What To Do When You Meet An Accident In Nz?

I think I should share my own experience on what happened after I met the car accident in New Zealand. I just hope that my information can help anyone of you if you met the same duduk masalah in NZ. Most of my friends asked how much was the medical fees in New Zealand since I was admitted to hospital. I even went for my first round follow up check up over there. Please don't be shocked towards the amount.
The answer is ......

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$0. 


Huh? $0???
You must be cheating me. You are not a resident in New Zealand!! Why you doesn't need to pay??

Thanks to the New Zealand government. They set up a body called ACC (Accident Compensation Cooperation).

This body really acts like an angel for me. Basically, this body is to support those who injured to get back to work and everyday life as soon as possible. The best  part of the body is they will help not only New Zealand residents but also VISITORS to New Zealand. What????? Visitors also?? Yes, this means that you will be covered by ACC once you stepped in the land of New Zealand (of course with the condition ->legally).

What ACC will actually do for you??
1) They help to pay for treatment and medical costs.

• No doubt, I was admitted to hospital, went for x ray,citi scan, follow up check up and I do not need to pay even a single cent. I don't even know how much it cost.

2) They pay weekly compensation to you.

• If doctor diagnosed that you are unfit to work, ACC will pay you weekly compensation until you are able to work again!!! (With the condition you work in NZ, working holiday is included).  Wao New Zealand government really provides good benefits!!!

3) They even provides services to assist the patients in their daily life. What are those services?? They can arrange someone helped to clean your house and even cook for you!!!

• This is true, because after I met the accident, angel from ACC contacted me and asked whether I need this service!! This was really warmhearted. 

Of course, what I listed above just part of the services they provide. If you wish to know more, click here. Undeniable, ACC really acts effective and those angels were really friendly and kind. My angel kept on follow up with me when I was in NZ, called me every few days and checked how am I doing. OMG, how nice they were.

So basically, you do not need to worry too much if you met an accident in New Zealand. The only thing you need to do is when you were admitted to hospital, seek for help from the hospital personnel, let them help you to fill up the ACC claim form and faxed to ACC. After few days, ACC will arrange an particular angel to contact you and let you know the actions you need to do in order to get those benefits. Of course, remember to keep the copy claim form with you.

For the medical follow up, hospital personnel will post an appointment letter to you and informed you the date for your follow up check up. Of course, you can always call to the hospital and check for the date. Every patient will be given a number once they admitted to hospital and that number will be used to check the appointment date and all other details.

Except for the medical part, the  police part is easier to settle. They'll keep in touch with you and telling you what you need to do and of course, remember to request a police report as documentation purpose.

In short, nothing much need to be worry if you met an accident here. The lovely body will send angel to help you.

ACC, thank you.

Parking Sign In New Zealand

This kind of sign you can see it everywhere in New Zealand. This is new to a foreigner like us, but it never strange to kiwi. 

And because of this, we got our first summon in New Zealand. *sob sob*. The sign above with the number 40 means that you can only park your car for 40 minutes at that parking lot. No matter you pay 1 hour parking fees or 2 hours fees, you can only park you car for 40 minutes. No exceptional!

Never think that it's not easy for police to trace the time you park there!!!! We underestimate the police, and 

we have to pay for that!

We are forced to donate NZD20 to the NZTA (New Zealand Transport Agency)..... which is equal to our two hours pay!! It's never easy to stand and work for 2 hours.

Therefore, never follow our footstep.....

Working Holiday In New Zealand Application

Recently, a lot of my friends keep on asking about working holiday. Since I think working holiday is a good experience, let me share the information to those who are interested.

Every year, 1150 Malaysian are allowed to apply working holiday and stay in New Zealand for 6 months. The application normally opened in the beginning of the year. Those who are interested may apply it online. The requirement for working holiday is quite low. Basically, it is very easy to meet the requirements.

