Living in New Zealand
Some Basic Information About Living in New Zealand
Many people think New Zealand is an island somewhere off the shores of Australia.
In fact, New Zealand is three hours by passenger jet from Australia. This means New Zealand is the most isolated developed country in the world.
For some, this is a huge attraction. For others it can result in an uncomfortable feeling of isolation.
Despite its small size, New Zealand's economy has performed very well in recent years and, at less than 4 percent, New Zealand's unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the OECD.
About one in five people in New Zealand's are migrants. The biggest single source of migrants to New Zealand is the UK.
The powerhouse of New Zealand's economy is its agriculture. New Zealand's farmers receive no government subsidies, yet still compete successfully in world markets against heavily subsidised farmers from Europe and America.
One major advantage New Zealand's farmers enjoy is the country's mild climate.
The climate does not only benefit New Zealand's farmers. With its general absence of major extremes of hot or cold, New Zealand's climate is seen a major plus for people pursuing outdoor activities. Typical figures are:
- Average daily maximum temperatures over much of the country in summer are around 21 to 25 degrees C (70 to 77 Fahrenheit).
- Average daily maximum temperatures in mid-winter are around 10 to 16 degrees C (50 to 61 Fahrenheit)
In 2006, many employers are still recruiting quite aggressively, although the country's central bank has been raising interest rates to cool the economy.
It can be hard to find skilled work in New Zealand if English is not your first language - you need total fluency to compete effectively in the job market.
New Zealanders, especially away from the bustle of central Auckland, tend to be laid-back, welcoming people and are easy to get along with.
New Zealand's main cities are Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Christchurch has a dry climate with frequent frosts in winter. Houses in Christchurch are cheaper than the other cities and, because of this, it's a highly sought after location for police, teachers and other public-servants, because their salaries go further. Christchurch's north west suburbs are probably the most desirable locations for migrants with families.
Auckland has a warm, humid climate. Frosts are a rarity. Auckland consists of North, West, Central and South cities. North Auckland is probably the best location for families. Central Auckland has a number of desirable suburbs but house-prices there are the highest in New Zealand.
Wellington, New Zealand's capital, has a mild, humid, windy climate. Wellington is a good hunting ground for those looking for well-paid government jobs and has a vibrant cafe-culture with many artistic and cultural activities available.