Soft Landing NZ

By Brett Corlett | Soft Landing Podcast – Episode 17

Introduction

Starting fresh in a new country is exciting, but it’s also daunting, and part of that challenge is understanding how things work here when life throws curveballs. What happens if you get sick, injured, made redundant, or when you eventually grow old in New Zealand? Today I want to share what I’ve learned through my own experiences, in the hope that it helps you plan ahead and gives you some peace of mind.

Disclaimer

I’m not a financial adviser. I’m sharing purely from my own journey and experiences as an immigrant. If you need specific advice, please speak to a licensed financial adviser or insurance broker.

ACC – Accident Compensation Corporation

One of the first things to understand is ACC. It’s a government-funded scheme that covers injuries caused by accidents, whether that’s from a car crash, sports injury, or even a fall. The contributions are already deducted from your salary, so you don’t need to apply separately. I’ve personally used ACC for both myself and my son, and it worked smoothly, covering GP visits, physio, and even specialist care.

Private Medical Insurance

Coming from South Africa, where the public health system is in poor shape, I knew private cover was non-negotiable. Here in New Zealand, the public health system does work, but it can be slow. For faster access to specialists and certain treatments, many people take out private medical insurance. We chose Southern Cross, which is one of the largest providers. It’s not cheap, but for us it’s worth it, especially as my wife’s company contributes to the premiums.

Trauma Cover and Income Protection

Trauma cover (sometimes called dreaded disease cover) pays out a lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness like cancer. I’m grateful to have secured this through a company policy that didn’t exclude me for pre-existing conditions. Income protection, on the other hand, pays you a salary if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. For me, it’s peace of mind knowing that my family won’t be left without income if I need time to recover.

Life Insurance and Redundancy Cover

Life insurance ensures that if something happens to me, my family won’t be burdened financially. Redundancy cover is less common here and can be expensive, but it exists if you want an extra safety net in case of job loss. Personally, I don’t have redundancy cover, but I know others who value it highly.

KiwiSaver – Planning for Retirement

KiwiSaver is New Zealand’s retirement savings scheme. A percentage of your salary goes into it, and your employer contributes as well (currently 3%, moving to 4% in 2026). You can access it at retirement age, or use it as a deposit for your first home. It’s worth taking time to choose the right fund, as returns can vary. For us, KiwiSaver is the backbone of our long-term retirement planning.

Other Investments

Beyond insurance and KiwiSaver, we’ve also started putting money aside in other investment funds. Think of it as an emergency fund or a savings buffer for holidays, unexpected expenses, or future opportunities. It’s not always easy to save when you first arrive, but even small amounts add up over time.

Final Thoughts

Moving to New Zealand is a huge adventure, and the first year or two can be tough, financially, emotionally, and mentally. But once you settle and start thinking long-term, putting these protections in place can give you and your family real security. I hope sharing my journey helps you prepare and avoid some of the uncertainty that comes with starting fresh in a new country.

If you found this useful, please share it with others who are also making the move. The more we help each other, the softer the landing will be for everyone.

🎧 Listen to Episode 17

➡️Podcast

📢 Stay Connected

I’d love your help.
The Inner Circle App is coming soon — a free space for migrants to connect, learn, and belong in New Zealand. We’d love your input! Help us shape it so it truly supports your needs.

https://forms.gle/FuTEd7cMwv7jzSK56

Follow my Soft Landing podcast and subscribe to my YouTube channel @softlandingnz for real stories, walkthroughs, and practical tips for newcomers to New Zealand. 
📍 All links & platforms: https://linktr.ee/softlandingnz