What do I need to know before moving to New Zealand?

"Go into town (Warkworth) and just walk the streets. There are 5 or 6 major real estate offices there, and they have hndreds of postings for the entire region. Go to the "Information Centre" (every town has one) and get a good local map. Just drive around and find an area that suits you. If you see a property that is posted by an agent, you can call that number. However, if you aren't afraid to do so, just go up to the door and ask the owners if they are willing to sell directly to you. Then bargain...politely. Everyone saves on that kind of deal...well except the agent doesn't get a fee! Watch out for the direction of and exposure to the wind. And that is true anywhere in New Zealand! The storms off the ocean can be really severe and can last for days. An easy way to see what the wind is doing, is to look at the trees and vegetation in exposed areas or along ridge lines. If everything is leaning over, you can be assured you will be too come May or June," explained one expat living in Warkworth, New Zealand.

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With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family. We provide the reassurance of comprehensive core cover, and the flexibility of adding as many extra benefits as you want to ensure you have a plan perfectly suited to your needs.
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"Here in Dunedin, the location of the home with relation to the sun is very important! Take your time choosing a neighborhood and schools for your children. Find an organization to ask questions about everything, as NZ is ahead of other countries in some areas (on-line access to most government agencies) but very behind in other areas (home insulation and internet speed). We formed such an agency for Dunedin, the web site is www.maverickgroup.co.nz," said another expat in Dunedin, Otago - South Island NZ, New Zealand.