Hi JB

Re Tax Credits, looks like 12 months providing you are a tax paying NZ Resident. Here's a handly link re all your Tax Enquiries :

Eligibility criteria (Who can get Working for Families Tax Credits?)


Re Rentals, NZ Trade Me is a good site to assess cost in various areas. You can search by Town, Suburb, No of bedrooms etc

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Cate...59=0&x=78&y=19

Hope this helps!