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10 things divorce lawyers want you to know

Anza-Divorce in Singapore-Broken-statues-married-couplesWe don’t want to be all doom and gloom, but the beginning of a new year can be a strain for married couples thanks to the stress of the holidays and some new year realisations. Indeed, the first Monday back at work after the Christmas break is famously known as ‘Divorce Day’ – the day when divorce lawyers gear themselves up for a flurry of phone calls. With this in mind, we spoke to two divorce lawyers from independent Australian law firm Lander & Rogers to provide insights into divorce in Singapore, the trends they see around couples, and to share practical advice around the divorce process. Read on as Partner Eleanor Lau, and Special Counsel Monique Robb, both from Family & Relationship Law, uncover what you need to know.

1. Beware the “returning home” conversation

Each relationship breakdown is different, but some triggers for separation within expats can be financial issues, or one party wishing to return “home”, particularly if there are children involved. We’ve seen a lot of separations as a result of the pandemic, as one party wishes to go back (usually the wife) whilst the other may not be willing or able to (usually the husband) due to work.

2. It’s true – Covid-19 has raised divorce rates

Unfortunately, in our experience the pandemic has seen an increased number of families going through separations and divorces. Along with one party wishing to leave, the financial insecurity that families have experienced as a result of Covid-19 are also an issue.

3. New school terms are tricky periods

If an expat couple have children, the wish to leave the country can coincide with the time a child is due to start school or high school, but there is no obvious pattern to when parties might separate. Likewise, there is no clear pattern for separating couples where there are no children (or no children under the age of 18) involved. Another common trigger for divorce is the famous “empty nest syndrome”, where the children have grown up and left home for good.

4. A divorce is separate to financial or custody applications

One of the most surprising issues for separating couples is that under Australian law, cohabiting (de facto) couples have rights that are equivalent to those of married couples in regard to property settlements. This includes same sex couples. It’s also often a shock to parties that in Australia, applying for a divorce is a separate case to making an application relating to financial and parenting (custody) matters. Parties do not need to first obtain a divorce order before they can apply for orders for financial or parenting issues. Neither do they need to first have financial and parenting matters resolved before applying for a divorce. If couples agree on parenting and financial circumstances before they’ve been separated for 12 months, they can finalise any issues well in advance of filing for divorce and obtaining a divorce order.

5. Be prepared to stop spending

Step away from the fancy brunches – it’s always sensible to consider the fiscal implications of separation before it happens. If possible, speak with a lawyer and a financial advisor about what life might look like once the family income is divided across two households. Doing so can help both parties to have a realistic understanding of what their respective lifestyles might be like in the future and avoids (often unpleasant) surprises later on. For some, there is sufficient income and assets for everyone’s lifestyle to remain unchanged. However, for many people, having the same income and assets divided across two separate households may require a couple to decrease spending and adjust their spending habits accordingly.

6. Getting advice in Singapore and your homeland is savvy

Couples should obtain advice from lawyers in both Singapore and Australia, to determine the appropriate jurisdiction to deal with parenting, property, divorce and child support issues. As the outcomes for these can be quite different, it’s important to obtain this knowledge as soon as possible as it’s important to commence proceedings quickly, and to “lock in” the country whose law will apply. Wherever possible, it’s preferable to take steps quickly to avoid later legal arguments. Under Australian law, parties must be separated for 12 months prior to filing for divorce, but parenting, property and child support matters can be dealt with, either by negotiation or through the court, prior to parties filing for divorce.

7. Divorce in Singapore won’t happen overnight

In Australia, if court proceedings are required to determine financial matters and/or parenting arrangements, and particularly if the matter needs to go to a final hearing, it can take several years to finalise. But if couples can reach an agreement, either through negotiation or mediation, matters can be finalised within three to four months of the divorce application being filed.

8. Choose your lawyer wisely

While you may be tempted to seek help from your mate who did law at uni, it’s important that your divorce lawyer is someone who has the experience and expertise required to advise you on your situation – usually this is a specialist family lawyer. In Australia, lawyers with a certain level of experience who specialise in family law can obtain accreditation from The Law Society (lawsociety.com.au). It’s imperative that you chose someone who makes you feel comfortable, and who you trust to give you clear advice.

