New Zealand Currency

New Zealand currency is in dollars and cents and is often referred to as the Kiwi Dollar.  Most banks offer conversion rates.  Alternately, you can find reliable conversation charts on the web.

Visitors to New Zealand can bring in as much foreign currency as they wish, although anything over NZ$10 000 must be declared at customs.  Airports, banks and limited shopping centres can exchange foreign currency for Kiwi dollars.
Students planning to reside in New Zealand for more than a couple of months would benefit from having a Kiwi bank account. Some banks will even let you open your account before you leave. 

Most universities have a bank branch, or at the very least an automatic teller machine (ATM) on campus. Banks in New Zealand do not typically lend money to international students.

Fees for transactions differ between institutions. Most banks offer special packages for full time students.  Be sure to get all the relevant information before committing to a bank, and check all the terms and services to find an account that suits your needs.

All banks offer phone and internet banking options.
If you lose your wallet, contact your bank as soon as possible to have your credit and EFTPOS cards cancelled. It may also be worth contacting the police, to prevent identity theft.  Wherever possible, try to keep a spare copy of your photo ID, as getting a replacement can be timely.