I Shall Return, NZ!

My flat in Auckland, New Zealand (Nov 2014)

I left New Zealand upon completion of my postgraduate studies in November 2014. After more than 2 years away, I finally get a chance to visit my alma mater in Auckland. The wedding of my nephew Neeko later this year opens an excuse for me to go there with my family.

See you soon, Aotearoa!

Post PostGrad for NZAS Alumni

Wow, it's been more than a year since I came back from postgrad studies in New Zealand. It feels like it was only yesterday I'd walk down to Warehouse on Queen Street from my flat on Anzac Ave. to buy a duvet or what not. Sigh. I'm not gonna lie to you, I miss Auckland. I miss the safety. I miss the order. I miss the cleanliness. 

NZAS batch 2013 & 2014 with NZ Amb. Strachan.

Anyway, back in the Philippines, we NZAS Alumni still see each other in get-togethers organized by the New Zealand embassy. In fact, yesterday was one of those events. The embassy contacted us about a get-together that the ambassador wanted to have with  us and visiting representatives from Education NZ and NZ universities. 

It was nice to see my batchmates as well as other NZAS alumni from earlier and later batches. We got to talk about the work we do now, as well as reminisce about our postgrad life back in New Zealand. One pleasant surprise was when Ambassador Strachan raffled off two (2) PAL travel gift certificates! 

Around New Zealand in 600 Days

I spent a total of 21 months or roughly 600 days in Aotearoa (from February 2013 to November 2014). Within that almost two year period, I visited and explored so many places which the island nation had to offer, and I posted my trips and activities on this blog. Here is a comprehensive summary (with links) of my adventures. (I'll do it geographically, from north to south of both the north and south islands of New Zealand.)

Let's start with the northern tip of the north island. I drove all the way up to picturesque Cape Reinga. My friends and I were blessed with good weather that time as we were able to take beautiful pictures of the Cape Reinga lighthouse. We also passed by Te Paki Sand Dunes and did some sandboarding.

Still up north, I got a chance to stay at the Bay of Islands. Our group got to tour the Treaty of Waitangi grounds and watch a Maori Haka performance.

In North Auckland, I got to kayak on the Puhoi River, and all the way out to the Hauraki Gulf. Afterwards,  went picnicking at Wenderholm Regional Park.

MTB biking in Auckland

I tried out mountain biking at Woodhill Mountain Bike Park deep in the Woodhill Forest northwest of Auckland. The cool crisp weather was great for MTB biking.

Skydiving in Auckland

Also in northwest Auckland, I went to Parakai Airfield and went skydiving over Helensville. I conquered my fear of heights as the guys of Skydive Auckland pushed me out of an airplane 13,500 feet above ground.

I watched a rugby game between New Zealand's All Blacks and England's national team. After the match, I still didn't understand the game, but it didn't matter because the All Blacks won 20-15.

I hiked up the mountain top of Rangitoto Island northeast of Auckland with my fellow postgrads. It was a lovely trek up Auckland Region's most active volcano island.

East of Auckland, I rode a ferry and went wine tasting in Waiheke Island. New Zealand is home to many vineyards and wineries, and is well known for its white wines.

I biked up Mount Victoria in Devonport, just across Auckland CBD. In my opinion, this hill has the best view of the city.

Moving south, I visited the home of Bilbo Baggins at Hobbiton in Matamata, near Rotorua. Enjoyed taking photos on the actual set of the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit series. 

I traveled to the center of the north island, at Tongariro National Park, and went skiing on the white slopes of Mount Ruapehu. It was my first and probably the last time to ski as I did not find going down a hill with no brakes fun.

I returned to Tongariro National Park and hiked the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Got to enjoy viewing the beautiful emerald lakes and its surrounding volcanic formations.

And then I rode a plane to the southern tip of the north island and toured the capital city of Wellington. Visited the Beehive and the NZ parliament. Also explored the the plant and wildlife preserve of Zealandia. 

I flew to the middle of the south island and visited the universities in Christchurch. Went on a road trip with my fellow scholars and passed by the rock formations of Castle Hill, where they shot the battle scenes of Chronicles of Narnia. 