• have a Malaysian passport that‘s valid for at least three months after your planned departure from New Zealand 
• This is quite easy right? If your passport is going to expired just renew it before you apply!!
• be at least 18 and not more than 30 years old
• Due to the age limit below 30 years old, some people categorised 'working holiday' as a MUST DO activity before reach 30. So, are you in this group of people?　
• not bring children with you
• I believe normally Asian will not bring children working holiday together right?
• hold a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket*
• sufficient fund can be included in the requirement below. Or a credit card can help you in this requirement if you do not purchase a return ticket.
• have a minimum of NZ$2,250 available funds to meet your living costs while you’re here
• You can prove it by printing your bank account statement, or bringing bank draft with you.
• meet our health and character requirements
• be coming to New Zealand to holiday, with work or study being secondary intentions for your visit
• not have been approved a visa under a Working Holiday Scheme before.
• Yup, working holiday scheme can only be applied once in a life time. Even you applied but you did not proceed with your trip, you are not qualified to apply  second time

For more detail information, please visit the link below:-
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/workingholiday/malaysiaworkingholidayscheme.htm

How to apply? You must register yourself in New Zealand Immigration before you apply for the working holiday.  Visit this link.
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/secure/default.htm

Then you will see this.

And follow by this form.

After registration, you can apply for the working holiday visa of cause, it cost you NZD $140 (around RM350)

Ways to fill up the application form can refer this link:
https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=114858671863318
I filled up my application according to this! Very useful link.

Application for this year (2011) is closed due to quota is fulled. It will available again on 2012 4 Jan. You have less than one month to consider!! Act fast!

Work In New Zealand

Before you want to apply for working holiday, you must be wondering whether the salary there able to support your living expenses, how to get a job and what of jobs you gonna get?

Kind of jobs

Basically, most of us worked in factories, orchard, farm, restaurant or cafe. Of course, there are office work as well but this kind of jobs are very limited. Yeah, jobs available are like those part time job that you can get during your school holiday. Never expect work to be easy because you are having working holiday but not holiday solely. Most of the jobs are physical related jobs and you might need stand for a long time or use a lot of energy. But, don't too worry when you read this because everyone of us had gone through it and all of us were able to survived. Therefore, never try never know. For me, I worked in factories most of the time and the jobs were not hard but they required repetitive movements. Besides, I personally prefer factory work simply because the job was more stable!

Wages  

Pay in New Zealand are given out in weekly basic. Most of the jobs are paid hourly. At this moment (2011), New Zealand gorvement set NZD13 (Change to NZD13.5 in April 2012) per hour as minimum wages (before tax). Of course, there are always some exceptional, like those who worked in orchard, they might paid by the quantity of fruits they have harvested. Wages can be given in the form of cash, cheque or they banked in to your account. 

IRD

IRD (Inland Revenue Department) is something like our income tax. This account is very important because for those working holiday people who have this account will be taxed (12.54-19.54%) depends on your total income. You may check your tax here. BUT, for those who do not have the account, you will be taxed up to 47%!!! Want to get more money from your work? Open an IRD account is the first step of working holiday.

Job Vacancy

1) Check through the notice board in backpackers hostel.

2) Get information through facebook
- New Zealand Working Holiday Group
- NZ WHV 2011
- New Zealand Working Holiday 2012

3) Checked through local newspaper which is available in library.

4) Contact local contractor/ agent. 

5) Direct walk in the factories.

6) Check through website

Seasonal Job website
- http://www.seasonaljobs.co.nz
- http://www.seaconalwork.co.nz

- http://www.backpackerboard.co.nz/work_jobs/seasonal_jobs_new_zealand.php
- www.seek.co.nz
- www.workinnz.co.nz/
- http://www.trademe.co.nz/jobs
- www.job.co.nz/Seasonal%20Jobs.htm
- http://www.fruitpack.co.nz
- http://www.workingin-newzealand.com
- http://jobs.search4.co.nz
- www.picknz.co.nz/
- http://www.jobscentral.co.nz
- http://www.canstaff.co.nz/


Factories/ Orchard web site
North Island 
- http://eastpack.co.nz
- http://www.satara.co.nz
- http://www.seeka.co.nz
- http://www.trevelyan.co.nz
- http://www.dms4kiwi.co.nz
- http://www.hukapak.co.nz

South Island

- http://www.talleys.co.nz/

- https://secure.makana.co.nz/default.aspx

- http://www.cookietime.co.nz/recruitment.html
- http://www.mrsjonesorchard.co.nz
- http://www.saritaorchard.co.nz
- http://www.summerfruit.co.nz


Exchange/Woofing
Woofing -> You work for a farm for few hours per day, they provide you food and accommodation as return.
Exchange -> You work for backpacker hostel and they provide you accommodation.
Some people look for these options while they can't get a job.


