Nau Mai, Haere Mai,
Get ready to hitch your canoe at
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Outline of today’s session
• Meet International Student Support team
• Get to know International office structure
• Visa
• Insurance
• Academic expectation
• International Orientation
• International Buddy Program
• Prohibited and restricted items to bring to New Zealand
• Bringing medication to New Zealand
• What to pack in your luggage
• Budgeting
• New Zealand banks and account opening
• Accommodation
• Bringing your family with you
• Arrival meeting service
• Brief introduction to culture and languages 2
International Student Support Team
We’re here from orientation to graduation, with advisers who offer Crystal Li
wellbeing services, academic monitoring, insurance assistance, and ISST Manager
visa support.
Our services include: Eden Ee
- Pre-arrival info session International Student Adviser
- Arrival meeting service
- Orientation
- Workshops Fuatino Tafunai
- 24/7 emergency hotline International Student Adviser
- Holistic support and advisery
- Visa and insurance support
- Pastoral care
- Academic monitoring
Rajneet Kaur
International Student Adviser
- International Buddy programme
- Under 18 special care
Email: [email protected]
Thanh Huynh
International Administrator
Phone number: +64 4 463 5350
Website: https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/students/support/international
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Wider international team
Wellington University International is a wider international team primarily looking after
future students. Their main focus is on recruitment, admission and conversion.
The International Student Support team supports current international students at every
step of their journey with the University.
➢ If you are a new student, who has been fully admitted to the University – you will be
looked after by International Conversion team.
email: [email protected]
➢ If you are a fully enrolled student – you will be looked after by International Student
Support team.
email: [email protected]
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Start Strong: Essentials for New
Students
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Student visas and beyond
To study at Victoria University of Wellington, you must hold an appropriate visa. In
most cases, it will be a fee-paying, pathway or exchange student visa.
➢ If you are coming for Exchange Programme (not Study Abroad) – please apply for
an exchange student visa.
➢ If you are coming to study bridging programmes, for example, EAP + Degree –
please apply for a pathway student visa. You can request a pathway visa
supporting letter from IC team at [email protected].
➢ In all other cases, you will most likely need to apply for a fee-paying student visa.
Disclaimer: We are not licensed immigration advisers, so we are not allowed to provide
immigration advice. If your case is complex, you will need to contact INZ directly. We
only provide general information on visas that are related to study only.
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How to apply
To apply for a visa, you need to go directly to INZ website. You can also apply via agents or immigration advisers.
1. Go to Immigration New Zealand
2. Click on ‘Log In’
3. Choose ‘Student Visa’
4. Click on ‘Log In’ at the bottom again
5. You can either create a RealMe login or log into an existing account
6. Choose ‘Student Visa’ again
7. Fill in the form
Important things to remember:
- Make sure you stay on INZ website and do not end up going to RealMe website.
- Avoid using Gmail and/or Gmail-based email addresses to create your account. Security codes
often do not get delivered there. You can use Outlook, Yahoo, Hotmail or any other email
services.
- Pay attention to the questions in the visa questionnaire. The form is dynamic and incorrectly
answered questions might cause the request of unnecessary documents at the end of the form.
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Next steps
Once your visa application is submitted, you will need to wait for INZ to assess it.
The University cannot speed up this process or request escalation on your behalf. However, we can check on the status of
assessment.
Please check your email, including spam folder, frequently. We also recommend checking your INZ Realme account regularly,
as email might be missed but all communication from INZ will be available in your account at all times.
If you have requested for additional information, please respond to it in timely manner. If you can’t meet the deadline, be
honest and let your case officer know as soon as possible. It is common to request more time to prepare documents.
Once your visa is issued, please send it to [email protected] straight away.
Check that all the information on your visa is correct. This includes your name, date of birth, passport, education provider,
programme of studies, location and dates. Please note that the length of your visa is mostly determined by the paid
enrolment period.
Your visa might have the condition on the latest date you can arrive in New Zealand. In this case, you must arrive to the
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country before that date.
