Working in NZ

My student visa allowed me to work for 20 hours a week (For 2014, I think the NZ government increased this to 40 hours a week!). And so for those of you interested to work while studying, you can do so.

But let me warn you, work is hard to find in New Zealand. There's a shortage of jobs. That's why a lot of young Kiwis move to Australia. Aside from the bigger pay, they also have a higher chance of landing a good job in Oz. I'm not saying that there is no job available in New Zealand. There are, but very limited. So you can't be choosy. Of the Filipino postgrad students in Auckland this year (2013), three were able to find work as transcriptionists, one landed a job as a teaching assistant and receptionist, another as a research assistant, one as admin. staff, and another as wait staff. 

It also depends on your background. If your skills are in demand in NZ, then all the better. I can tell you that students with experience in tourism and in the health services are in a much better position that, say, those in the legal profession, like myself. In fact, three of us in the batch are lawyers and none of us could find a job related to our field. Either there is an over-abundance of lawyers or there are not enough cases.

Anyway, let's say you're dead set in working here. What do you do?

Well, the first thing in your agenda should be to apply for an IRD number. This is the New Zealand equivalent for what we call back home as "TIN" (Tax Identification Number). Here are the steps: 

• Download and print the IR595 Form at www.ird.govt.nz. 
• Fill up the form. 
• Then submit the form, together with  photocopies of your 
• Passport information page, 
• NZ visa page, and 
• University ID, at the nearest Inland Revenue appointed verifier. 

In Auckland, the easiest verifier would either be the PostShop or KiwiBank. Don't worry, there are many branches in the CBD. Granting your form and supporting documents are in order, Inland Revenue will mail you your IRD number within 10 working days. And then you're good to go!

The next step is to look for a job in any of the following job search engines:

• Student Job Search
• Seek
• Trade Me

The three work just like JobStreet and JobsDB.

Well, that's it. Good luck in job hunting!

Healthcare in NZ

As you may know, New Zealand is a welfare state, which means citizens enjoy subsidized health care. But what does this affect international students?

Well, if you are in New Zealand on a regular student visa, unfortunately, you are not covered by the New Zealand health care system.

However, students under NZAID Development Assistance Programme (i.e. NZAS scholars) are considered NZ residents during their stay and enjoy this privilege. Here are your benefits:

• GP Care - includes funding for medicines and laboratory tests
• Hospital Care
• GP Referred Laboratory Tests, and
• GP Prescriptions

The University Clinic in Auckland Uni is at the Kate Edger Information Commons.

Medical for NZ Student Visa

Because I was going to stay for more than 6 months in New Zealand, the embassy required me to take a medical exam before they issue me a student visa.

There is a list of accredited diagnostic clinics (Visit Immigration NZ's Health Information page for the complete list of approved panel physicians). I chose the St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic in Ermita, Manila, due to its close proximity to my former place of work. (1177 J. Bocobo Street; 5246081)

I thought it was going to be the routine medical check-up. Boy, was I wrong. It was the complete she-bang! Blood, urine, x-ray AND physical exams!

So, to avoid any surprises, I am sharing a few tips:

Tip #1: Fast before you go. Unless you want to return to the clinic, I suggest you fast the night before--meaning don't eat for 12 hours.

Tip #2: Come to the clinic early. I guess it depends on the clinic you go to, but at St. Luke's in Ermita, there were a lot of people. If you intend on going there, I suggest you come early--like 7 in the morning.

Tip #3: Clean up and trim for the physical exam. I'll be honest. I was not prepared for the physical exam part. Had I known earlier that a doctor will inspect my private parts, I would've trimmed down there. So when you go, make sure you're clean and trimmed. :D

Allocate another PhP 10,000.00 for this procedure.

Applying for a New Zealand Student Visa

You have to go to the New Zealand Visa Information and Application (VIA) Centre in Allegro Center located at 2284 Chino Roces Extension, Makati. It's the one with a BDO and Starbucks on the ground floor. VIA can be found on the 3rd floor.

Step 1:

Complete the application form.

If you get the NZAS scholarship, you do not need to provide any evidence of financial support or proof of paid course fees. You are considered a "New Zealand Aid Programme-supported student."

Step 2:

Submit photocopy of your NZAS scholarship award letter

Step 3:

Submit 2 passport-size color photos

Step 4:

Submit your Philippine passport

Step 5:

Submit your medical certificates. 

Remember to put all of these documents inside a long brown envelope. VIA sells PhP3/envelope!

Step 6:

Pay the appropriate fee (around PhP 10,000.00). They only accept bank check or manager's check. They do NOT accept cash or credit card.

To download the student visa application form, visit: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/manila. For more information, call 8459222.