Traveled south to Lake Tekapo. Enjoyed the view of the lake with the snow capped Southern Alps in the background. New Zealand is home to many beautiful and picturesque lakes. Also visited Mount Cook National Park, and saw some more snow capped mountains. Another lake worth stopping by on the way is Lake Pukaki. 

Further south, I visited the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown. There, I bungy jumped off Kawarau Bridge, the site of the first commercial bungy jump. What an adrenaline rush! I did this after I skyjumped, so I was not that scared.

Southwest, I visited the majestic Milford Sound. Rode a ferry and traversed the fjord to view the high cliffs and waterfalls, as well as watch the seals play.

The southernmost place I visited was the old Scottish settlement of Dunedin. I got to tour the local Cadbury chocolate factory.

And that about covers it! Traveled around New Zealand in 600 days, all while completing my masters degree. I had so much fun in Aotearoa! 

VIDEO: How to Save Money in Auckland

This video from Hostelworld, shot in 2011, brings back good memories of my postgraduate life in Auckland. Colm Hanratty shares tips on how to save money in Auckland. Here they are:

1. Use the Citylink Bus to get around the city center for free. However, it is only free with a valid AT card.

2. You can bring your own drinks (i.e wine, beer, soda, etc.) in BYO restaurants.

3. Enjoy the parks in the city center, such as Albert Park and Auckland Domain.

4. Shop at the Victoria Park Market. Although Auckland is not really known for its bargain deals.

5. Check out the free museums, particularly the Auckland Art Gallery and the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

The video is so nostalgic. Especially the clip showing Albert Park--the park I crossed almost everyday during my stay.

Finished with my postgraduate degrees at the University of Auckland

I recently received my diploma for my master of public policy, capping off my two year academic stint in New Zealand. I can't believe time flew by so fast. It seemed like only yesterday when I applied for postgraduate studies at the University of Auckland and scholarship with the New Zealand Embassy. Today, I have my Post-Graduate Diploma in Arts with Merit on Development Studies and a Master of Public Policy with Second Class Honours First Division.

I'm thankful to my wife Ria and daughter Bea for allowing me to pursue postgraduate studies abroad. I am extremely lucky to have a partner who supported me 100% of the way and sacrificed so much by taking care of our daughter and running our household, all by herself. I hope I can return their love and affection. I am grateful as well to my mom Aileen and dad Roque for their support, and to the rest of my family for their encouragement. 

Thanks are also due to my policy professor, boss, and dissertation supervisor, Dr. Julie MacArthur, for her guidance and support. I really appreciate how she gave me the freedom to work on my dissertation at my own pace, and at the same time be there for me to check on my progress, review my drafts, and give sound advice on how to improve my paper.

Lastly, I am extremely grateful to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and all who make up the New Zealand-ASEAN Scholarships Programme (NZAS) for giving me this great opportunity to obtain a post-graduate diploma and a master's degree at the University of Auckland. Rest assured that I will use all that I learned in New Zealand to help my home country of the Philippines.

My write-up in the University of Auckland website

If you are reading this post while taking your postgraduate studies in New Zealand, and feel depressed, burdened and/or stressed with all the academic obligations, let me reassure you that this too will pass. You can make it! Good luck and God bless!

#parasabayan #parasaPilipinas

Income Tax Obligations of Filipinos who Study Abroad

In so far as tax obligations are concerned, what happens after you complete your studies in New Zealand (or wherever you studied abroad) and return to the Philippines? Is a Filipino overseas postgrad student required to file an income tax return (ITR) with the Bureau of Internal Revenue?

• Well, according to the Official Philippine Government website, the short answer is no.

• Gov.ph states that non-resident citizens are exempt from filing income tax returns. 

Which begs the question, do Filipino overseas postgrad students fall under the definition of 'non-resident citizens'?

• In my opinion, yes.

• Among those listed, Filipino overseas postgrad students fall under the classification of 'Filipino citizen who leaves the Philippines during the taxable year to reside abroad, either as an immigrant of or for permanent employment.'

HOWEVER, if you earned income from sources WITHIN the Philippines while you were away, you are required to declare that income and file an ITR.