9. You can make our job easier

One of the most useful things couples can do is have their financial information organised. Prep tax returns, investment statements, bank account and credit card statements, and other financial documents that show both parties’ financial affairs at the time of separation (and in the lead up). Having a timeline of major events in the relationship, such as when you started living together, when you married, dates of major financial transactions and the births of children is very useful. Once you’ve engaged a lawyer, it’s helpful in terms of cost to send questions in one email or make one phone call, rather than several.

10. Consider a lawyer . . . and a therapist

Couples going through separation are usually highly stressed with heightened emotions, and it’s understandable that some people do lean on their lawyers for more than just legal advice. Clients usually benefit most by obtaining legal advice from a lawyer, while also getting support from a psychologist or counsellor. This is often a more cost-effective option too – in our experience, therapists are generally less expensive to consult than lawyers!

Back to school: Principal tips for new term prep

Adam Paterson new School Principal, (AIS)

The start of a new school year can be approached much like the start of a marathon: you can turn up, run, and hope for the best without much thought, but parents and children are likely to have a much better time if you’re prepared from the get-go.  

Of course, getting ready for the term will always include a certain amount of organisation such as buying uniforms and packing bags in advance, planning lunches, having your schedule ready, and knowing whether it’s a Dress Up Day or not (don’t forget!). 

But while all these things are important, and forethought and a structured routine can reduce stress and anxiety, there are other areas you can focus on that will have a lasting impact beyond the first day. 

The following suggestions are all helpful in the lead up, so that everyone feels energised and excited about what lies ahead. As someone who stepped into the new role as AIS School Principal in January 2022, read on for my tips on making it work.

Sleep better

School holidays are a wonderful time for families to reconnect. In my household with my children Alex, 20, and Daisy, 16, this usually means that normal sleep schedules go out the window, and evenings fall into a pattern of staying up late playing games or chatting. Sleeping tends to happen more the next day! 

Having the right amount of sleep at different stages of a child’s life has a huge impact on their academic performance, health and social interactions. At least a week before the first day of school, start to get your children back into their school sleep pattern and ensure they’re getting enough rest to enable them to make the most of school and life.

Eat well

As children and teenagers grow and develop, it’s normal for them to feel hungrier and to want to eat more. A balanced diet provides extra energy and nutrients to support this. Eating three regular meals a day with snacks in between will help a teenager to meet their nutritional needs; skipping meals means they’ll miss out on essential vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates, which can leave them feeling sluggish and lacking in concentration. It’s more important than ever that as parents and guardians we act as positive food role models by making healthy choices and enjoying balanced meals as a family.

Don’t panic

Kids really are like sponges, absorbing the energy of those around them. If you’re freaking out over new schedules and hand sanitiser, one of the most helpful things you can do is exude calm and cool, particularly during the lead up to term time. Complete a dry run to the school gate to mitigate any hiccups in advance, but double it up as a fun morning out. Doing so will also determine what time you need to prep breakfast and when you have to leave the house once reality kicks in. Make everyone put on their school uniform for the exercise too – no one wants to deal with a Mariah Carey-style strop on the actual first day.

Boost confidence

Our children have many people speaking to them – parents, siblings, friends, and also strangers on social media. However, the voice they hear the most is their own. The difference that positive self-talk and negative self-talk can have on a child’s wellbeing, both socially and academically, should not be underestimated. The use and practise of positive self-talk with your child is essential for easing the anxiety of starting a new school year. Create some affirmations they can use on a regular basis such as, ‘I can do hard things’ or ‘I can take risks’ or ‘I like a challenge’.  Stick up visible post-it notes around your home and in your kids’ bedrooms if this feels awkward to say out loud. The more you practise it, the more it will become embedded in your daily life, and this will become the voice your children will be using with themselves. 

Express gratitude

There is increasing evidence that being grateful has a positive effect on our wellbeing. Before school starts there’s an opportunity to have this conversation with your children. Reframe the chat from what they’re excited or nervous about, to what they’re feeling grateful for in the coming school year. Have some of your own starting points ready such as ‘I’m grateful to catch up with people I’ve not seen for ages’ or ‘I’m grateful to be able to connect with the families of new children in your class’. Other areas you could be feeling grateful for are new opportunities and experiences that being at school brings.

