Moving to New Zealand: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

4,925,477

Population Growth Rate

0.85%

Urban Population

86.200000

Population in Major Urban Areas

Auckland 1.452 million; WELLINGTON (capital) 410,000

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Age Structure

19.760000

Median Age

37.400000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

13

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

7.25

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

2.06

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

27.7

Mother's mean age at first birth

27.7

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.050000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

2.24

Ethnic Groups

New Zealand European 74.5%, Maori 9.7%, other European 4.6%, Pacific Islander 3.8%, Asian and others 7.4%

Nationality Noun

New Zealander(s)

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Literacy - total population

99%

Literacy - male

99%

Literacy - female

99%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

7.4%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

19.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

80.820000

Infant Mortality Rate

4.650000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

4.650000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

15

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

2.74

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

2.3

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

10.1%

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

28.3%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

100.000000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

0.000000

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Economic Overview

Economic overview of New Zealand: 1. GDP and Growth: New Zealand has a relatively small but stable economy.

Its GDP stood at around $220 billion USD, with a growth rate averaging around 2-3% annually.

The economy had been experiencing steady growth prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but like many countries, it faced challenges due to the global economic downturn caused by the pandemic. 2. Key Industries: New Zealand's economy is diversified, with key industries including agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, services, and technology.

Agriculture, particularly dairy farming and sheep farming, has historically been a significant contributor to the economy.

Tourism is also a major industry, with visitors attracted to the country's stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. 3. Trade: New Zealand is heavily dependent on international trade, with exports playing a crucial role in the economy.

Key exports include dairy products, meat, wool, wood products, and wine.

Major trading partners include Australia, China, the United States, and Japan. 4. Services Sector: The services sector is a significant driver of economic activity in New Zealand.

This includes financial services, healthcare, education, retail, and hospitality.

The country has a well-developed financial services industry, with major banks and insurance companies operating in the market. 5. Technology and Innovation: New Zealand has a growing technology sector, with startups and tech companies emerging in areas such as software development, biotechnology, and renewable energy.

The government has been investing in initiatives to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, aiming to drive economic growth through technology and innovation. 6. Government Policies: The New Zealand government plays an active role in shaping the economy through monetary and fiscal policies.

Priorities include promoting sustainable economic growth, reducing inequality, and addressing environmental challenges such as climate change. 7. Labor Market: New Zealand has a relatively low unemployment rate, typically hovering around 4-5%.

The labor market is characterized by flexibility, with a significant portion of the workforce engaged in part-time or casual employment.

However, there are concerns about wage stagnation and income inequality, particularly in sectors like retail and hospitality. 8. Infrastructure: New Zealand has invested in infrastructure development to support economic growth, including transportation, telecommunications, and renewable energy.

However, infrastructure challenges remain, particularly in areas like housing affordability and transportation congestion in major cities. 9. Environmental Sustainability: New Zealand places importance on environmental sustainability and conservation, recognizing the value of its natural resources and ecosystems.

Efforts are being made to transition towards a more sustainable economy, including investing in renewable energy and addressing pollution and waste management issues. 10. COVID-19 Impact: Like many countries, New Zealand's economy was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with disruptions to trade, tourism, and supply chains.

The government implemented strict measures to contain the spread of the virus, which helped minimize the health impact but had economic repercussions.

However, the country's strong response to the pandemic positioned it relatively well for recovery compared to many other nations.

This overview provides a snapshot of New Zealand's economy, highlighting its strengths, challenges, and ongoing efforts to promote sustainable economic development.

Industries

food processing, wood and paper products, textiles, machinery, transportation equipment, banking and insurance, tourism, mining

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$36,400.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

2.2%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$215,600,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$36,400.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

2.2%

GDP - official exchange rate

$170,600,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 56.1% government
• consumption: 18.7% investment in fixed
• capital: 22.8% investment in
• inventories: 0.3% exports of goods and
• services: 27.9% imports of goods and
• services: -25.8%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

4.1%

GDP by Sector- Industry

26.8%

GDP by Sector- services

69%

Industrial Growth Rate

2%

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Inflation Rate

2.6%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

New Zealand dollar (NZD)

Currency Name and Code

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Fiscal Year

1 July - 30 June

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

5.7%

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Labor Force

2,320,000

Unemployment Rate

6.5%

Major Industries

food processing, wood and paper products, textiles, machinery, transportation equipment, banking and insurance, tourism, mining

Agriculture Products

• wheat, barley, potatoes, pulses, fruits, vegetables
• wool, beef, dairy products
• fish

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

7%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

19%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

74%

Annual Budget

$56,240,000,000 (USD)

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-1.9%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

