Hey guys,
Newbie here! Hope you all had a great xmas! I wondered if you'd be able to give me some advice as my partner and I are very interested in moving to NZ.
Originally from the UK, we now live in Australia as permanent residents but are now considering a move to New Zealand instead. As we are permanent residents, it is my understanding that we can just rock up to NZ and get an 'automatic' residence visa. Because our Australian permanent residency will expire after the 5 year term, we will eventually need NZ PR which I believe you can get after living in NZ for 2 years. After a total of 5 years, we can then apply for NZ citizenship.
I know in the process we will lose our Australian PR status but its something we will just have to sacrifice to live in NZ. My question is, what rights as an Aussie PR are we entitled to when moving over? Are we allowed to purchase a home/get a home loan during our 2 year residence status? Do we have the same entitlements to healthcare? Can we transfer our driving licences/learn to drive etc?
All I seem to be able to find from the immigration website is that "Citizens and permanent residents of Australia (who do not have certain criminal convictions) may visit, live and work in New Zealand indefinitely."
Any ideas?