Australian International School (AIS) is located at 1 Lorong Chuan, 556 818.
Tel: 6517 0247 (admissions), ais.com.sg

Recipe: Sticky Date Pudding

(Serves 8)
INGREDIENTS
240g dates
215ml water
1 tsp baking soda
60g butter
2 eggs
140g brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
180g self-raising flour, sifted
Ice cream, as desired

BANANA BRÛLÉE
2 bananas
1 tbsp sugar

CRISPY BUCKWHEAT
100ml light olive oil
40g buckwheat

SALTED CARAMEL SAUCE
200g sugar
4 tbsp water
350ml fresh cream
1 tbsp sea salt, or to taste

METHOD
1. Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F). Line a 21cm (8in) square baking pan with baking paper, then place into a larger, deep pan for creating a water bath. Set aside.
2. Prepare the pudding. Place the dates and water in a pot and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for two minutes, then add the baking soda. Press down on the dates, using a whisk to break them up slightly. Add the butter and stir to mix. Remove and set aside to cool.
3. Beat the eggs, brown sugar, vanilla and salt in a bowl. Add the date mixture and mix well. Fold in the sifted flour until just mixed.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, then place both pans in the oven. Fill the larger pan with hot water until it comes halfway up the sides. Bake for 40 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the pudding comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let it sit in the water bath for 15 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the banana brûlée
1. Peel, then slice the bananas in half lengthways and cut again in half. Sprinkle the flat side with sugar and caramelise with a blow torch (or grill). Set aside.
2. Prepare the crispy buckwheat. Heat the olive oil to 140°C (285°F) and fry the buckwheat until golden. Remove and set aside to drain on paper towels.

Prepare the salted caramel sauce
1. Place the sugar and water in a small saucepan and let it boil until the mixture turns amber. Remove from the heat and add the cream, being careful as
it may splatter. Return the pan to the heat and whisk until smooth. Stir in the sea salt.

To serve
1. To assemble, slice the pudding and place on individual serving plates. Drizzle with a spoonful of salted caramel sauce, then top with a scoop of your favourite ice cream. Finish with a slice of banana and some crispy buckwheat.

Reprinted with permission from COOK: Food to Share ($40), available through bakerandcook.biz/collections/cookbooks

Anza Tours in Singapore to kick off 2022

The red dot may be small, but (despite popular belief) there is always something new to try – you’ve just got to know where to find it! From charming neighbourhoods to fascinating heritage, new food flavours to pockets of local culture, there’s a lot to explore in Singapore and learn about. ANZA Tours are available to ANZA members and non-member and are dedicated to showing you a different side of Singapore in style. Get your comfy shoes on, grab a water bottle, and let our experienced and knowledgeable tour guides show you the way. Click on the links below to book directly, or drop us an email at info@anza.org.sg and we can save you a place.

Anza Tours_ChinaTown Tour
Soak up the magic of CNY in the heart of Singapore’s Chinatown. Photo credit: STB

Chinatown

Chinatown is always fascinating, yet it really raises its game during the run up to the Chinese New Year celebrations. drop by a bakery for traditional Chinese cakes, meet sellers of incense and paper money, and visit a clan house and a Kuan Yin Temple. Our guide will explain the customs, taboos and traditions of this exciting and colourful holiday as you wander through Chinatown, learning about the history of the area. You’ll have the chance to eat at the famous Smith Street Noodle Shop (at your own expense) and soak up the  atmosphere. The tour ends at the Chinatown Complex.

Date: Tuesday 25 January

Time: 3pm–6pm

Meet: 2.50pm at the pergola in front of Block 3 and behind the bus stop, at the corner of Neil and Everton roads. Nearest MRT is Outram Park

Cost: $45 ANZA Member, $50 Non-Member

Anza Tours_Monnkey God's BirthdayMonkey God’s Birthday in Tiong Bahru

Tiong Bahru is one of Singapore’s most charming and chic Art Deco housing estates. Home to the Tiong Bahru Monkey God Temple, it was founded in 1920 in a small attap hut. This tour takes us to witness the festivities that surround the Monkey God’s Birthday, as well as to explore the estate. Stroll along the narrow streets and glimpse old family businesses, meet Alice Wang the cobbler who conducts business from her street level window, and taste Mrs. Cheng’s award-winning Gula Melaka Chiffon Cake. See murals by Singaporean artist Yip Yew Chong and uncover the location of the air raid shelter built before the war. We’ll end at the wet market where you can taste local food at your own expense. 

