a personalised resettlement programme as super-important for their decision to take the role.  A further 57% appreciated that their employer offered this benefit to support their wellbeing.

The decision to take a role in another country is not just about the job.

It’s also often a whole-family decision and the support settlement benefit targets those wider personal needs that just don’t exist for a domestic candidate.

If you are a recruiter or HR Professional bringing international talent to NZ Mobile Relocation has a range of settlement support services to suit your candidates and your business - from baseline support to meet Immigration New Zealand’s AEWV Accreditation requirements through to personalised programmes to support your most valued international employees.

To book a demo of our AEWV Resettlement Portal, or to better understand how Mobile can help you to ensure you are offering the right resettlement services for your candidates and your business, contact our Principal Bridget Romanes.

Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India.  After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent. 

Moving home to Aotearoa? Here is what you need to know

Earlier this month our Principal, Bridget Romanes, was part of a webinar hosted by Kea and BNZ offering advice to our returning Kiwi community to assist with a smooth transition home.

The Moving to New Zealand webinar touched on:

• How to get a head start on finances, including opening bank accounts from offshore and transferring money to New Zealand

• Tips on the relocation process including five things that should be top of your checklist and why your first few months in New Zealand could be a bit of a roller coaster

• Insight from a Kea community member who recently moved to NZ – including tips on packing, job hunting and the value of good Kiwi networks.

So if you are a Kiwi looking to move home in the next 12 months and have some questions you would like answered be sure to watch the webinar below.

Mobile Relocation connects you with what you need to thrive in New Zealand. Contact us today to talk about how we can carry your relocation burden.

Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India.  After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent.  bridget@mobile-relocation.com

Ready to move to New Zealand? Get our FREE Move to NZ Checklist here.

5 Settlement Tips for Kiwi employers of international talent

With record skill shortages, Kiwi businesses are competing fiercely for international talent.  Financial incentives may seem the only way to stay in the game, but rest assured there are other solutions.

In the 7 years that I’ve worked with international recruiters and employers I’ve seen many creative initiatives and strategies delivering tangible results to attract and retain expats and migrants.

Here are my top 5:

1. Set up a migrant/expat employee network

International employees are a unique community within your business, and helping them to support each other is key.  

For example, Mobile Relocation client, T+T, has a Teams Channel exclusively for the use of their expats.  As T+T’s Recruitment Lead Dee Johnson describes,  ‘It’s a place to share information, laugh, vent, and (sometimes!) cry”.

Establishing this type of group is also a benefit to market to international candidates, in the same way as you’d promote D&I networks to domestic talent.  And the group itself is a great way to target international referral incentive programmes for your open roles.

2. Address expat wellbeing

International relocation is highly disruptive to wellbeing - everything in life changes all at once.  Research shows that 56% of expats show signs of anxiety and depression.

International hires need to know about your EAP programme , and understand that it is confidential - they may come from a country where employers don’t provide this type of support or mental health is not as openly discussed.

New Zealand’s annual Mental Health Awareness Week (held in Sept/Oct)  is an opportunity to address the unique challenges faced by expats.  Our Award-winning Expat Wellbeing Workshops share the latest research and strategies in an engaging and practical way.   Feedback shows that participants:

• Felt ‘seen’ and valued by their employers 

• Loved having a reason to get together with fellow  internationals and get support from others going through the same issues.

3. Family first

BGRS  research identified the major causes of international assignment failure as family issues, spouse dissatisfaction and inability to settle.

If families don’t settle successfully  it’s harder for your new employee to focus on work, and the pressure is always there to ditch NZ and return back to their country of origin.

Understanding and addressing an international candidate’s family situation is important, right from the recruitment stage.

Is there a partner who wants to work and needs help with visas or job connections?  Are there concerns about housing and schooling which can be addressed by a professional and personalised settlement support programme?

4. Mark settlement milestones

Top employers know that recognising their employees’ personal milestones has huge payoff for employee experience and engagement. 

It’s easy to translate this into valuable gestures to acknowledge and highlight key points as your international employees settle into life in New Zealand.

Examples include:

• Taking possession of a rental property.  Moving into a new home as an expat without friends and family to help celebrate can feel lonely.  A welcome hamper from your employer shows someone notices and cares.

