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Visas – Do I have the right to work in New Zealand?
Australians are not required to hold a visa or work permit to work in New Zealand. Other foreign nationals must gain a working visa using a points system. The following requirements need to be met by all applicants:
Practicing as a Solicitor in New Zealand
Solicitors admitted in an Australian jurisdiction are required to apply to the New Zealand High Court for admission and then to the relevant New Zealand district law societies for practising certificate. Unless you are admitted in Western Australia, you will not need to sit any additional exams.
All other foreign-admitted lawyers will be assessed by the New Zealand Law Society on how their academic qualifications, professional training, professional experience and knowledge of and experience in the use of the English language compare with admission requirements for New Zealand candidates. This process costs $1047 (NZ). Approval of an application for admission may be subject to the completion of a New Zealand LLB degree, a course in Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility, the New Zealand Law and Practice Examination and an English language proficiency test. For further information please visit the New Zealand Law Society Website at: http://www.nz-lawsoc.org.nz/osloslawpracnz.asp
Key Firms
The top-tier national law firms in New Zealand include:
BELL GULLY
BUDDLE FINDLAY
CHAPMAN TRIPP
MINTER ELLISON RUDD WATTS
RUSSELL MCVEAGH
SIMPSON GRIERSON
KENSINGTON SWAN
PHILLIPS FOX
HESKETH HENRY
Legal Salaries
Salary packages have increased substantially depending upon the area of specialization. Corporate, Finance, Telecommunications, Intellectual Property lawyers in New Zealand are being paid well.
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Job Title
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Mid-Tier (A$)
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Top Tier (A$)
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Graduate
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45 – 55k
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55 – 65k
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1 year
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55 – 75k
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60 – 82k
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2 years
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65 – 85k
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74 – 92k
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3 years
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75 – 95k
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83 – 103k
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4 years
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88 – 115k
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85 – 118k
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5 years
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92 – 124k
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100 – 145k
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6 years
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110 – 160k
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114 – 170k
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| 7+ years |
115 – 200k
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128 – 200+k
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Taxation
The New Zealand tax rates are as follows:
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Range (NZ$)
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Tax Rate (%)
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0 – 38,000
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19.5
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38,001 – 60,000
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33
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60,001+
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39
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All goods and services in New Zealand are subject to a 12.5% GST.
Superannuation
New Zealand does not have a compulsory superannuation scheme.
Heath care
Australian citizens are entitled to in-patient treatment and accommodation at a public hospital for free pursuant to a bilateral agreement between New Zealand and Australia. You will have to pay the full cost for all other medical treatment, public hospital outpatient treatment and prescription medicines. Children’s services are charged at a reduced rate.
Private health cover may also be obtained from a number of local private insurers.
For further information visit Medicare Australia at:
http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/yourhealth/going_overseas/nz.shtml
Banking
It is very easy to open up an account in New Zealand. You will be required to produce authorised photo identification, such as a passport and an initial sum of money to open an account.
To apply for a credit card you will have to produce the same identification and proof of your income in New Zealand.
Transport
You can drive legally in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current Australian driver’s license, or an International Driving Permit. All drivers must carry their license or permit when driving. You will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in Australia.
Accommodation
The Auckland CBD residential leasing market continues to grow and mature as apartment supply increases and inner city living becomes a favoured option for increasing numbers of inner city workers. Leasing demand remains highly sensitive to the age, quality and location of developments with a strong preference for those that offer car parks and views.
Indicative (per week) rents for 1-3 bedroom apartments (unfurnished, or furnished) in Auckland are as follows:
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Studio
(NZ$ per week)
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1 Bedroom
($NZ per week)
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2 Bedroom
($NZ per week)
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3 Bedroom
($NZ per week)
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Furnished
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250 – 400
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350 – 600
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450 – 700
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500 – 1000+
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Unfurnished
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200 – 350
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300– 550
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400 – 600
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450 – 1,000+
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Useful links
New Zealand Law Society: http://www.nz-lawsoc.org.nz
Auckland District Law Society: http://www.adls.org.nz
Wellington District Law Society: http://www.wellaw.co.nz
New Zealand Government Immigration Service:
http://www.immigration.govt.nz
New Zealand Inland Revenue: http://www.ird.govt.nz
For prescription medicines you will be charged the same rate as non-concession cardholders. When you have paid for 20 prescriptions in one year, a Prescription Subsidy Card will be issued, entitling you to reduced medicine costs.
- be in good health and of good character, and
- have a passport that is valid for at least three months past the date you are to leave New Zealand, and
- be genuine in wanting to work in New Zealand, and
- have the right visa for your visit.
For further information please visit Immigration New Zealand at: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/worktoresidence/caniworkinnz/
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