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What occupations are there on NI?
In the 2011 NI Census the following occupations were reported on.
If you wish to provide NI businesses with your skills and work aspirations for work on Norfolk Island, go to our skills page and send us your details. We will check and categorise what you provide us with so that NI businesses can search our database. —->
What is the makeup of the NI population?
The last Census of Norfolk Island was conducted in 2011, and is done every five years. The then resident population was 1,795. The full 2011 Census Report is available at: —-> (3.9 Mb) Here are some interesting graphs taken from that report relating to people who live on Norfolk Island. 
Are there any travel tips for visitors to NI?
Yes there are.
You should purchase travel insurance for your Norfolk holiday.
Visitor services … contact the Visitor Information Centre - P: Int+ 6723 22147 or E: [email protected]
Climate … is sub-tropical and comfortable all year round. During winter a jumper will be required as temperatures range from 12 to 17 degrees. Summer temperatures range from 18 to 26 degrees. Most rain (which totals 1,350 mm per annum) falls in the winter months, and mild sea breezes are the norm.
Language … English is the most common language. The Norfolk language, one of the world’s rarest, is also spoken.
Electricity … is standard 3 pin plug, 240 volts, AC 50cycles.
Taxes … There is a 12% GST on products imported to Norfolk Island for resale.
Shopping hours … Shops are open each weekday (excluding public holidays) except on Wednesday afternoons when they close from 12:30pm. Most shops open on Saturday mornings until 12:30pm and are then closed for the rest of the weekend. A few open on Sunday mornings.
Liquor Bond … Present your airline ticket at the Liquor Bond and get 30% off most spirits and liqueurs (up to the duty free allowable limit).
Arrivals and departures … You are met at the airport by tour company representatives. On leaving please complete a survey on your holiday experience on Norfolk Island.
Public Transport … There is no public transport, although private taxi services are available (phone 50371). Tour companies provide transfers from the airport to accommodation houses, and hire cars are inexpensive.
Street lights … are almost non-existent, so bring a torch if you intend to walk at night.
Money … is Australian legal tender. Nearly all major credit cards are supported, as is Eftpos at most places. The Commonwealth Bank has an ATM.
Stamps … Norfolk has its own stamps and post office.
Time … at noon on Norfolk it is 10:30 am in Sydney and Brisbane (Eastern Standard Time), and 12:30 pm in Auckland. There is no daylight saving on Norfolk Island.
Customs … passports are required to gain entry, and for re-entry into your home country. Personal affects are duty free, but fruit, vegetables, flowers, plants or seeds are prohibited, as is pork and some poultry products. You will need to complete quarantine and immigration forms on the aircraft prior to your arrival.
Where does the Administrator of NI live?
Norfolk Island’s magnificent Government House was built in 1829 by convicts who were overseen by the Royal Engineers. Today it is the home of the Administrator of NI, the Hon. Neil Pope and wife Jenny. Mr Robert Ness, a Conservation Architect from Sydney, was commissioned in 1998 to prepare a Conservation Plan for the restoration of the interiors of Government House. The aim of the plan was to return the interiors to the 1830’s period. Paint analysis of each room was undertaken and accurate matching of colour and paint to that of the original has been observed. These new paints are hand made, using original 19th century documented recipes relying on traditional ingredients, including ground pigments, to achieve the necessary depth of colour and surface finish comparable to their 19th century origins. Similarly, all fabrics, carpets and furnishings are appropriately documented and authenticated to the period, and additional decorative work must reflect the 1830’s period. The house is generally not open to the public. But on a number of occasions each year, to allow opportunities for people to visit and gain an appreciation of the place of Government House in the rich history of Norfolk Island, its formal rooms are open for Wednesday afternoon (1pm to 3:30pm) for public inspection. Community organisations will benefit from the adult entry fee (children free).
What events are held on the island each year?
There is (on average) at least an event each month catering to special interest groups for sports like lawn bowls, golf, shooting and archery; music like country music and jazz; and games and hobbies like scrabble and quilting.
These events are enjoyed by the community as well as visitors.
For more events information: —-> (provided by The Travelcentre)
Who provides weather forecasts for NI?
The Commonwealth maintains the Norfolk Island Meteorological Office at the NI Airport. They provide forecasts daily and warnings advice as required. The photo opposite shows the radar dome on the roof of the Met Office. This Met Office has several Commonwealth officers assigned for three year terms.
What do I need to know to establish a NI business?