So, to summarize:

• If you are a Filipino overseas postgrad student who did not earn any income from sources within the Philippines during the taxable year, you are EXEMPT from filing an ITR.

• If you are a Filipino overseas postgrad student who earned income from sources within the Philippines, you are required to file an ITR.

Doing an Internship at an MP's Electorate Office

Having a legal and legislative background, I was lucky enough to get an internship with a member of parliament here in New Zealand as part of my masters. I interned at an electorate office (a legislative district office if in the Philippines) in Auckland from July to October 2014. In the three months that I worked there I learned a lot about constituent relations, legislative work, and general political life in New Zealand. I count myself extra lucky because I did my internship on an election year. Over all, my experience was eye opening, enriching, and educational.

The electorate office I worked for had a regular staff of two electorate agents. On my first day, we were the only ones in the office. There were no visitors. And this was my first observation on the difference between Philippine and New Zealand political life. Back home, a legislative district office of a congressman would be full of local politicians and constituents as soon as the office opens. Town councilors and community leaders would ask for political favors such as a government post for a friend or relative, while residents would ask for financial assistance to pay for hospital bills, burial expenses or both. As a former local legislator myself, I could not concentrate on my law making duties because of these office visits and favors. So it was refreshing to see a quiet electorate office absent these distractions. I learned that MPs in New Zealand accede to more reasonable and relevant requests such as making private queries and raising matters in parliament. I found out that MPs rarely provide financial assistance to their constituents. NZ electorate office services, I learned, were limited to letter writing on behalf of constituents for tax problems, welfare benefit issues, and ministry of immigration, health and education concerns. And these are exactly the kind of things the electorate office staff had me work on while I was there. I researched and drafted memos on issues concerning employment, fishing quotas, legal aid debt, and the child support, to name a few.

I also observed that an MP’s electorate office is sparse and simple compared to the ones back home. The two regular staff had their own desks, and there was another room with a meeting table. That was it. The MP didn’t even have a desk of his own. In the Philippines, the congressman would have a separate waiting area for visitors alone, and in addition, his private room. At the electorate office, since they didn’t have a desk for me, I worked by the meeting table. When the MP was present, I would work at the stock room beside the office.

On slow days, like when there were no visitors and the MP was out of town, I’d ask the two regular staff more about parliament work and life in New Zealand. I had an idea of the MMP (Mixed Member Proportional) system. We also have party-list members in the Philippines. But I learned that one major difference is that MMP rules permit a defeated candidate in the electorate vote to still get a seat in parliament under the party-list system. This is not allowed in the Philippines. A district candidate cannot cross over to the party-list.

As I earlier noted, the internship also exposed me to New Zealand’s national elections. And it was such an eye opener. I found campaigning to be very laid back. There were a few campaign materials posted and I saw just a few campaign volunteers. May be it was laid back because my MP had held his seat for almost thirty years. But I noticed the same for other candidates. I think this is good as campaign expenses are kept low.

Like I wrote at the beginning of this essay, I learned a lot from the internship. It was eye opening, enriching and educational. The work experience exposed me to a mature and professional parliamentary office environment that will serve as an inspiration when I go back home.

NB: Due to a confidentiality clause in my internship contract I am unable to share the details of the MP I worked for.

Part-Time Work as a Teaching Assistant

Finally, on the last semester of my two-year masters, I got a job as a teaching assistant in the university. As I've written before, international postgraduate students on valid student visas can work in New Zealand. But whether there's work for you, now that's the question. Those with health, science, engineering and tourism backgrounds will find it fairly easy to find work here (a co-scholar who was a nurse immediately got hired at a hospital, while another Filipino scholar with experience in the hotel industry found a job at a service apartment). As you know, I come from the legal sector in the Philippines, and I found it extremely difficult to look for a job in my industry. For one thing, the law I know is different from the law they practice here. And for another, even if I did know their law, there's just not enough legal jobs for lawyers, at least here in Auckland. Siguro mas may chance pa sa Wellington, where the national government is based, but I digress.