Important information
New Zealand visa does not guarantee that you can board the plane if you have transit countries on
your way.
It is your responsibility to check visa requirements of every country you cross on your way to New
Zealand, including the stops for refuelling.
You might need to apply for transit visas. Make sure you do it before you travel, as you won’t be able
to board the plane without all the correct visas. Allow time for this process, as some transit visas
require collection of biometrical information. You might want to avoid transiting through certain
countries if you have limited time.
The University does not provide advice on transit visa. You can visit immigration website of each
country you have layover in to see the requirements.
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Key dates
• June 10 — deadline for visa application to be submitted in order to be supported for
late arrival
• June 10 — deadline for payment for those who go through standard visa application
process
• If the student is going through Approval in Principle (AIP) path for visa – payment
must be completed by 27 June 2025 the latest, even if AIP has not been issued yet.
• June 27 — deadline for enrolment application to be submitted
• International orientation starts on 1st July 2025
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When logged into Pūaha
1. select the My
Applications tab
2. check the
Admission and
Enrolment tab
3. there should be a
button that says
Enrolments are
now open click
here.
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StudentSafe University Insurance
All international students at Victoria University of Wellington are automatically signed up to
StudentSafe Inbound University medical and travel insurance policy.
This policy provides comprehensive cover throughout your student journey, and also covers the
travel to New Zealand and time spent in New Zealand up to 31 days before the start of the
course.
This retrospective cover is provided automatically, irrespective of whether the student has paid
the insurance premium in advance or not.
You don’t have to purchase any other travel insurance. If anything happens on your trip to NZ,
please make sure to keep all the evidence and receipts for future claim purposes.
If you require cover for your pre-existing medical condition, you must complete a medical risk
assessment form, and send it to us, within 28 days of your arrival in New Zealand.
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Travel insurance coverage
StudentSafe University insurance will cover the following during your trip to New Zealand:
• Travel delay and disruption
• Missed transport connection
• Epidemics and Pandemics denied boarding
• Damaged/misplaced luggage
• Replacement of travel documents
• Money lost or stolen
Note: If you missed your flight or were denied boarding due to your own mistake (for example,
absence of required transit visa) insurance will not cover the costs. Travel disruption must be caused by
the circumstances out of your control.
Please let us know if you are travelling with an item worth more than $2,500.
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International Orientation Week
• International Orientation is held before your first classes start. It is compulsory for all new
international students in their first trimester of study.
• The program lasts 4 days from 1st July to 4th July. It provides opportunities to meet other students
from around the world, as well as local students.
• EAP orientation is on 16th June at 2pm at EA 120.
• Here is the link for Orientation: Orientation Information. And here is the Kelburn campus map:
Kelburn Campus Map
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International Buddy Programme
• Want to make friends with students in Wellington before the
trimester even starts?
• We can match you with a Buddy who can answer your
questions and help you adjust to Kiwi and university life!
• Register for the International Buddy Programme before 16th
June 2025!
• Register on our website: International Student Experience --
> International Buddy Programme. Registration link is here.
• If you cannot register, email international-
[email protected] and we can help.
• Get ready for fun, free events all trimester: pizza party,
movie night, board game, trivia hour, and more!
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Academic Expectation
There is a lot to learn when you study in New Zealand, especially if you’re not used to Kiwi teaching styles. Here’s what
you need to know.
At VUW, you’ll be expected to:
• Take responsibility for your own learning and manage your studies effectively.
• Attend lectures, classes, and tutorials on time.
• Participate actively in class discussions.
• Contribute to group work while also completing your individual assignments.
• Lecturers provide some direction and will also expect independent work.
Tip: In New Zealand, many tutors and lecturers prefer you to call them by their first name. While they will talk to you as
an equal, you're still expected to be respectful and friendly.
https://www.naumainz.studywithnewzealand.govt.nz/studying-in-nz/study-experience/teaching-and-learning-styles
AI on campus: https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/students/study/exams/academic-integrity/student-use-of-artificial-intelligence
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Understanding New Zealand:
Customs & Finance
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New Zealand customs
New Zealand has a unique ecosystem with flora and fauna that cannot be found elsewhere in the world. To protect biodiversity of our
country, as well as the safety and wellbeing of our people, there are certain items that you cannot bring with you to New Zealand.