Companies
Norfolk Island has its own corporation’s legislation under the Companies Act 1985 (NI) to guide the setting up of companies, including the registration of foreign companies, the issue of prospectuses, the conduct of company directors, and for the administration and liquidation / winding up of companies.
Business Transaction Levy
Shares in local companies are usually traded or transferred under private contracts. There is a Business Transactions Levy arising on each transfer of 4% of the transfer price.
Business Registration
You will need to register a business name under the Business Names Act 1976 (NI) to operate a business under a name other than your own. This registration must be renewed every three years.
Fair Trading
There is a Fair Trading Act to ensure consumer protection, with NI Police as inspectors. Australian Consumer and Competition laws do not apply in Norfolk Island at this time.
Business insurance
Business insurance is readily available through several on-island insurance brokers.
Norfolk Business Number (NBN)
To conduct a business you must register with the GST Office and obtain a Norfolk Business Number or NBN. This number must appear in all business-related documents.
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Monthly GST returns must be lodged with the GST Office with payment of 12% GST on the gross revenue collected, less any input tax credits. These are the tax paid by you on any inputs into your business. For example, the tax paid on repairs to a touring coach.
Customs
Imported goods that are not for resale are subject to Customs Import Duty. Some goods may be restricted for imports.
Other taxes
Taxes not currently in Norfolk Island that apply in Australia and New Zealand include income tax, payroll tax, land rates, company tax,
fringe benefit tax, land and property tax, and capital gains tax. Negotiations are underway for the possible introduction of some of the Commonwealth taxes into Norfolk Island, but particularly income tax and GST. A land rating system is being investigated with likely implementation in the 2014-15 financial year.
Employment of Staff
Australian and most New Zealand citizens upon arrival in NI will be deemed to hold an Unrestricted Entry Permit (UEP) and can be employed immediately. The UEP will expire when they leave NI.
Those persons other than permanent residents of Norfolk Island are employed under a prescribed Minimum Standard Employment Contract that must be certified by the Norfolk Island Employment Liaison Officer (ELO) prior to employment starting.
The case is not so straightforward for foreign nationals. They must obtain appropriate immigration approval to work in Norfolk Island. They must possess an Australian multiple entry visa valid for a period 30 days longer than the intended stay in Norfolk Island.
The employer must present evidence of efforts to recruit a suitably qualified Norfolk Island Resident or General Entry Permit holder to before recruiting a foreign national.
For further company information and forms: —->
For further information and forms regarding business names: —->
For information and forms for the GST: —->
What should I know about NI tourism?
NI has a very well established tourism industry. You can review the 10 year Tourism Plan at this link: —->
The industry is overseen by the NI Government Tourist Bureau, the Accommodation and Tourism Association (ATA), and to a lessor extent the local Chamber of Commerce.
There are over 50 accommodation places, and more than 70 tours and experiences based in culture, history, marine, National Park, food, industry and DIY. There is (on average) at least an event each month catering to special interest groups for sports like lawn bowls, golf, shooting and archery; music like country music and jazz; and games and hobbies like scrabble and quilting. For more events information: —->
There are two larger bus-based tour companies - Pinetree Tours and Baunti Escapes - and a number of smaller operators.
NI Tourism operates the Visitor Information Centre (P: Int+ 6723 22147 or E: [email protected]). They also recommend that you have travel insurance for your holiday here.
The very great majority of visitors use a hire car while on-island, and most of these are included with your accommodation. As is the case in other destinations, you will need to give credit card details (that will only be used for repairs to the car if required) to the car hire agent at the time of signing up for your hire car. If you don’t have a credit card you will have to provide $1,000 cash (or on a debit card) as a bond. If the credit card or cash has to be used you can claim the money back through your travel insurance.
In 2012-13 23,000 visitors came to NI. The demographic mix was as shown below.
Source: NI Tourism
The islands hosts several cruise ship visits each year, that vary in size from 100 passengers to 2,000. This industry sector is seen as offering significant potential for NI.
Opportunities in niche tourism abound despite the well established state of the industry. For example, the physical and environmental characteristics of the island provide significant opportunity for eco, health and wellness, environmental, volunteer, education and food-based tourism.
There is also opportunity in the MICE market (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) that could be particularly well served if you already have an established MICE presence in other destinations and are looking for alternatives and new places to reinvigorate existing customers. Think NI if this applies to you!
What public services are available in NI and how can they be contacted?
The Norfolk Island Administration (NIA) is the island’s public service. They provide a very wide variety of services that reflect the national - state - local government responsibilities that NI has under the Norfolk Island Act 1979.
