travel overseas winz

This website may not work correctly because your browser is out of date. Please update your browser .

Government services for returning New Zealanders

Superannuation.

The social security agreement between Australia and New Zealand allows former residents of one country access to certain benefits and pensions under the other country's social security system.

It allows you to use your periods of Australian working age residence between the age of 20 and the qualifying age for the Australian Age Pension to meet the residence criteria for getting New Zealand Superannuation. Most people need to be aged 67 to use time spent living in Australia to meet the residence criteria.

KiwiSaver, a voluntary, work-based savings initiative to help with long-term saving for retirement, was introduced in late 2007. It's designed to be hassle-free so it's easy to maintain a regular savings pattern. Contributions paid to your KiwiSaver are made up of Government, employer and your own contributions. 

New Zealand citizens and residents are eligible for KiwiSaver if they normally live in New Zealand. When you start a new job, if you're not already a member and are eligible, your employer will automatically enrol you in KiwiSaver. If you have paid into an approved Australian retirement saving scheme, it is possible to transfer savings to some KiwiSaver schemes in New Zealand. This varies between schemes, so it is best to check with the provider before you sign up. 

KiwiSaver in a nut shell

As you may remember, New Zealand doesn’t have a national Medicare system like Australia. Instead, once you are living in New Zealand, you should register with the local Primary Health Organisation (PHO) to receive subsidised healthcare. 

New Zealand Health system | Ministry of Health

Enrolling with a PHO | Ministry of Health

You will be eligible for ACC cover from when you arrive in New Zealand.

ACC’s website has more information about what is and isn’t covered, and what happens if you injure yourself.

New Zealanders are classified as domestic students, and pay local fees for tertiary education. New Zealand citizens are eligible to apply for Student Loans or the Student Allowance when they begin studying in New Zealand. New Zealand residents need to have lived in New Zealand for at least three years before they can be eligible for a Student Loans or the Student Allowance.

Education & Schooling

Income tax 

New Zealanders visiting and living in New Zealand are liable for New Zealand income tax on all income derived from New Zealand.

New Zealand tax rates and codes | IRD

Getting a tax number

If you had an IRD number when you previously lived in New Zealand, you should use this number when you return. If you don't know your IRD number, check the IRD website 

If you've never had an IRD number, you should apply for one through Inland Revenue Department (IRD) when you arrive in New Zealand, particularly if you will be working here. You can find the form on the IRD website. 

If you do not have an IRD number, tax will be deducted at a no-declaration rate, which is higher than the normal deduction rate.

How to find your IRD number | IRD

Getting an IR number | IRD  

Working for families

If your children are New Zealand or Australian citizens or permanent residents, you may be eligible for Working for Families Tax Credits when you arrive in New Zealand. 

Working for Families Tax Credits are an entitlement for families with dependent children aged 18 or younger. It includes four different types of payments (tax credits).

The types of payment and the amounts you can get depend on:

• how many dependent children you care for
• your total family income
• where your family income comes from
• the age of the children in your care, and
• any children you share care for.

Finding out if you are eligible | IRD

Childcare - Work and Income

Legally, in New Zealand you must be enrolled on the electoral roll.  You must enrol if you:

• are 18 years or older, and
• have lived in New Zealand for more than one year continuously at some time in your life,  and
• are a New Zealand citizen who has been in New Zealand within the past 3 years, or
• are permanently residing in New Zealand and have been in New Zealand within the past 12 months..

Only those who are enrolled can vote, take part in a referendum, or sign a referendum petition.

If you have previously been enrolled, make sure you update your details when you return to New Zealand.

Enrolling for the first time | Elections

Update your enrolment details | Elections

Citizenship options

A minimum of five years residence in New Zealand is required and certain criteria must be met, including satisfactory character and language references, to become a New Zealand citizen by grant.

About Citizenship in New Zealand | DIA

Back to top

• Share on facebook
• Share with Linked.in

Interested in coming to New Zealand?

Sign up to receive relevant job opportunities from New Zealand employers and practical advice on how to make your move to New Zealand a reality.

Help us improve the Live and Work NZ site

NZ Superannuation overseas travel

Understand the rules around travelling or living overseas and getting nz super.

The New Zealand Government provides the ability to travel overseas while on NZ Super. Before you go, it is important to understand the rules and procedures so you don’t lose your benefit.

Pension Overseas Travel

If you’re currently receiving New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super) and considering an extended stay overseas lasting more than 26 weeks, or even thinking about relocating permanently, there are vital details you should be aware of. This page provides an overview of what your rights are, but it is always best to contact the International Services of Work and Income to get the most up-to-date information.

The International Services, a branch of Work and Income, is dedicated to ensuring you receive the correct NZ Super amount when you’re abroad.

Key points to consider ?

• If you are receiving NZ Super, most people can still receive NZ Super payments while overseas providing they have followed the rules before departing New Zealand.
• Being away from New Zealand for less than 26 weeks is normally fine.
• More than 26 weeks, or moving away permanently, is covered by specific rules under the legislation that will affect your entitlement:
• The amount you receive may be less than the NZ Super you receive in New Zealand. This will depend on which overseas country you travel to.
• You should seek advice from International Services before making any decisions.

