A Removal to New Zealand from the UK is about as far across the world as you can move, and it can seem really daunting. The secret is to research your move so you know exactly what’s involved, and find a professional removals company with experience in removals to New Zealand who can give you all the help you need. So long as you’re working with people who know the ropes, such as a company like Universal Removals, you can stop worrying and start looking forward to your new life in the Land of the Long White Cloud.
How long does it take to ship my belongings to New Zealand?
The transit time to New Zealand from the UK really depends on whether you need a Full Container Load or shared container shipment, known as groupage. Full Containers take around 6-8 weeks door to door, whereas groupage can take as long as 8-12 weeks, though it will be considerably cheaper.
What can I take with me?
When you move overseas there are often duties or taxes due on the items you import. However, when you move to New Zealand there are several circumstances under which you can import personal effects and household goods without having to pay duties or taxes: for example, first time migrants with permanent residency status; “work to residence” visa holders; those with work permits of at least 12 months; and returning New Zealanders who have been overseas for 21 months or more.
Not every consignment imported into New Zealand will be inspected, but random checks do take place. The New Zealand Quarantine Service is particularly on the lookout for caneware, rattanware and basketware, which may be required to be treated and fumigated to ensure no bugs enter the country. Anything that may have had contact with soil or vegetation, e.g. garden furniture and tools, footwear, sports equipment such as golf clubs and cricket bats, and camping equipment may also need to be thoroughly cleaned or fumigated.
Can I bring my car?
Providing you’re a first time migrant to New Zealand with permanent residency status, or a returning New Zealand resident who has been overseas for more than 21 months, you can import your car duty-free. Duty is due on motorhomes for non-qualifying migrants though. You qualify for exemption of Goods and Services Tax (GST) so long as you have owned and used the vehicle for at least 12 months before the date of the vehicle’s shipment to New Zealand or your arrival in the country, whichever is earlier. Please note that if you sell or dispose of the vehicle within 2 years, you will need to pay the GST that would have been due. If you don’t qualify for tax exemption then GST is due at 12.5% of the vehicle’s CIF value (the total of purchase price, insurance and freight cost).
The Universal Advantage
While organising a removal to New Zealand there’s a lot to take in, just in terms of clearing your items through customs, never mind thinking about packing and documentation! However, so long as you choose a reputable removals company and involve them as soon as possible everything will be fine. Universal Removals are hugely experienced in helping people move overseas. Our dedicated International Removals division is a team of specialists who are on hand to offer you advice every step of the way, from packing your goods to filling in the paperwork. You will also have your own Move Manager who will look after your move from start to finish, right to your new New Zealand front door!
The best thing we can suggest is that you start looking for a removals company in good time and get two or three quotes at least. Make sure you know exactly what each company’s quote includes so you can compare them, check the volume and service you’ve been quoted on and make sure you know what transit times you’ve been given. Whatever the circumstances of your move, rest assured that we have helped people in similar situations before. There are very few questions we have not been asked over the years so do contact us for any information or advice.
Some useful sources of information include:
New Zealand Customs – www.customs.govt.nz
NZ Quarantine Service – www.maf.govt.nz
Importing Firearms into New Zealand – www.police.govt.nz
Importing Cars into New Zealand – www.customs.govt.nz and www.ntsa.govt.nz