Retiring in NZ
We have recently retired to New Zealand, although it is an early retirement, both being in our late 50's. We are here with no other family, other than my elderly mother who lives on South Island, while we are in Cambridge, on North Island. In our case the rest of the family (children and grandchildren are back in the UK)
Personally we think NZ is a great place to retire to, although it is difficult for older people to qualify for PR. We were lucky to be selected in the annual draw for the family quota scheme, which unfortunately seems to have been discontinued.
We came here for a better life and in the 2 months we have been here that has been very evident. We are not "stay at home and watch the TV " people and we love to get out and see place and meet people. NZ is great for both. We will soon be moving into the house we have bought and then it is a case of getting out there and meeting and mixing with wonderful friendly new zealanders. We have already identified a number of clubs where people share our interests.
The down side is that as a pensioner you pay more income tax in NZ than in the UK. Here there is no personal allowance and 10% tax band. All worldwide earnings up to $38,000 are taxed at 19.5%. However many other aspects of NZ are so much cheaper than UK. We came with very open minds,which is important. They say that older people get set in their ways, well over here you must accept that it is not the UK and things you took for granted in the UK, are not always available here.
The only area of concern we have is double glazing and central heating which is not easy to find in NZ. That said, we will see out our first NZ winter before we decide if either or both are necessary.
The rules relating to family are basically that if you have more direct family (parents and children) in NZ than UK, you can obtain PR, although I think that the family member sponsoring must have lived in NZ for 3 years.
Hope this helps
Pam & Dave
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