About New Zealand - Overview

If you are considering moving to New Zealand, here is some information about living in New Zealand that you may find useful before you relocate.

New Zealand's spectacularly beautiful landscape includes vast mountain chains, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, deeply indented fiords and lush rainforests.

Comparable in size and/or shape to Great Britain, Colorado or Japan, New Zealand has a population of just over 4 million - making it one of the world's least crowded countries. It is a haven for those seeking peace, rejuvenation and relaxation as well as a playground for thrill seekers and adventurers. A temperate climate with relatively small seasonal variation makes it an ideal relocation destination.

History

Legend has it that New Zealand was first discovered by Polynesian navigator Kupe around 800AD. His wife named the country Aotearoa - the land of the long white cloud. Centuries later a great migration of Polynesian Maoris from Kupe's homeland sailed to New Zealand and settled about 1350AD.

The first European to arrive was the Dutchman Abel Tasman in 1642, but it was not until the voyages of Captain James Cook in 1769 and 1779 that the islands were charted and explored by Europeans. Captain James Cook circumnavigated the two main islands aboard the Endeavour.

British settlers began to emigrate after British sovereignty was established in 1840, and Wellington was founded soon afterwards. New Zealand was granted internal self-government in 1852, and the later years of the century saw a rapid growth in investment, communications and agricultural production. In 1893, New Zealand became the first country in the world to extend voting rights to women. New Zealand became a Dominion in 1907, and its forces took part in both World Wars. The country is a member of the Commonwealth and also several other international organisations, including ANZUS, the Five Power Defence Agreement and the South Pacific Forum.

Geography

New Zealand is situated in the South Pacific ocean, between latitude 34'S and 47'S. The country runs roughly north-south with mountain ranges down much of its length. Its two main islands (North and South) cover 266,200 sq km (103,735 sq miles), about the size of Japan or California and slightly larger than Great Britain.

New Zealand's separation from other land masses about 100 million years ago allowed many ancient plants and animals to live and evolve in isolation. Complementing our unique flora and fauna is a landscape that contains an unrivalled variety of landforms. In a couple of days drive it is possible to see everything from mountain ranges to sandy beaches, lush rainforests, glaciers and fiords and active volcanoes.

New Zealand People

New Zealand’s society reflects many years of migration from all parts of the globe. The majority are of British descent, along with other European cultures such as Greek, Italian, French, Dutch, Dalmatian, Scandinavian and German.

More recently people from islands throughout the Pacific, such as Samoa and Fiji, have migrated here, along with immigrants from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

The largest non-European group of people are the Maori, the first settlers of New Zealand, known as the 'tangata whenua' (the people of the land) who make up around 15 percent of the population. Maori culture, art and traditions are an important part of New Zealand’s heritage and culture.

English and Maori are both official languages, though the vast majority of people speak only English.

One of the last places in the world to be discovered and settled, New Zealand today is a modern high-tech western nation with a well-developed economy and a government structure based on the British parliamentary system. A great place to live and work.

Further Information

Further information on New Zealand's immigration, healthcare, transportation, housing, and education systems is available in our Information Packs which can be downloaded from our online store.