- http://www.wwoof.co.nz
- http://www.helpx.net


Of course if you have any information would like to top up, please leave a comment

                        

Stay In New Zealand

Working holiday in New Zealand, except from work, of course you need a place to stay. Most of the time, we, as a backpacker are looking for a CHEAP accommodation no matter we want to stay there for a longer period for work or just a few days for travelling.

Accomodation option:

1) Stay in a shared house

- A house share with others. You can make a lot of new friends from different countries.
- Shared House normally well equipped with furniture like bed, kitchen even cutlery are available.
- Rental is not paid by room but paid according to head count. 

  - 1 person -> NZD100-> 1 room
  - 2 person -> NZD200 -> 1 room

- Cost: average NZD80 - 120 per week depends on location

 

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2) Homestay 

- Stay with kiwi!

- If you had the chance, you must stay with kiwis because this is the way to know the difference culture! Most of them are really friendly.

- Cost: average NZD80 - 120 per week depends on location.

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3) Stay in backpackers hostel

- Normally this option is chosen during travelling or when first move to a new place.

- Cost: Average NZD10- NZD40 per night depends on the size of dorm and location.
- You can search for backpacker hostel in all area through this website http://www.hostelworld.com/, but if you want to stay in BBH or YHA, book  through phone directly or website will get a cheaper price.

- BBH and YHA are widely distributed in New Zealand, apply as their member and there will be NZD 3 discount per night!!
- Check with hostel the types of  facilities they are providing because not every hostel provide blanket, heater (this is VERY important during winter time), breakfast and etc.
- There is always a free food shelf and you may have any food you like in the shelf!
- Some lovely hostel might provide free soup or dessert at night!

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YHA (Youth Hostel Association)
- I applied YHA membership before I went to New Zealand because it is cheaper to apply in Malaysia.
- Normally only 1 YHA available in each town.
- https://www.yha.co.nz/
- I applied the membership through MSL travel.


MSL Travel Sdn Bhd
Red Rock Hotel Lobby,
Macalister Road,
10400 Penang,
Malaysia.
Tel  : 04-2272655 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            04-2272655      end_of_the_skype_highlighting  

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BBH (Budget Backpacker Hostel)

- This hostel is most popular and it consists more than 300 hostel in New Zealand.
- The member card (NZD 45) can applied on the spot in any BBH in New Zealand.
- The member card includes $20 phone card which you can call back to Malaysia.

- http://www.bbh.co.nz/

Apply for membership for BBH/ YHA is a MUST because
1) This served as a identity card for you as a Backpackers.
2) A lot of deals and discounts are given to backpackers.
3) Transport like intercity provide discount for backpackers.
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How to find a shared house/ Home stay
1) Go to supermarket like Count Down/ New World and look for their notice board. A lot of notices related to accomodation will put up.
2)Put a notice in supermarket and mentioned that you are looking for a place to stay. As I tried, this method is quite effective.
3) Get help from Facebook for working holiday group.


Anything want to ask or top up to the information posted? Leave me a comment

Travel In New Zealand

No idea how to travel in New Zealand???

1) Drive in New Zealand

- We just need to translate our Malaysian License to english version and you can drive legally in New Zealand! Translate it in JPJ and it just costs you RM10.

- Buying a car is like buying a piece of cake in New Zealand. It's simply easy and fast. Procedure to buy a car look here.

- A second hand car is cost around NZD1000-NZD3000 depends on the size and the model of the car. I bought Honda Odessey 7 seater 1996 which costs me $2000 (but this is considered cheap ^^).

- Of course if you own a car is easier for you to travel around. You can depart and leave the place anytime you like. No need worry that you will miss a bus.

- The most important point is a car plays a crucial role when you are looking for a job! It's no way to go to work without a car except you share with others or you walk to work. But most of the working place is not within walking distance from home!

2) Take Bus

There are two companies in New Zealand. They operate throughout the whole New Zealand and it can bring you from one town to another town. However, they are not operating within the town area. In addition, most of the smaller town do not have a bus company operate within the town area (especially South Island! -_-''  )

a) Naked Bus

- The bus ticket is selling like Air Asia flight ticket. The earlier you buy (online), the cheaper the bus ticket.

