Possibly heading over to NZ to live. A few questions

[Metastable]

So I have been reading about importing bikes from the US etc. I have a few questions.

As far as something they don't like such as headlights, brakes etc... is that a problem when importing it or just when getting the WOF done? So right now I have a track ready 2003 CBR600RR.

The engine is all stock, the wheels are stock the body work is patched up OEM, but it has:
- Braided lines
- Aftermarket rear shock
- Aftermarket slip-on
- No lights
- clip-ons
but
- I do have lights and indicators (OEM) and OEM brake lines etc that are OFF the bike. Also anyone have ANY IDEA if a 2003 CBR600RR would need new lights?

So if I have proof of ownership and but it is not street ready for New Zealand will customs give me grief? Or can I import the bike then if I decide to put it on the road, I can take the necessary steps to do so, in order to comply with the WOF?

Another question - anyone have experience in terms of how expensive it is to change a car from left hand drive to right hand drive and who I could contact in NZ, that would know?

Sorry but I have a few other questions if you guys/gals don't mind helping me with:
Insurance - so it is optional down there, but typically if one has full coverage what are you running for on:
- Motorcycle 600cc supersport not living in Auckland area (not sure if that matters)
- Car like a Mazda 3
- How easy is it to get a family doctor (certain places in Canada it can be very hard)
- Do most family doctors take care of kids too, or do you need to find a pediatrician as well?
- Being that it is a state run system, are there any out of pocket expenses for medical needs? Do you need private insurance like the US or not?
Thanks!

[slofox]

Insurance - so it is optional down there, but typically if one has full coverage what are you running for on:
- Motorcycle 600cc supersport not living in Auckland area (not sure if that matters)
- Car like a Mazda 3
- How easy is it to get a family doctor (certain places in Canada it can be very hard)
- Do most family doctors take care of kids too, or do you need to find a pediatrician as well?
- Being that it is a state run system, are there any out of pocket expenses for medical needs? Do you need private insurance like the US or not?
Thanks!

Not sure about any of your first set of questions. But I can help with a couple of the extras.

My GSX-R600 costs me $NZ 543.00 per year. Area is not relevant.

Car - Not sure about a Maxda 3. My 2002 Subaru Lancaster wagon costs $458.00

Doctor - Pretty easy unless you live way out in the boonies...

Pediatrician - Nah. Your GP will do it all. Only need a periatrician if the kid gets seriously sick.

Medical Insurance - First off, you do have to pay for some of your medical costs. Although the state pays some of the costs, it don't pay all. You also pay a part of your prescription costs - typically $15.00 per script - maybe more if the product is not fully subsidised.
Please yourself about med insurance. In a nutshell, if your health is average you will break about even. If your health is good you subsidize the sickies. If your health is below par you are better with insurance. Health insurers do need to make a profit so they need to take in more than they put out.
I've never had med insurance. But now that I am an old bugger with bits falling off, I maybe should've had something.

Hope this is useful.

[DrunkenMistake]

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicle/importing/index.html
This is the New Zealand land transport agency website and the link above is their guide to importing a vehicle
Should help some

[Mental Trousers]

It's legal to drive left hand drive cars here so you don't have to change it over. However, I believe there's an extra step required to get them road legal here, although I couldn't tell you exactly what it is.

Insurance is optional but, as always, better to have it and not need it. If your bike is not going onto the road (track only) it can be insured for Fire, Theft and Transporting but not when you're at the track (there is insurance available for track days but the bike has to be fully road legal and current, you have to notify the company when you're doing a track day and there's often a 1 off charge per track day and not all companies offer it). Mazda 3 you won't have any problems.

There's plenty of Family Doctors and they see kids as well. Finding a doctor is only a problem if you move to the arse end of nowhere.

Private medical insurance isn't needed, but it makes things considerably easier and faster.

[Edbear]

These guys do conversions, but it ain't cheap. Better to buy a RHD car here, they're cheap enough.
http://www.bunce.co.nz/RHDriveConversion.aspx

Medical insurance may be vital if you're not a NZ citizen, as subsidies only apply to NZ citizens and those with residency. Pay to check with Immigration on that.

