Living and Working in New Zealand: a survival handbook. Fifth edition. London: Survival Books, 2010.

This is the latest edition of a book recommended by The Emigration Group (UK) to assist anyone planning to live and work in New Zealand.

It’s an outsider’s look at New Zealand but will be equally of value to new residents. Chapters include Finding a job, Employment conditions, Permits & Visas, Arrival, Accommodation, Postal services, Telecommunications, Television & radio, Education, Public transport, Motoring, Health, Insurance, Finance, Leisure, Sports, Shopping, Moving house or leaving New Zealand. Nicely presented, colourful and very practical. Some sections are definitely tongue in cheek like the section on “the Kiwis” – oh to see ourselves as others see us!

Culture wise New Zealand: the essential guide to culture, customs & business etiquette , by Graeme Chesters & John Irvine. London: Survival Books, 2007.

A useful companion piece to Living and working in New Zealand.   Chapters include: coping with a change of culture, what New Zealanders are like, getting started here, meeting people, the language barrier, the different working environment, getting around the country, New Zealanders at play, and shopping.  At times quirky and peppered with humour, the authors have some revealing observations and strong opinions.  The section on changing cultures has a good description of the stages of ‘culture shock’ – the emotional changes you go through adjusting to a new country.

Available from North Shore Libraries, see www.shorelibraries.govt.nz