Travelling overseas up to 26 weeks

• Your NZ Super payment continues as usual for 26 weeks, but you must return to New Zealand before 30 weeks. If you receive extra payments like Disability Allowance, Accommodation Supplement, Winter Energy Payment, these will cease after 4 weeks absence.
• If, by your own choice, you decide to extend your stay beyond 26 weeks, your NZ Super payments will cease at 26 weeks.
• If you exceed 30 weeks away you may be required to repay 26 weeks of NZ Super. For more information please see the Work and Income website.
• If, due to unforeseen circumstances beyond your control, your stay is extended beyond 26 weeks you can apply for payment of NZ Super overseas. This is sometimes referred to as a portable pension. Portable pensions are not granted lightly and you will need to provide information about why you were unable to return to NZ as intended. Contact the International Services team for more information.

Travelling overseas more the 26 weeks

• If you intend to travel overseas for longer than 26 weeks you must apply to International Services at least 6 weeks before departing New Zealand.
• The amount you’ll receive depends on how long you have lived in New Zealand. This is calculated based on the time you’ve lived in New Zealand between the ages of 20 and 65 and may be less than the NZ Super amount you receive in New Zealand.
• You will not receive any extra payments such as the Winter Energy Payment.
• If you did not apply before you left New Zealand because you intended to return within 26 weeks and, due to unforeseen circumstances beyond your control, you are unable to return (eg the closure of the Australia/NZ COVID-19 travel bubble), you can apply for a ‘portable pension’.

The key point to note in all this is that if you are travelling overseas, particularly if over 28 days then it is worthwhile contacting the International Services team of Work and Income. They will help you comply and give you up-to-date information on whether your benefit will be impacted.

Browse Nationwide Trusted Services & Resources

Subscribe to our newsletter.

Your name Your email

Contact us today.

We are committed to provide all the necessary information that older individuals require to continue living comfortably and independently in their own homes.

Your message

© Silvercare | About Us

• Starting study
• Returning to study
• Finished studying
• MyStudyLink Login

Going overseas

You need to tell us straight away if you're going overseas so we can talk to you about how it affects your payments.

You need to let us know straight away if you're going overseas.

We compare records with New Zealand Customs so we'll know if you go overseas. If you don't tell us, you may have a debt to pay back.

Going overseas as part of your course

You may be able to keep getting a Student Loan or Student Allowance if you're either:

• going overseas as part of your course
• at secondary school and going on an exchange programme.

Going on holiday during study

If you're getting a Student Allowance or Student Loan and go overseas on holiday, your payments may be able to continue if you're:

• still studying
• continuing to meet your course requirements.

How to tell us

Email us or call us

What happens next

Once you've gone overseas, we'll send you a Customs declaration form to confirm your overseas details. You'll need to return this to us within 20 working days or your payments may stop.

Going overseas during your study break

If you get Jobseeker Support Student Hardship, your payments will stop from the day after you leave New Zealand, unless we approve your reason for travel.

We compare records with New Zealand Customs so if you don't tell us that you're going overseas, your payments will be stopped and you may have a debt.

Once you come back to New Zealand you'll need to email us or call us to tell us about your situation.

Approved travel reasons

If you tell us before you go and we approve your reason for travel, your payments can keep going.

There are a few situations where we can approve overseas travel:

• to visit a family member who's seriously ill
• to attend a court case as a party or a witness
• you have a job interview
• to provide support to a family member following a natural disaster (eg, flood)
• you, your partner, child or sibling get medical treatment that's not available in New Zealand and is supported by the Ministry of Health
• you're going to compete in an overseas multinational or international Special Olympic or Paralympic Games competition
• you have a disability and you're going to get vocational training or disability assistance dog training that's not available in New Zealand.

Generally, your payment can keep going for up to either:

• 28 days in a year, or
• 2 years if you're approved because you're getting medical treatment not available in New Zealand.

If you need to be overseas for longer than 28 days in a year, eg your circumstances change while you're over there, talk to us about your situation.

What you need to do

Email us or call us before you leave New Zealand. You may need to send us proof of your reason for travel. We'll let you know what to do when you contact us.

If you've left New Zealand and you weren't able to tell us, eg, you had to be with someone who became seriously ill, we may be able to back pay you. You need to get in touch with us as soon as you can to discuss your situation.

Returning from overseas

If you've been overseas for more than 28 days, your payments will stop (unless we've approved it for longer). Once you come back to New Zealand you'll need to email us or call us to tell us about your situation.

Getting extra help payments

If you're getting extra help payments (eg Accommodation Supplement, Disability Allowance), they may stop the day after you leave New Zealand.

If your costs are continuing, you may be able to keep getting these payments for up to 28 days.

If you've been overseas for more than 28 days, your payments will stop. Once you come back to New Zealand you'll need to email us or call us to tell us about your situation.

Getting Income Relief Payment

If you're going overseas, you need to tell us before you go. Your Income Relief Payment will continue to be paid for up to 28 days after you leave.

If you've been overseas for more than 28 days, your payments will stop. However you may be able to get these restarted if you still qualify.

Once you come back to New Zealand, you'll need to email us or call us to tell us about your situation.

31,000 lose benefits for not telling Winz of foreign trips

Share this article

Ministry of Social Development figures show 31,714 people had benefits cut for going overseas without telling Work and Income - down on the previous year's 35,565. Photo / NZME.

More than 30,000 New Zealanders had their benefits cut last financial year for travelling overseas without letting officials know.

Ministry of Social Development figures show 31,714 people had benefits cut for going overseas without telling Work and Income - down on the previous year's 35,565.

Benefits related to jobseeker support were those most often cut.

Whangarei Citizens Advice Bureau co-ordinator Moea Armstrong said some people received a "nasty surprise" if they went away for a week then came back and realised they had no benefit.