• 1 month since arrival in NZ.  This has often been a hectic period for newcomers, so a voucher for a meal out, or a local attraction, can provide welcome relief for your expat employee and a chance to celebrate what has been achieved.

5. Promote your Settlement Support benefit

The AEWV visa scheme’s Settlement Support requirement makes Kiwi employers unique as they all now offer a baseline level of information and connections to help candidates get set up in NZ quickly and effectively.

Amplifying this benefit to candidates will boost attraction.   Settlement Support is a big drawcard for international talent, and particularly those with families, when you’re asking them to move to the other side of the world.  

If you’re already using the Mobile AEWV Settlement Info Portal, or our personalised Move to NZ programmes, make sure your candidates understand all the value-adds this platform offers too!

To book a demo of our AEWV Resettlement Portal, or to better understand how Mobile can help you to ensure you are offering the right resettlement services for your candidates and your business, contact our Principal Bridget Romanes.

Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India.  After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent. 

New Zealand’s secret to successful international recruitment

Kiwi businesses are crying out for international talent, yet the war for global talent is more competitive than ever.

Did you know that New Zealand’s new AEWV visa programme has a unique component that elevates the attractiveness of roles in Aotearoa ahead of other countries?

I’ve been designing and running settlement programmes for Kiwi businesses recruiting offshore for 7 years and it’s so exciting to see our clients enthusiastically adopting Immigration New Zealand’s new mandatory settlement support baseline.

The government’s compulsory requirement for employers to provide settlement information for AEWV holders might seem like an administrative burden. 

But put yourself in the shoes of an offshore candidate, and it looks quite different. 

A potential migrant or expat will see a Kiwi employer who cares enough about their wellbeing to provide the information and connections they, and their family, need to settle successfully in New Zealand. 

It’s Manaakitanga in action - the process of showing respect, generosity and care for others.

While other countries promise amazing new lives to international talent, New Zealand employers now take action to make it actually happen.

Why does this matter to candidates?

Imagine arriving in New Zealand for the first time, and having to set up a whole new life.

You’d want to focus on getting to grips with your new job.

But you’re also dealing with an overwhelming range of life admin … Finding a rental property.  Getting kids into school.  Understanding where to buy the food you like. Connecting  with your ethnic or religious community.

Relocating countries can be as stressful  as a major illness, according to the Holmes and Rahe Stress Inventory Scale. 

Anything employers do to smooth the way will  positively impact the wellbeing, and job performance, of new international employees.

What is settlement support?

As part of the AEWV accreditation, all employers must now provide visa-holders with information on everything from housing to opening a bank account to the cost of living.

The result? Your valuable international talent can find exactly what they need to know to get set up in NZ quickly and efficiently.

This is  now the new minimum level of support that all migrants and expats on AWEV visas will receive.

How do recruiters amplify this benefit?

In a time of escalating salaries, businesses are on the look-out for relevant benefits to offer international talent.

Settlement support meets this criteria.

 It doesn’t affect base salary but targets the unique requirements of candidates relocating to New Zealand.

Here’s how we see our canny international recruitment clients utilising the settlement support benefit:

• Package into your EVP - Present settlement support as a high-profile and  integral component of your employment offers.

• Align with Wellbeing Strategy - List  settlement support as part of your business’s wellbeing programme to show that you understand the specific needs and concerns of people moving to a new country for a new role. 

• Target family - You’ll find that offering settlement support resonates strongly with partners and spouses - research by Netexpat and EY shows that spouse and and family issues are the main reasons why employees decide against taking an offshore role.

• Trump competitors -  A professional settlement support offering elevates your business above other employers in your industry.  Many Kiwi employers are already using our cost-efficient online Settlement Support Portal that saves you time, work, and ensures you remain AEWV compliant. 

• Would you like to join them?  Book a demo today or contact our Principal, Bridget Romanes, for more information.

If you are a recruiter or HR Professional bringing international talent to NZ Mobile Relocation has a range of settlement support services to suit your candidates and your business - from baseline support to meet Immigration New Zealand’s AEWV Accreditation requirements through to personalised programmes to support your most valued international employees.

How employers make the most of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) programme

It has now been a few months since the start of Immigration NZ’s new Accredited Employer Work Visa programme (AEWV) began.

