Over recent years Hawke’s Bay has become an increasingly popular destination for settlement not only from the major urban areas of New Zealand, but also from overseas. Major attractions are Hawke’s Bay's warm and pleasant Mediterranean climate, the relatively relaxed lifestyle – especially in rural and semi rural areas – low crime statistics, excellent educational opportunities and for many, the great outdoor lifestyle opportunities on our rivers, mountains and native bush.

Entry requirements for New Zealand depend upon the type of visit and your citizenship. There are several types of visas that can be issued depending on whether you are coming to New Zealand to visit, work, study or live. New Zealand has visa-waiver arrangements with a number of other countries.

If you are traveling as a tourist and are a citizen of a country with no visa-waiver arrangement with New Zealand you will need a visa. If you intend to live and work in New Zealand you will need to obtain a work visa before you travel to New Zealand or you may be refused entry on arrival.

Visitor Visas
Residents of a number of countries do not require visas if they are visiting New Zealand for three months or less. On arrival, all visitors must be in possession of a valid ticket out of New Zealand to a country they have a right of entry to. United Kingdom passport holders require no visa to visit and are routinely issued with a permit valid for six months upon arrival.

Extensions
Visa-free travellers can extend their visit for up to nine months (within an 18-month period) by applying for a Visitor Visa. United Kingdom citizens can do the same to extend their visit from six to nine months.

Work Visas and Permits
It is illegal to work in New Zealand without a work permit. Working holiday visas are available to people between the ages of 18 and 30 from certain countries. Check to see if your country has a working holiday visa programme with New Zealand at www.immigration.govt.nz.
If you are qualified and experienced in an occupation and have a guarantee from an employer in New Zealand, you may be eligible to apply for a work visa for anything up to three years.

Business Relocation
If you are a key worker in a business organisation that is relocating to New Zealand then you may be eligible for a work visa under the Employees Business Relocating Category.

Permanent Residence
Anyone wishing to live permanently in New Zealand, who is not a New Zealand or Australian citizen, must first complete an Expression of Interest form and lodge it with the Immigration Service. Residency qualification is dependent upon a number of factors including work experience, age, health, family, character and qualifications. New Zealand Immigration regularly updates a list of occupations that skilled migrants may be eligible to fill.

For more information on visiting, studying, working or living in New Zealand visit www.immigration.govt.nz.