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New Zealand profile
With is temperate climate, wide range of outdoor activities and breathtaking natural landscapes, New Zealand is a firm favorite with tourists and migrants
The country is sparsely populated allowing for spacious living, although 80% of the nation's population lives in urban centres. In recent years, New Zealand has out grown its largely agrarian economy and become an industrialised global competitor. Historical and Commonwealth ties with Britain remain, but New Zealand has a unique character of its own. The nation's Maori heritage continues to play an important part in political and cultural life.
Country Profile
Capital City: Wellington
Area: 268,680 sq km / 103,737 sq miles
Population: 4,000,000
Time Zone: GMT +12
Country dialing code: 64
Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZ$)
Climate
New Zealand has a temperate climate but with definite regional contrasts. Predominately temperate but sub tropical in summer in the far north. The inland mountainous areas are very cold in winter but the coastal areas which make up a large part of the country enjoy mild temperatures, moderate rainfall and plenty of sunshine. December, January and February are the warmest months, while winter falls in July and August.
Country highlights
New Zealand's stunning natural beauty is its chief attraction. Since the release of Pete Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy, filming locations throughout the country have become popular destinations, often as part of specialized tours. Many visitors combine the chance to take in amazing views with the adrenalin rush of bungee jumping, canyon swinging, rafting and other extreme sports. Wellington has a lively cultural scene with plenty of arts festivals and restaurants, as well as some of the country's national treasures. In Auckland, the city museum houses a large collection of Maori artefacts.
Accessibility
Flying time from London is 22-27 hours. Air New Zealand, British Airways and other major airlines fly via Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong and Los Angeles.There are international airports at Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown. The main gateways are Auckland and Christchurch, with Auckland servicing more than 20 destinations and a dozen airlines, and direct connections from Christchurch to Australia, Singapore, Tokyo and Los Angeles. All the smaller international airports service flights only to Australia and are limited to B737 or similar size aircraft.
Permanent move
Emigrating to New Zealand from the UK can prove a lengthy process depending on the route taken. The Skilled Migrants category (SMC) places emphasis on several requirements: an offer of work in New Zealand, experience of working in the country, skills of which there is a shortage in New Zealand. Only one applicant per family need apply for the SMC and applications are assessed on a points basis which requires a minimum score of 100 points before an Expression on Interest (EOI) can be lodged. The New Zealand Immigration Service makes a fortnightly selection from all the EOIs to produce a 'pass mark'. All those meeting or exceeding the pass mark are invited to apply for permanent residence.
The Family category and the Family Quota category exist to reunite relatives and invites applications from those who have partner, parent, child or sibling resident in New Zealand. Applicants need to be sponsored by their New Zealand relative and lodge a registration form at a specified time of year. Those looking to set up a business in New Zealand should investigate the Investor, Long-Term Business, and Entrepreneur categories. These are assessed on financial resources, evidence of business experience and potential benefit to New Zealand. Working holiday visas are a good way to experience life in New Zealand on a temporary basis and are available for up to two years.
Buying property
Those seeking to buy property in New Zealand enjoy low barriers to entry and favourable exchange rates. Property prices are also relatively undervalued compared to its closest neighbour Australia. City apartments start at around £70,000 but in the suburbs, a four bedroom suburban home can be bought for £140,000.An estate agent will also know each district and its zonings intimately. They must be familiar with changes in land use including probable future changes based on apparent trends, and the laws and by-laws relating to property.
Destination Hot Spots
Auckland
Auckland has the advantage of being New Zealand's largest city but being built on a narrow isthmus between two harbours. Thus in Auckland you are never more than half an hour from beautiful beaches and have access to several beautiful holiday islands.
Christchurch
This attractive city on the South Island has much to recommend it to British families. The schools are first-rate; the public facilities excellent; the area has a strong sporting tradition. and good quality housing is readily available within a 15 minute drive of the city centre. Another major draw is the fact that you are never more than 20 minutes drive from the surrounding countryside – a big plus for families wanting looking to enjoy the rural lifestyle without being cut off from the city.
Nelson
One of this southerly city's major draws is that it boasts New Zealand's highest hours of sunshine. The city is surrounded by the bush clad hills at the base of Tasman Bay and framed by snow capped mountains. The city, which spills over into a number of pleasant suburbs is known for its arts and crafts scene and is within easy each of beaches and bushwalks.
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