If you are interested in reviewing the regulations that guide the administration of NI: —->
These include: NI Airport, Community Services, Courts and Tribunals, Customs and Immigration, Energy, Telecom, Emergency Services, Hospital, Land Use, Planning and Environment, Library, Tourism, Forestry, Postal Services, Quarantine, Supreme Court, Works.
The public service are based in some of the convict-built buildings in Kingston, in Burnt Pine (the island’s commercial hub), as well as at out-stations like Forestry along Anson Bay Road, and Works at New Cascade Road.
Here are some of the important phone numbers and email addresses that you, as a potential new immigrant, are likely to need.
| Customs and Immigration | +6723 22140 | [email protected] [email protected] |
| Companies | +6723 24272 | [email protected] |
| GST Office | +6723 24110 | [email protected] |
| Planning and Environment | +6723 23595 | [email protected] |
| Norfolk Island Central School | +6723 23000 | [email protected] |
| Police (and Office of Fair Trading) | +6723 22222 | [email protected] |
| Telecom | +6723 23905 | [email protected] |
| Hospital | +6723 22091 | [email protected] |
| Electricity | +6723 23206 | [email protected] |
| Health insurance | +6723 24271 | [email protected] |
What restrictions are there on business and new investment in NI?
There are minimal restrictions placed on new investment in NI.
Foreign investors - those who are not Australian or NZ citizens - wishing to buy land, dwellings or businesses in Norfolk Island need to be aware that the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (Commonwealth) applies to Norfolk Island.
Any development must comply with planning regulations. You can review these in detail by following this link —->.
In very simple terms the NI Government has a NI Plan that outlines land uses across the island, building regulations such as a two storey limit on construction, water catchment and storage requirements, and effluent disposal.
Australian and NZ citizens are free to establish businesses as they like, and indeed any investment to grow and diversify the island’s economy would be welcomed. Those who are not Australian or NZ citizens can still invest in NI under a permit system.
Tourism accommodation businesses must be registered and must comply to regulations which outline the standards, facilities and services for accommodating guests. Private homes can now be approved as tourist accommodation. If you would like to learn more about these regulations: —-> (and find the Tourist Accommodation Regulations).
ISP-type businesses can be established and have, under law, wholesale access to public telecom infrastructure to retail product and services to customers.
What does the new immigration policy for NI mean?
IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT NO. 2) BILL 2012
This Bill seeks to remove immigration restrictions on Australian and New Zealand citizens living in NI.
The NI Government believes that allowing such citizens to invest, work or live on the island will help to reinvigorate the economy and build a more vibrant community. It is part of the government’s drive to deliver on a sustainable growth strategy for NI. For more on this policy —->
The principal effect of the Bill is to remove the permit process for Australian and New Zealand citizens and provide eligibility for residency status immediately upon application. The process that is followed is that Australian and New Zealand citizens will be granted an indefinite visitor permit on arrival on the island. The visitor permit will be without conditions or restrictions.
In practice, Australian and New Zealand citizens upon arrival in Norfolk Island are automatically deemed a Unrestricted Entry Permit (UEP) which remains valid until they leave. They can undertake employment, or commence, carry on or participate in a business or profession in Norfolk Island, and rent private accommodation as they wish. If Australian and New Zealand citizens intend to live in Norfolk Island for more than 120 days after arrival they must join the Norfolk Island Healthcare Scheme.
At any time after arriving on the island they may apply for residency.
The granting of residency will be approved providing they have joined the local Healthcare Scheme. There will be no requirement for financial checks for Australian and New Zealand citizens. A requirement to show ‘good character’ (usually through a Police check) will however be a requirement to be recognised as a resident, and NZ citizens must show they can reside in Australia.
Note: The permit process remains in place for anyone wishing to live in NI who is not an Australian or NZ citizen.
What is cost of living like in NI?
NI has input costs at levels that exceed those of our two major trading partners, Australia and NZ, because of its remoteness. These higher costs flow through to the price of every product.
As a guide only, below are prices for a basket of goods that can be purchased at the island’s largest supermarket. This survey is done reasonably often by Norfolk Online, the island’s only online media company. This will provide a basis for comparison with costs where you live now.
ULP and diesel fuel costs abour $2.50 at the bowser - but then you don’t travel nearly as far here as in other places.
Many other costs are lower than what would be the case in Australia and NZ. For example, car registration costs $160 per year. There is no income tax at the moment, although this might change in the coming years as the NI Government builds closer financial ties to Australia.