- This company even offer NZD1 bus ticket! Check here. I'm wondering they are learning it from Air Asia, or Air Asia copycat their way?

- http://nakedbus.com/nz/bus/

b) Intercity

- Another bus company. 

- Their time table have more options compared to naked bus.

- http://www.intercity.co.nz/

3) Tour

It's never easy to travel alone by car because it hard for you to drive and look at map at the same time. Furthermore, driving long hours make you exhausted and reduce your excitement to travel! You may join some local tour which is cheap and suit to backpackers. Most of them also offered a pass called flexipass which is something like a reload card. For example, you can buy 10 hours of pass and you can take the bus with the pass for 10 hours.

- http://www.kiwiexperience.com/

- http://www.magicbus.co.nz/

- https://www.yha.co.nz/

4) Hitch hike 

- Some people choose not to buy a car but travel by hitch hike. Of course, this method actually save up a lot of money like insurance, petrol, maintenance fees for you!!

- Basically, most of the Kiwis are quite friendly and they are willing to take you along. Moreover, the security level in this country is undoubtedly good . You don't have to worry to be kidnapped when you hitch hike.

- The disadvantage for this method is you might need to take a long time to get someone fetch you to the place you that wish to go. Sometime, you might even need to change a few cars in order to get to the place. The flexibility of this method is not high.

Last buy not least, enjoy travel in New Zealand!

Play In New Zealand

We always look for CHEAP & PROMOTION stuff. Play in New Zealand? Of course we want play with least money!!! Why we have to spend more if you can get a better deal??


1) i site
Want to know the famous attractions? I site always the best choice for you. The friendly i site staffs always willing to provide you the thorough information. Sometimes, there are even promotions listed at i site. So, remember, always visit a local i site to get the latest details and promotion.

Apart from the promotion listed, brochures in i site is always like a hidden treasure there are always a lot of  surprise hide in the brochures. Open it and search for it. You will found there are a lot of discount inside. Yup, treasure hunt always!

The most creative i site at Tirau, North Island

2) Backpackers hostel
Sometimes, the local backpacker hostel like BBH or YHA might have promotion for certain activities. They can get better deal if you book through them instead of paying directly to the companies. How they do it? I'm not sure, I just know you have to open your eyes big and pay attention to the deals.

3) Website
These websites are giving crazy discount. Everyday they will give a new deal. Those deals most of the time are 50% discount. Yes, you might get a Milford cruise with half price or even a hot air balloon with 50% discount!! The deal will work with sufficient buyer and you have to grab it before the time out!

Subscribe them so that you can get the deal in the first place.
http://www.grabone.co.nz/home
http://www.bookme.co.nz/bookings/queenstown/home

 

Wear In New Zealand

Weather in New Zealand is really unpredictable. It can be sunny day for the whole morning and suddenly it change to rainy day in the afternoon. The temperature difference can up even to 10°C in the same day. Some describe that weather in New Zealand is just like the mood of a lady, change unpredictable.

Therefore, as a backpacker, we must always be prepared. Prepare a jacket (or even more) with us all the while especially when we are travelling is a must!

Clear weather on one side and cloudy on the other side. So weird...

Spring/ Autumn
During this weather, basically you just need a jacket with you. During early spring or late autumn, you might need to wear 3 layers of clothes. The outer piece should be a wind proof jacket. Besides, scarf is one of the necessity as well.

Autumn in Auckland City

Summer
We are from summer country, I guess I don't need to say much on this weather. However summer in New Zealand is slightly cold than Malaysia. Average temperature 20°C ++

Winter
When I was in New Zealand, I was able to experience the autumn, winter and spring. I personally felt that winter is really a horrible season because it simply tooooooooooooooo cold!!!! When it was real cold, I just had a blank mind and couldn't concentrate on anything. My brain got stucked probably it freeze became  a big piece of ice... The saddest part was electricity cost in New Zealand is damn high and heater couldn't been switched on all the time. To beat the coldness, my highest record was having up to 6 clothes with me! Yes!

6 = Long John + normal shirt + marino + long sleve shirt + jacket + wind proof jacket.

Yet I still can feel the coldness. -_-''

typical walking bak chang (dumpling) in Thames

Oh ya, remember to bring at least one pair of wool socks. Wear it when you sleep definitely keep you warm.
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Wondering what should bring from Malaysia and what should buy in New Zealand?