These include (full policy):
• objectionable material contained on items like videotapes, films, records, CD-ROMs and in publications;
• weapons like flick knives, butterfly knives, swordsticks, knuckle-dusters
• any weapon which is disguised as something else;
• equipment for using cannabis or methamphetamine;
• anything which you’re planning to use in a crime;
• food;
• fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, honey, ingredients used in cooking, and all dairy products;
• alive or dead plants and seeds;
• wooden items;
• alive or dead animals;
• alive or dead animal products;
• traditional/herbal medicines;
• any shoes, sports or outdoor equipment you’ve used;
• bongs and hash pipes;
• vaporisers and their parts;
• roach clips with a pincer or tweezer;
• certain children crayons, finger paints and watercolour paints. 18
Bringing medication
Generally, you are allowed to bring up to 3 months supply of medication. This is a firm limit.
You may not be able to bring some medicines into New Zealand, especially controlled drugs. This includes medicines containing
pseudoephedrine.
One particularly difficult class of medications to import is the stimulants used for ADHD such as methylphenidate,
dexamphetamine and lisdexamphetamine. Other brand names include Ritalin, Concerta, Vyvanse and Adderall. As they are
‘controlled drugs’, these medications usually cannot be imported other than bringing a maximum of four weeks supply in your
luggage. To continue your prescription or have your prescription changed, you legally need to see a New Zealand registered
psychiatrist for assessment, endorsement, and advice.
Your clinician should send a referral letter to a private psychiatrist in New Zealand at least three months before your arrival in New
Zealand to avoid any delays. They need to assess you every two years. You can find a list of psychiatrists online.
You might be able to bring in other prescription medicines if you can present a valid doctor’s prescription.
Before leaving your home country, we recommend contacting Medicines Control to find out how your medicine is classified by
New Zealand Health authorities. You can find out more information on the Medsafe website. For further information, please email
Medicines Control.
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What to bring with you
Even though New Zealand is located in the South Hemisphere, you might feel cold even during summer evenings, and
we certainly have winter. So, please make sure you are bringing warm clothes with you.
Other important items to pack are:
• certified photocopies of important identification documents, such as your birth certificate and passport;
• your driver licence, if you plan on driving in New Zealand;
• your medical history in English, including your immunisation history and current prescriptions. Same goes to your
family members, especially kids;
• your medication in its original containers, plus the original prescription from your doctor in English;
• your mobile phone—you may also need an adaptor plug and voltage converter for your charger and other
electrical items. The New Zealand power system is 240 volts, 50 hertz;
• clothing and personal items—include warm and waterproof gear, good walking shoes, sunblock, and a sunhat;
• a face mask—you may need them on your international flight depending on the requirements of your airline and
the countries you transit through;
• some money to spend when you first arrive—we recommend about NZ$400 on a pre-paid credit card and about
NZ$100 in cash.
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Budgeting
Immigration New Zealand asks students to show they have NZ$20,000 to support themselves for a year. However, in our
practice this sum of NZ$1,667 per month only covers the bare minimum such as renting and basic food basket.
You might want to account more to make sure you are not struggling to meet your ends.
We recommend watching your expenses as soon as you arrive to New Zealand. Especially, if you rely on finding a job.
Wellington has one of the highest rent in the country, but is slightly cheaper than Auckland when it comes to cost of
groceries and other living expenses.
The University does have Hardship fund in place as well as other support services like community pantry provided by
VUWSA, but it is best to come prepared.
