General Info.
Have fun while in NZ.
Info on working in NZ for traveling talent
If you are visiting NZ for the first time or have been here before, here’s some basic information that may or may not be useful - This information is offered in good faith, to help you enjoy your time here. Use at your discretion.
See the bottom of this page for some useful links :)
The Emergency Number in NZ is:
1 1 1
(triple one)
Police, Ambulance, or Fire
NZ SIM Card NOT required
The emergency number will still work
or *555 from your mobile device.
Non-urgent but reportable issues,
call: 105 from your mobile device
Mobile Phone Service Providers
NZ has two primary Mobile Service Providers (both GSM)
And two budget providers
2Degrees Mobile <- Prepay or on-account, great call and text plans
Skinny Mobile <- Prepay, best value for money for Data packages, best coverage.
Working in NZ - Work / Travel Visa
Legally, you require you are required to have a valid Work Visa.
Follow this link for more information -> Immigration NZ
Unfortunately, I know of a few traveling talents who were stopped at the border by NZ Customs and sent back while trying to enter NZ on a holiday visa but promoted as coming to work to shoot or model, etc, it’s unfortunate.
Models / Photographers / All Talent
Booking Dates and Times
Here in NZ, a lot of talent might well hold down a full-time job, so booking dates that fall mid-week is likely to be more difficult - evenings in summer are better as it doesn't get dark till about 9 pm and still very warm. Weekends are always better. :P
Chargeable Rates
When contacting talent in NZ, it’s best to mention your rates in your initial contact. New Zealanders are happy welcoming and communicating with respect for other people’s time and energy, so being able to lay out the basics from the get-go will aid in healthy and efficient communication.
When setting your rates for NZ, please take into consideration that a lot of talent may well be working and have families to support, so what might be a reasonable day rate for a traveling artist could well be a week's income for the local talent.
Weather
Weather in NZ is very changeable at any time of the year, so “four seasons in one day” rings true here. Research and dress accordingly. The South Island can see temperatures in winter drop below -15c. Likewise, Summer in some areas can get to the mid-high 30’s.
Summer - December to February (Nov to March) - Light from about 6am-9pm
Autumn - March to May
Winter - June to Aug - Light from 7am-5pm
Spring - September to November
Currency & The Cost of Living in NZ (for tourists and locals it’s different)
The currency $$ is the New Zealand Dollar, NZD.
The NZ Dollar is generally weak against the Euro, USD, etc, so if you're coming here chances are you will find things affordable, not so if you live here long term - NZ is an expensive country to reside and work in long term.
NZ does NOT use the Tipping system.
Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies to ALL Purchases and is fixed at 15%, and SHOULD be displayed on all pricing.
Retail pricing must be shown as including GST, whereas wholesale prices does not (but GST Still applies).
Driving / Transport
We drive on the Left side of the road.
An international driver’s license is required if you wish to drive here.
Follow this link for official government information
Public Transport is pretty terrible in NZ, even in it’s larger cities.
If you’re wanting to get around and see sights, you’re best to rent a car.
There are plenty of affordable car rental services around, not just the big ones
like Avis and Hertz, so shop around and get a good deal. Make sure you always
read the fine print and have an international driver’s license and insurance.
Dining / Cafe Scene
We have the best food, no matter what the Australians might say LOL, even our meat pies from a garage (servo) are some of the best :P
The NZ Cafe / Coffee Scene is one of the best in the world, as the “Flat White” coffee was created right here in NZ and we still do it best.
NZ is a dairy-producing country, and as such, our dairy products like meats, milk, cheese, butter, etc are considered some of the best in the world and highly prized.
Yes we also have vegetables lol
Other Useful Links.
Immigration NZ - Visas of all sorts
Medical Assistance -
Health Care if on a Work Visa