How prevalent is the "DIY spirit" here? Do I need to learn some basic repair skills?

Hey there! Your question really resonates with me—this is absolutely something every future New Zealander should know beforehand. Let me share some insights from firsthand experience.

About the DIY Culture and Handyman Skills in New Zealand:

Simply put: A DIY mindset is incredibly common here! Learning basic repair skills isn’t just a "plus"—it’s essential.

Why? Two main reasons:

Labor Costs Are Sky-High!
This is the biggest factor. Labor in New Zealand is shockingly expensive. Need a plumber for a leaky tap? The call-out fee alone starts around $100+ NZD, before parts or actual work. Even minor fixes can easily cost hundreds. Changing a light, fixing a lock, patching a wall—anything requiring a "pro" will bleed your wallet dry. Naturally, DIY becomes the money-saver.
It’s Cultural DNA.
Kiwis are famously hands-on. On weekends, you’ll spot neighbors trimming hedges, painting fences, or tinkering in garages. Stores like Bunnings Warehouse or Mitre 10 are like heaven for DIY enthusiasts—packed with people loading carts with timber, paint, tools, and fittings. It’s a way of life.

How Common? What Skills Do You Need?

No need to panic—building your own house (though some do!) isn’t required. DIY skills break down into levels:

Level 1: Essential Basics (Nearly Everyone)

Failure here makes life awkward.

Assemble flat-pack furniture: IKEA, etc.—you’re the builder.
Change bulbs/tubes: Mandatory.
Unblock drains: Chemical solutions or plungers.
Use basic tools: Screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches, tape measures—fluently.
Garden basics: If you have a yard, lawn mowing is your duty.

Level 2: Handy Skills (Widely Adopted)

Saves serious cash and boosts living quality.

Use a power drill: Drilling holes, driving screws—this tool is essential.
Patch small holes: Fix dings in walls with plaster and sandpaper.
Paint interiors: Entire rooms get DIY makeovers.
Replace tap washers: Fix dripping taps yourself—skip the plumber fee.
Clear gutters: Prevent flooding; yearly maintenance.

Level 3: Advanced (Hobbyists/Experts)

For the bold—optional but rewarding.

Build a deck: A classic Kiwi DIY dream.
Basic car maintenance: Change oil, air filters, wiper blades.
Lay tiles/flooring.
Minor bathroom/kitchen refreshes (avoiding complex plumbing/electrics).

Practical Advice

Yes, learn foundational skills. It’s not hard, and resources abound:

YouTube is your teacher: Search "how to fix a leaking tap" or "how to use a power drill." Countless tutorials explain better than any manual.
Get basic tools: Start affordable: screwdrivers, wrenches, hammer, pliers. Post-arrival, your first "big" purchase? A reliable cordless drill.
Safety first!
🔌 For electricity/complex plumbing: If unsure, HIRE licensed professionals. Non-compliant work risks lives, voids home insurance, and causes headaches when selling. DIY only "reversible," non-critical tasks.
Embrace the fun:
DIY isn’t a chore. Fixing something yourself or beautifying your space brings unmatched pride. It’s also how you connect with Kiwi life—chat with Bunnings staff, ask neighbors, discover a new world.

So, roll up your sleeves! DIY will ease your budget and make life in New Zealand more rewarding. Best of luck!