[Pagan]

Urgent help needed - We are planning to ship some of our household goods and the remainder of our son's household goods to N.Z. But we have now discovered that, as we have not got our residency visas, we will be liable to pay GST on ours and possibly our sons belongings, he has been in N.Z. for almost a year - next week. Has any one come across this problem and if so what were the charges please - before depression sets in.....

[Croft]

Urgent help needed - We are planning to ship some of our household goods and the remainder of our son's household goods to N.Z. But we have now discovered that, as we have not got our residency visas, we will be liable to pay GST on ours and possibly our sons belongings, he has been in N.Z. for almost a year - next week. Has any one come across this problem and if so what were the charges please - before depression sets in.....

Try here http://www.customs.govt.nz/travellers/Household+Effects/When+Customs+Charges+are+Payable.htm

and here

http://www.customs.govt.nz/travellers/Arriving+in+New+Zealand/Customs+Charges.htm

[IanW99]

If you are not coming to take up permanent residence (can include a work visa) then yes you will have to pay.

For your son's belongings:-

"Your household or other related effects (excluding motor vehicles, boats and aircraft) will be admitted free of duty and exempt GST for a reasonable time after your arrive..."

I guess it would come down to "a reasonable time"?

If you need to work out the amount then see this link Customs charges (http://www.customs.govt.nz/travellers/Arriving+in+New+Zealand/Customs+Charges.htm#paraTitle01)

So are you just coming over on a holiday visa then?

Ian

[BkyMonster]

I've heard (but not sure where :confused: :confused: ) that you can import things for your personal use for up to 2 years after you arrive in New Zealand without having to pay GST.

[dilanium]

If you have work visas or student visas good for two years or longer you don't have to pay GST either.

[Pagan]

Thank you for all your help - still not sure whether to be depressed or not - after looking at the charges customs can be make, I think I am heading that way!

What is not made clear is how much they deduct for the age of your items, so it is all in the lap of the gods - or in this case the customs guys......

Yes we are coming out on a visitors visa for 6 months each, alternating between N.Z. and the U.K. initially, then when allowed our son is planning to apply for us to join him and his family.