I got this job because I received an e-mail blast a few months ago from the department coordinator announcing openings for graduate teaching assistants. And having been a college instructor back home, I felt this was right up my alley. So I filled up the application form, attached my supporting documents, and submitted them to the department. You get hired either as a tutor or a marker. A tutor teaches part of the course, while a marker checks coursework and other assessments. I signed up and got hired as a marker, which is supposed to be easier of the two. Pero hindi rin kasi mahirap mag-check ng essay. Hahaha.

But I'm not complaining. The extra income is good as it can supplement my stipend, and I  get to save some money for home. It's also a nice diversion to do something other than your studies and/or research--a job breaks the monotony of academic life. 

I only wish I knew about the GTA programme earlier in my studies. I could have been a tutor or a marker last year pa. So my advice, if you're like me who can't find a job related to your line of work in the Philippines, you might want to consider being a GTA. When you get here in New Zealand, look for and approach your department coordinator. Ask if there's an opening for tutor or markers. The chances are you're too late for that semester (as they hire prior to the start of the sem), but you can ask to be put on the mailing list. That way, the moment they open applications for the next semester, you'll be the first to know.

So, good luck! Hope this post helped!

5 Tips on Driving in NZ

I wrote about travelling in New Zealand in another post. It was mostly about getting around the city. You can survive your entire stay at uni by using the public transport system like the bus, train, and ferry, but if you want to explore the country, you'd eventually have to drive (or ride) a car. And after experiencing driving in Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown the past year, let me share with you some tips, just in case you find yourself behind a steering wheel. 

1. They drive on the left side of the road.

This is obvious. New Zealand follows the British road and traffic system where drivers drive on the left side of the road, not the right where we Filipinos are used to back home. This also means the steering wheel is on the right side of the car, and the gear shift is on the left of the driver. It takes a bit of getting used to, I perspired the first time I took the wheel even though it was freezing cold outside, but you'll manage.

The red car on the right has the right of way.

2. Give way to the car on the right when entering a roundabout.

Unlike in Quezon City Circle where drivers don't follow any rule when entering the rotunda, New Zealand traffic law requires a driver to give way to the car entering the roundabout on his right. Tatagalugin ko. Pag nagsabay kayong dumating sa roundabout, kung sinuman yung nasa kanan, siya ang mauunang pumasok. If you are unsure who came in first, best to just wait, turn your signal, and then proceed.

3. Do not slow down along curves on the highway.

In the Philippines, it's second nature for drivers to slow down when approaching a turn. Naturally, that's what I did when I drove up to Cape Reinga in Northland. Unfortunately, that pissed the drivers behind me as you are not supposed to slow down on the highway. Apparently, they expect you to keep you speed even though driving on a curve. Well, won't the car tip over? That's what I thought. I learned that turns on New Zealand highway roads are inclined to make sure cars don't tip on their side when approaching. So there, unless a road sign specifically indicates a slower speed, do not slow down on curves. Just maintain your speed.

Give way to incoming traffic.

4. Give way on one-way bridges.

For reasons eluding me, there are a lot of bridges on highways in the countryside that are single lane. Minsan napapaisip ako, naghihirap ba ang New Zealand at hindi nila kayang magpatayo ng two-way bridges? Anyway, the rule is to follow the road sign before the bridge. If you see a sign as shown above, that means you have to give way to the car approaching the bridge on the opposite side. If there's no sign, that means you have the right of way.

5. Flashing your lights does not mean, "I'm first."

Finally, be careful when flashing your lights. If in the Philippines it means, "Nauna ako dito, liliko ako, bagalan mo," it means the complete opposite here in New Zealand. In other words, if you flash your lights here, it means you acknowledge the other driver and you are giving way to him to make a turn and cross your lane (like on a signless intersection).


Note: Tourists and international students are allowed to drive in New Zealand for the duration of their visa, as long as they carry a valid drivers license from their home country and be at least 21 years of age.

Dressing up for Graduation

If you are attending your graduation at the University of Auckland, you either rent or purchase your regalia at Academic Dress Hire. You rent if you will just wear it during graduation day. But if you're like me, who teaches in university, it's an investment to buy the regalia. 