38.2%

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Full Country Name

none

Country Name

New Zealand

Abbreviation

NZ

Etymology- history of name

• Dutch explorer Abel TASMAN was the first European to reach New Zealand in 1642
• he named it Staten Landt, but Dutch cartographers renamed it Nova Zeelandia in 1645 after the Dutch province of Zeeland
• British explorer Captain James COOK subsequently anglicized the name to New Zealand when he mapped the islands in 1769

Independence

26 September 1907 (from the UK)

National Holiday

Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840); Anzac Day (commemorated as the anniversary of the landing of troops of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War I at Gallipoli, Turkey), 25 April (1915)

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Government Type

parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm

Constitution

• history: New Zealand has no single constitution document; the Constitution Act 1986, effective 1 January 1987, includes only part of the uncodified constitution; others include a collection of statutes or "acts of Parliament," the Treaty of Waitangi, Orders in Council, letters patent, court decisions, and unwritten conventions
• amendments: proposed as bill by Parliament or by referendum called either by the government or by citizens; passage of a bill as an act normally requires two separate readings with committee reviews in between to make changes and corrections, a third reading approved by the House of Representatives membership or by the majority of votes in a referendum, and assent of the governor-general; passage of amendments to reserved constitutional provisions affecting the term of Parliament, electoral districts, and voting restrictions requires approval by 75% of the House membership or the majority of votes in a referendum; amended many times, last in 2020

Legal System:

common law system, based on English model, with special legislation and land courts for the Maori

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor-General Dame Cindy KIRO (since 21 October 2021)
• head of government: Prime Minister Christopher LUXON (since 27 November 2023); Deputy Prime Minister Winston PETERS (since 27 November 2023)
• cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor-general on the recommendation of the prime minister
• elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor-general appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor-general; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor-general
• note: according to Prime Minister LUXON, the Winston PETERS of the New Zealand First Party would be the deputy prime minister in the first half of the term while Act party leader, David SEYMOUR, would take the role for the second half of the term

Legislative Branch:

• Description: unicameral House of Representatives - commonly called Parliament (121 seats for 2023-26 term); 72 members directly elected in 65 single-seat constituencies and 7 Maori constituencies by simple majority vote and 49 directly elected by closed party-list proportional representation vote; members serve 3-year terms)
• Elections: last held on 14 October 2023 (next scheduled for October 2026)
• Election Results: percent of vote by party - National Party 38.1%, Labor Party 26.9%, Green Party 11.6%, ACT Party 8.6%, New Zealand First 6.1%; Maori Party 3.1%; seats by party - National Party 48, Labor Party 34, Green Party 15, ACT Party 11, New Zealand First 8, Maori Party 6;
• Composition: 67 men, 56 women; percentage of women 45.5%

Judicial Branch:

• office: justices appointed by the governor-general upon the recommendation of the attorney- general; justices appointed until compulsory retirement at age 70
• subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; High Court; tribunals and authorities; district courts; specialized courts for issues related to employment, environment, family, Maori lands, youth, military; tribunals

Regions or States:

• Summary: 16 regions and 1 territory*
• Auckland
• Bay of Plenty
• Canterbury
• Chatham Islands*
• Gisborne
• Hawke's Bay
• Manawatu-Wanganui
• Marlborough
• Nelson
• Northland
• Otago
• Southland
• Taranaki
• Tasman
• Waikato
• Wellington
• West Coast

Political Parties and Leaders:

• ACT New Zealand [David SEYMOUR]
• Green Party [Marama DAVIDSON and James SHAW]
• New Zealand First Party or NZ First [Winston PETERS]
• New Zealand Labor Party [Chris HIPKINS]
• New Zealand National Party [Christopher LUXON]
• Te Pāti Māori [Debbie NGAREWA-PACKER and Rawiri WAITITI]
• Note: in the October 2023 general election, 11 additional parties won votes but no seats in Parliament

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: at least one parent must be a citizen of New Zealand dual citizenship
• recognized: yes residency requirement for
• naturalization: 3 years

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Capital Name

Wellington

Capital - geographic coordinate

41 18 S, 174 47 E

Capital Time Difference

• note: New Zealand has two time
• zones: New Zealand standard time (UTC+12) and Chatham Islands time (45 minutes in advance of New Zealand standard time; UTC+12:45)

Daylight Savings Time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in September; ends first Sunday in April

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International Organization Participation:

• ADB
• ANZUS
• APEC
• ARF
• ASEAN (dialogue partner)
• Australia Group
• BIS
• CD
• CP
• EAS
• EBRD
• FAO
• FATF
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICC (national committees)
• ICCt
• ICRM
• IDA
• IEA
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• IHO
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• IMSO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• IPU
• ISO
• ITSO
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• MIGA
• NSG
• OECD
• OPCW
• Pacific Alliance (observer)
• Paris Club (associate)
• PCA
• PIF
• SICA (observer)
• Sparteca
• SPC
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNHCR
• UNIDO
• UNMISS
• UNTSO
• UPU
• Wassenaar Arrangement
• WCO
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Thomas Stewart UDALL (since 1 December 2021) note - also accredited to Samoa
• Embassy: 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington 6011
• Mailing Address: 4370 Auckland Place, Washington DC 20521-4370
• Telephone: [64] (4) 462-6000
• FAX: [64] (4) 499-0490
• Email: AucklandACS@state.gov
• Website: https://nz.usembassy.gov/
• Consulate(s) General: Auckland

