Living in Canterbury/Waitaha
We're proud to offer new residents one of the most welcoming and attractive lifestyle choices in New Zealand.
Explore our amazing backyard
The largest city in Canterbury/Waitaha, Christchurch/Ōtautahi is a city of opportunity – where change and innovation have been embraced, creating a strong economy and a vibrant place to live.
Take advantage of the region’s beauty by exploring our regional parks for walking, swimming, boating, fishing, gamebird hunting, motocross, mountain biking, bird watching, horse riding and more.
Christchurch/Ōtautahi is the city of exploration, a refreshing urban centre full of new secrets to discover. If you haven’t been here in a while, you’re in for a surprise. The city has been through some massive changes in the past few years, and the time has come to explore it all.
The region offers excellent medical and educational facilities, a vibrant and enterprising business sector, an abundance of sporting and recreational facilities, and a friendly community. It is a fantastic place to live, grow and bring up a family.
A brief history of Canterbury/Waitaha
Founded out of the spirit of exploration – from the first Māori explorer to early European settlers – the region of Canterbury | Waitaha as we know it today has a rich and varied history.
With the Southern Alps on the western horizon and the pacific sea to the east Canterbury is know for its wide variety of activities – it is said that in canterbury you can ski in the morning and be surfing in the afternoon.
The Canterbury plains between the mountains and sea are home to many wineries, restaurants, bars, cafes, museums and galleries. The largest city in the Canterbury region is Christchurch with to 380,000 people, after a series of Earthquakes in 2011 Christchurch is a reborn and revitalised city. We have a proud cultural heritage that continues to form a strong link between past and present.
Visit the below websites for more information on Canterbury and Christchurch:
New Regent Street in Christchurch/Ōtautahi
Restored Peacock fountain in the Christchurch Botanical Gardens
Sumner beach and Christchurch/Ōtautahi city
View of Timaru Lighthouse, Historical landmark in Timaru
Panoramic view of Lake Alexandrina, Mackenzie Basin
Walk from Point Kean at awesome Kaikōura Peninsula
New Zealand immigration
Moving to New Zealand/Aotearoa for work could seem overwhelming for some. There are a number of options available to you, which you can see on the New Zealand Immigration website.
Immigration information and accredited employer information – check if you are eligible to work in nz.
For information specific to living in Christchurch/ Ōtautahi visit www.christchurchnz.com.
Connecting with your new community
Connecting with people through reaching out and being included is an important part of settling into a new country. There is plenty to see and do in and around Canterbury, why not get involved and meet some awesome people along the way!
Information and ideas on how to meet new people:
Community groups
We have many community groups and interest clubs in Canterbury.
Christchurch Resettlement Services was created to support migrants and refugees to settle successfully in Christchurch, they provide a variety of services including.
Events in Christchurch and Canterbury
In such a vibrant and exciting region there is always something going on.
- Events - Christchurch City Council
- Events - CCC Libraries
- Events - Ashburton District Council
- Events - Eventfinder Canterbury
'Welcoming Communities' is a programme led by Immigration NZ that works towards healthier, happier and more productive communities by welcoming newcomers into the local community.
Accommodation
We recognise how important accommodation is to feel at home when moving to a different country. Fortunately, Canterbury has many options for housing from renting to owning or building to even house sitting – there is a home waiting for everyone.
How to obtain an IRD number
An IRD number keeps track of the tax you pay and is unique to you. You are required to have an IRD number to open a bank account or earn income in New Zealand.
KiwiSaver
KiwiSaver is a voluntary savings scheme set up by our Government to help New Zealanders save for their retirement.
You cannot join KiwiSaver if you hold a temporary, visitor or student visa - please check the Kiwisaver website for eligibility information.
Healthcare services
We have a wide range of health services available in Canterbury. The main public health facility in Canterbury is the Christchurch Hospital located in Christchurch.
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) provides insurance cover for personal injury for everyone in New Zealand, whether you are a citizen, resident or visitor. This means if you are injured by an accident, ACC may pay some of your medical and rehabilitation costs.
Transport options
In Canterbury there are many ways to get around – from boat, car, bus electric scooter or take the tram – there is something for everyone.
The following links will assist you with renting or buying a car including insurance, understanding our public transport system and using a taxi or the Uber app:
- Public Transport in Christchurch and Timaru
- New Zealand transport system
- Who can drive on New Zealand roads?
You can convert your valid overseas driver licence to a New Zealand driver licence too, just check out what is required:
Studying in New Zealand
Canterbury offers a wide range of study options, from early childhood education for your children | tamariki, to tertiary education at a number of world class institutions. Information on further education opportunities for the whole family:
Health and Safety
Health and safety in New Zealand is governed by the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and associated regulations, including the Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016.
He aha te mea nui o te ao maku e ki atu? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata. What’s the most important thing in the world? The people, the people, the people.
We are committed to providing a safe environment for our employees. For information on what the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 means for you, please visit the WorkSafe website.
Citizens Advice Bureau
A Citizens Advice Bureau helps people to know and understand their rights and obligations. They provide free and independent services to everyone.
There is plenty of information online and the Immigration NZ website provides guidance for working, living and studying in New Zealand.