[Metastable]

Thank you for the replies!

I got to speak with a Kiwi who is married to a Canadian and is subsequently stuck here. :D It was quite good... let me in on a lot of good information.

From the research I have been getting, it seems like bringing the car over won't be a good idea, unless I kept it as a LHD, which I could.... but I don't think it is safe. Also, making it RHD is a bit more of a PIA than I thought it would be. It's too bad because I will only get about $11,000cnd for it and for the same car there I'm looking at about $19,000nzd (and that's used). Of course it makes the shipping costs a bit less.... and well the LHD to RHD conversion IS EXPENSIVE!!!! :shit:

Looks like I need to change the headlights on my bike too!

As far as the healthcare, I won't need insurance if I am accepted for residency... I guess IF is the operative word.

Fingers crossed.... any more good info or tips ... let me know. BTW, I love how you guys have Jan. 2 off too. :D

Oh one more thing.... anyone want a GROUP BUY on bikes and split the container costs... just kidding... I already have too much to worry about.

[DrunkenMistake]

Where abouts are you looking at living anyways?

[Metastable]

Where abouts are you looking at living anyways?

That's a good question. I don't know.... I wish I did.

We have sold the house here and my business as well.... I am an Engineer so I fall under the Immediate and Long term work shortage list. Thing is from my limited experience, it seems as though local companies kinda want you to have your residency permit sorted out first. However, we can't do the medical tests until my wife has our 2nd son..... which means we have to wait until we can do those, before I feel comfortable sending in our papers.

So to answer your question - wherever I can find a job I like. Although we loved Chch, it will most likely be in the North Island and quite possibly around New Plymouth as this is where I see many of the jobs in my field.

BUT... nothing is for certain until they say we are allowed to immigrate.

[DrunkenMistake]

That's a good question. I don't know.... I wish I did.

We have sold the house here and my business as well.... I am an Engineer so I fall under the Immediate and Long term work shortage list. Thing is from my limited experience, it seems as though local companies kinda want you to have your residency permit sorted out first. However, we can't do the medical tests until my wife has our 2nd son..... which means we have to wait until we can do those, before I feel comfortable sending in our papers.

So to answer your question - wherever I can find a job I like. Although we loved Chch, it will most likely be in the North Island and quite possibly around New Plymouth as this is where I see many of the jobs in my field.

BUT... nothing is for certain until they say we are allowed to immigrate.
Nice,
Christchurch might be a good choice soon though as soon as the big rebuild happens and takes shape, what kind of engineer are you?

[Metastable]

Ah, if I was Civil yes.... but I am Chemical.... I could probably blow it up better than I could build it. :laugh: Just kidding.

[nodrog]

sorry, New Zealand is full, try Australia.

[DrunkenMistake]

Ah, if I was Civil yes.... but I am Chemical.... I could probably blow it up better than I could build it. :laugh: Just kidding.

Maybe try Iraq? Haha

[skippa1]

you wil have to change the headlights on the bike and it aint cheap here. I had to do the R1, managed to get one from a wreck in Aussie, still cost $500 + shipping.

New Plymouth is nice, was voted as one of the most desirable places to live in the world for a population around 75000 by some poll or other.

[Metastable]

Iraq -> might make a lot of money... might get killed... no thanks.

I might just keep the CBR as a track only bike.... anyone know about the import bit though... can I at least bring it into the country if I don't have it all sorted out (headlights etc)? I know it has to be clean.

[DrunkenMistake]

Iraq -> might make a lot of money... might get killed... no thanks.

I might just keep the CBR as a track only bike.... anyone know about the import bit though... can I at least bring it into the country if I don't have it all sorted out (headlights etc)? I know it has to be clean.

depends how picky they wanna be, you could dissemble the front end and remove the rear wheel then being it over separate and pass it off as parts, but they will probably expect you to pay GST

[ynot slow]

As an ex naki(slang for Taranaki,province of New Plymouth)it is a great area to live,sea,and mountain within 40 mins of each other,and engineering is there in loads with large industry which you know about,also close to Auckland airport,but can get a few breezes like most areas.