You can use this handy cost of living calculator to have a more accurate estimate of what you need: Cost of Living
Calculator | Live and Work New Zealand (immigration.govt.nz)
Our University also have a Financial Survival Guide: Financial survival | Current students | Victoria University of
Wellington (wgtn.ac.nz)
Some other useful article: Cost of Living in Wellington (wisemove.co.nz) 21
Banks in New Zealand
We have 5 main banks in New Zealand:
• Kiwibank: Moving to New Zealand | Accounts (kiwibank.co.nz)
• ANZ: Open an account online (anz.co.nz)
• BNZ: Join BNZ - BNZ
• ASB: Move your banking to ASB - Join ASB Bank | ASB
• Westpac: Join Westpac | Westpac NZ
You can apply to open a bank account online, while you are still overseas. Please note that you need to have a valid visa
to do it. If you are still waiting for your visa, you will have to hold on until it is issued.
You will need to book an appointment with the bank to activate your account. This has to be face-to-face. We
recommend trying to book it as soon as possible as waiting times can go beyond 4 weeks. You will need to bring a valid
photo ID and proof of address with you. We can issue a proof of address for you if you have an updated address on
your student records. So, please, update your address and contact details as soon as you find accommodation in New
Zealand.
In our practice, Kiwibank has the easiest application process. You can also start with one bank and then move to another
later on. 22
Settling In: Housing, Family &
Arrival
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Accommodation
Finding accommodation can be challenging, but here are some places to start with:
• University Halls of Residence. Not suitable for families. Apply online: https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/accommodation/halls/apply
• Homestay provided by Host Family NZ. Not suitable for families: https://www.hostfamilies.co.nz/
• Private Accommodation: https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/accommodation/short-term-and-homestay-accommodation/temporary
You can find private rentals on websites like TradeMe, through agencies like Oxygen, Tommy’s, Quinovic, or via Facebook groups
and Marketplace. Consider renting outside of Wellington city, if possible, for more options and less $$.
Please be cautious when you approach privately listed rentals (for example, on Facebook). Do not send any money before viewing
the property and make sure the place meets minimum health and safety requirements. Obtain written agreements and make sure
to protect yourself as much as possible.
Renting in New Zealand usually comes with bond and paying few weeks in advance. So, please make sure you have funds
available. Typically, the bond is 4 weeks of rent + 2 weeks in advance (can vary). Your bond will be paid back to you at the end of
your lease, if no damage was done to the property.
Please read this guide: https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Tenancy/short-guide-to-good-renting-english-edition.pdf
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Bringing your family
It is exciting to bring your family with you to a new country. Please rest assured, New Zealand is a really children-friendly
country, so your little ones will have lots of fun exploring our beautiful nature and fun playgrounds.
Unfortunately, the University cannot provide advice on family visas. You will need to direct your questions to INZ directly
or work with a licensed immigration adviser. We cannot request application status updates for family visas. We also
cannot comment on conditions of your partner’s visa.
Since residing at University Halls of Residence and Homestay is not applicable to families, you need to arrange a private
rental. There are no specific rules on the amount of rooms you need if you have children. We understand that finding a
permanent place can be even more challenging for families, so please make sure you have plan B such as temporary
places to stay.
If your partner has a work visa, your kids should be able to go to school for free. Kids in New Zealand start school when
they turn 5 years old.
Early childhood education centres are subsidised for kids from 3 years old regardless of the visa status of their parents.
ECE centres do not work past 5:15-5:30pm, so if you have evening classes/work you will need to arrange private care for
your children. There are limited spaces available for under 2s. If you have young children, you might want to put them
on waitlist or start inquiring as soon as possible.
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Bringing your family
You can include your family to your StudentSafe insurance. Please email international-
[email protected] if this is something you want to do.
Your family will not be able to attend University-based clinic, so you will need to register them in
public/private medical centres. You can find the list of all GP Clinics in Wellington and Greater
Wellington region here: https://www.ccdhb.org.nz/our-services/find-a-gp/
Immunisation for children is not covered by insurance, but can be administrated by your GP Clinic. If
your family wants to get flu vaccination but still searching for GP, you can get it in pharmacies.
More about coming to New Zealand with a family here:
https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/international/why-wellington/living/family
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Arrival meeting service
The International Student Support team provides a free meeting service for all new international students.