The median income for families in NI is $50,000 p.a, and for individuals it is about $30,000 p.a. This is according to surveys conducted by Commonwealth of Australia agencies over the last five years.
| PRODUCT |
10 December 2023 prices (AUD) |
| Karicare Formula from 6 Months 900g Karicare Formula from 1-3 years 900g |
$21.74 |
| Purex toilet paper 4 in pack |
$5.79 |
| Kleenex Tissues 220 in pack |
$5.95 |
| Harpic Toilet |
$4.40 |
| Pine O Clean 1.25L |
$7.69 |
| Chum Dog 1.2kg |
$5.30 |
| Whiskas Cat 400g |
$2.75 |
| Glad Commercial All Purpose 50 blue garbage bags |
$10.38 |
| Glad Wrap 150m |
$11.02 |
| Aluminium Foil 10m |
$3.11 |
| Arnott’s 100 + 1000 |
$3.84 |
| Huggies Junior boys Pk 20 |
$19.65 |
| Pantene Shampoo 350ml |
$11.39 |
| Colgate Sensitive White 110g |
$6.52 |
| Impulse 75g |
$3.89 |
| Stayfree ultra thins 12 |
$5.75 |
| San Remo Spaghetti |
$1.94 |
| Dolmio Chunky Sauce 500g |
$4.41 |
| Continental Pasta |
$5.05 |
| Maggi Gravy |
$1.38 |
| Watties Tomato Sauce 1L |
$8.95 |
| Top cook Salad & cooking 2L |
$12.83 |
| Standard Champion flour 1.5kg |
$5.86 |
| Standard Champion SRF 1.5kg |
$7.08 |
| Kraft Peanut Butter light crunchy 375g |
$6.17 |
| Kraft Vegemite 150g |
$3.96 |
| Craigs Strawberry Jam 660g |
$5.35 |
| Eggs 1 doz |
$7.90 |
| Sugar 2kg |
$6.12 |
| Milo 200g |
$4.90 |
| Budget Chopped Tomatoes |
$1.69 |
| Baked Beans 420g |
$2.30 |
| Spaghetti with sauce 420g |
$2.65 |
| International Coffee 100g |
$6.12 |
| Nescafe Decaf 100g |
$11.39 |
| Fresh Up Juice 1LT |
$3.85 |
| White Foodlands Bread |
$3.40 |
| Anchor Cream 1LT |
$7.98 |
| Devondale Colby Cheese 625g |
$11.75 |
| Coke 1.5L |
$4.45 |
| Watties super sweet corn cobs 1kg Watties baby pea & corn 750g Watties baby pea 750g |
$11.35 |
| Chicken Size 16 |
$16.49 |
| Tiptop Ice cream 2L |
$8.98 |
| Eveready 9v Black battery |
$3.74 |
| Carton of Milk Normal |
$26.29 |
| Golden Cockerel fillet of breast chicken 2kg |
$29.95 |
How does the island meet its fruit, vegetables, meat and other food needs?
Honest Box sign on Anson Bay Road
NI grows most of its own fruit and vegetables. The only foods allowed to be imported are potato, garlic, and ginger. Everything else is locally grown according to the seasons, and available at many places, including through honesty box systems around the island.
There are several large market gardens, and several that use hydroponic techniques. Aquaponics in the home is growing in popularity.
There is a chicken farm on island, beef cattle graze freely and are used for meat and dairy, and a number of farms run small herds of Dorper sheep for their meat. There are a couple of piggeries. There are a number of commercial fishing operators who provide for shops and restaurants. Despite this, meat and fish are also imported.
There are two butchers, Slicks Butchery and Butcher in the Mall, who are also delis and sell fruit and vegetables, and one home delivery meat service from Rusty’s Quality Meats.
There is one large supermarket, Foodlands, and several smaller mini-markets at P & R and Paw Paws Pump Shed.
What other community services are available?