Academic Dress Hire is located at 17 George Street, Parnell--just across the Auckland Domain Cricket field. You can take the Inner Link or Outer Link buses and get off at the 540 Parnell Road stop.

You can actually order your regalia in advance at the foundation's website at Academic Dress Hire. It's easy to navigate. And there's a variety of options to pay. Credit card, debit, bank transfer on-line, or cash and eftpos on-site. The people who work and volunteer for the foundation are very nice, helpful and friendly. Word of advice, though, don't wait til the last minute to go, because the line gets long. Best to go at the earliest possible time, and avoid lunch time.

Auckland University uses black gowns. The gowns are $38.00 to rent, and $250.00 to buy.  Trenchers are $21.00 to rent, and $65.00 to buy. Thank God, I brought my UP Law gown and trencher. Saved me 60 bucks!

The different colors of bachelors hoods. They are $21.00 to rent, and $85.00 to buy. I will be using my UP Law hood for this graduation.

Of all colors, Arts courses were assigned the color pink! Hay, buti pa yung science, blue. Here are the different diploma scarves on display. They are $21.00 to rent and $85.00 to buy. I bought this one. So I can use it during graduation ceremonies in the Philippines.

Here are PhD gowns and hoods. I have no interest in taking a PhD. A masters is fine... for now.

And this is me wearing my UP Law gown, Auckland Uni PGDip scarf, and Auckland Uni MPP hood. Yes, I'm wearing a black baseball cap to my graduation... Kidding, of course.

This is unique to New Zealand. It's the Korowai or the Maori cloak. I guess you wear it in addition to the regular regalia if you are Maori or have Maori blood and heritage. The cloak is worn over the gown and to the Maori, symbolizes honor and prestige.

Sending money to the Philippines through OrbitRemit

If you want to send money to the Philippines, I highly recommend OrbitRemit. It's money remittance made better. I like it because I can make the transaction on a computer, in lieu of bringing cash to a shop. Also, I can choose to deposit directly to a bank account back home instead of having someone pick it up at a remittance center. OrbitRemit offers excellent exchange rates and charges low fees.

Setting up an account is easy. Just fill up the application page. But here in New Zealand (I don't know the requirements for other countries), the government requires OrbitRemit to verify the identity and address of an applicant. You pass this process by uploading a proof of identity (digital copy of your passport, driver's license, etc.) and a proof of address (billing statement). 

You don't have a bill with your address? Don't worry. You can request for an address verification code. You just give them your address and OrbitRemit will send a letter to you containing a code. Once received, you just email them the code, and that's it.

After your account is verified, you can start sending to the Philippines. And you know what, the first remittance is free of charge!

Anyway, after you initiate a payment--meaning, identify the recipient, give his/her details, and specify the amount to be remitted, OrbitRemit will email you a payment number. You then have to deposit the said amount to OrbitRemit's local bank account (WestPac) and then it'll send that amount to the Philippines (person, credit card or bank account).

It's cheap, easy, and reliable. 

Orientation at the University of Auckland

Some local Maori students perform the Haka for incoming international students

February is just around the corner, which means, for students in New Zealand, summer is ending and a new school year is about to begin. And like any other tertiary institution, the University of Auckland starts the year with Orientation Week. Let me guide you through it.

With other Filipinos in Auckland Uni. Yes, I was the only thorn among the roses (the other, Mike, was based in Tamaki).

Orientation Week started with me meeting other Filipino postgrad students at the Owen G. Glenn Building of the Business School. Aside from NZAS scholars, I learned that the ADB and the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) also sent students to New Zealand. 

Joan and I are both lawyers. She took up LLM while I took up PGDip in Development Studies.

The first day is the orientation for international students (both undergrad and postgrad). Before entering the auditorium, we were greeted by the traditional Haka dance performed by local Maori students. Nothing to be scared about. They don't actually hurt you. Haha. Afterwards, we were welcomed by the Vice-Chancellor--the highest ranking official of the university.

We're all given goody bags filled with pamphlets and flyers.

In the auditorium, Rebecca Wilkinton (the International Office Director) oriented us on what to expect in the coming year. 

That's Rebecca standing in front.

