NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand is long and narrow country stretching a distance of 1600 kilometers in a North to South direction and about 450 kilometers wide, at its widest point. The combined area of the whole country is approximately 268,000 square kilometers. October through to April is the warmest months and May to September are the coolest. Summer climate would be between 21 and 28 degrees centigrade, while winter climate would be between 11 or 12 degrees centigrade. South Island is renowned for the majesty of its mountains and beauty of woodlands, lakes and rivers.
New Zealand is a country of rare seismic beauty: glacial mountains, fast flowing rivers, and deep clear lakes, hissing geysers and boiling mud. There are also abundant forest, reserves, long, deserted beaches and a variety of fauna, such as the kiwi, endemic to its shores. You can swim with dolphins, gambol with newborn lambs, whale watch or fish for fattened trout in the many streams. The people, bound in a culture that melds European with Maori ancestry, are resourceful, helpful and overwhelmingly friendly.
Because of its a compact place, travel within New Zealand – whether by plane, bus, rail, car or campervan - is affordable and efficient. Accommodation too is cheap and varied.
HISTORY
In 1642, the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman briefly sailed along the West Coast of New Zealand, Captain James Cook circumnavigated the two main islands abroad the Endeavor.
The discovery of gold had engendered much prosperity, and wide scale sheep farming meant New Zealand became an efficient and mostly self-reliant country.
New Zealand was given dominion status in the British Empire in 1907 and granted autonomy by Britain in 1931, today the economy has stabilized, thanks largely to an export-driven recovery internationally.
ECONOMY
New Zealand has an open economy. Efficient organizations, which are ranked among the best in their respective fields. Reserve Bank of New Zealand has been given charge of managing the inflation within a statutory limit of 0% to 3%. Current Unemployment stands at 6.0%, which are likely to fall in the coming years due to relaxed migration policy.
EDUCATION
Education is free to all New Zealanders between the age group of 5 and 17. New Zealand offers both private and public schools, similar to that found in most Commonwealth countries. It is compulsory by law for all children over the age 6 to attend school. The school year commences February and ends in December. A number of private primary and secondary are also available which private bodies manage. Many Schools offer boarding facilities.
About 8 Universities and 25 Poly techniques, which are located in the main provincial centers, offer higher education in New Zealand. Higher education in New Zealand is subsidized to the extent of 75% with the rest being paid by the students. Study loans are available at cheaper rates, which are provided by the government.
EMPLOYMENT
Skills in demand are various types of IT Professionals, Nurses, Engineers, Marketing Professionals, Finance / Accounts professionals, trades persons and technicians. There are a number of employment companies and government agencies that provide assistance to newly arrived migrants to find employment in the shortest possible time. Employers want people who can join them immediately or within the shortest possible time. The processing time vary from country to country.
HOUSING
New Zealand is affordable as per International standards. Auckland leads the country as the most expensive city. Apartment type dwelling is the most preferred compared to individual houses. A number of companies dealing in properties would be able to help in finding a suitable and affordable accommodation.
FACTS & FIGURE
Attractions of New Zealand
Wellington: The capital of New Zealand, Wellington is situated on a splendid harbor at southern tip of the North Island. Wellington is a lively city of culture and arts (with festivals almost every month), and great ethnic restaurants and cafes. It is also home to the country’s government and national treasures.
Cuba Street has great shopping. Thornton has historic sites of interest. Lambton Quay is the primary Business Street and Mt Victoria is the place to go for cheap accommodation and dining. The treetop walk at the Native Plant Museum is also worth the time.
Auckland: The largest in New Zealand, Auckland (population 1,002,000) it’s almost enclosed by water and covered in volcanic hills. Like Sydney, Auckland has a spectacular harbor and bridge. Auckland now has the largest concentration of Polynesians in the world. Auckland is also a goods starting-point for visiting the amazingly scenic Coromandel Peninsula and Hauraki Plains regions to the southeast.
Immigration Categories
1. General Skill Category
A point system is linked to a quarterly pass mark. Points are based on Age, Qualification, Work Experience, Job Offer, Language. From July 2, 2003 General skills category applicants who meet the category requirements in every aspect, and have a job offer relevant to their work experience and qualification are qualified.
2. Entrepreneur
This category is linked to the long term Business Visa. An opportunity is given to those residents, who have successfully established their business in New Zealand. They can take long Term Business Visa and once they decide, then they can apply in this category.
3. Investor
This category requires pass mark point system based on Age between (25-84) business experience and Investment Capital. From March 29, 1999 this Category was introduced and earlier it was known as ‘Business Investor Category’. Minimum investment is NZ 10,00,000 in New Zealand.
4. Business Employees
Employees of relocated business who do not qualify under other categories can be granted residence on a case by case details.
5. Family
Under the definition of Family Class category parents, grand parents, siblings, children, wife, same sex partner, are covered.
6. Samoa/Quota
Only up to 1100 Samoans citizens who have job offer in New Zealand is covered in this category.
7. Refugee
Up to 750 refugees nominated by the United Nations High Commissioner may resettle in New Zealand.
Some Other Residence Requirements
1. English Language Requirements for General Skill Category for granting Residence, but from November 30, 1998 pre-purchase of English Language tuition was introduced for Non Principal Applicants. Earlier program of English Language bond of 20,000 was abolished. Non Principal applicants are those who are above 16 years of age & over. From November 2002 General Skills Category applicants are required to appear for IELTS Exam.
2. Center for Granting Principal.
3. Alone in Country.