Support

Tautoko

Orientation

Face to face orientation will be conducted during the week before the academic semester starts at the teaching site you will be attending. You will receive the exact dates on your letter of offer.

Orientation will be approximately 3 days (20-24 hours) in total. These hours are likely to be spread over the whole week with a range of morning, afternoon and evening workshops, sessions and events which will include:

A mihi whakatau (traditional Māori welcome)
Social activities for the new and current students, host families, ECE centre staff, and ECNZ staff to socialise together and build relationships
Living in New Zealand
Learning basic te reo Māori (Māori language) in fun activities
An introduction and overview of ECNZ
Goal setting
Distribution of, and introduction to, key documentation (e.g. Student Handbook)
Accessing the library and online student learning management system
Strategies for study success

Each teaching site will have their own ways of presenting this information and local timetables will differ. Some of the expectations outlined here may also take place later on in the semester or be repeatedly presented during the whole year when required.

The following information will also be available from your local education centre:

Course advice
Local accommodation options
Contact details for community cultural groups, relevant to your home culture, who can help you with the transition to New Zealand
Local health providers and counselling services
Local translation services (if required)

Your local Regional Education Leader will be your first point of contact for any questions you may have.

In addition, you will have a New Zealand ‘buddy’ (another student or recent graduate) who can help you navigate this new culture.

The following links may also be useful to help you learn about New Zealand and the support available to you

Living and studying in New Zealand

Education New Zealand (information about living, studying and working in New Zealand)

New Zealand Now

www.studyinnewzealand.com

www.studyinwellington.com

You can find detailed information about living costs here. Just use the search function to choose the information specific to your chosen teaching location.

You should budget $200 - $300 per week for living costs in addition to rent or homestay accommodation. This will cover things like transport, entertainment, eating out, clothes, cell phone charges and other personal expenses. This will vary depending on your personal spending habits. Renting privately is usually more expensive than homestay and you may need to budget carefully to meet all costs.

Driving laws, driver licensing requirements and road safety

http://www.newzealand.com/int/feature/important-road-rules/

https://www.nzta.govt.nz/

Student Wellbeing

http://www.cab.org.nz/

http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/

http://alcoholdrughelp.org.nz/

http://www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz/

http://www.familyplanning.org.nz/

http://www.lifeline.org.nz/

http://www.health.govt.nz/

New Zealand laws