I've spliced this onto the end of this thread to keep it easily available and because it is related to shipping goods.

Clearance procedures

Removal companies, airlines and shipping companies will usually provide arrival papers around the time your effects are imported. Some freight forwarders/Customs brokers or removal companies will also assist you with Customs formalities.

To obtain clearance of the shipment you need to:
complete an Unaccompanied Personal Baggage Declaration form, which is the declaration for Agriculture and Customs
arrange an agricultural clearance for the shipment through the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
obtain any permits that may be needed, for example, a Police Permit to Import if you have firearms in the shipment
arrange for a Customs clearance.
To arrange a clearance, Customs require:
a completed Unaccompanied Personal Baggage Declaration
the agriculture clearance
permits from other agencies (where applicable)
your passport
an inventory of what is in the shipment
the shipping arrival papers (such as the Bill of Lading, Airwaybill, or Arrival Advice).
If you are overseas at the time your goods arrive, you will need to arrange for someone to arrange clearance on your behalf. They are not expected to supply your passport, just your passport number(s).

When no customs charges apply

Where the criteria for duty free entry of household effects are not met, Customs charges may be payable. Where applicable, Customs duty is levied on the transaction value of the goods (the price actually paid for them). A depreciation allowance for length of personal ownership and use may also be given.

See Customs Charges ? Imported Goods for Customs charges on goods commonly imported by private individuals.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 12.5 percent is then calculated on the duty inclusive value, plus international freight and insurance. It is recommended that you retain your purchase documentation.

If the total amount owing on the goods imported is less than $50, no revenue collection will be made. This revenue waiver does not apply to tobacco products.

If you require further duty rate information, please contact any Customs office.

Where customs charges are applicable

Where the criteria for duty free entry of household effects are not met, Customs charges may be payable. Where applicable, Customs duty is levied on the transaction value of the goods (the price actually paid for them). A depreciation allowance for length of personal ownership and use may also be given.

See Customs Charges ? Imported Goods for Customs charges on goods commonly imported by private individuals.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 12.5 percent is then calculated on the duty inclusive value, plus international freight and insurance. It is recommended that you retain your purchase documentation.

If the total amount owing on the goods imported is less than $50, no revenue collection will be made. This revenue waiver does not apply to tobacco products.

If you require further duty rate information, please contact any Customs office.

*These 3 items have been taken from the Customs Service site in case you need to refer back to it.

An excerpt from an email sent to a forum member from the Custom?s Service.

The only people who may import their used household and personal effects without the payment of tax duty and GST are people immigrating to New Zealand for the first time to take up permanent residence who have a permanent residence stamp in their passport and the legal authority to take up permanent residence or who have a work permit or study permit for over 12 months.

If you do not have this then the Client Service Section Auckland asks that you have an application lodged with New Zealand Immigration Service stating that permanent residence has been applied for and will be granted within 6 months at this they usually take a deposit or bond on goods usually 10% of the value which is refunded when permanent residence is obtained if other then Auckland then check with Client Services at that Port you are going to addresses are on our website www.customs.govt.nz under contact us.

You have 5 years from the date of the permanent residence stamp in your passport to bring in your used personal and household effects.