Background
New Zealand covers an area of land slightly bigger than Britain yet it is home to just over four million people - less than the population of the East Midlands.
Positioned between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, New Zealand lies to the south east of Australia and is one of the first countries to see day break (it is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time).
New Zealand consists of two large islands, North Island and South Island, and a number of smaller islands. Most inhabitants settle in and around the three largest cities - the capital Wellington and Auckland on North Island and South
Island's Christchurch.
New Zealand is known to its Kiwi inhabitants as ''Godzone", or God's own country, because of its uniquely spectacular landscape - as recently showcased in the Lord Of The Rings films. It is largely mountainous, with large coastal plains and lowlands in the north and south east.
The international telephone dialing code for New Zealand is +64. The national telephone system is excellent, broadband and ISDN is widely available for internet access and mobile phones are very widely used.
Climate
The climate of the north of New Zealand is subtropical with the south being temperate. Warmest months are December, January and February, with the coldest being June, July and August. Temperatures reach between 20°C and 30°C in the summer, while falling to 10°C - 15°C in the winter.
Getting There
New Zealand is literally on the other side of the world to the UK and flights from the UK to New Zealand are among the longest available. It will take you at least 24 hours to reach New Zealand, effectively ruling it out as a "holiday home" destination for most people. The vast majority of British people who buy property in New Zealand do so as emigrants.
All visitors must have a passport valid for at least three months beyond the time you intend to stay - although
this can be renewed at the British Embassy or Consulate while in New Zealand. British Citizens are automatically issued with a permit to stay for six months, while permanent residents can stay indefinitely.
Buying Property
Property in New Zealand ranges from "lifestyle blocks" (custom built
homes with several acres of farmland near towns and cities), modern suburban homes to city apartments called 'sections".
Prices vary considerably depending mainly on area with Auckland being the most expensive place to live. There can be big price differences between neighbourhoods and nearby towns so it is vital that you do your research before purchasing.
Renting a home when you first arrive is a popular option. Newspapers are the best place to start. Real estate agents also deal in properties to rent as do letting centres, but be careful - you could be charged a fee for just looking at a list and if referred to an estate agent by a letting centre you may have two sets of fees to pay. |
Living There
There are two common ways to migrate to New Zealand. You can marry or live with a New Zealand resident in a straight or gay relationship and must prove that the relationship is genuine and has lasted at least two years (joint bank accounts and other shared financial and social commitments).
Alternatively, if you are under 56 and speak English you can apply on the basis of your work skills. New Zealand operates a 'points' method of assessing people for visas, based on age, education, profession and and experience. It also operates a "market labour shortage" list and a "priority occupations" list. Your health and criminal records are also checked and having a close family member already resident in New Zealand will be beneficial.
Work visas - renewable after three years - are issued to foreign nationals who have received an offer of employment within New Zealand. In granting such visas, the immigration authorities will require evidence that the individual is suitably qualified and that the vacancy cannot be filled by local nationals. Spouses and children of employees are issued visitor visas.
Work visas - renewable after three years - are issued to foreign nationals who have received an offer of employment within New Zealand. In granting such visas, the immigration authorities will require evidence that the individual is suitably qualified and that the vacancy cannot be filled by local nationals. Spouses and children of employees are uissued visitor visas.
Detailed immigration visa requirements can be found at the New Zealand Immigration Services website.
Above: Sky Tower in Auckland
New Zealand is one of the safest countries in the world and has a very low crime rate, few endemic diseases and a first class health care system. No vaccinations are required to enter New Zealand.
It also has an excellent state funded education system that is free until the age of 19.
You can drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have a current drivers licence or international driving permit.
Embassies
New Zealand High Commission,
New Zealand House,
Haymarket, London SW1Y 4TQ (0870 005 6962).
British High Commission,
44 Hill Street,
Wellington 1 (64 4 924 2888)
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