Moving to New Zealand
It's easy to open your New Zealand account now.
We've made it easy for you to move your money to New Zealand. To open an account, simply complete the online application. If you meet our criteria you'll be able to move your money into this account straight away.
Then, when you arrive in New Zealand, come in and see us. We'll have your new Eftpos Card (you may know this as a debit card) ready and we can quickly arrange any other services you need, there and then.
Why Bank of New Zealand?
We're one of New Zealand's leading full-service banks and we've been helping people start a new life in this country since 1861. We offer online account opening options, competitive exchange rates and friendly efficient service. Here's some information to help you get to know more about us, the products and services we can offer and some links to useful information about living and working in New Zealand.
Step 1 - apply to open an account
In most cases we'll set up your bank account within three working days and assign you a dedicated migrant banking specialist who can provide financial advice to help you prepare for your move to New Zealand. We don't need copies of your ID or other documents at this stage, but we'll need to check them once you're here in New Zealand.
Step 2 - move your money into your new account
Your new account is like a holding account. Once you have the account number you can start moving money into it. Your exchange rate will be the market rate at the time of transfer. A processing fee will apply. We'll confirm deposits into the account by email, but you won't be able to access the account online or make withdrawals from it until you come in to see us. If your plans to move to New Zealand change for any reason, or your account is not activated within 12 months of being opened, your funds will be returned to the account you transferred them from.
Step 3 - activate your Bank of New Zealand account
Before you leave make an appointment to visit your migrant banking specialist in New Zealand to complete your documentation, activate your account and pick up your new Eftpos card. If you applied for a joint account, you'll both have to be present at the same time. You'll be able to access your money as soon as your account is activated. We can also arrange internet and telephone banking, credit cards and any other products or services you require.
Next steps - moving to New Zealand
Small print
Our normal account opening criteria apply. The full details of the standard terms and conditions applying to New Resident Accounts and a copy of our disclosure statement are available on this website.
Bank of New Zealand ("BNZ") is registered in New Zealand under the Companies Act 1993 and has its registered office at Level 4, Deloitte Centre, 80 Queen Street, Auckland, New Zealand. Deposits with BNZ are regulated by the New Zealand Securities Commission and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. The Banking Ombudsman of New Zealand provides a dispute resolution scheme for deposit takings. The paid-up capital and reserves of BNZ are NZ $4 billion, as disclosed in the audited consolidated balance sheet dated 30 September 2010.