She thought the main reason people failed to tell Work and Income about their travel was that they were unaware they had to.

Tauranga Budget Advisory Service manager Diane Bruin advised any beneficiaries travelling to tell Work and Income how long they would be away, the reason and how the travel had been funded.

Hastings Citizens Advice Bureau manager Ani Tylee said beneficiaries needed to ensure they were getting what they were entitled to.

Wairarapa Advocate Services manager Trevor Mackiewicz suggested people ask for a review if their benefit was cut and they believed they'd notified the ministry about their travel.

Ministry of Social Development service delivery deputy chief executive Carl Crafar said all beneficiaries were now required to tell Work and Income about their travel intentions or their benefits were stopped on departure.

He said the rules still allowed for overseas travel on compassionate or health grounds in certain cases.

The ministry had enhanced the information-matching systems it had with New Zealand Customs.

If people hadn't told Work and Income about their intention to travel and an automatic information match was made, their benefit would be suspended and they would receive notification.

Latest from New Zealand

Meet NZ's national mullet-growing champion - and he's only 10-years-old

Ted Keen has just been named the winner of Aotearoa’s Next Top Mullet.

Police confirm Waitākere couple died from animal attack injuries

'Appalling guidance as a mother': Over-protective mum jailed for murderer son's false alibi

To infinity and beyond: Space Minister on the billion dollar potential for our sector

Real NZ Mountains: The new ski season beckons

View all Ministers

View all Portfolios

Benefits cut for 21,000 overseas travellers

• Paula Bennett

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says more than 21,000 people have had their benefit cut for travelling overseas since July last year.

“We tightened the overseas travel rules as part of welfare reform and have saved New Zealand more than $10.5 million in suspended payments for beneficiaries who still chose to travel.

“That’s a staggering number of people. More than 1,750 people have had their benefit suspended for multiple overseas trips.  This includes 191 people who travelled three times and 1,555 who have travelled twice since last July.

“These figures don’t include those on Superannuation. 

“The largest group of suspensions applied to nearly 11,200 people on job seeker benefits, followed by more than 4,800 sole parents.

“The new rules recognise that beneficiaries should be ready and available for work not prioritising travel.

“Since the changes 4,880 peoples’ benefits were cancelled because they failed to reconnect with Work and Income eight weeks after their departure from New Zealand.

“The rules, while tighter, still allow for overseas travel on compassionate or health grounds in certain cases for job seekers.  People without work obligations may in most cases travel overseas for up to 28 days. 

“These figures are the number of people who chose to travel knowing their benefit would be suspended.  Every day we hear stories of how people cannot live on the benefit.  Today you’re hearing that literally thousands can not only live on it but can afford to travel overseas as well,” said Mrs Bennett.    Notes :

Welfare Reform changes from 15 July 2013 for beneficiaries travelling overseas included:

• rules preventing beneficiaries with work obligations from being paid a benefit while overseas now also apply to people assigned work preparation activities and people on Emergency Benefit
• the length of time a person can be paid a benefit while overseas with allowable circumstances will be for no more than 28 days in total in a 52 week period unless special circumstances apply
• rules that allow beneficiaries in certain circumstances to be paid a benefit for more than 28 days in total in a 52 week period while overseas still apply but are better defined
• rules for all people who do not tell Work and Income of their intention to travel overseas.  These beneficiaries will have their benefit stopped immediately if they do not tell Work and Income (whether they have allowable travel or not)
• information matching and the frequency of information matching with New Zealand Customs, moving from weekly to daily to allow real-time information and actions
• increased ways that people can advise Work and Income of their intended travel with the better online services and new ways for case managers to record people’s overseas travel.

• Mark Forums Read
• What's New?
• Advanced Search

• Living In New Zealand

WINZ and overseas travel

Thread: winz and overseas travel, thread tools.

• Show Printable Version
• Email this Page…
• View Profile
• View Forum Posts
• Private Message

Posting on behalf of a friend who was on WINZ benefits and had to travel out of NZ to attend a wedding overseas for one week. It was a sponsored travel by brother. The person received an email stating that "We will stop your payment based on the information you provided and the information we received from NZ customs." Not sure if someone can suggest what could be the solution this so that payment can be restarted? Any inputs are appreciated, thanks!

Is there anyone already in NZ with experience of WINZ they can share, please?

If you are collecting WINZ benefits, you are supposed to notify them before you go, and get their approval to keep your benefit. Certain benefits will end if you are not travelling for an approved reason. An overseas wedding may have been approved if asked in advance, depending on the benefit, but only if there were no work obligations attached to it. His best bet is to get back in touch with WINZ. If he has a specific case manager already, they should be the point of contact.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Thank you both of you. I have passed the message to the guy, hope he gets it sorted out with WINZ once he is back in NZ.

Posting Permissions

• You may not post new threads
• You may not post replies
• You may not post attachments
• You may not edit your posts
• BB code is On
• Smilies are On
• [IMG] code is On
• [VIDEO] code is On
• HTML code is Off

Forum Rules

Can't find what you're looking for?

• Use our website Search function
• Use your web browser's Find on Page function to search this page
• Check the Categories and Resources pages.

▸ What is the new citizenship pathway for New Zealanders? ▸ Information for Australian citizenship applicants ▸ Can I become an Australian citizen? ▸ Is my child an Australian citizen by birth?