Travel services
Burnt Pine Travel - travel agency
Travelworld - travel agency
Service stations
Diesel and unleaded fuel available
Paw Paws Pump Shed - opens late 7 days
Central Service Station
Cascade Motors
Commercial laundry
Supa Suds Laundry
News and Media
The Trading Post Newsagency
The Norfolk Islander - community newspaper
Norfolk Online - online news service
Radio Norfolk - FM 89.9 and AM 1566
Digital TV - channel 9, 7, 10, SBS, ABC
Video rental
Norfolk Video and Music
World Traders
Environment
Econorfolk Foundation Inc - environmental best practices
Daa Nursery - garden supplies and plants
Forestry - native plants supplies (government owned and operated)
Insurance
Norfolk Insurance Office (NIO)
Norfolk Island Professional Services
Accountants
Norfolk Island Secretarial and Accounting
Graeme Donaldson Chartered Accountant
C. E. O’Sullivan & Associates
Norfolk Island Business Solutions
Planning consultants
South Pacific Planning & Projects
Betting
TAB
Liquor sales
Norfolk Island Liquor Bond - government owned and operated. They are the island’s only wholesaler and retailer of bulk and bottled liquor
Weddings
Norfolk Island celebrant
I have special food needs. Am I catered for?
NI has over 15 times the number of visitors each year as it does people who live here fulltime. As such, it has had to cater for all of the special food needs that come with these visitor levels.
All sorts of special dietary and food requirements are catered for - vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, those based on religion, and more. They are part of everyday life in NI.
What is guaranteed is that the fruit and vegetables taste like they should. Very little is imported except for potato, garlic and ginger. Everything else is grown according to seasons in home and market gardens, and fresh from paddock to plate daily.
What associated health services are available?
NI is blessed with a wide range of ancillary health services.
There is an optometrist; remedial massage practitioners; several chemists; a chiropractic service; a dentist; physiotherapists; and a very well equipped gym.
What is the situation with sewerage treatment, water and waste management, and power generation?
The island has a small sewerage treatment plant that services a small part of the Norfolk Island - from Middlegate down Queen Elizabeth Ave and through Burnt Pine. Most of the island homes use a septic tank system for household waste collection.
There is no local government rubbish pickup service in NI. Many people in NI compost. There is a waste management centre owned and operated by the government. Household waste is taken to this centre and sorted into bays. What can be recycled is, and the rest is burned. The NI Government is currently looking to purchase a high intensity incinerator.
There are no dams on NI used to collect water for household use. All homes must have a minimum of 45,000 litres of at-home water storage, either in above or below ground tanks. Accommodation places must have 32,500 litres per bedroom available.
The government owned and operated electricity plant operates on diesel fuel and this provides the island with its electricity. Electricity costs to the consumer are at 71c per kilowatt hour. Voltage is 240 volts AC, 50 cycles, with three pin standard Australian style plugs used.
Many businesses and households have solar panels installed. In fact, more than 50% of the island’s peak needs can be generated from renewable sources.
What do I need to know about pets and vets?
You can bring your pets to live on NI with you.
They must be shipped as manifested cargo and not as (un)accompanied baggage.
An import permit is required, which must be obtained prior to arrival, NI Customs can assist.
Not all classes and breeds of animals are allowed to enter. Prohibited are animals from all countries other than Australia or New Zealand.
The following link provides more information on the importing of animals to NI. —->
The island has one vet located in Middlegate who has a pet-minding service for those times you go on holidays.
What are my rights for voting in elections?
Voting in NI elections is compulsory for all residents over 18 years of age.
The Norfolk Legislative Assembly is elected by popular vote for a term of not more than four years and not less than three years. The Assembly consists of nine seats, with electors casting nine equal votes, of which no more than four can be given to any individual candidate.
NI has only had political parties in the last five years, with branches of the Labor and Liberal parties now in existence. Most seats in the parliament however are held by independent candidates.
If you are a resident of Norfolk Island, you can enrol to vote in the Australian Federal election if you:
- Are an Australian citizen; and
- Are 18 years of age or older; and
- Have lived for at least one month at your current address.
It is not compulsory for you to enrol, but once you have enrolled you must vote.
You need to nominate an electoral division where you can claim enrolment. The options are where:
- You were last eligible to be enrolled; or
- Your next of kin is currently enrolled; or
- You were born; or
- You have the closest connection.
If none of the above apply, you can enrol for the:
- Division of Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory; or
- Division of Solomon in the Northern Territory.
What postal services are available?
Norfolk Post is owned and operated by the NI Government and has its office in the commercial centre at Burnt Pine.
They operate like an Australia Post outlet in that they retail many products.
Stamps in NI are designed here and retailed at many outlets. They are highly sought after by collectors all over the world.
Mail and parcel post services leave by air to Australia twice weekly, and to New Zealand once a week.
Postal costs vary widely by destination. Here are some prices for you.
To Australia, postage by air of letters under 125 gms in weight costs $0.60. For parcels, pre-paid satchels are the cheapest option and the same price applies for parcels sent to any Australian destination. For example, the price to post an item in a pre-paid satchel weighing up to 0.5 kg is $8.25. For items 0.5 kg to 1 kg, $13.40.
