Living in New Zealand

Living > Living in New Zealand

Discover all you need to know about life in this beautiful country, from volcanos to tax issues, transport, education and much more

Land area

New Zealand is 270,000 square kilometres, which is almost 10 per cent larger than the UK.

Population

The two islands have a population of four million people and together cover an area similar to Japan or Great Britain. Auckland, the major commercial centre, has a population of one million. Around 80 per cent of the population are of European descent, with approximately 13 per cent Maori and others coming from the Pacific Islands, China, India and other parts of Asia. English is the only language in general use. There are in excess of 100,000 Chinese in New Zealand and significant Korean, South African, and Indian communities, to name a few.

Capital

Wellington, on the North Island.

Government

The country is currently ruled by the elected Labour Party under Prime Minister Helen Clarke, one of the world's most successful female heads of state.

Health

We recommend you take out travel insurance before visiting New Zealand. UK citizens are entitled to limited medical cover for accidental injury, but you'll have to pay to see a doctor. Standards of healthcare are excellent, though. Tap water is safe to drink, unless otherwise specified.

Safety

New Zealand is considered a safe country, and the main hazards are likely to be sunburn or misadventure. There are no snakes and the only dangerous wildlife on land is the tiny katipo spider. There are occasional earthquakes and active volcanoes, though.

Law

The legal drinking age is 18.

Driving

Driving is on the left and a UK or international driver's licence is sufficient for 12 months. Long-term residents can upgrade to a New Zealand licence by sitting a test.

Electricity

UK appliances and mobile phones can be used in New Zealand, but the country uses Australian plug sockets so you'll need an adaptor.

Transport and travel

The country is well set up for visitors, with a wide range of transport and accommodation options nationwide, from international hotels and wilderness campsites to campervan hire and local bus services.

Costs

Budget travellers should allow around £20-£25 per day for food, public transport and accommodation. A beer costs around £1.50, a bottle of local wine £5, and a dinner for two from £12. Tipping in restaurants is not expected.

Money

The New Zealand dollar (NZ$) is worth around 37p. There are no copper coins: bills are rounded to the nearest five cents. There are ATMs in all tourist and shopping areas. The exchange rate is as follows: £1 is approximately NZ$3, and US$1 is approximately NZ$1.36.

Climate

The New Zealand climate is mild. Auckland has around 2,070 hours of sunshine per year and around 1,100mm of rain. Average daily maximum temperatures in summer are 23 deg C, and in winter they rise to around 14 deg C. Apart from the mountainous area in the central North Island, snowfall is only experienced in the lower half of the South Island.

Unemployment

The official rate of unemployment is approximately 3.6 per cent, which is the lowest in the world at present. The rate of European unemployment is lower than the national average (2.2 per cent) and in some areas, in practical terms, there are full employment levels. There's also chronic shortage of tradespeople in New Zealand. For the latest official employment figures, take a look at www.jobsletter.org.nz/stt/stathome.htm.

Wages and salaries

The average male wage in New Zealand is approximately NZ$36,000 (£13,320) per annum before tax. This average figure is based on data that includes those on the minimum legal wage (NZ$10.25 = £3.80 per hour), as well as high-income earners. New Zealand doesn't offer high wages, and many UK migrants will take a drop in actual disposable income. However, most migrants feel that the quantum leap in their quality of life makes the move worthwhile. In addition, those bringing the proceeds of a UK house sale may find that they can purchase a better home in New Zealand mortgage free, which offsets the lower wage levels. It's the norm in New Zealand for both a husband and wife to work. If both partners are on or above the average wage, one salary will meet the cost of living with the second salary being available for luxuries and savings.

Taxation

Tax on income under NZ$38,000 (£14,060) stands at 19.5 per cent. Those earning NZ$38,000 to NZ$60,000 (£14,060-£22,200 will be charged 33 per cent, and those earning over NZ$60,000 (£22,200) will pay 39 per cent.

Cost of living

An example of a basic budget for a family of four living in Auckland (not including clothing, entertainment and so on) for a month would be:

• Rent NZ$1,500 (£555)
• Food (basic) NZ$1,000 (£370)
• Telephone NZ$100 (£37) (internet, tolls and rental)
• Electricity and gas NZ$150 (£56)
• Petrol NZ$200 (£74)
• Total NZ$2,950 (£1,090)

Rental costs outside Auckland are normally significantly lower. For instance, in Hamilton you'd be paying about NZ$1,200 to NZ$1,300 (£444 to £481).

Education

Education is almost free from the age of five (primary school starting age) to the completion of high-school education. University fees are also heavily subsidised by the government. Tertiary fees at New Zealand universities are around NZ$3,000 (£1,100) in most cases. A system of student loans and allowances exists at present to assist those unable to afford to pay fees. New Zealand university degrees are well respected overseas.

Healthcare

There's much debate in New Zealand regarding the standard of healthcare. However, the reality is that the standard of public healthcare in the country compares very well with any western country. Hospital treatment is free to citizens and permanent residents alike. Significant waiting lists do exist for non-urgent surgery, but in the majority of cases, the public health system provides care of a very high standard. Private health insurance is held by about half of all New Zealanders.

Sport

New Zealanders' love of sport is well known. All tastes are catered for and the cost of participation is very low indeed. New Zealand boasts the highest number of golf courses and privately owned pleasure boats per person in the world.

Migration

Who qualifies to migrate to New Zealand? The following is something of an oversimplification, but as a rough guide:

- NO
Unskilled workers, including HGV drivers
Those over 55 (except parents and business people, as below)

- YES
Tradesmen under the age of 56 (normally subject to arranged employment)
Nurses, doctors and teachers
Those with significant assets and a strong, established business background
Parents with children already living in New Zealand (conditions apply)

- MAYBE
Other professionals

Employment

Few New Zealand employment agencies will accept pre-migration candidates as their chances of obtaining placement fees from a local employer for such candidates are small. New Zealand employers almost never pay for relocation expenses and they'll normally require a candidate to be in the country in order to attend job interviews.

Food and drink

Traditional New Zealand tucker is of the meat-and-two-veg variety, usually involving lamb, but international cuisines abound in even the smallest towns - albeit with a local flavour. New Zealand is a prolific producer of foods, and virtually everything you eat will be made from fresh, local ingredients. The country has a well-established wine industry, and its whites are particularly renowned. There's also a thriving pub scene throughout the country, and in the larger places, a popular club scene too. Expat communities New Zealand is a nation of immigrants, and as it's an English-speaking country and a member of the British Commonwealth, there's little difficulty in integrating with the local people. In fact, New Zealanders in general are openly friendly to foreigners. Many are likely to have visited Britain and the rest of the world as part of the "great overseas experience" that the majority of young Kiwis inevitably embark upon in their twenties.

Pets

New Zealand has strict rules on importing pets, and you must obtain an import permit. Cats and dogs must be microchipped and all animals must be vaccinated against rabies. For further information, contact the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in Wellington - you can visit the website by clicking on www.maf.govt.nz.