I arrived in Auckland on 28th February 2017, marked the end of summer season in New Zealand. I brought along my bike since I have registered for Marra Sprint Triathlon in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty. After all I thought that I might also use it to stroll around the city or intercity? Maybe?
For the first week here, I have pre-arranged my accommodation so that I can settle all the necessary documentation or accounts opening without stress. I stayed in Auckland for 2 nights and then to Tauranga, or better yet in the middle of nowhere between Katikati and Tauranga.
From the airport, I took the shuttle bus into the city’s Queentreet where most of business and office are located, including backpackers hostels. I stayed at Queenstreet Backpackers for around NZD30/night. The shuttle bus cost around NZD 17.
To work in New Zealand, we need to open a bank account and tax income from IRD. I chose to open my bank account with Kiwibank branch as they usually co-open with the post shop. IRD account takes around 1 week to be activated. These two are the most important information our future employer requires to employ us.
Once done with this two accounts opening in Auckland,(you can open the accounts anywhere in New Zealand, unnecessarily Auckland) I took a bus, by Naked Bus to Katikati where my next 1 week accommodation situated. From there, the landlord fetched me to his place, situated 20km between Katikati and Tauranga. I found this place from Airbnb, which actually a passion fruit farm and the room was a renovated shed. Incomplete facilities but just enough to sleep. (There are a few ways to find better room to rent, which I will share later)
The next day, I cycled to Apata packhouse and submit my application to work there and I got it. It was easy as it was just a labour job and they will hire anyone willing to work. However, the work will not start for the next 2 weeks. Not sure if I have enough money to survive while waiting to start the work.
I cycled from my place to Mount Maunganui which was around 40km away. Along the way, the road was so hard and unfriendly to cyclist as it was narrow with high speed trucks passed by every few minutes. Moreover, the route was hilly and strong crosswind along the way. The bitterness was paid with the beautiful view of Tauranga port and the beach along The Mount. The sand was so white, and with sudden dramatic elevation of The Mount. There was an event going on at the beach, a competition between local surfing clubs.
My kiwi mate, Troy, offered me his car for me to use it to go to Katikati and find any other vacancy at other packhouses around Katikati. I went to Eastpack ltd and got the job too and this time they offered for NZD 16/hours instead of minimum NZF 15.75/hour. My plan was to wait either one of the factory to start the season first and I will join it.
By the end of the week, I asked Mr Arnie, a gentleman who manage the farm I stayed, for any work if he has one so that I can work while waiting for the packhouses. I was really on a very tight budget. Luckily, he gave me some works to do. I worked 5 hours doing fencing on the farm for an exchange of another week accommodation at the same place which he dealt with the farm owner. On other day, I helped him cleaning his house lawn and garden for free.
By the way, Mr Arnie took me to Tauranga city on my second day at the farm. He showed me around and we had a very good chat. At some point he had offered me to stay and look after his house while he was outstation for few incoming weeks, when I was looking for a room to rent. I was almost certain that I will work at Eastpack ltd in Katikati, that I prefered to find a room in Katikati instead.