Applying for Australian citizenship

▸ Can I become an Australian citizen? ▸ How do I apply for Australian citizenship? ▸ How can I check or show proof of my visa status? ▸ Do I need to reside four years as a PR to apply for citizenship by conferral? ▸ What can do if I have an issue with my application? ▸ How long does it take to process Australian citizenship? ▸ How long will it take to be invited to my Australian citizenship ceremony?

Eligibility for Australian citizenship

▸ Can I become an Australian citizen? ▸ How can I check or show proof of my visa status? ▸ What is a Certificate of Australian Residence? ▸ Is my child an Australian citizen by birth? ▸ Can my child become an Australian citizen at age 10? ▸ Can I become an Australian citizen by descent? ▸ Can my child be granted a permanent visa? ▸ Can my partner be granted a permanent visa? ▸ Can New Zealanders be dual citizens?

Assistance for Special Category Visa-holders

▸ Can New Zealanders receive Centrelink payments? ▸ Is there any financial support other than Centrelink? ▸ Can I receive help to return to New Zealand?

Australian Defence Force entry

▸ Can New Zealanders serve in the Australian Defence Force (ADF)?

Before moving to Australia

▸ What do I need to know before moving to Australia? ▸ What is the visa status of New Zealanders in Australia? ▸ Do WINZ need to know if I go to Australia?

Bridging visa

▸ Do I need a Bridging Visa to travel overseas?

Buying or selling a house

▸ Are New Zealanders eligible for the First Home Owners Grant? ▸ Are New Zealanders eligible for the Home Guarantee Scheme? ) ▸ Are New Zealanders considered foreign buyers for Stamp Duty? ▸ Do New Zealanders have to pay Capital Gains Tax on their home? ▸ What are the proposed changes to Capital Gains Tax? ▸ Do New Zealanders have to pay Capital gains Tax on the family home if living outside Australia?

▸ Am I eligible for the Aged Pension or NZ Superannuation? ▸ Can New Zealanders receive Centrelink payments? ▸ Is there any financial support other than Centrelink? ▸ Are permanent residents entitled to Centrelink payments? ▸ Can New Zealanders receive Disaster Recovery Payments for flooding or bush fires? ▸ Can I appeal if Centrelink decline my application? ▸ What is a Certificate of Status for New Zealanders in Australia (CSNZCA)? ▸ Am I eligible for a Medicare card? ▸ How do I contact Centrelink International Services? ▸ How do I contact WINZ Senior Services International?

Children born in Australia

▸ Is my child an Australian citizen by birth? ▸ Can my child become an Australian citizen at age 10? ▸ Can my child become a NZ citizen by descent? ▸ Can my child become a NZ citizen if I'm an NZ citizen by descent?

Comparison of rights

▸ How are Australians in New Zealand treated?

Criminal convictions

▸ Can I apply for PR or citizenship if I have a criminal conviction? ▸ Can I visit Australia if I have a criminal conviction? ▸ Will my visa be cancelled if I've been arrested/sentenced to prison? ▸ Can I visit Australia if I have been deported?

Deportation

▸ What can I do if I'm being deported? ▸ Will my visa be cancelled if I have a domestic violence conviction? ▸ How many New Zealanders are being held in Immigration detention?

Dual citizenship

▸ Can New Zealanders be dual citizens? ▸ Do I need to travel on an Australian passport?

Form 80 - Personal and Character Assessment

▸ Should I complete the Personal and Character Assessment Form 80?

HELP loans & university fees

▸ Can New Zealanders get a HELP loan?

▸ Are New Zealanders eligible for a Medicare card? ▸ How do New Zealanders apply for a Medicare card?

Migration agents

▸ Can you recommend a migration agent? ▸ How do I make a complaint about a migration agent?

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

▸ Are New Zealanders eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme?

New Zealand citizenship

▸ Can my Australian-born child become a New Zealand citizen? ▸ Can my child become a NZ citizen if I am a NZ citizen by descent? ▸ How do I renew or apply for a New Zealand passport?

New Zealander permanent visa (189)

▸ How do I apply for the permanent visa for New Zealanders (189)? ▸ When can I apply for citizenship with the New Zealand 189 visa? ▸ Do I need a Bridging Visa to travel overseas?

Non-New Zealand family members

▸ Can my partner or child get an Australian visa (461)? ▸ Can my child be granted a permanent visa? ▸ Can my partner become a permanent resident?

▸ How do I apply for or renew an Australian passport? ▸ How do I apply for or renew a New Zealand passport? ▸ How does my child obtain New Zealand citizenship and a passport? ▸ Do I need to keep my passport valid?

Permanent residency

▸ Am I a permanent resident? ▸ Can I look up my visa status (VEVO)?

Permanent visas

▸ What is the permanent visa for New Zealanders (189)? ▸ Can my partner become a permanent resident? ▸ Can my child be granted a permanent visa? ▸ How long will it take for my permanent visa to be processed?

Protected Special Category Visa (PSCV)

▸ What is a Protected Special Category Visa (PSCV)?

Resident Return Visa

▸ What is a Resident Return Visa (RRV)? ▸ How do I apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV)? ▸ Do I need to renew my Resident Return Visa (RRV)? ▸ Can I travel overseas after being granted Resident Return Visa (RRV)? ▸ How can I confirm I still hold a permanent visa after travelling overseas? ▸ What is the Resident Return Visa (RRV) travel capacity?

Special Category Visa (SCV)

▸ What is a Special Category Visa (SCV)? ▸ What is a Protected Special Category Visa (PSCV)? ▸ Can a Special Category visa-holder apply for citizenship? ▸ What do New Zealanders need to know about their Australian visa?