Date: Wednesday 16 February

Time: 9.30am to 12.30pm

Meet: 9:20am, Tiong Bahru MRT Station, Exit B next to McDonalds

Cost: $45 ANZA Member, $50 Non-Member

Anza Tours_Haw Par Villa_Hells-Museum-Entrance
Haw Par Villa is a sight to behold! Photo credit: hawparvilla.sg

Hidden Gems of the West

If you consider travelling as far as Bugis adventurous, then you’ll be astounded by the happenings in the hidden gems in the western part of Singapore. Back in 1937 it was home to a Tiger Balm Garden which is today known as Haw Par Villa. We mean it when we say there’s nothing else quite like it, with its 1,000 statues (and the rest!) and 150 dioramas that dramatise Chinese legends and folklore. The sculptures are a reminder to walk the straight and narrow and are lessons on virtues and morality. Join us on tour to experience this true wonder, before we head to the biggest wholesale centre in Singapore for vegetables and fruits – bring a big bag! Tea break will be at your own expense.

Date: Tuesday 22 February

Time: 9.30am–12 noon

Meet: 9.20am, bus stop in front of Haw Par Villa MRT Station

Cost: $35 ANZA Member, $40 Non-Member

Anza Tours_Ford Factory

Ford Factory & Changi Chapel & Museum

Our visit to the Changi Chapel and Museum Follow take us back to the historical events which led to the fall of Singapore into the hands of the Japanese on 15 February 1942. Here we’ll learn about the hardships of the prisoners, and how they managed to keep their spirits up in order to survive. We’ll then drive to the Changi Beach massacre site where the ethnic cleansing known as Sook Ching took place. Our last stop will be at the former Ford Factory. This Art Deco factory was Ford’s first motor car assembly plant in south east Asia, and it also became a temporary Japanese headquarters during the war. It was here that Lieutenant General Arthur E. Percival and his men met General Tomoyuki Yamashita and signed the surrender papers in the boardroom.

Date: Saturday 26 February

Time: 9:30am–13:00pm

Meet: 9.20am at the  carpark entrance of Newton hawker centre

Cost: $90 ANZA Member, $100 Non-Member

ANZA Tours_Jewel Changi Airport
Airports are still fascinating without the flying. Photo credit: Jewel Changi Airport

Jewel Changi Airport 

Yes, we know the idea of heading to Jewel at Changi Airport might feel a little painful right now. But this fascinating building is a wonder to behold and a fabulous place to hang out for a few hours (even if you’ll be going back home afterwards). Since Changi Airport opened in 1981, it has won awards for best airport in the world. However, in October 2019 it went stellar when Jewel officially opened. During this tour you’ll learn about the history of the airport, the construction of and the architect behind it, Mr. Moshe Safdie, and how an open air carpark basically transformed into five levels above ground and seven levels below. You’ll visit the Rain Vortex, Canopy Park and Forest Valley, home to over 2,000 species of trees and plants. And there’ll be no PCR tests involved whatsoever.

Date: Wednesday 2 March

Time: 10.00am to 12.00pm

Meet: 9.50am, Changi Airport MRT, Exit-T3 departure hall on L2

Cost: $30 ANZA Member, $35 Non-Member

 

 

ANZA Magazine January-February 2022 – out now!

Ringing in 2022 with the New Zealand High Commission

Don’t start the new year without knowing these important dates. With Waitangi Day on 6 February, we remain mindful of the history and timeline behind it. And don’t forget to mark the public holidays of the New Zealand High Commission throughout 2022, too. Happy New Year to all!

What’s Waitangi Day all about?

Waitangi Day on 6 February 2022 commemorates what is considered to be New Zealand’s founding document. As we approach the landmark date, here’s some deeper history on what it means for Aotearoa New Zealand. 

History of Waitangi Day

1835: Declaration of Independence Day

34 Northern Chiefs of a United Confederation of Tribes and British Resident, James Busby, signed the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the sovereign independence of New Zealand. 52 Māori Chiefs had signed by 1839.

6 February 1840: Te Tiriti Ō Waitangi. Treaty of Waitangi

The Crown decided a Treaty was needed to secure trade and influence in New Zealand. Signed between British Crown representatives and Māori Chiefs, the Treaty assured Māori chieftainship over land, villages and treasured assets, as well as equal rights as British subjects. Interpretations of the Treaty differ where the English text refers to the chiefs ceding sovereignty, whilst the English text refers to the chiefs ceding sovereignty, whilst the Māori text uses the word ‘Kawanatanga’ which refers to governance.