Long John/ Thermal Wear
If you stay in New Zealand during late autumn/ winter/ early spring time, remember prepare at least one set of long john with you. It's not easy to get a suitable size of long john in New Zealand. I bought a long john pant in NZ and the pant is quite long for me... perhaps i'm too short?? With the height of 159cm, I think I have the average height of asian lady. So, I think it'll be better to bring it from Malaysia instead of buying in New Zealand. Cost wise? It's almost the same because long john is selling a set in malaysia (top + pant) for RM100-200 and it was sold in New Zealand average NZD30-40 one piece (only top or only bottom).

Wind proof jacket
Clothes like wind proof jacket can buy in New Zealand. Wind proof jacket is very important because most of the time we feel cold is due to the wind but not the low temperature. One way to save our money is buy clothes at kid department!!! Don't laugh at this, it's not easy to get a suitable size in adult department. Again, I *thick face* have an average body size and most of the time I am wearing S size in Malaysia. My friends and I, four of us, all bought our clothes in kid department and those clothes suits us well!!

Merino
Merino is a type of wool famous in New Zealand. It is regarded as having some of the finest and softest wool of any sheep. It also good material to keep you warm. Clothes/ jacket with this type of material can easily purchased in New Zealand with reasonable price. So? Get it in New Zealand

New Zealand Working Holiday & Trip

The New Zealand Working Holiday Scheme is open early of the year for every year. For those haven't go, those who missed the chance, sit still in front of your computer, pay attention to the scheme reopen date and grab your chance!! There are only limited seats!!

This post mainly is to share the information about New Zealand to all those who are interested to go for working holiday / trip there. So, if you wish to know...



Preparation for Working Holiday

•  To apply the Working Holiday visa please go to http://www.immigration.govt.nz/
• To view the requirements and application go here.
• Trolley VS Backpack.
• Travel Insurance
• Packing Checklist
• Top 10 items to bring for Working Holiday

During Working Holiday

•  Work in New Zealand
• Stay in New Zealand
• Play in New Zealand.
• Travel in New Zealand
• Wear in New Zealand.
• Bank & EFTPOS in New Zealand.
• Buying a Car in New Zealand
• Parking Sign in New Zealand
• What to do when you meet an accident in New Zealand
• Working Holiday Visa Extension

After Working Holiday

• Tax Refund.

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Trip In New Zealand
Information for those who just want to have a trip in New Zealand!

Trip In New Zealand (From Te Puke To South Island)

• New Zealand Map and Our South Island trip
• Day 1 Te Puke -> Gisborne -> Napier
• Day 2 Napier -> Hasting -> Wellington
• Day 3 Wellington -> Picton -> Nelson
• Day 4 Nelson -> Blenheim -> Kaikoura
• Day 5 Kaikoura Part I
• Day 5 Kaikoura -> Christchurch
• Day 6 Christchurch -> Akaroa
• Day 7 Lake Tekapo
• Day 8 Oamaru
• Day 8 Oamaru Part II
• Day 8 Oamaru Part III
• Day 9 Oamaru ->Wanaka -> Franz Joseph
• Day 10 Franz Joseph
• Day 11 Franz Joseph -> Queenstown
• Day 12 Queenstown
• Day 13 Doubtful Sound
• Day 14 Dunedin

Other Interesting Places in New Zealand
North Island

• Auckland - Mt. Eden & Auckland Musuem
• Taupo - Huka Fall
• Taupo - Sky Diving
• Taupo - Sky Diving Video
• Tongariro Alpine Crossing
• Rotorua - Wai O Ta Pu Thermal Wonderland
• Rotorua - The Luge
• Rotorua - Tamaki Village

South Island

• Golden Bay - Pupu Spring

Recommended Food

• Food must eat in New Zealand Part I
• Food must eat in New Zealand Part II

Bank & Eftpos In New Zealand

There are a lot of banks in New Zealand, like Kiwi Bank, BNZ, ASB, ANZ, Westpac, National Bank. So every bank has different types of charges on different items. Bank in New Zealand is far different with banks in Malaysia. For examples, Bank A might consists of monthly charges, Bank B might consists of charges when you do any transaction at counter and etc. It too lazy for me to list out all the charges and differences of those banks as you can check it in the link above. I think the best choice is to share what kind of account I opened in New Zealand and the reason.

