New Zealand hubs

Xiu

Technician

New ZealandEnglish (English)$ NZD

Xiu is a skilled technician living in New Zealand, balancing a busy work schedule with the complexities of navigating government systems. This hub helps Xiu manage everything from tax obligations and workplace rights to healthcare and retirement savings.

Getting paid and knowing my rights

Understanding tax and employment laws ensures I am paid correctly and protected at work.

IRD Number

national · Inland Revenue Department

Who qualifies
Anyone working or receiving income in NZ.
What you get
A unique tax identifier required for all employment and banking.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires passport/visa and proof of address.
Common gotcha
You cannot get paid properly without one; apply as soon as you arrive.

KiwiSaver

national · Inland Revenue / Private Providers

Who qualifies
Employees aged 18-65.
What you get
Automatic retirement savings with employer contributions.
What it actually costs you
3%, 4%, 6%, 8%, or 10% of your gross salary.
Common gotcha
If you don't choose a fund, you get put into a default one which might not suit your risk profile.

Employment New Zealand Advice

national · Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

Who qualifies
All employees in NZ.
What it actually costs you
Free access to templates and legal guidance.
Common gotcha
Many technicians don't realize they are entitled to specific rest and meal breaks by law.

ACC Personal Injury Cover

national · Accident Compensation Corporation

Who qualifies
Everyone in NZ, including visitors.
What you get
Coverage for medical costs and lost wages if you are injured in an accident.
What it actually costs you
Paid via a levy on your salary/income.
Common gotcha
It only covers accidents, not illnesses or gradual wear and tear.

myIR Secure Online Services

national · Inland Revenue Department

Who qualifies
All taxpayers.
What you get
Online management of tax returns, student loans, and Working for Families.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires RealMe login.
Common gotcha
You must link your bank account to receive tax refunds directly.

Minimum Wage Rates

national · Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

Who qualifies
All adult employees.
What you get
Guaranteed minimum hourly pay rate.
What it actually costs you
Zero; it is a statutory right.
Common gotcha
Check the website annually in April as rates are adjusted.

When I'm sick or need a check-up

Navigating the public health system ensures I get care without breaking the bank.

Te Whatu Ora Public Health Services

national · Health New Zealand

Who qualifies
Residents and eligible visa holders.
What you get
Subsidized GP visits and free public hospital care.
What it actually costs you
Small co-payment for GP visits depending on your clinic.
Common gotcha
You need to register with a local GP practice to get lower rates.

PHARMAC Medicine Subsidies

national · PHARMAC

Who qualifies
Anyone with a valid prescription.
What you get
Subsidized prescription medication costs.
What it actually costs you
Standard co-payment per item.
Common gotcha
Not all medications are subsidized; check the list if you have a chronic condition.

NHI Number

national · Ministry of Health

Who qualifies
All users of the health system.
What you get
A unique identifier for your medical records across the country.
What it actually costs you
Free; assigned upon first interaction with health services.
Common gotcha
Keep this number handy for all specialist appointments.

Need to Talk? 1737

national · Ministry of Health

Who qualifies
Anyone in NZ.
What you get
Free 24/7 counseling via text or phone.
What it actually costs you
Free.
Common gotcha
It is not for medical emergencies; call 111 for those.

National Immunisation Register

national · Health New Zealand

Who qualifies
All residents.
What you get
Record keeping for vaccinations like flu or COVID-19.
What it actually costs you
Free.
Common gotcha
Ensure your records are updated when you move clinics.

Emergency Dental Care

national · Work and Income

Who qualifies
Low-income earners.
What you get
Financial assistance for urgent dental pain relief.
What it actually costs you
Means-tested; requires proof of income.
Common gotcha
It only covers emergency pain relief, not routine check-ups.

Proving who I am and getting around

I need valid ID for work, banking, and travel.

RealMe

national · Department of Internal Affairs

Who qualifies
All residents.
What you get
Single secure login for all government portals.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires identity verification.
Common gotcha
Setting up the 'verified' status takes a few days but saves hours later.

NZ Driver Licence

national · Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

Who qualifies
Residents over 16.
What you get
Legal right to drive and a primary photo ID.
What it actually costs you
Application and testing fees.
Common gotcha
If you are on an overseas licence, you must convert it within 12 months.

NZ Passport

national · Department of Internal Affairs

Who qualifies
NZ citizens.
What you get
International travel document.
What it actually costs you
Standard application fee.
Common gotcha
Renew online to avoid extra processing fees.

SuperGold Card

national · Ministry of Social Development

Who qualifies
People aged 65+.
What you get
Discounts on transport and retail.
What it actually costs you
Free.
Common gotcha
You must apply for it; it is not always automatic.

NZ Post Address Verification

national · NZ Post

Who qualifies
All residents.
What you get
Proof of address for banking and government forms.
What it actually costs you
Free.
Common gotcha
Keep your address updated to ensure you receive tax and health mail.

Citizenship by Grant

national · Department of Internal Affairs

Who qualifies
Permanent residents meeting residency requirements.
What you get
NZ citizenship and a passport.
What it actually costs you
Application fee and processing time.
Common gotcha
The residency requirement is strictly enforced.

Keeping a roof over my head

Understanding tenancy laws and support helps me manage my living situation.

Tenancy Services Advice

national · Ministry of Housing and Urban Development

Who qualifies
All tenants and landlords.
What you get
Legal guidance on rights, bonds, and repairs.
What it actually costs you
Free.
Common gotcha
Always lodge your bond with Tenancy Services, never pay it directly to the landlord's personal account.

Tenancy Bond Lodgement

national · Tenancy Services

Who qualifies
All tenants.
What you get
Secure holding of your rental deposit.
What it actually costs you
Free to lodge.
Common gotcha
Ensure you get a receipt from the government for your bond.

Healthy Homes Standards

national · Tenancy Services

Who qualifies
All rental property tenants.
What you get
Minimum standards for heating, insulation, and ventilation.
What it actually costs you
Zero; landlord responsibility.
Common gotcha
If your place is cold or damp, check if it meets these standards.

Accommodation Supplement

national · Work and Income

Who qualifies
Low-income earners struggling with rent or mortgage.
What you get
Weekly payment to help with housing costs.
What it actually costs you
Means-tested; requires income and asset declaration.
Common gotcha
It is not a full rent payment; it is a supplement.

Warmer Kiwi Homes

national · EECA

Who qualifies
Low-income homeowners.
What you get
Grants for insulation and heating.
What it actually costs you
Co-payment required.
Common gotcha
You must own the home to qualify.

Rates Rebate Scheme

national · Department of Internal Affairs

Who qualifies
Low-income homeowners.
What you get
Reduction in annual council rates.
What it actually costs you
Application process.
Common gotcha
You must re-apply every year.