1960 – 70s: Ngā Tamatoa / Māori Rights Movement

Following experiences of the Great War and World War II, Māori returned to New Zealand with a new global outlook and sense of justice. This gave rise to a Māori rights movement of young well educated Māori in the post war ‘baby-boomer’ generation. The movement, known as Ngā Tamatoa, and prominent Māori leader Dame Whina Cooper ONZ DBE, led the 1975 Hikoi Whenua (land march) protesting the continued alienation of the Māori land.

1975: Waitangi Tribunal Established

The Waitangi Tribunal was established to hear claims of breaches of the Treaty by successive New Zealand governments.

1990s: Landmark Treaty Settlements

The investigation of claims submitted by Māori groupings for breaches of the Treaty through the Tribunal saw the settlement of some key claims in the 1990s. The most notable included the pan-tribal Fisheries Settlement, and the Ngāi Tahu and Tainui tribual settlements, worth $170m each.

2015 – Present

2501 claims have been registered. 1028 have been fully or partly reported on, and 123 final reports have been released, covering 79% of New Zealand’s landmass.

2017

The original $170M settlements of Ngāi Tahu and Tainui have grown to $1.5bn & $1.22bn in total assets respectively. These settlements are among many that have made significant social and economic contributions back to their Iwi.

2025: Settlement Target

The Tribunal’s set target to resolve all land-based and historical claims by 2020, with all remaining claims resolved by 2025.

Out Of Office: New Zealand High Commission Public Holidays

High Commissions need public holidays too. Please note that the New Zealand High Commission will be closed on the following days throughout 2022. New Zealanders needing urgent consular assistance during this period can call +64 9920 2020.

Happy New Year from the Australian High Commission

The start of a new year is inevitably a time to reflect and look ahead with optimism at what’s to come. Australia’s bilateral relationship with Singapore is one of our closest and most enduring in the region and has gone from strength to strength. The challenges of the pandemic brought our countries closer and we want to thank our Australian expat community for their contribution to the warmth of this relationship. For Australia Day this year, we will be showing our gratitude to Singaporeans for their support this past year. Please join our community on Instagram (@australiainsg) to take part and share your #GreatMatesAUSG moments.

Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong with High Commissioner Will Hodgman at the Order of Australia presentation ceremony, October 2021. Photo: MINDEF

Order of Australia presentation to Singapore’s Defence Chief

Just one example of the closeness of Australia’s relationship with Singapore was the appointment of Singapore’s Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Melvyn Ong, as an Officer of the Order of Australia late last year. 

The Order of Australia is our country’s pre-eminent means of recognising and celebrating service and achievement. Honorary appointments are made to people who are not Australian citizens but who have made an enormous contribution to Australia or humanity.

Lieutenant General Ong was recognised for his distinguished service and dedication to strengthening the close and longstanding Australia-Singapore defence relationship. Under his leadership, the Singapore Armed Forces contributed over 70 personnel and air support to Operation Bushfire Assist in 2020, which greatly assisted fire-fighting and recovery efforts in Victoria.

Order of Australia medal presented to Lieutenant-General Ong. Photo: MINDEF

High Commissioner Will Hodgman was honoured to present Lieutenant General Ong with his medal in a small ceremony at the High Commission building. The ceremony included video messages from the Governor-General of Australia the Hon David Hurley and Australia’s Defence Force Chief, General Angus Campbell.  

 

Our top travel tips for your Aussie visitors!

With travel between Australia and Singapore becoming more possible, we’re all excited to welcome our family and loved ones back to Singapore. As it’s been a while since we all travelled, you may want to share these top travel tips with your visitors. 

  • Check your passport’s validity. Many countries, including Singapore, require arrivals to have at least six months’ validity on their passport after their planned departure date to enter the country. Your guests should keep this in mind for any onward travel from Singapore too.
  • Download your International Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate using the myGov or Express Plus Medicare mobile apps BEFORE departing Australia. Check the latest Covid-19 Safe Management Measures on the Singapore Government Ministry of Health website at www.moh.gov.sg.
  • Familiarise yourself with Singapore’s local laws, noting that Singapore has strict penalties in place for activities that may otherwise be legal or are minor offences in Australia. Check out https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/singapore for more information.