Student loans & study

▸ Can New Zealanders get a student loan (HELP)? ▸ Am I eligible for fees-free study in New Zealand?

Superannuation & retirement

▸ Am I eligible for the Aged Pension or NZ Superannuation? ▸ Do New Zealand & Australia have a Joint Social Security Agreement? ▸ What happens to my NZ Super or Veterans Pension if I go to Australia? ▸ Can I access my Australian Super due to financial hardship or on compassionate grounds? ▸ Can I transfer funds between my Australian Superfund and KiwiSaver?

Travel records

▸ How can obtain my Australian travel records?

Visa cancellation

▸ What is the Character Test? ▸ Will my visa be cancelled if I have a domestic violence conviction? ▸ Will my visa be cancelled if I am arrested or sentenced to prison? ▸ What can I do if my visa is cancelled?

Visa status

▸ What is my residency status in Australia? ▸ What do New Zealanders need to know about their Australian visa? ▸ Can I look up my visa status (VEVO)? ▸ How can I confirm I still hold a permanent visa after travelling overseas? ▸ What is an Eligible New Zealand Citizen? ▸ What is a Certificate of Status for New Zealanders in Australia (CSNZCA)?

Oz Kiwi is run by volunteers and entirely funded by public donations. Please consider donating to help Oz Kiwi advocate on behalf of New Zealanders living in Australia.

Thank you for your support.

Work homepage

We can help you get ready to apply and find the right job for you. We can even help you while you're working.

Get ready to work

You can get training, help with CVs and cover letters, and advice for job interviews.

Find out what jobs are available, which job is best for you and how you can plan your career.

Whether you've just started a job or need some help at work, we've got your back.

Lost your job

We'll help you get ready to find a new job and support you while you're between jobs.

Start your own business

Get help to plan and set up a successful business or be a self-employed contractor.

Benefits and payments homepage

Take a look at the range of benefits and payments we have available.

Not working

Redundancy, health condition or disability or another reason you can’t work

Living expenses

Food, school costs, power, accommodation or other living expenses you need help with

Relationship changes

You’ve had a relationship break-up, family breakdown or violent relationship end

Health and Disability

Counselling, prescription and GP costs, medical alarms and other costs we can help with

Travelling overseas, how to apply, payment rates and dates, overseas pensions, income and other info for Seniors

Caring for someone else’s child or someone with a health condition, injury or disability

Urgent or unexpected costs

Dental, glasses, car repairs, fridge, washing machine, funeral or other urgent costs you need help with

Childcare, school uniforms, stationery, having a baby and other costs if you have children

Moving to New Zealand

Payments you can get from us, settling into NZ, overseas pensions and more.

Benefits and forms

A-Z list of benefits, forms, benefit rates

On a benefit homepage

Check out what you need to do when you're getting a benefit or other payment from us.

Something's changed

Address, contact details, overseas travel, childcare, relationship or anything else that’s changed.

Declare income and income deduction tables

Change in your childcare situation, continue childcare payments, cohort entry schools and other childcare information

Going overseas

Going on holiday or going to live overseas

Re-apply for Jobseeker Support, Sole Parent Support, Temporary Additional Support and more

Check or stop your payments, payment cards and other information

Check your debt, repayments and other debt information

Rights and responsibilities

Our commitment to you,  obligations, complaints, benefit fraud and more

Housing homepage

Find out how we can help you with housing.

Nowhere to stay

Get help if you have nowhere to stay right now.

Find a house

Find out where to look for private housing, or apply for public (social) housing.

Living in your home

Get help with accommodation costs, and advice on any housing issues and public housing tenancies.

Find out how we can help if you’re moving house.

Other languages

Read some of our housing information in other languages.

• Go to the Work and Income home page

About Work and Income

• Appointments
• Cheap as data
• Become a contracted provider
• Information for trespassed clients
• What you'll need to give us when you make an application
• Our privacy notice
• Making a complaint
• Careers at Work and Income

International Services

International Services and Work and Income are services of the Ministry of Social Development. Together we help you get paid the right amount of New Zealand benefit or pension whether you live in New Zealand or overseas.

International Services:

• pays New Zealand benefits and pensions to clients overseas
• helps current and former New Zealand residents to claim certain New Zealand benefits and pensions they may be able to get while living overseas
• helps people claim any overseas benefits or pensions they may be entitled to from another country, and assesses their New Zealand entitlement once an overseas benefit or pension is granted
• provides general advice and assistance on international benefits and pensions
• shares information with social security agreement partners about benefits and pensions covered by agreements.

Our Wellington-based staff look after approximately 60,000 clients in New Zealand and in 70 countries around the world.

We assist in the negotiation of social security agreements and administer:

• the social security agreements with Australia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Ireland, Greece, Denmark, Canada and Jersey and Guernsey
• the special portability arrangement to Pacific countries
• the general portability arrangement (see what happens to your NZ Super when you go overseas )
• New Zealand benefits or pensions where a person gets an overseas pension .

If you receive a New Zealand benefit or pension, you can help us by:

• making sure that we have correct information about time you have spent living in other countries
• telling us about any changes in your circumstances.
• Free phone us on 0800 777 227
• Calling from Australia: free phone us on 1800 150 479
• Calling from another country: phone +64 4 978 1180
• Write to us at PO Box 27-178, Wellington, New Zealand
• Email [email protected]
• Visit our Going overseas or Moving to New Zealand pages.

