News
08-Feb-2012
New Zealand Immigration - 622 EOI's Selected
15-Jul-2011
New Zealand Student Visa - Changes to poilicy
ABOUT NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand is variously described as a Heaven on Earth, God's own country and the land of long white cloud (Aoteoroa). New Zealanders are warm, friendly and welcoming and New Zealand has a fair, just and transparent legal system, abundant freedom and affords excellent work-life balance. Auckland is rated 4th best place in the world for overall quality of life & New Zealand is rated
- the most peaceful Country in the world
- 9th in life satisfaction and 12th in overall prosperity
- 5th in the overall Index of Economic Freedom
- recently voted as the most favoured immigration destination
Treaty of Waitangi
Treaty of Waitangi signed in 1840 between the Maori people and the British Crown is the founding document and established New Zealand as a colony under the Crown.
Economy
New Zealand has a modern, prosperous, developed economy with an estimated GDP of US$115.624 billion (2008). It has a relatively high standard of living with an estimated GDP per capita of US$27,017 in 2008.
Geography
New Zealand is located in the Southern Pacific Ocean and has a total land area of 268,680 sq.kms (the size of Colorado), coastline of 15,134 km, population of 4.28 million and population density of 16 per square kilometre. It is divided into two Islands, North and South Island.
Climate
New Zealand has a largely temperate climate and does not have a large temperature range, lacking the extremes found in most continental climates. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August.
Cost of Living
Living expense varies depending upon individual choices and there is no "one size fits all" estimate that can be provided. Roughly, a family with 2 children in public school and renting 3BR accommodation in Auckland, would be looking at a "basic" expense of around $45,000 - $50,000 per annum.
Housing
New Zealand offers a wide choice of housing from colonial villas, bungalows and cottages in the suburbs to apartments in the city to townhouses with sea views. National median house prices are around $330,000 with Auckland highest at $421,000 and Southland lowest at $172,000.
Education
Education is compulsory for children aged 5-16 years. Primary, intermediate and secondary education in state schools is 100% government funded. Tertiary education at University is 70% Government funded and interest free student loans are available for Tertiary education.
Employment
New Zealand employers prefer to 'site' the employees before appointment and generally prefer those having New Zealand qualifications and/or New Zealand experience, having appropriate visas and able to join quickly.
Health Care
New Zealand has a hybrid system of health care – private and public. You pay for private health treatment through medical insurance or otherwise. Public Health care is either subsidized (GP visits, prescription medicines) or totally free (specialists visits and hospitalization).
Taxation
Worldwide income is taxed in New Zealand. However New Zealand has double taxation agreements with a number of countries to avoid income being taxed twice. Business is taxed at 30% and Individual rates range between 10% in the lowest bracket to 38% in the highest bracket.
Driving
New Zealanders drive on the left side of the road, the maximum speed limit is 100kph and you can drive for 12 months on a license issued by your home country or on an International Driving Permit.