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Everyday Account


Kiwi bank is my choice in New Zealand.

Why I choose Kiwi Bank???
1) Kiwibank is available all over New Zealand, from big city to small little town. Most of the time, kiwibank sticks together with Postshop (which we called as post office in Malaysia). By having this bank, I never had the duduk perkara of couldn't find the bank.
2) There is no monthly charges for the account. Everything can done online and it is free Yeah, I love free stuff
3) I can transfer my money to another bank account. Why I need this. Carry on reading and you will know why.

The type of account I opened in Kiwi bank is called 'Everyday account'. Basically every bank will offer you this type of account where it is almost the same like our saving account.

Everyday Account = Saving account

Of course, there are differences in these 2 accounts.

1) They will give you an ATM card which can act as a debit card. They called it EFTPOS (Electronic Fund Transfer at Point of Sales). What makes it great than debit card is you can swipe it almost EVERYWHERE, from big supermarket to small little shop or even a little tiny stall. Yes, no joke! In addition, you can swipe it regardless the cost of the things that you purchase. How about $0.10? No problem. Nobody will look down on you because of the low cost purchase with EFTPOS, in fact, everybody do that! Of course, 4 digits of password are required.

2)No interest / little interest will be given by this account.

3) It can even cash out! What does you mean by cash out? You can simply go to a supermarket, purchase a $10 item and tell the cashier 'I want to cash out $100'. Then, they will pay you $100 and charge your account with $110. Amazing right? ATM is not always needed in order to withdraw money.

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Fast Saver Account


Except from Kiwibank, I opened ASB as well. 

The account I opened called 'Fast saver'. The purpose of opening this account mainly is to earn the interest, which is 3.15%p.a. . Never look down on 3.15%, even our own fix deposit back in Malaysia could not offer that amount of interest.

I set my kiwibank account as my favourite payee (setting the first favourite payee is FOC. and I can transfer my money back to kiwibank when I needed. (transfer from Kiwi bank to ASB is free). Of course, everything need to be done online!!!

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Visa Debit Card


When you open an everyday account, the bank personnel will let you choose weather you want a normal EFTPOS card or Visa debit. So, the only different between this two is, visa debit card allows you to purchase something online (like we purchase with credit card). If you open everyday account in Kiwibank, you may request for visa debit as it is free of charge!

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Way to Earn More!!

Want to earn more?? Open an fix deposit account in Kiwibank called 'Notice Saver'.

90 days notice - 4.30%p.a.

32 days notice - 4.10% p.a.

I choose 32 days notice simply because 90 days is too long. 

Of course, if you think it's a hassle to open these account and you can just open ONE account. But, for me, I don't mind having a little bit of hassle which allow me to earn more without putting any effort. Choice is yours. Think wise

Tax Refund

A big surprise today, I received my big ang pau today

Yes, all the way from New Zealand The excitement is even greater than getting an ang pau from a relative! !

This is what you gonna get after few months of hard work in New Zealand which is tax refund! An Ang Pau in cheque form and also in New Zealand Dollar

Since I got my ang pau today, let me share with you how to get tax refund when you gonna leave NZ.

There are two ways for you to do your refund,

1) Go to the IRD office directly.

 Just do an appointment with them and bring along your return flight ticket detail, Summary of your total earning (which you can print from your IRD online account), and passport. 

2) Do it online.

Due to my sudden return to Malaysia, I was not able to go to IRD office to settle my tax refund. Therefore, I do it online. It is quite simple, just go to the IRD website, print out the form IR886, fill it up and post it out before you leave New Zealand. They will post the tax return form to your home address in Malaysia. Again, fill it up and post out. It took almost 2 months time for me to get my tax refund.

Simple right? Remember to settle your refund when you complete your working holiday. That's your money.

Backpack Vs Trolley Bag

Backpack??? Trolley bag??Backpack??? Trolley bag?? What should I bring for working holiday???I am a backpacker so I should bring a backpack? It's gonna kill me with a 70L backpack but it definitely not enough for me if I bring a smaller one!! Help! !! Twist a coin to decide?

