Ditch the Buzzy Beehive for the Mighty MCG: Your Hilarious Guide to Moving to Melbourne from NZ
So you've chucked a sickie on bungee jumping and decided to swap the land of the long white cloud for the land of, well, even longer coffee breaks (seriously, Melbourne, those flat whites are bottomless!). But fear not, fellow Kiwi, this guide will have you saying "g'day" to Melbourne like a pro in no time.
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| How To Move To Melbourne From Nz |
First Things First: Don't Pack Your Jandals (Just Yet)
Yes, I know, it's practically a birthright for a Kiwi to own at least 17 pairs of jandals. But hold your horses (or should we say, hold your wh?nau's horses?), Melbourne weather can be a bit... temperamental. One minute you're sweating like a kina (that's a sea urchin, for the uninitiated) in the sun, the next you're wrapped in a scarf thicker than a pavlova. Pack for all seasons, basically.
Visas, Mates? Sorted. (For Most of You)
The good news is, if you're a New Zealand citizen, you get a special " Special Category Visa (SCV)" just for waltzing into Australia. Sweet as! This lets you live and work in Melbourne indefinitely. However, this is not quite the same as permanent residency, so if you're after all the bells and whistles (like voting rights and Centrelink benefits), you might need to look into applying for that later.
Not a Kiwi citizen? No worries, there are other visa options available. Just do your research, because wading through immigration jargon can be trickier than untangling a rugby scrum.
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
Finding a Flat: The Hunger Games Down Under
Ok, maybe not that dramatic, but finding a flat in Melbourne can be competitive. Here's the lowdown:
- Inner-city living: Think cool bars, laneway cafes, and rent prices that will make your eyes water. But hey, location, location, location!
- Outer suburbs: More affordable, often with a backyard for your barbie (that's grilling, for those who haven't adopted the lingo yet). The tram network is pretty good, so you won't be stuck in the sticks.
- Flatmates: Sharing a place is a common way to go, especially for newbies. Just make sure your flatmates aren't complete bogans (Aussie slang for... well, let's just say not the most refined).
Top Tip: Gumtree (like an online classifieds) is your friend for finding flats.
"She'll be Right, Mate!": Conquering the Melbourne Lingo
While both countries speak English (sort of), get ready for a whole new vocabulary challenge. Here's a crash course:
Reminder: Short breaks can improve focus.
- Brekkie: Breakfast (of course)
- Servo: Petrol station
- Footy: Aussie Rules Football (prepare to have your sporting loyalties tested)
- Thongs: Don't even think about wearing them in public. They're for your feet, not your undies! (We know, it's confusing).
Bonus points for: learning how to shorten every word ( arvo = afternoon, barbie = barbecue).
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
1. How to find a job?
Melbourne has a strong economy, so there are plenty of opportunities. Check out Seek (online job board) or hit the pavement and network like a Kiwi pro.
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
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2. How to make friends?
Melburnians are a friendly bunch. Join a sports team, a pub trivia night, or (most importantly) support a footy team! Sharing sporting misery is a great way to bond.
3. How to avoid getting homesick?
Tip: Use this post as a starting point for exploration.
Find your local Kiwi expat community! There are bound to be events and groups where you can reminisce about L&P (a beloved NZ beverage) and flight of the conch.
4. How to deal with the weather?
Embrace it! Melbourne weather is all about the layers. Just remember, there's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing choices.
5. How to not get called a "blow-in"?
(That's Aussie slang for a newcomer). Just relax, be yourself, and don't take things too seriously. After all, you're in Melbourne now, so lighten up and enjoy the ride!
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