Yada-yada-yada. Lot's of talking. Don't worry about it. Anyway, after the international students orientation, there'll be the postgraduate students orientation and the respective faculty (arts, business, law, etc.) international students orientation. They're all pretty much the same, and from experience, you don't have to attend all. Kahit isa lang attend mo, okay na.

The Uni Guide is on the right (not the guy on the left).

Okay, what else? Ah yes, through out the week, students wearing red, called the Uni Guides, will take you on a tour of the buildings and facilities in campus. To be honest, I did not go on one. I was busy applying for my student ID at the International Students Office and opening a bank account at the nearby ANZ branch. But if you feel you want to, then go ahead. You can join any Uni Guide tour at any time of the day.

What I do recommend is to attend the library-sponsored workshops because they are informative and educational--especially for people like me who were unfamiliar with 21st century academic research. If you're not able to make the first seminar, do not worry. They hold the same seminar several times in the first month. Attend as much as you can. They have the general library orientation, one in IT access, another in using databases, then one on thesis drafting.  

That's pretty much it. Just to summarize, you can attend just one of the general orientation talks since they'll all say the same thing. But, I strongly recommend you attend all of the library-sponsored workshops because they are very informative.

PS: The guy next to me above is Brian Lythe. Yes, that guy you're exchanging emails right now. That's how he looks like.  Cool yan. :)

NZ Apps for your iPhone

When in Auckland, I recommend you download these apps on your iPhone for your survival:

a. NewZealand

This one's a Korean app, but it's helpful in providing the basic info on New Zealand like transport and food options.

b. AucklandUni

The AucklandUni app is a must for those studying at the University of Auckland. For first timers, the app has a built-in map of all 4 campuses so you can find your way. The app also has a course list so you can browse through the different courses if you want to switch after your first week. It also updates you on news about and around the university.

c. UoA Library

The UoA Library app is a must. You can search the library catalogue for books and articles. But the thing that I like the most out of this app is that you can book (or reserve) a PC at the Kate Edger Information Commons, so you don't look like an idiot roaming each floor for an unoccupied cubicle.

d. iStudiez Pro

iStudiez Pro is a cool calendar app for students. It'll keep track of your assignments and remind you of your deadlines.

e. itravelNZ

itravelNZ is another travel guide app. I used it to find out attractions and activities of a certain place in New Zealand.

f. Tap To Track, Envelopes, DailyCost

Tap to Track, Envelopes and DailyCost are budgeting apps. Students on a tight budget need to download any one of these apps to keep track of their expenses and stay under budget. These three have been very helpful to me, Envelopes the most because it uses the "old-school" envelope method I am used to.

g. AT Public Transport

If you have to commute to and from school then this journey planner app is for you. The AT Public Transport app will help you find the nearest bus stop and give you the most convenient bus schedules. I wrote about how to use this app in a previous post. Check it out here.

So these are the app essentials to make your stay in Auckland more convenient and comfortable. Good luck!

The Post-Graduate Centre

Arts Graduate Centre at the Human Sciences Building

Unlike in the University of the Philippines where students of the College of Law are secluded from undergraduates with all their classrooms in Malcolm Hall, postgraduate studies at the University of Auckland is different. Postgraduate students share the general library, the Kate Edger Information Commons, and classrooms with undergraduates. Not that there's anything wrong with that. It's just that it makes it harder for postgraduate students to study. It's hard to find a vacant cubicle. It's hard to concentrate with all the noise and the movement.

But don't you worry. Each faculty (or school) has its own computer lab exclusively for its postgraduate students. A student has to have a key card to enter. No card, no entry. Each lab, aptly called the postgraduate centre, houses just the right number of computers, photocopiers and scanners. A lab has its own toilets and pantry area.

Inside the Arts Graduate Centre

The degree I took was under the Faculty of Arts. Our lab was located at the ground level of the Human Sciences Building. The computers are fast. There are more than enough (except during deadline or finals week). And most important, the lab is a quiet zone. 

So if you find yourself not able to concentrate at the library or Kate Edger Information Commons because of the hustle and bustle, why don't you visit your faculty's postgraduate centre? 

Happy studying!