International post for letters by airmail for items up to 50 gms in weight is $1.75 to NZ; $1.88 to Asia/Pacific; $2.60 to rest of the world.
International parcel post for items up to 500 gms in weight by airmail are $10.25 to NZ; $13.70 to the USA; $13 to SW Pacific; $17.70 to UK.
The option to send parcels by surface mail (ship) is also available. As an example, for articles up to 500 gms, the cost to the USA is $10.20; to the UK $10.50.
What telecommunications services are available?
The island has a both a home and mobile phone network. The latter is based on a recharge card system.
There is widespread penetration of cable and ‘hot spot’ wireless broadband throughout the island. Ubiquitous broadband is not available - NI does not have a 3G network at this time, although it is hoped that such services will be available in 2014 / 2015.
Telephone charges (in summary) are as follows:
- Local calls from 20c per call
- IDD to Australia and New Zealand start from 20c a minute (off peak) and 40c a minute (peak)
- IDD to the rest of the world start from 50c a minute (off peak) and $1 a minute (peak)
NI has two Internet Service Providers:
- Norfolk Telecom which operates as a wholly-owned government business enterprise. They provide Internet ADSL services that start at $30 a month for 1 Gb (peak) and 1 Gb (off peak).
- Norfolk Island Data Services are privately owned and are the pioneers of Internet into NI. They own the .nf domain.
For more details about the services provided by Norfolk Telecom, and charges: —->
What banks operate on NI?
NI has two banks operating here. They are branches of the Commonwealth and Westpac, and you can open a NI bank account with one or both of these. The same criteria apply for opening accounts in NI as apply on the Australian mainland.
A NI residential address and PO Box are required to open a local account that is exempt from tax on interest.
The Commonwealth Bank has the island’s only ATM.
Where is Norfolk Island?
Norfolk Island is located at 29 degrees South Pacific - more specifically 29.02 degrees S 167.57 degrees E. Two and a half hours from Australia, and one hour 45 minutes from NZ.
Norfolk Island is one and a half hours ahead of Australian Eastern Standard Time and a half hour behind New Zealand. There is no daylight saving on NI.
How does taxation work in NI?
Under the island’s self-government arrangements, the Norfolk Island Government has its own taxation system.
Taxes not currently in Norfolk Island that apply in Australia and New Zealand include income tax, payroll tax, land rates, company tax, fringe benefit tax, land and property tax, and capital gains tax. Negotiations are underway for the possible introduction of some of the Commonwealth taxes into Norfolk Island, but particularly income tax and GST. A land rating system is being investigated with likely implementation in the 2014-15 financial year.
The Norfolk Island Government has a number of ways that it raises money to fund the public service and public service delivery. They include:
- a local GST that applies on all goods, services and products sold, at a rate of 12%. There are no exemptions on food like there is in Australia.
- a duty on imports of goods and products that are not for on-sale, but are for personal use, at varying rate up to 18%.
- dividends paid by Government owned enterprises such as Norfolk Telecom, Norfolk Island Energy, and the Liquor Bond.
Registered businesses that earn more than $3,000 a year must have a Norfolk Business Number (NBN) and must pay GST. They are entitled to claim as an input tax credit the GST component paid of items purchased that are direct inputs to the production of the businesses goods and services, except for capital items that are excluded from any credit. These are the only credits / deductions against tax allowed under the NI tax system.
There is a tax levied if you are an absentee landowner, when a 1% tax on the unimproved value of the land applies.
Business owners must pay a fee of 20c per hour worked for each employee in the business to the NI Administration each month for Workers Compensation cover.
The NI Administration charges 4.0% of the contracted purchase price of the business as a transaction fee payable by the purchaser. A transfer / conveyance fee of 4.0% applies and is payable by purchasers on all real estate transactions.
At this time you do not pay tax on earnings and income if they are made in NI. You will continue to pay tax on earnings and income if they are made in Australia. You should check with your financial advisor / accountant for greater clarity on taxation in NI. The NI Government is discussing with the Commonwealth of Australia the possible introduction of income taxes into NI.
If you open a NI-based bank account at the Westpac or Commonwealth branch you must have a NI residential address and PO Box to avoid paying withholding tax on interest.
Who governs NI?
