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Moving from New Zealand to Sydney with Children: What You Need to Prepare

Updated: Mar 3

Moving countries is always a big step, but when you're moving with children, the stakes are even higher.


As a mum, a professional, and someone who has navigated the challenges of expat life for 17 years, I want to help you make your move from New Zealand to Sydney as smooth as possible. Whether you're moving for work, family, or lifestyle reasons, here's a guide to prepare you for the journey ahead, tailored specifically for parents.

 

1.        Visa and Documentation

While citizens of New Zealand can move to Australia without a visa due to the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, you’ll still need to make sure your children have their own passports. It’s also important to understand your rights as a New Zealand citizen in Australia, especially regarding healthcare, education, and working rights. Consider applying for a visa that offers permanent residency to access full services.

 

2.        Schooling Options in Sydney

Research the schooling system early. Sydney offers a range of public, private, and international schools. Enrolling your child in the right school can make a huge difference in how quickly they adapt to the move. It’s important to note:

  • Public schools are typically zoned, so your choice of school might depend on where you live.

  • Private schools often have long waiting lists, so it’s best to apply as soon as possible.

  • You may want to check for after-school care options if you’ll be working.

 


3.        Healthcare

Australia offers excellent healthcare options, but it’s important to know how to navigate the system. As a New Zealand citizen, you’ll have access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, but private health insurance may offer additional benefits, particularly for children’s dental care or specialist appointments.

 

Make sure you:

  • Register for Medicare as soon as you arrive.

  • Update your child’s vaccination records to meet Australian school requirements.

 

4.        Finding the Right Neighbourhood

When choosing where to live, consider proximity to schools, parks, and family-friendly amenities. Sydney is a vast city with diverse suburbs, so finding a neighbourhood that suits your lifestyle and your child’s needs is crucial. Suburbs like Manly, Bondi, and Coogee offer beachside living with great family-friendly activities, while areas like Lane Cove and Chatswood are known for excellent schools and green spaces.

 

 

5.        Financial Preparation

Moving to a new country always comes with hidden costs. Aside from moving expenses, you’ll need to account for housing, utilities, and potentially childcare. Set up an Australian bank account before you arrive, and make sure your finances are in order. Familiarise yourself with the cost of living in Sydney, it’s known to be higher than in many parts of New Zealand.

 

Moving to a new country always comes with hidden costs. Aside from moving expenses, you’ll need to account for housing, utilities, and potentially childcare. One important step is setting up an Australian bank account. You can apply for an Australian bank account while still in New Zealand, making it easier to access your funds once you arrive. For example, when I moved, my husband and I applied for accounts with ANZ while still in New Zealand. The process was smooth, straightforward, and professional. By doing this, We were able to have our bank cards ready to use upon arrival. However, if you haven’t secured a permanent address yet, many banks offer the option to pick up your card in person when you arrive. In this case, you’ll just need to visit the branch to verify your identity. It’s entirely up to your preference which bank you choose, but having your account set up ahead of time can save you a lot of hassle during the transition.

 

Here are some major Australian banks where you can apply for a bank account online, even before arriving in Australia:


ANZ (Australia and New Zealand Banking Group)

ANZ offers a straightforward online application process for expats moving to Australia. Apply for an ANZ account](https://www.anz.com.au/personal/bank-accounts/)

 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

CBA allows you to open an account up to three months before you arrive, with a wide range of account options for different needs. Apply for a Commonwealth Bank account (https://www.commbank.com.au/banking.html)


Westpac

Westpac provides an easy-to-use online application, and you can set up your account before you arrive in Australia.  Apply for a Westpac account


NAB (National Australia Bank)

NAB offers expats the ability to open a bank account online, and you can start using your account as soon as you land. Apply for a NAB account (https://www.nab.com.au/personal/banking)


St.George offers online account setup, with services designed to help new arrivals settle in. Apply for a St.George account

 

These links will take you directly to their application pages for easy access. Each bank offers various account types, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs!

 

ANZ

Explore our range of bank accounts including everyday transaction, savings accounts and term deposits to help you track, manage or grow your money. Apply online today! (947 kB)



We offer a wide range of personal products, from home loans, credit cards, and saving accounts to superannuation, to ensure all your needs are met. (173 kB)

We have everyday bank accounts to help you better manage your money and savings accounts to help grow your money. Open in less than 3 minutes. T&Cs apply. (25 kB)

We’ve got savings accounts, zero fee transaction accounts and term deposit accounts with competitive rates. Explore our bank accounts today.

Compare a range of bank accounts with features designed to help you manage your money and grow your savings. Open in less than 3 minutes. T&Cs apply.

 

 

6.        Settling In: Support for Your Children

Moving to a new country can be an exciting adventure for children, but it can also be overwhelming.


Prepare your child by:

  • Talking about the move early and positively.

  • Exploring Sydney’s child-friendly attractions together, such as Taronga Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, or the Royal Botanic Garden.

  • Joining local parenting or expat groups. This will help you build a support network and make the transition smoother for both you and your child.

 

7.        Transportation

Sydney has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, ferries, and light rail. One convenient aspect of living in Sydney is that you can use your Australian bank card to tap on and off public transport. This means you don’t need to buy a separate transport card like the Opal card—you can simply use your bank card for buses, trains, and more. If you’ll be using public transport regularly, consider how easy it is to access from your home and your child’s school. If you’re driving, remember to transfer your New Zealand driver’s license to an Australian one within the first three months of your move.

 

 

8.        Mental and Emotional Preparation

Moving to a new country can be an emotional experience for both parents and children. It’s essential to stay connected to your support network back in New Zealand, while also building new connections in Australia. Encourage your child to maintain friendships with video calls and messages, while helping them make new friends through school or activities in Sydney.

 

How I Can Help with Your Transition

If you’re looking for a seamless transition from New Zealand to Sydney, I am here to help. Our tailored service supports individuals and families moving to

Australia by offering:

  • Visa Referrals: Assistance with understanding your visa options, including pathways to permanent residency.

  • Home Search: We help you find the perfect home in family-friendly neighbourhoods with access to good schools and amenities.

  • School Enrolment Support: Guidance on selecting and applying to the right schools for your children, including public, private, and international options.

  • Essentials Setup: From organising flights and airport pickups to setting up bank accounts, utilities, and mobile services, we take care of the practicalities so you can focus on settling your family.

  • Emotional Support: We provide resources and connect you to local expat and parenting communities to help you and your children adjust smoothly to life in Sydney. I understand that moving to a new country with children can be challenging, but our expert team is here to support you every step of the way. Let us help you make Sydney your new home.

 

Final Thoughts

Moving from New Zealand to Sydney with children doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right preparation, Sydney can become an incredible new chapter for your family. From researching schools to understanding healthcare and navigating emotional transitions, the more organised you are, the smoother the move will be. And remember, you’re not alone, many families have made this journey, and with the right support, you can thrive in your new home.

 

Author: Annalise McCarrison

Feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel, Annalise Rose, where I share more in-depth tips, Sydney lifestyle vlogs  interviews, and advice for expats making the transition to Australia. Let's get growing together!

 

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