A good choice to live in my opinion.

[Metastable]

Cool thanks to know!

We'll see how it goes.... keeping fingers crossed they let us in. :D

[St_Gabriel]

In regards to the medical, not being resident/citizen, you will be responsible for your own medical costs except for any accident which is covered by ACC. But having said that, being Canadian (I assume) NZ has a reciprocal agreement with a some countries (Aus, Canada and a couple of others) and you just have to show your passport at the hospital and then not have to pay for any hospitalisation/treatment in hospital.

Hmmmm, on second thoughts, maybe im wrong, I know Aus has the reciprocal thing going on with NZ and Canada so would ASSUME NZ and Canada have it going on as well, It may pay to check that.

[axdout]

Have you been here before? If not watch Once Were Warriors and you will see what this country is like! Shit pay and expensive living. We hate guns, love to give to those who can't be botherd working and blame all crime committed on the rough childhood that the crim had, it's always somebody elses fault. Seriously shit must be really bad if your leaving canada for here. Anyone who says this country is a great place to live either has emigrated from somewhere like somalia, Has never been overseas or is filthy rich and money is no object to them.
Bummer about the stanley cup aswell, I reckon someone paid Luongo to throw it, he was shit.

[admenk]

New Plymouth is a great area to live - but that's because I'm here :innocent: No decent beer though !

[Metastable]

Have you been here before? If not watch Once Were Warriors and you will see what this country is like! Shit pay and expensive living. We hate guns, love to give to those who can't be botherd working and blame all crime committed on the rough childhood that the crim had, it's always somebody elses fault. Seriously shit must be really bad if your leaving canada for here. Anyone who says this country is a great place to live either has emigrated from somewhere like somalia, Has never been overseas or is filthy rich and money is no object to them.
Bummer about the stanley cup aswell, I reckon someone paid Luongo to throw it, he was shit.

:D Ya Luongo didn't do so hot when he was playing in Boston.... should have played their other goalie in Game 6.

Anyhoo - Yes I was there in the middle of winter last year. Had a chance to speak with various locals that live in NZ and 1 here in Canada too. It seems like all the Kiwis I meet outside of NZ all say they'll end up back in NZ sooner or later.

I figured we'd go in the winter (end of July beginning of August) to see what your "wank" weather is like. I must say it wasn't too bad. What you described above sounds like Canada. Except here the cost of living is actually a lot higher because the price of housing is getting to be insane. To be honest I think both countries are very similar except what attracts me to NZ is more of what you don't have:
- Too many people
- Too much traffic
- The smog and pollution we get
- Our nasty winters. Geez... where I live (which is 1 hour from the American border) we can get snow anywhere from Oct-May that's 7-8 months out of the year. Then during July and August it's super HOT. :D

Don't get me wrong. Canada is a great country... and there are places where you can get away from the crowds etc... but in those areas there are no jobs and the winters get even worse. :D

Plus you guys have a geography that is a bit more conducive to the lifestyle we want to live.... mountains/hills and water in close proximity. We've done the big city deal... time to settle down a little. But hey, if they don't let us in... I know I will still be privileged to live in Canada.

Oh and I have seen Goodbye Pork Pie. :yes:

[Mental Trousers]

New Plymouth is a great area to live - but that's because I'm here :innocent: No decent beer though !

Bollocks. Mike's Mild out at the White Cliffs Brewery.

[Mental Trousers]

....To be honest I think both countries are very similar except what attracts me to NZ is more of what you don't have:
- Too many people
- Too much traffic


Stay the hell away from Auckland and you're right on those two


- The smog and pollution we get

Christchurch gets smog. They also get Earthquakes. But other than that it's a great place!!


Oh and I have seen Goodbye Pork Pie. :yes:

Hell, you're practically a Kiwi already then!!

[ynot slow]

Bollocks. Mike's Mild out at the White Cliffs Brewery.

DITTO when Mike owned it was good,the dark beer best,and not a fan of them myself but was impressed.

[Metastable]

You guys do have some nice microbrews. Had some good ones in Chch and in Wellington. However, I'm fine with Tui.

