Immigration
A valid work visa is required in most instances. However, as an accredited Employer with New Zealand Immigration, if you and the role applied for meet the ‘Talent Work Policy’ criteria we are able to assist you with gaining immigration status more quickly. For information on applying for residency or visa options we encourage you to visit the NZ Immigration website www.immigration.govt.nz

Other information can be found at:

www.newzealandnow.govt.nz

www.settlementsupport.net.nz

The Council may provide relocation and resettlement assistance.

Relocation
Typically, relocation assistance will cover the following items and will be paid by the Council directly to a preferred supplier/vendor or reimbursed on production of receipts on commencement of employment:

•  removal costs of furniture and effects, including insurance
•  storage costs
•  air travel
•  surface travel
•  temporary accommodation.

Resettlement Services
There is a wide variety of resettlement services available to new employees relocating to Christchurch. What services you require will depend on your circumstances and the amount of relocation assistance included in your offer of employment. Below is a brief menu of services available through the Council preferred suppliers:

Welcome Pack
The Welcome Pack is provided at no additional cost to all internationally relocated employees who use the Council’s preferred suppliers for relocation of their household goods. However, this pack can be purchased individually for relocating employees who do not move with a Council preferred supplier (e.g. they have already arrived in Christchurch) or who are moving nationally. The Welcome Pack provides information on living and working in Christchurch. There is both a Domestic Welcome Pack and an International Welcome Pack to assist new employees with their differing needs. The packs include information on Christchurch, useful website, road maps and more.

Orientation or Preview Trips / Tours
These trips or tours can be half day or whole day depending on your needs. They are designed to give you a comprehensive overview of Christchurch and to assist you and your family to become familiar with suburbs, housing styles, schools, community and recreational facilities and transport.

Temporary Accommodation
The Council’s preferred suppliers for resettlement services will contact you directly to ascertain the most appropriate temporary accommodation options. This service includes:

•  pre-arrival needs analysis
•  best fit temporary accommodation sourced and booked
•  pricing negotiations within guidelines of the Christchurch City Council.

Home Search
The Home Search is designed to streamline the house-hunting process and ensure you secure quality housing appropriate to your needs, lifestyle and housing allowance. The Resettlement provider will work with you prior to your arrival to understand your needs and outline available housing options. The service also supplies post move-in support.

School Search
The School Search programme is designed to provide an objective overview of Christchurch’s education system, in-depth information on all available education options and introduction to schools appropriate to the employee’s needs. This programme starts pre-arrival and can help all the way through to enrolment if required.

Job Search Assistance for Partners
This service can be offered as a half-day programme or on an hourly basis. The service includes CV preparation, visa advice and assistance, business networking and continuing education opportunities.
Pricing for this service can vary depending on the individual circumstances. Assistance and advice can be provided on issues which will enable management of requirements for matters relating to labour market testing, employer nomination, scheme applications and standard or Pre-Qualified Business

Cultural Adaptation Support
Specific cross cultural training for employees, partners or family members can be offered. Training programmes are tailored in close consultation with the Council and employee. Cultural briefings are conducted by trained counsellors to ensure the employee or family members are fully prepared for their new life in Christchurch. The support can be provided through any combination of classroom training, seminars or “one to one” sessions. The support can be offered on a half or whole day basis.

Basic Settlement Support
This support service can be arranged on a per hour basis or as a half-day programme. This package is customised to the needs of the employee and their family, however would typically include:

•  provision of local community information (e.g. medical, dental, banking, shopping and recreational activities)
•  advice on children’s activities
•  assistance with connection of utilities and internet connection