Staff member will meet you at the baggage claim area. Free mobile phone card will be provided in your Welcome bag.
Any queries, please call +64 29 463 5350. Alternatively, you can use What’s App or WeChat to contact the Meeting
Service Coordinator while you do not have a SIM-card. Free Wi-Fi is normally available in both Wellington and Auckland
airports.
More information about the service as well as online application form is here
Thilanthi Dona
AMS Coordinator
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Embracing Kiwi Culture: A journey
through Aotearoa
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Language
New Zealand has two official languages:
• Te Reo Māori
• New Zealand Sign Language
English is the most widely spoken language.
The other most common languages are Samoan, Northern Chinese and Hindi (according to 2018 Census).
Daily conversations includes our own unique slang and te reo Māori.
We speak fast and often with a raising tone at the end. And we are prone to muttering. Some vowels might sound different to
other parts of the world.
Tips for “surviving” the first encounter with Kiwi accent:
• Don’t be afraid to ask to repeat the word/question.
• Ask to talk slower.
• Prepare yourself by listening to New Zealand shows/YouTubers/radio
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Welcome to Māori Culture: a brief
introduction
As you being your journey with us at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of
Wellington, it is helpful to understand some key parts of the Indigenous culture—the
Māori culture:
o Te reo Māori: language of the Indigenous people (Māori). It is used in
everyday interactions both in and out of the University. You might hear key
phrases such as "Kia ora" (Hello) etc.
o Tikanga Māori: customary practices and principles that serve as a guide to
understand social interactions within Māori culture. I.e treating things tapu
(sacred) with respect (not touching someone's head).
o Pōwhiri: formal welcome ceremony involving a karanga (call) and a series of
Haimoana-Riki, H. (2024, April 22). Living Pā: Victoria
speeches with spoken incantations between the visiting group and tangata University’s groundbreaking building blends Māori
whenua (people of the land), followed by a sharing of kai (food). culture and sustainability [Photograph of the exterior
of Ngā Mokopuna and Te Tumu Herenga Waka]. NZ
o Haka: traditional group performance, that expresses emotion, pride, or Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/living-pa-
challenge often seen at cultural ceremonies or sports events. victoria-universitys-groundbreaking-building-blends-
maori-culture-and-
o Manaakitanga: refers to hospitality, care, and showing kindness to others. sustainability/SZD6TDLSVRE4RMQ4GNPNIGPWUA/
You'll experience this in how people welcome and support you in Aotearoa
New Zealand.
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Recommendations
The following shows and content creators can help you get used to the New
Zealand accent, slang, and everyday culture:
YouTube Content Creators:
• Jimi Jackson: comedy content creator known for NZ humour and relatable skits.
• How to DAD: funny and light–hearted parenting videos with Kiwi culture
references
TV Shows:
• Shortland Street: long running NZ soap opera reflecting local accents
• The Block NZ: a reality TV show about home renovations with lots of Kiwi
banter
Films:
• What We Do in the Shadows, Boy, and Hunt for the Wilder People: films by
Taika Waititi set in rural NZ, highlighting Māori and kiwi life
• Sione's Wedding: a comedy film exploring Pacific Islander experiences
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Final reminder
International Orientation—1 July 2025 to 4 July 2025
- Orientation registration: https://vuw.libcal.com/event/5837371
- International Welcome night: https://vuw.libcal.com/event/5841867
International Buddy Program — close on 16th June 2025
Update your contact details on your arrival – it's important to update your address in Wellington and your contact number.
WUI, the International Student Support Team, and Titoko work closely, but we are separate teams. Please make sure you contact
the right team to avoid delays.:
- Course advice - Titoko: [email protected]
- Offer of Place, Late arrival - WUI: [email protected]
- Arrival meeting service, Orientation, Visa and Insurance information, advice, guidance and support - ISST: international-
[email protected]
VUW has 3 campus in Wellington. Free inter-campus bus passes to students.
Wellington is a windy city – be prepared.
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Any questions?
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