The Four Stages of Settling Into New Zealand

P.O.V: You've done it! You've been offered a job, got the visa, and arrived in New Zealand, ready to settle in and hit the ground running. Here's what to expect in your first six months of settling in.

Stage One: The Honeymoon Phase

You've started a new chapter in your life, which feels surreal.

There is so much novelty and excitement.

Perhaps, you've made new friends or reunited with family and friends you haven't spent time with in years. You're in discovery mode, which also feels like vacation mode.

You begin your settlement process by securing long-term accommodation, sorting out utility services such as electricity, internet, etc., and finding your way around the dos and don'ts of living in New Zealand. All while discovering your new favourite places to eat, shop, and have fun.

Stage Two: Dealing With Culture Shock

It's been two months since you arrived in New Zealand. You've found a rental, sorted out 'life admin', settled into your new job and gotten into a routine.

There's still an element of 'newness' and discovery in your everyday but you've become a bit more familiar with your surroundings.

At this point, you're noticing minor and major differences in how things are done in New Zealand compared to your home country, as well as the cultural nuances of its society.

Some differences you like, others you don't.

You may have experienced culture shock and are still undergoing a period of adjustment.

Stage Three: Fight or Flight

It's been four months since you arrived in New Zealand.

By now, homesickness may have set in.

You may have noticed some negative aspects about New Zealand that you weren't expecting, some of which are 'make or break' for you.

You've committed to living and working here, but have moments of doubt and question whether or not you made the right decision to move to New Zealand.

To stay or not to stay, that is the question.

Stage Four: Acceptance and Routine

It's been six months since you arrived in New Zealand.

After a relatively good start and a few hiccups along the way, you've pushed past the discomfort and doubts and are fully committed to staying in New Zealand.

You've come to accept that even this incredible country has flaws (but then again, what country doesn't?), and you're happy to be here despite them.

You've settled into your new surroundings, made new friends, embraced the culture and lifestyle and have come to appreciate and accept life in New Zealand.

Settling into a new country is never linear but more like a rollercoaster ride. The entire experience can go from exciting to confusing and daunting in an instant. Resilience, keeping an open mind and taking each day as it comes are often the key to getting past the first six months of adjustment, but most importantly, immersing yourself in your new surroundings and the local culture.