Tips for Helping Your Children Settle in NZ

Settling in at School

For many children, moving to a new school is one of the most challenging parts of living in a new country. Fortunately, NZ schools are welcoming and supportive to new migrants, which helps to make the transition easier. There are also many opportunities for parents to get involved in their children’s learning and the school community which can help your child feel more comfortable. Parents in New Zealand are encouraged to stay in touch with teachers, join PTA groups, and attend parent-teacher conferences.

School is also the main avenue for children to make friends and getting involved in extra-curricular school activities can really help these friendships to flourish. Outdoor activities such as golf, swimming, tennis and surfing are popular in New Zealand and a great way for children to get to know people outside of school hours.

Adapting to Kiwi Customs & Social Norms

Every country has its own set of unique cultural customs and social norms. Maori culture and the language has a big influence on everyday life in New Zealand, whether in everyday greetings or sports events. There are plenty of opportunities to teach your children about Maori including at school where Te Reo (Maori language) is usually part of the curriculum. Consider visiting a Marae, which can be found in various locations such as Auckland, Northland, and Rotorua.

Of course, the best way for any child to adapt to a new culture is to spend time with other people from other cultures. New Zealand is a melting pot of many diverse cultures which really adds flavour to everyday life. The more time your child spends with other Kiwis, the faster they will settle in. That’s why it’s so important to encourage your children to participate in social gatherings, sports and events with other kids. Naturally, they will begin to adapt NZ customs, norms, communication styles over time. This isn’t something that needs to be forced or rushed.

Finding Fun Family Activities & Adventures

One of the best ways to get your child settled in New Zealand is to show them how much fun it can be. As one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world, New Zealand is known for its wide range of outdoor activities. From surfing and swimming at North Island beaches to skiing and snowboarding in the South Island, New Zealand is a place of fun and adventure for people of all ages. In addition to outdoor activities, there are plenty of family attractions that the kids will love. If your child is feeling homesick, look for exciting ways to make new memories in New Zealand. Having positive new experiences could help to change their perspective of their new home country.

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Here at Malcolm Pacific Immigration, we can help with all aspects of the NZ immigration process. Whether you need advice on getting a dependent child visa in NZ or are looking for work visa information, our expert advisers have you covered. Get in touch with our team today for reliable information and advice.