KINZ

We understand how important it is for each student to feel happy, safe and comfortable

Home-stays

One of the popular ways to experience New Zealand culture is to stay with a homestay or New Zealand host family. Families are carefully screened and have to meet very high standards regulated by the New Zealand Ministry of Education (M.O.E.). KINZ Education will monitor these accommodations also will ensure the accommodation meets our own requirements. A single, clean, private room with bed, dresser, lamp and study-desk are the basics you will expect. Homes are chosen so they are close to public transportation routes (or the home-stay family will advise or arrange transportation to your classes).
If requested a profile of your family will be provided, so that you can contact them before you come to New Zealand. If you are not happy for any reason we will move you to a new family. (This may require an additional placement fee, and the student will need to inform the school two weeks before moving out).
Living in homestay accommodation with a local family is an excellent way to rapidly improve your English and learn about New Zealand culture. All students who are under 18 years of age must live in homestay accommodation. Our homestay families are carefully chosen and inspected and meet the high standards of KINZ. Students will be given a comfortable furnished bedroom and we select families that provide breakfast and dinner.
 New Zealand families are typically friendly and kind. Living in a homestay provides a foreign student with a comfortable and safe family environment in a new country and is a great opportunity to make lots of friends.
Approximate Cost: $220-250  per week.
The cost of living will vary depending on where you plan to live-inner city or surrounding suburbs.
In terms of  homestay accommodation for International Students, the homestay placement fee ($200),  will not be refunded under any circumstances.
If a student wishes to withdraw from homestay arranged by the school, they must provide at least 2 weeks’ notice in advance (either before they arrive in New Zealand, of before the date on which they wish to leave the homestay accommodation). Failure to provide this notice will result in 2 weeks accommodation fees being forfeited.
If a student has paid an airport collection fee (NZ$ 80), and gives notice of cancellation at least 1 week before their arrival date, then the fee will be refunded in full. In all other cases, the entire fee will be retained.
Deadlines for Accommodation:
KINZ  will arrange home-stays but we must have a minimum of 4 weeks’ notice in advance to arrange them.
KINZ  or its contracted home-stay agency organises and inspects all homestay families. They visit the family homes, interview the people, and make sure that they are suitable for our students
For students between the ages of 14 and 17 (inclusive), it is a requirement of the Code of Practice (and thus a condition of enrolment) that the student stays in suitable accommodation such as:
Homestay
Designated caregiver
Parents

Flatting

If you are not staying at the Homestay and intend to go FLATTING/PRIVATE RENTING, make sure you budget for expenses such as:
Bonds/deposits/placement fees - required when living in a hall of residence or going flatting. They are typically charged at around 2-4 weeks rent. Budget for these:
Gas
Power
Phone connection and monthly phone charges (www.telecom.co.nz)
Internet charges
In a central location for a one-bedroom apartment expect to pay around $300 per week, or for a room in a flat about $ 100-150 per week. There is also a bond (2 weeks rent in advance), often an Agent’s fee (1 week’s rent) and you will normally be asked to pay two weeks rent in advance.
On top of this you will need to pay power/gas/phone bills, and be in charge of your own cooking, preparing your own meals, doing your own laundry and the rental agreement (Flat Bond).
Bonds & bills
Bonds are initial payments required for security by companies or landlords offering their services or premises.
Bonds are refundable if accounts are paid in full and premises (flats) are well-maintained