Our country is a land of opportunity. All aspects of our environment are healthy – the ecological
environment is ‘clean and green’, the political environment is stable and the social environment
is safe. Above all, our country is a great place to bring up a family.
Situated in the South Pacific, 2000 miles - or less than 3 hours flying time - from Australia, New
Zealand is slightly larger than the British Isles. However, only 4.0 million people reside in New
Zealand, spread over the main North and South Islands.
For more information on New Zealand and the regions please refer to our website helpful links section
Climate
In New Zealand Oct – April are the warmest months with May – Sept being the coolest.
New Zealand has a temperate climate with moderate, year-round rainfall. The country enjoys a pleasant and generally stable climate.
Population
The population of New Zealand is around 4.1 million people and this figure is growing daily.
New Zealand is a diverse and multicultural society. Europeans account for approximately 70% of the population, indigenous Maori around 15%, and Polynesian people around 3%. The balance of the population consists of people from a variety of cultures, including, but not limited to, those of Dutch, South African, Chinese and Indian heritage.
Auckland is the largest city, with a population of over 1.25 million, followed by Wellington and Christchurch which each have populations of around 300,000 people.
Employment
Even with our low unemployment rate, there is real demand for skilled and unskilled workers in a wide range of industries.
Specifically, there is strong demand for nurses and health professionals, I.T. specialists, engineers, marketing professionals, tradespeople and finance executives.
For more information on Employment / Jobs please refer to our website helpful links section
Immigration
If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia you will need to obtain a work permit to be eligible to work in New Zealand. A work permit allows you to live and work in New Zealand for a restricted length of time. If you are 18 to 30 years of age you could be eligible to apply under the Working Holiday scheme. However, it is more likely you will be applying for a work permit as a result of having a job offer.
For more information on Immigration please refer to our website helpful links section
Housing
According to international standards, housing in our country is affordable. Of course, there are regional differences in house prices. Given these differences the decision as to where to buy really depends on (1) the region you wish to locate to and (2) your budget. There is something for everyone!
For more information on Housing please refer to our website helpful links section
Education
New Zealand offers both private education (user pays) and public schools (free). Formal, free education is offered to all New Zealanders from age 5 through to age 17. The current minimum school leaving age is 16. The school year is divided into four terms, with classes commencing in February and ending in December.
School Structures
Pre-School: There are many good childcare facilities in New Zealand, and it is a legal requirement that all facilities are registered. Private childcare centres charge a fee for their services, public kindergartens is by the way of donation as is play centres.
Primary School: for pupils aged 6 years to 11 years
Intermediate School: for pupils aged 11 to 13 years. Intermediate schooling prepares pupils for entry into Secondary education. In some areas both Primary and Intermediate are integrated as one school.
Secondary School: for pupils aged 13 to 17 years.
Tertiary Education: New Zealand has excellent universities and polytechnics which are conveniently located in the main regions.
For more information on Education please refer to our website helpful links section
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