Flatting" in New Zealand means renting a house or apartment (flat) either on your own or with other people, and is common among those studying in New Zealand for extended periods. Normally you have your own room but share facilities with your flatmates. Flats are generally advertised in newspapers, on student notice boards and the Internet.
Costs
In a flatting situation you pay for your rent, electricity, food and telephone costs. The estimated total cost ranges from NZ$250 to NZ$350 per person in Auckland, with NZ$150 - NZ$250 of this going toward room rent only. Telephone line rental costs NZ$40 per month plus any long-distance or cellphone calls. You may also have to purchase furniture (flats are not usually furnished) as well as linen, crockery and kitchen utensils, and this can be quite expensive. However, if you move into a flat that is already established you may not need to buy all of these things.
Approximately NZ$1000-$1500 bond is needed for most flats, and this is paid directly to the Housing Commission. If you choose to get a flat through a Real Estate Agent there will be an additional service charge.