Common NZ Terms Explained

## Common New Zealand Terms You Need to Know ### Money & Tax Terms | Term | What It Means | |------|---------------| | **IRD Number** | Your tax number (Inland Revenue Department). You NEED this to work legally in NZ. | | **PAYE** | Pay As You Earn - tax taken from your wages automatically | | **GST** | Goods and Services Tax (15%) - included in most prices | | **ACC** | Accident Compensation Corporation - covers injury costs for everyone in NZ | | **KiwiSaver** | NZ retirement savings scheme - your employer contributes too | ### Housing Terms | Term | What It Means | |------|---------------| | **Bond** | Security deposit (usually 4 weeks rent). Held by Tenancy Services, not landlord. | | **Letting Fee** | BANNED since Dec 2018. Tenants should NOT pay this. | | **Tenancy Agreement** | Your rental contract. Get it in writing! | | **Flatting** | Sharing a house/flat with others | | **Boarding** | Renting a room in someone's home (different rules apply) | | **WoF (Rental)** | Healthy Homes standards that rentals must meet | ### Driving Terms | Term | What It Means | |------|---------------| | **WoF** | Warrant of Fitness - safety check required for all cars | | **Rego** | Vehicle registration - must be current to drive legally | | **AA** | Automobile Association - roadside assistance and more | | **ACC Levy** | Included in rego, covers accident injuries | | **NZTA** | NZ Transport Agency - handles licences and road rules | ### Healthcare Terms | Term | What It Means | |------|---------------| | **GP** | General Practitioner - your main doctor for non-emergencies | | **ED/A&E** | Emergency Department - for serious emergencies only | | **PHO** | Primary Health Organisation - manages GP clinics | | **Prescription** | Script from doctor to get medicine from pharmacy | | **Pharmac** | Government agency that subsidises medicines | ### Work Terms | Term | What It Means | |------|---------------| | **CV** | Curriculum Vitae - your resume/job application document | | **WINZ** | Work and Income NZ - government employment and benefit services | | **Minimum Wage** | Legally lowest pay (as of 2024: $23.15/hour for adults) | | **Kiwi Slang** | "Sweet as" = great, "Yeah nah" = no, "She'll be right" = it'll be fine | ### Immigration Terms | Term | What It Means | |------|---------------| | **INZ** | Immigration New Zealand | | **Visa** | Permission to enter/stay in NZ | | **Work Rights** | What work your visa allows you to do | | **Licensed Adviser** | Only these people can legally give immigration advice for money | ### Everyday Kiwi Words - **Dairy** = Corner store/convenience shop - **Jandals** = Flip-flops/sandals - **Tramping** = Hiking - **Bach** = Holiday home (pronounced "batch") - **Arvo** = Afternoon - **Brekkie** = Breakfast