Nelson Tasman Settlement Support

A Partnership between Department of Labour and Nelson City Council

Moving into your home

Power (electricity)

Nelson/Tasman homes are generally powered by electricity. You will need to open an account with an electricity provider. All providers have a free phone number and a web site. A bond may be required on top of the first bill. Compare consumer electricity prices at www.consumer.org.nz/powerswitch/default.asp.

Telephone account

The two largest providers of telephone accounts are Telecom and Telstra Clear.
Telecom Tel: 123, www.telecom.co.nz
Telstra Clear Tel: 0508 888 800, www.telstraclear.co.nz.
All local calls are free if you use a fixed line, but you will pay a monthly charge for the fixed line. Emergency 111 calls, 0800 and 0508 numbers are also free.

Phone cards

Prepaid telephone cards are available at many shops. Companies advertise their international call rates by the minute.

Internet account

Dial-up, wireless or broadband services are all readily available. Accounts can be set up immediately if you are a Telecom or Telstra Clear customer and you want an internet account with the same company. Internet packs are available from many other providers.

Insurance

Many insurance companies exist to insure your possessions, options are available for both homeowners and renters.

Furniture and homeware

Most rental accommodation is unfurnished except for having a cooker/oven (refrigerators are often the responsibility of the tenant). Most migrants often rent when they first arrive. Second-hand furniture and homeware, such as crockery, cutlery and pots can be purchased from various shops. A weekly second-hand publication, Sell Buy Swap, is sold on Thursday from dairies, petrol stations, bookshops and supermarkets. People advertise items to sell at often cheap prices, including household goods, cars, bicycles and computers. www.sellbuyswap.co.nz. Also check out www.trademe.co.nz for local second hand items. Find out more about shopping in Nelson Tasman, including second hand shops.

Garage sales are a good way to buy cheap second-hand goods. They are usually held on Saturdays and Sundays, and are advertised in the Nelson Mail. Many people also put signs up when they are holding a sale.

For renting appliances and furniture, check out Mr. Rental Nelson. 56 Waimea Road, Nelson Tel: 548 9326 Fax: 548 9327.