For information about Veteran's Pensions please contact the Veteran's Pension Centre on 0800 650 656.

If it’s hard to use the phone, you can contact us through our services for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment .

Translators are also available if you call 0800 777 227.

Centrelink International Services in Australia

The New Zealand and Australian governments have a Social Security Agreement that allows payment of certain New Zealand benefits and pensions to residents of Australia and payment of certain Australian benefits pensions to residents of New Zealand

Responsibility for administering this Agreement rests with International Services in New Zealand and Centrelink International Services in Australia.

We do this on behalf of our respective government departments; the Ministry of Social Development in New Zealand and the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs in Australia.

Local offices for Centrelink in Australia and Work and Income in New Zealand are also available to provide support and advice.

If you would like to discuss your Australian benefit or pension (Australian Age Pension, Disability Support Pension or Carer Payment) please contact:

• aid.govt.nz
• mfat.govt.nz
• NZ Embassies

Official advice for New Zealanders living and travelling overseas

• Before you go
• Quick checklist and tips
• Disability information
• Dual Citizenship
• Going to Australia?
• LGBTQIA+ travellers
• Staying healthy while travelling
• Passports and visas
• Solo travellers
• Travel insurance
• Travelling with a criminal conviction
• Work and income benefits
• Travel advisories
• By destination
• Central Asia
• Central/South America
• Travel tips - travel to Europe
• Middle East
• North America
• Travel tips - travel to the United States
• South East Asia
• About our advisories
• Travel advisory risk levels
• News features
• When things go wrong
• Arrest and detention
• Contingency planning for New Zealanders overseas
• Financial difficulties
• Hostage taking and kidnapping
• Illness and injury
• Internet dating scams
• Internet fraud and international scams
• Large-scale emergency
• Lost, stolen or damaged passport
• Missing persons
• Nuclear incident
• Victims of crime
• Family issues
• Child abductions
• Combating sex crimes against children
• Inter-country adoptions
• Travelling with children
• Our services
• New Zealand embassy locator
• Before you go /

Page updated:26/1/23 Print page

On this page:

Tens of thousands of New Zealanders travel or are resident overseas. For most this is an incident-free experience but the best laid plans can be upset by a number of problems. Some are impossible to forsee or avoid so, by planning ahead and arming yourself with the right information, you can reduce the risks you might encounter overseas. Please see our Top Ten Tips:

• Register your travel and contact details. This information is kept absolutely confidential and only used if there is an emergency. For example, it means we can give you warning of an approaching tropical cyclone or give you advice on what to do if there’s major civil unrest or if there’s been a terrorist attack. 

Take out travel insurance. Your policy should cover any activities you plan to undertake (from scuba diving to scooter riding), personal liability, medical treatment, emergency medical evacuation, and any pre-existing medical conditions.  Even minor medical treatment can be very expensive overseas. If you suffer an injury overseas and return to New Zealand, ACC may be able to help with treatment costs in New Zealand, but only if you intended to be overseas for less than six months. ACC is unable to cover expenses incurred overseas. Visit www.acc.co.nz/travel to learn more.

Keep in contact with family and friends. Give a detailed copy of your itinerary, including accommodation details and your travel insurance policy, to a relative or friend. If you change your itinerary, let your loved ones know.  If you find yourself caught up in an overseas emergency situation, don’t forget to phone or email to let family know you are ok.

• Check visa requirements, including requirements for electronic travel authorities (eTA’s), and make sure you have at least one clear page in your passport for immigration stamps.   Your travel agent or the Embassy or High Commissions of the countries you intend to visit or transit through can tell you about visa and entry requirements, which you should check well in advance.
• Know where your nearest New Zealand Embassy/High Commission/Consulate will be.

Top of page

Related links

• Staying Healthy While Travelling
• Department of Internal Affairs
• Insurance Council of New Zealand
• Insurance Council of New Zealand Members

Other pages in this section:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade 195 Lambton Quay Private Bag 18 901 Wellington 5045 New Zealand

• About this site
• Accessibility

Before you travel

Avoid surprises — before you go, find and check your passport, pay your fines and check if there are any special travel requirements for the countries you’re visiting.

Documents you’ll need to leave NZ

You’ll need a passport. If your passport is damaged or close to expiring, you might not be allowed to enter some countries.

Check your passport is valid

The name in your passport must match your tickets and your officially registered name.

Before you travel, check if the country you’re visiting has special rules.

Check visa and entry requirements for your destination

Travel advisories

Travel advisories from the NZ government cover security and safety concerns in 137 places around the world.

The SafeTravel website has tips to help you stay safe overseas, what to do if things go wrong, and how the New Zealand government can or cannot help.

Register with SafeTravel

SafeTravel is the official registration facility for New Zealanders travelling or living overseas.

If you’re registered, SafeTravel can:

• contact you if there is a major incident overseas
• send you updates about emergencies, natural disasters or terrorist attacks.

Get travel insurance

You should get comprehensive travel insurance before heading away. You need to make sure it covers everywhere you’re going, and everything you plan to do.

If you do not have travel insurance, you’ll have to pay any overseas medical costs yourself, including the cost of returning to New Zealand.

Unpaid fines

If you have unpaid fines and try to leave or come into New Zealand, the police can stop you at the airport. You will be allowed to pay by credit card over the phone with a registrar.

If you’re travelling in the next 48 hours and you have fines or reparation you have not paid, call 0800 729 677 to pay with your credit card.