In this expert interview we discuss the AEWV programme with Rachael Mason, Partner at Lane Neave, and ask her to explain what employers need to know to make the most of it.

Rachael’s advice will include:

• The system and how it works for employers.

• The latest changes to the AEWV programme.

• How the AEWV residency programme works.

• Some of the pitfalls being seen with AEWV applications, and how can employers avoid them.

Mobile Relocation delivers resettlement and relocation programmes for businesses employing offshore talent. Our goal is to get your expat and migrant talent up and running in NZ as quickly as possible - reducing their time to effectiveness in their new role, and enabling them to deliver their skills and expertise to your the benefit of your business.

Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India.  After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent.  bridget@mobile-relocation.com

Ready to move to New Zealand? Get our FREE Move to NZ Checklist here.

Why intercultural intelligence matters for Kiwi business

As international recruitment ramps up post-COVID, forward-thinking HR professionals are focusing on how to build effective cross-cultural teams.  Harnessing the skills and knowledge of expats and migrants relocating to New Zealand depends on it.  In our latest Mobile Expert Interview,  intercultural expert, Shireen Chua, shares the factors that shape an employer’s ability to develop and grow cultural intelligence in their organisation.

What is intercultural intelligence?

Intercultural intelligence is the ability to create a new space that facilitates win-win situations in culturally diverse settings.  This requires us to develop our cultural agility to anticipate, correctly interpret and adjust in culturally diverse settings.  

Why is it important for New Zealand businesses and what tangible value does intercultural intelligence provide?

With my own experience working in government, education, business and not-for-profit settings, I have seen how Auckland and New Zealand have changed. The cultural diversity in the communities and organizations made me curious to explore how everyone could work together in spite of all the differences.

Cultural diversity describes all the ways difference exists within a group of people. What’s more - everyone is multi-dimensional. This goes beyond nationality, ethnicity, age, and gender to the hidden values, beliefs and worldviews.  Every interaction is an intercultural encounter. 

I navigated some complex cultural challenges in the projects I managed and wanted to move into this space after completing my MBA. I founded Third Culture Solutions to equip leaders, teams and organizations to learn to work in the “purple space”- where people of the “blue culture” work with people of the “red culture” they need to learn to work in the “purple space”. 

Globalisation has increased the complexity of culture.  It’s important for New Zealand businesses to equip their leaders and staff with intercultural intelligence so that they can understand each other better, work together better, and also bring their diverse experiences and thinking into the business.

This is an ongoing process that will reap benefits of increased creativity, innovation and employee engagement and wellbeing.

Is intercultural intelligence more important for expats and immigrants coming into NZ, or for the teams who are receiving them here?

 It is important for everyone that needs to work together.

Expats who move here often are prepared for differences in culture, whilst the teams who receive expats are often less equipped.  

For teams to become high-performing, everyone needs to develop intercultural intelligence to understand each other more, and work well together.

How is intercultural intelligence training typically delivered?

I deliver talks, mini-learning sessions, leadership training, and coach expats, leaders and emerging leaders to develop cultural agility.

Training ranges. . . workshops only offer the knowledge, but for awareness and behaviour change to occur, an ongoing learning journey over time with reflection and coaching is key for the training or learning to be transformational.  High-performance learning journeys increase learning, application and transformation over time.

What's your story, and how did you end up working in this area?

I’m a Malaysian Born Chinese Kiwi who has spent her childhood in Malaysia before migrating to Aotearoa New Zealand as a 12-year-old.  I was educated in New Zealand, with degrees in Masters of Science (Nutrition), MBA and I’m now completing a PhD in Strategic Management, where I’m looking at how leaders approach managing a culturally diverse workforce. 

My hope is that everyone who works in New Zealand organizations experiences the opportunity to work in a high-performing intercultural team and organisation, where they navigate both the highs and lows to experience belonging.

WWW.THIRDCULTURE.CO.NZ

Mobile Relocation delivers resettlement and relocation programmes for businesses employing offshore talent. Our goal is to get your expat and migrant talent up and running in NZ as quickly as possible - reducing their time to effectiveness in their new role, and enabling them to deliver their skills and expertise to your the benefit of your business.

Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India.  After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent.  bridget@mobile-relocation.com

Ready to move to New Zealand? Get our FREE Move to NZ Checklist here.