[Mental Trousers]

DITTO when Mike owned it was good,the dark beer best,and not a fan of them myself but was impressed.

Mikes Mild Ale is the lightest of the 4 dark beers. There's


the original Mikes Mild
one that's virtually a soup and kicks Guiness's arse
a caffeine charged coffee flavoured one
a smooth as silk whisky flavoured one

[admenk]

Bollocks. Mike's Mild out at the White Cliffs Brewery.

And I can see it from my house !! :drinkup: Still not as good as a pint of Banks' Mild though.....

[CheapBastard]

Hey,

My wife and I came here from the U.S. this past July (I'm from Boston, but am not a hockey fan, so don't worry), and brought our bikes (my old Beemer and her Scooter). The car thing has been answered well; it's not worth converting something to right hand drive when many examples are already built that way and available here for somewhat reasonable prices.

But as for the bikes, the importing itself was pretty painless if you have the paperwork in order: you'll need proof of ownership (and ideally proof that you've owned the machine for at least a year), and a "valuation" on this side (i.e., what the bike is worth in the New Zealand market) for customs. This valuation can be based on your proof of purchase or a receipt from Canada, or can be provided by a dealer in New Zealand (an "unsighted valuation"), and will be used to determine any duties you might have to pay. I don't know if a race bike will qualify for this, but we were given concessions for our bikes (we don't have to pay duty, as long as we don't sell them for two years: we still needed the valuations, nonetheless).

Once you have the customs paperwork cleared (and the bike is clean enough for MAF, which both of ours were after just a good hand-wash before loading into the container back in the U.S.), you are good to take possession of the bike (trailer rentals are reasonable here too).

Getting the bike on the road (entry certification,WOF, brake certification, registration) if that is your goal, is a bit more involved and expensive... I've completed that for my bike (needed new tires to pass WOF, and the other tests add up), and am still in process on my wife's (less of a priority right now).

Bike registration here is pricey compared to what I was used to (my 40 year old bike used to cost me $6 USD to register in the U.S., and was 175 NZD here: I imagine I'd be crying to register a sport bike). Keep in mind too that both of our bikes are the round headlight sort, so we didn't need any pricey parts to comply with the other side of the road: you probably would need to spend some cash. My suggestion to you would be to get any bike parts you might need to comply with NZ road standards lined up in North America if possible (shipping from the UK, for example, to Canada has got to be cheaper than from anywhere to NZ) where you will find most things are significantly cheaper (open them so they are used and clearly for personal use) and throw them in your container...

With some effort, you can get everything sorted, and if your stay here would be made better by the presence of your favorite toys, than by all means go for it!

Good luck!

[Metastable]

Cool thanks for that. So it looks like I don't have to make it road worthy to pass the import stage, that is good. My paperwork from Canada should be fine, it says that it is street legal here, but that I just don't have plates for it. I guess I should get someone here to do an estimate... it would be pretty low anyway, but since I have to get it done, I might as well... plus I'm sure the estimate here would be WAY lower than the estimate in NZ.

[Metastable]

Hey folks quick question.

The advertised price of used and new vehicles cars and bikes on trademe etc... does that include all the taxes and WOF?

Are you guys charged tax on used vehicles? Is that included in the price advertised.

[Road kill]

sorry, New Zealand is full, try Australia.

:rockon:,,,,,,,,,,,,,,+10

[BMWST?]

Hey folks quick question.

The advertised price of used and new vehicles cars and bikes on trademe etc... does that include all the taxes and WOF?

Are you guys charged tax on used vehicles? Is that included in the price advertised.

the wof is theoretically only 28 days old max when a used vehicle is sold (a requirement for a vehicle dealer) but most private sales will have a current wof unless the ad says other wise,there are no taxes between individuals and any dealer prices will include gst but most dealer will add on road costs if the bike has not been registered in nz before.

[FJRider]

.... I could probably blow it up better than I could build it. :laugh: Just kidding.

