An ideal place for bringing up children.
Mild climate with plenty of sun and an informal way of life.
Great open spaces, recognised as a clean green country.
Great outdoor.
Young and vibrant nation.
Huge potential with many underdeveloped markets.
Tolerant multi-cultural society.
Positive "can-do" attitude.
Well developed education, health and retirement system.
Honest, peaceful and caring people.
Active and growing economy.
Business growth opportunities

New Zealand - the world's most peaceful country
June 2010

For the second year in a row, New Zealand has been listed by the "Global Peace Index" as the most peaceful country in the world. According to the index, researched by the Economist Intelligence Unit, New Zealand ranks above all the other 148 countries that it
Country Profile - New Zealand

Geography

Located in the Southwest Pacific Ocean, 1,900 km east of Australia, New Zealand is comprised of two main adjacent islands, the North Island and South Island, and a number of small outlying islands. With a total land area of 268,680 sq km New Zealand is similar in size to Britain and Japan.  Over half of the country's total land area is rural land and more than a quarter is under forest cover. It is predominantly mountainous and hilly with 13% of the total area consisting of alpine terrain including many peaks exceeding 3000 metres.

Climate

New Zealand's climate varies from warm subtropical in the far north to cool temperate climates in the far south, with alpine conditions in the mountainous areas. Average temperatures range from 8C in July to 26C in January. A pleasant feature of the New Zealand climate is the high proportion of sunshine during the winter months.

Population and Settlement

New Zealand's population is around 4.4 million with approximately 75% living in the North Island urban centres.
Language
English and Maori are the official languages and English is spoken by almost all New Zealanders. Maori is the first language of about 50,000 people and the second language of about 150,000.

Political System

New Zealand is an independent state within the British Commonwealth. The current government, since November 2008, is under the leadership of National Party Prime Minister John Key.
Parliament is comprised of 120 seats, with elections held every three years.
Law and Justice
The justice system is based on the English model and is independent of government.
Social Welfare
The system provides a range of assistance with cash benefits paid as of right to those who meet income, residency and other eligibility criteria for each category. Immigrants to New Zealand are not eligible for unemployment and sickness benefits until they have been in the country for at least two years.

Health Care

The New Zealand health system is made up of both the public and private sectors. All maternity care (from the point of positive pregnancy test) to the birth of the child is 100% paid for by the state.
For new arrivals, as soon as a residence permit is granted you will be afforded the same care and access to these health services as New Zealand citizens and residents.
Hospital Benefits: If you ever need to stay in hospital for treatment, you can choose to go to a public hospital where your stay is free or a private hospital where you will have to pay all the charges. A waiting period may apply for public hospitals depending on the seriousness of your illness or injury.
Accident Compensation Scheme (ACC): ACC provides coverage to people who suffer accidental injuries in New Zealand.  All accident victims are entitled to free hospital treatment. If your injury stops you from working, ACC pays weekly compensation, usually based on 80% of your weekly income before tax.

Education

Most New Zealand children begin their formal education before primary school at the age of two and a half years. While most also begin primary school at age five, attendance only becomes compulsory at age six, until the age of 16 years. Education is provided free (excludes foreign students) in state primary, intermediate and secondary schools between the ages of 5 and 19.

There are eight universities and 20 Polytechnics, Institutes of Technology and Colleges of Educations which offer a broad range of courses in the professional, technical, and vocational or trade areas. There are also a large number of private tertiary education providers who are registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority who also provide a broad range of courses. 

Driving

It is illegal to drive without a driver's licence. The minimum age for driving in New Zealand is 15 when a provisional licence can be obtained. New Zealanders drive on the left-hand side of the road. Seat belts are compulsory. The maximum speed on the open road is 100km|h and the maximum speed limit for urban areas is 50km|h. It is illegal in New Zealand to drive while using a hand-held cell phone.

Electricity

New Zealand uses the AC 240 volts 50 cycle electrical system.

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