Norfolk Island is a self-governing territory of Australia. The Federal Parliament enacted the Norfolk Island Act 1979, establishing a considerable degree of self-government for the Island’s residents. To review the Act: —->
The Act acknowledged the special relationship between Norfolk Island and Norfolk Islanders of Pitcairn descent and the desire to maintain their traditions and culture. It also provided for:
- an Administrator to act as the nominal head of the Norfolk Island Government;
- a Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly able to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the Territory, including laws to raise taxes and impose charges;
- an Executive Council or Ministry drawn from the Legislative Assembly and appointed by the Administrator on the recommendation of the Assembly;
- the Norfolk Island Supreme Court and Norfolk Island’s system of laws; and
- a Norfolk Island public service.
The Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly comprises nine members elected for a maximum of four years and a minimum of three years. Those who stand for election must be Australian citizens. The Assembly has the power to legislate for all things except coinage, the raising of defence forces, the acquisition of property on other than just terms, and euthanasia.
This means that the Assembly can enact laws on virtually any topic that it chooses, including on matters that are the preserve of the Federal Government elsewhere (such as customs and immigration). The Norfolk Island Government is also primarily responsible for the delivery of government services on the Island.
The government has a Chief Minister chosen by the other elected members, and a Cabinet of ministers with portfolios who are selected by the Chief Minister. Currently the Cabinet comprises of four members (including the Chief Minister), with the other elected members operating (in effect) as the opposition.
Norfolk Island’s self-governing status is similar to that of Australia’s mainland Territories, except that the Norfolk Island Government and Legislative Assembly have greater legislative and executive powers and responsibilities - such as in respect of immigration, customs, taxation and quarantine.
These convict-built buildings are where our parliament, ministerial offices, and courts, operate from
What sporting clubs are there?
Yoga - a number of studios are available. And there is always the beach!
Cheryl Tennis Club
Clay Target Association
NI Pistol Club
NI Archery Club
NI Bowling Club
NI Golf Club
NI Squash Club
Norfolk Island Fitness + Health GymNetball, touch football, and various martial arts are also practiced in NI.
Norfolk Island also competes in the Commonwealth Games.
What services clubs, churches, community and counselling services are there?
Services Clubs
RSL
Probus
White Oaks - local seniors social group
Rotary
Lions
Lions of Arthurs Vale
Eco Norfolk Foundation - environmental best practices
Quota
Churches
Catholic
Church of England
Jehovahs Witness
Norfolk Island Community Church
Seven Day Adventist
Uniting
Community services
Country Music Association
St John Ambulance Australia - Norfolk Island Division
Community Arts
Cultural Development Association of Australia
Red Cross
Youth Centre
Sunshine Club - raises funds for medical assistance
Country Music
Girl Guides
Army Cadets
Counselling services
Counsellor - free and confidential
Cancer Council Helpline
National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service
Kids Helpline
Karitane - advice re children
Youth Help
Domestic Violence
Mensline Australia
How much does it cost to buy land / home?
Prices for a three bedroom established home on two acres of land start from AUD280,000. There are a wide variety of properties available, in all price ranges - including those on cliff tops with tens of acres of land with a price exceeding a million dollars.
Home and contents insurance is available through the two local banks, and several other brokers based in NI.
There are three real estate agents on Norfolk:
- Island Realty —->
- L J Quintal Real Estate —->
- Norfolk Island Real Estate —->
Is there a special ‘Norfolk Lingo’?
Yes. The descendants of the mutiny on the Bounty speak a language that is a mix of Old English and Tahitian that began when the mutineers and their Tahitian partners hid on Pitcairn Island in the late 1700s. Less than 1,000 people speak the language today in NI, and most speak little of it. In fact, only 80 words are in common use, so the language is listed as endangered by UNESCO. It is taught at the local school.
You can learn the Norf’k language through 11 simple audio lessons. If you would like to ‘tork lorng f aklan’ (talk with us) click here to download the lessons from iTunes.
(Download from iTunes) —->
Part of the proceeds after commissions from every sale go to the Cultural Development Association of Norfolk Island whose objective it is to build a cultural centre for all of the Norfolk Island people.
Keen to hear some Norf’k? Listen to the following words and phrases in Norf’k and English (courtesy of iTravelNorfolk). —->
Watawieh? (Hello, how are you?)
Ai guud thaenks (I’m good thankyou)
Welkam tu mais hoem (Welcome to my home)
Webaut yu gwen? (Where are you going?)
Ai kaa waa (I don’t know)
Ai gwen naawi (I am going swimming)
Ai se musa bas (I am so full I’m nearly bursting)
Kam lorngfe aklan (Come with us)
Kam lukorn (Come and look around)
Sii yorlye morla (See you all tomorrow)
Yu es mais tintoela (You are my sweetheart)
Fut nort? (Why not?)