More than a few here with those abilities ... :innocent:

[Metastable]

:rockon:,,,,,,,,,,,,,,+10

Are you and Gordon scheming against me already? I'd hate to see what would happen if Canada miraculously beat the All Blacks. :D

BMWST - thanks for that. That is good news with regards to the private sale GST. Here when you register the new owner of a used vehicle with the province, the government charges you GST after the fact.

[R6Genesis]

So I have been reading about importing bikes from the US etc. I have a few questions.

As far as something they don't like such as headlights, brakes etc... is that a problem when importing it or just when getting the WOF done? So right now I have a track ready 2003 CBR600RR.

The engine is all stock, the wheels are stock the body work is patched up OEM, but it has:
- Braided lines
- Aftermarket rear shock
- Aftermarket slip-on
- No lights
- clip-ons
but
- I do have lights and indicators (OEM) and OEM brake lines etc that are OFF the bike. Also anyone have ANY IDEA if a 2003 CBR600RR would need new lights?

So if I have proof of ownership and but it is not street ready for New Zealand will customs give me grief? Or can I import the bike then if I decide to put it on the road, I can take the necessary steps to do so, in order to comply with the WOF?

Another question - anyone have experience in terms of how expensive it is to change a car from left hand drive to right hand drive and who I could contact in NZ, that would know?

Sorry but I have a few other questions if you guys/gals don't mind helping me with:
Insurance - so it is optional down there, but typically if one has full coverage what are you running for on:
- Motorcycle 600cc supersport not living in Auckland area (not sure if that matters)
- Car like a Mazda 3
- How easy is it to get a family doctor (certain places in Canada it can be very hard)
- Do most family doctors take care of kids too, or do you need to find a pediatrician as well?
- Being that it is a state run system, are there any out of pocket expenses for medical needs? Do you need private insurance like the US or not?
Thanks!

I am in your shoes and have gotton a ton of answer from the ENZ forum

[Latte]

So I have been reading about importing bikes from the US etc. I have a few questions.

As far as something they don't like such as headlights, brakes etc... is that a problem when importing it or just when getting the WOF done? So right now I have a track ready 2003 CBR600RR.

The engine is all stock, the wheels are stock the body work is patched up OEM, but it has:
- Braided lines
- Aftermarket rear shock
- Aftermarket slip-on
- No lights
- clip-ons
but
- I do have lights and indicators (OEM) and OEM brake lines etc that are OFF the bike. Also anyone have ANY IDEA if a 2003 CBR600RR would need new lights?

So if I have proof of ownership and but it is not street ready for New Zealand will customs give me grief? Or can I import the bike then if I decide to put it on the road, I can take the necessary steps to do so, in order to comply with the WOF?

Another question - anyone have experience in terms of how expensive it is to change a car from left hand drive to right hand drive and who I could contact in NZ, that would know?

Sorry but I have a few other questions if you guys/gals don't mind helping me with:
Insurance - so it is optional down there, but typically if one has full coverage what are you running for on:
- Motorcycle 600cc supersport not living in Auckland area (not sure if that matters)
- Car like a Mazda 3
- How easy is it to get a family doctor (certain places in Canada it can be very hard)
- Do most family doctors take care of kids too, or do you need to find a pediatrician as well?
- Being that it is a state run system, are there any out of pocket expenses for medical needs? Do you need private insurance like the US or not?
Thanks!

In regards to RHD conversion, "turnkey" starts at 15-20k and thats for a vehicle that has the RHD parts available (ie nothing custom). Google NZ for Bunce Motor Company , good place to start (they do mainly Pickups, but I do see cars there as well).

[Metastable]

Ya I did some research back when I started this thread and contacted Bunce.... they won't touch my little car. There is no point really. Basically for someone with just a run of the mill hatch there are really only 2 options:

- Bring it in and drive it LHD.
- Leave it behind.

I think we'll be leaving it.

[Metastable]

So anyway... we got through the first part of the immigration stage, got the police checks done, got the bike all pristine looking to pass the MAF inspection.... all we had to do was submit all the necessary documents to the office in London. I was looking for work and to be honest, I wasn't happy with what I was finding.... or at least the interest from the companies just wasn't there unless I was already in NZ, which I can kind of understand.

