New to Taranaki
A practical starting point for anyone moving to our region, whether you arrive next week or next year.
Taranaki sits on the west coast of the North Island, wrapped around the mountain that gives the region its name — three districts, one place to call home.
This page covers the practical basics. If you'd rather talk it through with a person, that's what we're here for, and it's free. Get in touch.
Before you arrive
Doing these before you land makes the first few weeks much easier.
Bring birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic qualifications, your CV, credit references, and an international driving permit or licence for everyone in your family. Originals, not just copies.
Sort short-term accommodation for your arrival before you fly. It takes the pressure off while you look for something longer term.
Everyone in your family who intends to work will need one. It's a unique tax number from Inland Revenue that lasts your whole life, and your employer and bank both need it so the right amount of tax comes out. Apply through Inland Revenue.
You'll need one to be paid. Some banks let you start the process from overseas before you arrive, which is worth asking about.
If you trained overseas, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority can assess how your qualification compares here. Employers often ask for this, and it takes time, so start early.
The region
The main centre, on the coast in the north. A seven kilometre coastal walkway, Pukekura Park, Puke Ariki museum, the Len Lye Centre, and beaches with some of the country's best surf. The economy is broad, with dairying and agriculture alongside energy, engineering, manufacturing, education and tourism.
In the centre of the region, sitting beneath the eastern slopes of the mountain, roughly halfway between New Plymouth and Hawera. A rural service town supporting the farming country around it, and home to the Taranaki Regional Council.
The region's second-largest town, near the South Taranaki Bight and about an hour south of New Plymouth. Surf Highway 45 runs along the coast through Opunake and Oakura. Hawera is home to the Tawhiti Museum and one of the world's largest dairy processing sites.
Useful links
These are the authoritative sources. We've linked to them rather than repeating their information here, so you always get the current version.
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Most people have some. Get in touch and we'll help you find the answer, free.