For more Singapore travel information head to @australiainsg

Christmas Feast Revolution #4: Swap Mulled Wine for Festive Tropical Sangria

The celebrations may feel different this year, so why not stage a Festive Feast Revolution and shake up your Christmas dinner? You’ve got our recipes for Duck Leg Roast, Charred Baby Gem with Leek, Chestnuts, Pancetta and Cranberries, and December Delight with Chestnut Custard. This week we complete the swaps with an alternative for traditional Mulled Wine. It’s just as addictive and comes with a soothing festive aroma, but it’s more cooling for the Singapore climate. Merry Christmas!

“In Singapore’s heat, traditional warm drinks won’t work”

Ricky Paiva, Master Mixologist at Flow Bar (@flowbarsg)

Ricky-Paiva_Master-Mixologist-Flow-Bar

“I love the festive season and the cocktails that are distinct to this time of year. I’m a fan of mulled wine; a warm glass really signals that it’s the holiday period. However, in Singapore’s heat the traditional warm seasonal drinks don’t work, so I’ve created a chilled, tropical Sangria which is perfect for the hot weather and to enjoy with family and friends over lunch or dinner. It’s a recipe that will get the party started. My top tip for concocting it would be to not take it too seriously and have fun, it is the holidays after all.”

Feastive-Feast-Revolution-Swap-Mulled-Wine-for-Festive-Tropical-Sangria

Out with the: Mulled Wine
In with the: Festive Tropical Sangria

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle of Pinot Noir
  • 100ml white Rum
  • 100ml Cointreau
  • 3 pcs strawberry (cut in quarters)
  • 10 grapes (cut in half)
  • 1 orange (cut into wheels)
  • 1/4 pineapple (cut in small pieces)
  • 1/2 red apple (cut in small pieces)
  • 50 grams Turbinado or Demerara sugar
  • 10 sprigs of mint
  • 2 pcs bay leaves
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 cloves
  • Garnish
  • Frozen cranberries 
  • Cinnamon stick
  • Orange slice 

Method

Add all ingredients together and let it sit in the chiller for three days. Stir every day. 

To Serve

Strain ingredients. Pour the Festive Tropical Sangria over ice and frozen cranberries and top up with ginger ale. For extra snazz, garnish with cinnamon sticks and oranges.

Securing an Australian mortgage as an expat: What you need to know

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Odin mortgage

Securing a mortgage in Australia as an expat or overseas resident can be an overwhelming task. From loan structuring, tax residency considerations, maximising borrowing capacity and foreign income bank policies, it’s important to have an expert on your side to guide you through the process and assist you with making the best decisions to suit your needs. That’s where Odin Mortgage comes in.

Who is Odin Mortgage?
Odin Mortgage is a leading and well-trusted Australian mortgage brokerage for Australian expats and overseas residents around the globe. They work to provide you with insightful, expert advice so that you can make the best decision when it comes to purchasing a property or refinancing your mortgage while overseas. Whether you’re a first-home buyer or a seasoned investor, you can feel confident when applying for a loan with them.

Why use Odin Mortgage?
When you apply for a loan with the assistance of Odin Mortgage, the team will guide you through the entire loan process, wherever you live in the world. Once they’ve understood your individual circumstances and requirements, they will provide a comprehensive assessment with real numbers, interest rates, and valuable and insightful expert advice.

Being a specialist brokerage, whose sole focus is Australian expats and overseas residents, they understand the nuances of working with different lenders and how they deal with foreign income. They are experts in the field to help you make an informed choice on your lending options and secure the best deal possible. 

Whether you need a full approval or would just like to make a simple enquiry, the team is accesible to take you seamlessly through your home buying or refinancing journey in-person, over the phone or via virtual consultations seven days a week, at a time that suits you.

Best of all, the service they offer to clients is completely free of charge. They’ll see your loan recommendations, get your loan pre-approval and oversee the process of your application through to settlement at no cost to you. They are paid by the lenders, which ensures that you will receive the most transparent, impartial and objective advice available.

Who is Odin Mortgage for?
Odin Mortgage’s services are suitable for Australian expats, Australian PR’s and non-resident foreign nationals who are based overseas and want specialised cross-border advice. The team will walk you through the entire mortgage process from start to finish. When you’ve decided on a product and loan structure, Odin Mortgage will provide all the tools you need to make your plan a reality.

