Tax information

This is a good summary for NZ income tax for 2014-2015 (Tax might change in future).

The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) is responsible for administering NZ's universal no-fault accidental injury scheme. Citizen, residents and temporary visitors who suffered personal injuries could be supported by this scheme. It provides financial and medical supports. 

Election is coming soon and we have decided to vote in advanced to avoid the traffic on the voting day. The democracy system here is very transparent and mature. Yes, even PR can vote.

NZ is running MMP system which requires big political parties to work with smaller parties to win the election. There is candidate vote and party vote. You can vote who is going to represent your electorate.  We have to choose which party to govern NZ as well. Wait, there are more rules here. Party vote is the important one (I heard) and if you can get more than 5% party vote, even you have no candidates wining the candidate votes seat, the party can bring 5 members into the parliament. More rules... blah balh blah

We have moved to East Auckland Dannemora and the family has agreed this is the best place we live so far (compare to Browns Bay and West Harbour). There are way more restaurants (really good one) around this area. Every serious retailers and hypermarket do setup their footprint here, together with all sorts of Asian shops and bakery. Another important one we liked most... this area has ultra fast fiber optic network! Good (in term of cost and variety available) to have internet TV running unlimited broadband.

Oh by the way, due to the rock star economy in NZ, the job market is very active at the moment (happy to see so many companies are hiring Java engineers haha). Some company even host BBQ and Beer session to attract talents to join the company. If you have skill and able to perform, you will be valued. 

Process to convert to Permanent Residence (also known as IRRV)

Someone asked me about the process to convert the permanent residency after the 2 years had passed. Well, it is pretty straight forward.

Conditions:
- Stay in NZ at least half a year in each year
- Must be 2 years full. If you received your resident visa on 1 Jan 2010, you can only apply the permanent residency after 1 Jan 2012 (2 Jan 2012 onward).
- Your last 6 months must be in NZ. (June 2011 - Jan 2012)

Download the Permanent Residency application form from the internet, fill it out,  go to any Immigration office, take the queue and submit it. Kid less than 16 years doesn't need to attend. The immigration officer will process your application and it is pretty stress-less process :)