Then.... I get a GREAT opportunity in Western Canada and we decide to do that, put everything in motion to move to western Canada... place to stay... moving container.... and about a week and a half before we decide to leave.. I get a call from a company in NZ offering me a job, good pay, willing to pay for 1/2 the relocation cost.... etc etc. sunofab!tch I say!

Anyhoo - the family and I decided to go the western Canadian route for now. Love your country, but the timing was a touch off. If I had that job offer 2 weeks sooner, I'd probably be there by now. BTW, I am jealous of your summer right now.... and well.... your winter is pretty nice too. :D I hope you guys don't mind me popping in now and then.

[superman]

So anyway... we got through the first part of the immigration stage, got the police checks done, got the bike all pristine looking to pass the MAF inspection.... all we had to do was submit all the necessary documents to the office in London. I was looking for work and to be honest, I wasn't happy with what I was finding.... or at least the interest from the companies just wasn't there unless I was already in NZ, which I can kind of understand.

Then.... I get a GREAT opportunity in Western Canada and we decide to do that, put everything in motion to move to western Canada... place to stay... moving container.... and about a week and a half before we decide to leave.. I get a call from a company in NZ offering me a job, good pay, willing to pay for 1/2 the relocation cost.... etc etc. sunofab!tch I say!

Anyhoo - the family and I decided to go the western Canadian route for now. Love your country, but the timing was a touch off. If I had that job offer 2 weeks sooner, I'd probably be there by now. BTW, I am jealous of your summer right now.... and well.... your winter is pretty nice too. :D I hope you guys don't mind me popping in now and then.

To that I say LAAAAAAAME!

[Metastable]

Lame? :D Hey when you have to move yourself, your wife, 2 kids under the age of 2, the dog, a 1/2 container (or a partial, but then having to buy a ton of stuff there), need to pay a couple of grand to NZ immigration, don't have a job lined up, don't know where you are going to find work, need to put the dog in quarantine, need to get a new vehicle there..... it all ads up. Then I got a fantastic opportunity, which was a few thousand kilometers away, but still in Canada... so not exactly an easy move either, but much easier than going to the other side of the world... we get everything rolling for that, and well the NZ offer came in a bit late.

[Smifffy]

You most likely made the right decision. That is typical of the behaviour of NZ business and bureaucracy: Faff about interminably without letting anybody know what's going on, then make a decision too late to take advantage of the benefits that they had based their decision on, and then usually they moan to anyone who will listen how they had their time wasted.

Good luck with the new job in the new home.

[jmmk]

Lame? :D Hey when you have to move yourself, your wife, 2 kids under the age of 2, the dog, a 1/2 container (or a partial, but then having to buy a ton of stuff there), need to pay a couple of grand to NZ immigration, don't have a job lined up, don't know where you are going to find work, need to put the dog in quarantine, need to get a new vehicle there..... it all ads up. Then I got a fantastic opportunity, which was a few thousand kilometers away, but still in Canada... so not exactly an easy move either, but much easier than going to the other side of the world... we get everything rolling for that, and well the NZ offer came in a bit late.

That's ok Meta, you made right choice. NZ really nice to visit, Canada better to live in.

[GrayWolf]

Iraq -> might make a lot of money... might get killed... no thanks.

I might just keep the CBR as a track only bike.... anyone know about the import bit though... can I at least bring it into the country if I don't have it all sorted out (headlights etc)? I know it has to be clean.

I would imagine the rules are the same as they were when I migrated here. If you'd owned the bike less than a year, or had new parts (like an engine) fitted you will get hit for a GST assessment that is payable IF you sell the bike within a certain time period. Any existing paperwork that proves ownership is useful. As an aside, We also shipped a car and bike by container, the huge hidden cost is the 'offloading' at the docks. Basicaly only dockies are allowed to offload a container dockside and move the vehicle to a 'warehouse' where it can be retrieved. Cost wise? It worked out considerably cheaper to ship the unopened container by lorry to a customs yard, have it inspected and offload the vehicles, do the paperwork with a customs agent, then pay for the containers return. Rather than to pay the exorbitant price charged at the dockside for 'convenience'.