Ai nor thort (I don’t think so)
Dem es swiit wetls (That is really good food)
Hetieh (Here it is)
Yu gwen haet (You are going to have to)
What is the climate like on NI?
Norfolk Island has a sub-tropical climate, tempered by the surrounding sea. Diurnal and annual temperature ranges are small. Average maximum temperatures range from 18C to 19C in winter to between 23C and 25C in summer. The highest temperature ever recorded was 28.4C on 11th Feb 1996. Average minimum temperatures range from 13C to 15C in the winter and between 18C and 20C in the summer. The lowest temperature ever recorded was 6.2C on 29th July 1953.
The chart below shows the average temperatures, rainfall and sunshine by month. The information is from bom.gov.au.
Is there a public swimming pool on NI?
No. The beautiful Emily Bay is the local pool where ‘nippers’ is held and where the local school holds its swimming carnival each year. Protected by a reef, Emily Bay is one of the world’s best beaches for families.
Is there a taxi service on NI?
Yes. There is one taxi. You need to give lots of notice for bookings.
Can I buy a vehicle on NI?
Yes. There are several agents on the island for all sorts of vehicles. Toyota, Hyundai, Mazda, Nissan, Diahatsu. But nearly every type of passenger vehicle imaginable can be brought into the island.
Are there the usual rural driving hazards?
Cows along Quality Row
Yes there are, so drive with care.
Cows freely roam the roads and have right of way. NI cows are usually very hospitable and will get out of the road with gentle persuasion.
They are restricted from entering many places across the island by cattle grid, fences, and gates. For example, cows cannot enter the main commercial centre at Burnt Pine, beach fronts, the NI National Park, and reserves.
Is there a special ‘driving etiquette’?
Everyone uses the ‘Norfolk wave’ when passing others. This is a gentle wave or raising of the finger to say hello.
Importantly though, there are other aspects about driving in NI you need to know.
- Cows roam the roads freely and help keep down the vegetation along roadsides. They have right of way.
- Speed limits are less than you might expect. The maximum speed limit is 50 km/hour. Through the commercial centre at Burnt Pine it is 40 km/hours. And going past the school between 8am and 3:30pm on school days the limit is 30 km/hour.
- The wearing of seat belts is compulsory.
Is there public transport on NI?
No, there are no public buses or trams or trains. There is one taxi.
What about schooling on NI?
NI has a central school that caters for K-12 students. There are about 300 students and 23 teachers, being a mix of local teachers and teachers contracted for three years from the NSW DEC. The school uses the NSW Curriculum.
There is a special education unit available for those with special learning needs.
Is there a child care centre for my children?
The island has three child care centres. They are Wizz Kidz Daycare, Banyan Park Playcentre, and Little House Daycare.
Are there childbirth facilities on NI?
No. Mothers go to Australia or NZ to have their babies.
What shopping facilities are available?
There is a commercial centre called Burnt Pine in the centre of the island. You can find out more of the shopping offered here from the maps: —->.
Or you can shop online: —->
How do I get my furniture and car to NI?
There are several freight forwarders who can have your furniture, other household belongings, and your vehicles, shipped to NI. On average there is a ship that comes to NI every three weeks. The freight forwarders and their contact details are:
Norfolk Forwarding Services: P: +6723 22886 E: t[email protected]
Transam Argosy: P: +6723 22836 E: [email protected]
Celtic Shipping Services: P: +6723 24338 E: [email protected]
If your belongings arrive by ship they will be unloaded at one of two landing points - at Cascade or Kingston. They will be brought to shore aboard lighters and craned onto the pier as shown in the photo.
How do I travel to / from NI?
You fly to NI with Air New Zealand. There are flights to/from Sydney each Friday and Monday, and from Brisbane each Saturday and Tuesday. There is also a flight from Auckland each Sunday.
Flight times are as follows:
To/from Brisbane - 2 hours 30 minutes
To/From Sydney - 2 hours 45 minutes
To/from Auckland - 1 hour 45 minutes
There are also several travel agencies - Burnt Pine Travel, Travelworld, and the Travelcentre - who can book flights to anywhere in the world if travel is your passion.
Is NI a safe place for my children?
NI is one of the safest places around. Kids walk to/from school. People walk around at night.
The crime rate is very, very low compared to most other places.
The island has a police force lead by officers from the Australian Federal Police, with local constables assisting.