If you get a benefit

You must let Work and Income know your travel plans and your reasons for travel before you leave New Zealand. Partners travelling must also let them know. If you do not, your benefit might stop the day after you leave.

Going overseas to live

If you get NZ Super or Veteran’s Pension

You need to tell Seniors Services that you’re going overseas before you leave NZ.

• If you travel overseas
• Living overseas if you get NZ Super or Veteran’s Pension

If you have a student loan

If you do not meet your repayment obligations, you could be arrested when you return to NZ. Make sure you keep up your student loan payments while you’re overseas or you could be charged interest and penalties.

Going overseas when you have a student loan

If you pay tax

You might need to file a tax return (IR3) that covers the period up to the date you leave NZ. You may also need to file a tax return at a later time showing details of any income you’ve earned overseas or from an NZ source.

Find out if you should file a tax return

If you have tax debt, contact Inland Revenue to discuss the options for paying your debt. The Australian Tax Office can help recover tax debt owed by New Zealanders who move to Australia.

What to do if you have a tax debt

If you pay child support

You must contact IR.

Child support payments

Utility links and page information

JavaScript is currently turned off in your browser — this means you cannot submit the feedback form. It's easy to turn on JavaScript — Learn how to turn on JavaScript in your web browser. If you're unable to turn on JavaScript — email your feedback to [email protected] .

Do not enter personal information. All fields are optional.

You must enable JavaScript to submit this form

Last updated 15 October 2021

Contact NZ government

• A-Z of government agencies
• Contact details by topic

About this website

• About Govt.nz
• Feedback about Govt.nz
• The scope of Govt.nz

Using this website

• Accessibility
• Terms of use

Date printed 20 April 2024

Search msd.govt.nz

• What we can do for:
• Our purpose
• Our responsibilities
• Our strategies
• Our Ministers
• Our leadership team
• Our structure
• Legislation
• Our history
• Work programmes
• News and media
• Research and insights
• Publications and resources
• Careers at MSD

New Zealand Customs

Absence from New Zealand Match

This match compares Customs data to MSD client data to identify clients whose entitlement to payments from MSD may have changed due to the client going overseas.

The match focuses on working age clients who have an obligation to advise MSD of their travel intentions before their departure or their payments are automatically suspended. This group includes clients on Jobseeker Support, Sole Parent and Supported Living Payment benefits, Emergency Benefits and receiving Youth Payment or Young Parent Payment services.

This match has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of overpayments.

Notifying of intention to travel overseas

All working age clients must advise Work and Income before they travel overseas if they wish to continue to receive their benefit. If they do not tell Work and Income, their benefit will stop from the day after they leave New Zealand.

Customs Match

This match focuses on non-working age clients who have travelled out of New Zealand for longer than their benefit allows. This group includes New Zealand Superannuation, Veterans Pension, non-beneficiary clients, Childcare Subsidy, Child Disability Allowance, Orphans Benefit and Unsupported Child Benefit.

What we can do for

• Individuals
• Young adults
• Disabled people

About us and our work

• Other MSD websites
• Privacy, copyright and disclaimer
• Accessibility
• About this site

Notifying us of overseas travel plans

When you are going to travel outside of New Zealand, notify us of your plans so that we can better protect your cards and transactions while you’re overseas. You can do this yourself in your Internet Banking, and if your plans change for any reason, you can send us another notification.

Creating a travel notification in Internet Banking

• Log in to Internet Banking and click on Menu in the top-left corner
• Click on Cards
• Click on Let us know in the top-right corner next to "Travelling soon?"
• Enter all relevant details about your travel plans
• Click Submit .

You can send us a secure message in Internet Banking.

Exclusive: Russia tightens officials' travel rules due to fears over secrets, sources say

• Medium Text

• FSB pressing for tighter travel rules, say sources
• Push comes amid Ukraine war, crisis in Russia-West ties
• Rules vary across Russian government departments
• Russia fears officials could get trapped or extradited
• Foreign travel especially tough for state secret holders

'FRIENDLY' COUNTRY BAN

Coming soon: Get the latest news and expert analysis about the state of the global economy with Reuters Econ World. Sign up here.

Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Alexander Marrow; editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Gareth Jones

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

World Chevron

Trump campaign launches effort to fight voter fraud

Donald Trump's campaign and the Republican National Committee launched a program on Friday to combat voter fraud in the lead-up to the November election, even as voting irregularities have proven extremely rare in the United States.

• Work & Careers
• Life & Arts

Become an FT subscriber

Try unlimited access Only $1 for 4 weeks

Then $75 per month. Complete digital access to quality FT journalism on any device. Cancel anytime during your trial.

• Global news & analysis
• Expert opinion
• Special features
• FirstFT newsletter
• Videos & Podcasts
• Android & iOS app
• FT Edit app
• 10 gift articles per month

Explore more offers.

Standard digital.

• FT Digital Edition

Premium Digital

Print + premium digital, weekend print + standard digital, weekend print + premium digital.

Today's FT newspaper for easy reading on any device. This does not include ft.com or FT App access.

• 10 additional gift articles per month
• Global news & analysis
• Exclusive FT analysis
• Videos & Podcasts
• FT App on Android & iOS
• Everything in Standard Digital
• Premium newsletters
• Weekday Print Edition
• FT Weekend Print delivery
• Everything in Premium Digital

Essential digital access to quality FT journalism on any device. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.

• Everything in Print

Complete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.

Terms & Conditions apply

Explore our full range of subscriptions.

Why the ft.

See why over a million readers pay to read the Financial Times.