A simple process

  1. Get a free assessment from your dedicated broker over the phone,
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    the lenders)

Speak to Odin Mortgage when you

  •  Need assistance with a pre-approval
  •  Have signed a contract or found a property you would like to purchase
  •  Are considering refinancing your existing home loan and want to find a better deal
  •  Want to do an equity cash-out for further investments 

Odin Mortgage peopleShould you get a pre-approval?
A pre-approval is an important step in getting you closer to your new home or investment property. A pre-approval means a lender has agreed, in principle, to lend you an amount of money towards the purchase of a property. It lets you know your maximum available funds so you can narrow down your search and negotiate or bid with more certainty. While you don’t need to have a pre-approval (often due to time restraints), if there is time, knowing with certainty where you stand with your bank will provide added confidence and peace of mind to move forward.

Odin Mortgage LogoEnsure you have an expert you can trust when buying or refinancing property while overseas. Contact the team at Odin Mortgage today at odinmortgage.com

Seeing the year out with High Commissioner Jo Tyndall

The past year has been filled with uncertainty and change, and loss of connection, freedom and lives. No doubt all of us, myself included, hoped that 2021 would bring us back to some sense of normalcy. But things rarely go as planned, or as hoped. 2021 has seen us move from one version of lockdown to another, both in Singapore and New Zealand. And with that has come a considerable strain on all of us.

Yet, this year has shown me how resilient we are as communities and countries. I have proudly watched the community in Singapore (and more recently New Zealand) coming together to achieve the vaccination rates we need to protect one another from serious Covid-19 illness. The innovation and creativity I’ve seen – for example in the way that New Zealand has hosted a completely virtual APEC year – has been astounding to witness.

Most heartening of all has been the regular engagement between our two countries continuing despite the pandemic. Ministers and officials at all levels and different ministries have stayed in contact over the year, with the very first minister to travel since the onset of the pandemic, Minister Damien O’Connor, making Singapore his first stop. A key highlight in Minister O’Connor’s stop was his session with the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce, where he was able to directly hear the experiences of the NZ whānau here. Indeed, it has been vital for us to understand how we as a High Commission can better support you all as we begin to make our way forward in a Covid-19 endemic world.

No, life is not “back to normal” and it seems like our progress towards reopening may no longer be as ambitious or as quick as we would like it to be. But if the pandemic has taught us anything it is this – even a small step in the right direction is a step worth taking. So let’s keep moving forward with hope, and as a unified team.

Greetings from NZHC

Here’s wishing everyone a Meri Kirihimete me te Hape Nū Ia (Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year), from all of us here at the High Commission. We look forward to coming together in 2022. Please note that the New Zealand High Commission office will be closed for the holiday period between Friday, 24 December and Friday, 31 December. We will re-open on Monday 3 January 2022. New Zealanders needing urgent consular assistance can call +64 99 20 20 20.

Meet The Team
Say hi to staff on the ground in Singapore.

Hannah Adams, Second Secretary, New Zealand High Commission
Kia ora whānau! Hailing from the great metropolis of Lower Hutt in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, my husband Shane and I only arrived in Singapore in mid-August, narrowly missing New Zealand’s latest lockdown, and slipping into the city-state without quarantine. Since then, as part of the New Zealand High Commission team I’ve been focusing on the trade side of the shop. Life here so far has been spent adapting to wearing masks in the heat, getting lost in shopping malls, and enjoying hawker meals. Our fur baby Charlie recently joined us, so we’re exploring nature walks and dog runs. I hope to meet many of you soon. Until then, Meri Kirihimete me te Hape Nū La (Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year).

Ben Burrowes, Education New Zealand Regional Director (Asia)
It’s strange to think that 2021 is almost at an end; I’m sure I’m not alone in reflecting on a year that’s now a haze of Zoom calls and best-laid plans which never quite eventuated. Having not flown since last March, I have spent more time than ever before with my family here in Singapore. I first arrived here in 2008 and have worked with Education New Zealand for the past five years. Our government agency is responsible for promoting international education – something that’s certainly proved challenging lately and caused us to be much more innovative! If there’s one silver lining, it’s that we’ve been able to connect New Zealand students and our institutions with the world in ways we never could before. I hope you can all enjoy a break over the festive period. Āwhinatia ētahi atu. Kia atawhai. Help others, Be kind.

New Zealand High Commission Singapore
One George Street, Level 21-04, Singapore 049145
Tel 6235 9966, Fax 6536 8180
nzhc.sin@mfat.govt.nz

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