Living in New Zealand
Pink Chinese toon in spring: recognising the tree and using young shoots
The pink growth is foliage, not blossom. A guide to Chinese toon, garden care and a familiar spring dish.
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Living in New Zealand
International student medical insurance: preparing a claim in New Zealand
How to organise receipts, ask about direct billing and request approval before planned treatment.
Living in New Zealand
Getting a New Zealand learner licence: application, test and driving rules
The current car-licence process, what to prepare for the theory test and why the announced 2027 changes matter.
Living in New Zealand
Opening a New Zealand bank account: documents to prepare before you apply
A practical checklist for identity, address and tax-residency checks, with examples from ANZ and BNZ.
Living in New Zealand
Growing feijoas from cuttings: a patient start for a New Zealand garden
How to prepare semi-ripe cuttings, care for them while roots develop and choose a good place for the young plant.
Living in New Zealand
Ten New Zealand lakes: choosing a stop and planning a safe visit
From volcanic lakes to South Island glacial basins, a starting point for a lake trip with practical water-safety checks.
Living in New Zealand
Put the wrong fuel in your car? What to do before turning the key
The first decision matters: keep the ignition off, tell the station staff and arrange help rather than trying to drive away.
Living in New Zealand
Auckland recycling: what goes in the bin, and how to prepare it
A practical sorting guide for bottles, jars, cans and packaging, with the mistakes that cause trouble at kerbside.
Living in New Zealand
New Zealand daylight saving 2026–2027: dates and overseas time differences
When New Zealand clocks change, how to check your devices, and the time difference with China and the Philippines.
Living in New Zealand
Renting in New Zealand: tenancy, boarding house and flatmate agreements
Choose the right rental agreement by checking who you contract with and whether you are a tenant or a flatmate.
Living in New Zealand
New Zealand phone numbers: country code, dialling and useful numbers
How to use +64, recognise common number types and choose the right number for emergency and non-emergency reports.
News
Nelson community raises more than $40,000 for Nepali student’s cancer care
A routine visa medical led to a cancer diagnosis for Samira Basnet. A community fundraiser helped meet the cost of private treatment.