No, that is not a wise choice. Of course, the best choice will be different to everyone. Some people might suit to bring a backpack and some prefer a trolley bag

	Backpack	Trolley Bag
Conveniency while moving	Sure!	Not so convenient when going upstair
Storing item	Require technique	Can simply throw stuff in
Easy to find stuff in bag	Harder	Easy
Less weight on body	Heavy!!!	No
Security	Low	High (With lock)
Other Usage	As a pillow?	As a table

As a conclusion,
Backpack suit for someone who loves convenient and mobility, and able to carry backpack with long time. (although backpack with good design do reduce the feeling of weight but with a big backpack like 70L, you still feel the weight especially after long walk!!)

Trolley bag suit for those who scare the weight of backpack will kill them and do not mind with little hassle during travelling.

So, what was my choice?
small backpack (38L) + 22 inches luggage bag. I never regret of my choice after months of travelling. luggage bag allows me to walk further and the small back pack is useful especially for day trip/ hiking.

Choose the one that suits you!!

Buying A Car In New Zealand

Buying a car in New Zealand is really simple. It is just like buying a piece of cake in bakery shop. No cheat! You just need to fill up a form and pay the previous owner and the car is yours!!

How to search for a car?
1) Check notices on notice board in supermarket (Count Down, New World, Pak n Save), or backpackers hostel or notice board in factories.
2) Check in Trade me.
3) Check in Backpackers.com.
4) Check in Facebook.
5) Through friends.

What to do before buying a car?
1) Check the car condition (tyres, brakes, campbell, lights and etc)
2) Check the expiry date for WOF. (Warrant of Fitness). Preferably 3-4 months before expiry date. Or else, request owner to renew it.

3) Check the expiry date for license. (some sort like our Road tax).

How to buy a car?
1) Go to post shop and fill up 'Notice by person acquiring motor vehicle' form (MR13B) .
2) Show your passport and pay the notice of acquisition fee of $9.41 (including GST).
3) Pay the owner with cash.


What to do after buying a car!
1) Straight away send to workshop and service! Never save money on this because you never know how the previous owner treat the car. Safety is the most important!! You never wish accident ruin your working holiday!
2) Buy a third party insurance! You can buy it in AA, BBH, or three sister gift shop.

 - Buying a used car in New Zealand is not really expensive. So even there is any accident happen to our car, the car doesn't really worth a lot. But, if you hit somebody's EXPENSIVE car, that's the trouble comes! So, third party insurance will cover the damage of the car that party. 

After all this done and you may enjoy your trip with your car

Travel Insurance? Buy Or Not?

Many people asked me 'Do I need a travel insurance for my NZ working holiday?' Some people might say 'No, don't waste your money on it'. 'Hey, it's gonna cost you few hundred Ringgit for nothing!;

But, if you ask my opinion, I'll definitely say YES. Don't save on that few hundred Ringgit and you gonna to pay more than that if anything bad happen!

Why you need it? It is just like the normal  personal insurance that you bought in Malaysia. So, ask yourself, why you bought insurance? Because you doesn't want to bear with debt when you meet an accident or when you fall sick.

This theory is just same with why I recommend people to buy a travel insurance. You'll never predict what is going to happen during your working holiday, especially in a country which is not familiar with. I am a very good live example, I also never predict that I'll meet an accident in New Zealand! Don't tell me 'Oh, you are bad luck, I won't be undergone the same incident like you!' Don't bull sxxx. Nobody going to predict what is going to happen in the future. If yes, then there is no such thing called 'accident'.



Yes, ACC do cover our medical expenses if we meet an accident in New Zealand. But they never cover for those who fall sick in New Zealand. The medical fees in NZ is terribly expensive! Before you able to see the doctor, registration fees charge you about NZD70, any further treatment is not covered yet and you need to pay for medicine somemore. How about if you lost your beloved DSLR camera/ laptop?

I met a lot of people facing different problems during their working holiday, some fall sick seriously because they are not used to the weather, some lost their passport, some dropped their camera/laptop and spoilt it. So, what you gonna do with it when you face this? Nah, that is just my bad luck. No!!! Buy a travel insurance and they gonna pay for you/ replace the them!

Besides that, if you are landed in New Zealand and you wish to buy a travel insurance there, you may visit Orbit Protector. (Thanks for a reader provide this information). This travel insurance is specifically design for those who go for working holiday.

So, wanna spend on it or not? It's up to you.

Working Holiday Packing Checklist

This is the checklist for those who are going for working holiday. This might easier for you to check anything you miss out during packing.