Getting Here

New Zealand offers one of the best lifestyles in the world. We genuinely believe New Zealand is the best place in the world to live. We know you will love it.

Although New Zealand is a relatively small country with a population of just over 4.1 million - a lot happens down under, from being a force to reckon with on the international sports stage to an innovative and successful business community.

New Zealand is located in the south west Pacific Ocean and offers a diverse range of landscapes and climatic conditions throughout its two major islands. The climate is temperate and approximately three-quarters of the total land area is farmland or forest - providing beautiful scenery for journeys through the country.

Over half the population lives in one of New Zealand’s six largest towns, including more than one million people in Auckland, the country’s commercial capital. Wellington is the official capital city and is the political, banking and financial heart of the nation.

LIFESTYLE
New Zealand's scenery ranges from snow covered mountains for winter sports, through white sandy coastal beaches on the coasts to majestic fiords on the south Tasman coast of the South Island. A healthy outdoor lifestyle is inevitable with access to so many clean and green facilities, making fishing, tramping, golfing, diving, yachting and skiing just some of the many activities regularly enjoyed by New Zealanders.

The vast expanses of native bush and state forests make hiking, camping and other outdoor activities popular. The environment and terrain are ideal for rafting, kayaking, jet boating, abseiling, four-wheel driving and, of course, bungy-jumping.

From a day-to-day perspective, both of our offices are just minutes away from the local beaches, of which Auckland and Wellington boast many. It's also very easy to escape the city for the weekend away.

People make a real effort to lead balanced lifestyles. Many of our employees belong to various sports teams and clubs outside of work - there are plenty to choose from.

CULTURE
There is more to New Zealand than just beautiful scenery. For a taste of sophisticated urban culture, the main centres offer a variety of galleries, museums, theatres and concert halls. After dark, night clubs, cabarets, pubs, live theatre, casinos, concerts and dancing opportunities are there to be taken advantage of. Auckland and Wellington offer all the facilities you would expect in an international city.

New Zealand cuisine is world class. There is a huge choice of cafés, bars and restaurants offering a range of cuisine from all continents with dining styles ranging from sidewalk cafes to silver service. We also produce some wonderful wines - our sauvignon blanc is a world beater - which are readily available for tasting!

ECONOMY
New Zealand has a market economy with manufacturing and service sectors complementing an export-orientated agricultural sector. Over the past decade, energy based industries, horticulture and tourism have all expanded rapidly.

The economy is trade-oriented with New Zealand’s largest export markets comprising Australia, the USA, Japan and the UK.

Exchange Rate

To calculate the New Zealand against other currencies, click here.

STOCK EXCHANGE
The New Zealand Stock Exchange offers a regulated market for trading in securities. This fosters a continuous auction process through the agency of the brokers who own and have ultimate control of the Exchange. In the interests of securities issuers, buyers, sellers and the brokers, there are rules and regulations to facilitate the efficient operation of the market. These govern brokers’ relationships with each other and with the Exchange, and impose contractual obligations on issuers wishing to have their securities traded through the Exchange.

ACCOMMODATION
It is true to say that New Zealanders have a love affair with property. Home ownership remains a firm goal of the majority of Kiwis.

There are a wide range of accommodation options available to rent or buy - whether you prefer an apartment in the central city or prefer the quiet of suburbia. New Zealand homes were traditionally wooden. There are a huge range of options available to suit every possible taste and requirement, with a thriving local architectural and housebuilding community.

Useful websites for property include www.trademe.co.nz and www.open2view.com.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Computer ownership in the home is widespread and all schools have computer skills built into the curriculum. At some schools students learn on laptops for all their lessons.

New Zealand’s internet usage is one of the highest in the world per capita.

Electronic banking, internet bill paying and debit cards are widely used.

EDUCATION/SCHOOLS
New Zealand’s standard of education is consistent with other first world countries and is similar to the British school system in terms of structure (primary, secondary and tertiary education). New Zealand has a number of universities and technical institutions, all of which offer a wide variety of internationally recognised qualifications.

Fact Sheet
Capital City Wellington
People 88% European, 12% Maori and Polynesian
Government Independent member of the British Commonwealth
Prime Minister John Key - National Government
GDP US$97.5 billion
GDP per head US$24,200
Annual Growth 2.5%
Inflation 3%
Major Trading Partners Australia, Japan, USA