International Edition

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• March Madness
• AP Top 25 Poll
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

EU proposes youth mobility agreement with UK to help youngsters travel, work and live in both areas

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addresses a media conference at the conclusion of an EU Summit in Brussels, Friday, March 22, 2024. European Union leaders on Friday discussed plans to boost investment and the economy. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

• Copy Link copied

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Commission proposed Thursday to start negotiations with the United Kingdom to allow young people to move freely, work and study in both regions after Brexit — the U.K.'s departure from the EU four years ago.

According to the EU, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU following a referendum in 2016 has damaged mobility between the two areas.

“This situation has particularly affected the opportunities for young people to experience life on the other side of the Channel and to benefit from youth, cultural, educational, research and training exchanges,” the Commission said.

When the U.K. was still a member of the economic and political bloc, its nationals had the right to live and work freely in the EU, with reciprocity for EU nationals in the U.K. Under the agreement proposed by the EU’s executive arm, EU and UK citizens between 18 and 30 years old would be eligible to stay up to four years in the destination country.

The deal would also allow equal treatment of EU and UK students in the field of university tuition fees. Most EU students must now pay international tuition fees if they want to study in the U.K. The Commission says these vary between 11,400 and 38,000 pounds ($14,200-$47,300) per year and are a strong deterrent for EU students who generally don’t have to pay as much within the bloc.

The Commission’s recommendation will be discussed by EU member countries who must give the green light before the executive arm can start negotiations with the UK.

“We have successful Youth Mobility Schemes with 13 countries, including Australia and New Zealand, and remain open to agreeing them with our international partners, including EU member states,” the British government said in a statement.

The U.K. has its own Youth Mobility Scheme, which it has offered to some EU member states. The Commission believes the British plan is less ambitious than its own proposal.

“Our agreements provide a valuable route for cultural exchanges providing partner countries are also willing to offer the same opportunities for young British people,” the British government added.

Follow AP’s coverage of Brexit at https://apnews.com/hub/brexit

The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News

Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter

site categories

How to make your own bespoke wine with the best vintners in the world.

With an initiation fee starting at $20k, private wine and travel club The Vines takes members around the globe to sip rare vintages, learn the art of blending and even create a personal barrel complete with 25 cases and bespoke labels.

By Elycia Rubin

Elycia Rubin

• Share this article on Facebook
• Share this article on Twitter
• Share this article on Flipboard
• Share this article on Email
• Show additional share options
• Share this article on Linkedin
• Share this article on Pinit
• Share this article on Reddit
• Share this article on Tumblr
• Share this article on Whatsapp
• Share this article on Print
• Share this article on Comment

Pulling a prized bottle of, say, a 2018 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon out of the cellar to relish with friends can be thrilling. But think about the bragging rights of pouring your own blend, which you personally crafted at a famed winery in the heart of Tuscany or in the hills of Argentina.

Related Stories

The new cult california wines: sip into something more comfortable, don julio 1942 makes a splash at the oscars: here's where to buy the celeb-approved tequila online.

Over three or four days you’ll stroll vineyards, gain inside knowledge about the craft, inhale the enchanting aromas inside renowned barrel rooms and sip treasured wines. Members also have the option of creating their own personal barrel (25 cases, priced from $6,000-$40,000), which will be bottled, adorned with a bespoke label and shipped to your home after maturation. Intimate and masterfully executed, these “Blending Escapes” are the pinnacle of wine-tasting bliss for any oenophile.

“Through The Vines, we share winemaking experiences with others who are passionate about wine and the cultural and travel experiences that accompany it,” founder and CEO Michael Evans tells THR . “Drinking wines from a region, with the people who make them, and enjoying the unique foods of each locale is an unparalleled experience.”

Studded with culturally rich activities designed to deeply connect members with each region thanks to the meaningful relationships Evans and his team have cultivated, excursions are carefully curated. In addition to the deep dive with winemakers, expect dinners at off-the-beaten path cafés and trattorias, bountiful lunches set on sprawling vineyards, cooking classes with revered chefs, and gatherings with resident authors and artists.

Current destinations where members can globetrot and vine hop include: Priorat, Spain; Mosel, Germany; the Champagne and Burgundy regions of France; Mendoza, Argentina; Oregon’s Willamette Valley; Duoro Valley, Portugal; Napa Valley; Sicily; and Piemonte, Italy.

South Africa, Bordeaux and Georgia in Eastern Europe are currently being plotted for 2025. Plenty of scintillating activities are forthcoming as well, to include truffle hunting in Tuscany, clamming on the Oregon coast, and making one’s own perfume in Spain.

Those who are yearning to delve further into the terroir and grow their own grapes, literally, have the option to purchase an acre of mature vineyards in Argentina at The Vines of Mendoza for $120,000, plus additional farming fees. “Winemaking is a la carte and starts at $4 per bottle,” says Evans, who also owns The Vines Resort & Spa , the private vineyard’s sleek retreat delivering majestic views of the Andes Mountains and surrounding vines.

A version of this story first appeared in the April 10 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe .

THR Newsletters

Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Zendaya reveals how she and tom holland dodged a speeding ticket, rihanna calls new songs she’s been working on for potential next album “so good”, julia louis-dreyfus was recognized as her ‘seinfeld’ character while giving birth, rita moreno says she was “astonished” by lenny kravitz’s reaction to meeting her, how to watch bravo shows on hulu, bulgari, which just debuted world’s thinnest watch, opens new south coast plaza boutique.