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Bede Gilbert CORRY (since 16 September 2022)
• Chancery: 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008
• Telephone: [1] (202) 328-4800
• FAX: [1] (202) 667-5277
• Email: wshinfo@mfat.govt.nz
• Website: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/americas/united-states-of-america/
• Consulate(s) General: Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York

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Geographic Location

Oceania

Geographic Coordinates

41 00 S, 174 00 E

Total Area

103,363 Square Miles 267,710 Square Kilometers

Land Area

103,363 Square Miles 267,710 Square Kilometers

Coastline

9,404 Miles 15,134 Kilometers

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Terrain

predominately mountainous with some large coastal plains

Highest Point

3,754 Meters

Highest Point Location

Aoraki-Mount Cook 3,754 m

Lowest Point Location

Pacific Ocean 0 m

Natural Resources

natural gas, iron ore, sand, coal, timber, hydropower, gold, limestone

Irrigated Land

2,391 Square Miles 6,193 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

• note: New Zealand has two time
• zones: New Zealand standard time (UTC+12) and Chatham Islands time (45 minutes in advance of New Zealand standard time; UTC+12:45)

Daylight saving time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in September; ends first Sunday in April

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Climate

New Zealand lies in the Temperate Zone and has a generally mild, invigorating climate although with sharp regional contrasts.

The rugged terrain of the country has a dramatic effect on the weather.

Many parts of the country are subject to high winds and rains followed by sharp drops in temperature.

January and February are New Zealand’s warmest months with July normally the coldest.

Spells of cool, damp weather occur even in the summer, from December through February.

Rainy winter days of June, July, and August are interspersed with days of brilliant sunshine and crisp, clear air.

October, November, and December are particularly windy months.

Winds of 60 mph are not unusual, especially in the Wellington area, and on rare occasions they exceed 100 mph.

As the mountainous terrain suggests, New Zealand lies in an area of active earthquakes and volcanism ringing the Pacific Plate.

A major fault line runs through Wellington.

Earthquakes are sometimes felt but rarely cause damage.

Terrain

predominately mountainous with some large coastal plains

Location

Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia

Total Area

103,363 Square Miles 267,710 Square Kilometers

Environment - Current Issues

deforestation; soil erosion; native flora and fauna hard-hit by species introduced from outside

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Antarctic Seals, Marine Life Conservation

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Exports

$33,240,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$30,240,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

dairy products, meat, wood and wood products, fish, machinery

Major Imports

machinery and equipment, vehicles and aircraft, petroleum, electronics, textiles, plastics

Top Export Partners

Australia 20.3%, US 15.6%, Japan 11.5%, UK 4.8%, China 4.6%, South Korea 4.4%

Top Import Partners

Australia 22.1%, US 13.7%, Japan 12%, China 8%, Germany 5.2%

Export Partners

Australia 20.3%, US 15.6%, Japan 11.5%, UK 4.8%, China 4.6%, South Korea 4.4%

Import Partners

Australia 22.1%, US 13.7%, Japan 12%, China 8%, Germany 5.2%

Country Description

New Zealand is a stable parliamentary democracy, which recognizes the British monarch as head of state.

It has a modern economy with many tourist conveniences and efficient local services.

Safety & Security

While in New Zealand you should review your personal security practices, be alert to any unusual activity, and report significant incidents to local police.

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Crime

The crime rate in New Zealand is relatively low, but theft from cars, recreational vehicles, and hostels is common, especially in areas frequented by tourists.

Do not leave passports or other valuable items in unattended vehicles.

Violent crime against tourists is rare; however, if you are traveling alone, you should be especially vigilant and avoid isolated areas.

Do not buy counterfeit and/or pirated goods, even if they are widely available.

Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, but if you purchase them, you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in New Zealand, you are subject to its laws.

New Zealand’s laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own.

If you break local laws, your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution; therefore, it is very important to know what is legal and what is not.

There are also some things that might be legal in other countries, but are still illegal in the United States and may result in your prosecution, such as buying pirated goods or engaging in child pornography.

New Zealand officials generally notify the U.S.

Consulate General in Auckland if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested; however, that is not always the case.

To ensure that U.S. consular officials are aware of your circumstances, request that New Zealand police and prison officials notify the U.S.

Consulate General in Auckland as soon as possible.

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Medical Facilities

Quality medical care is widely available, but waiting lists exist for certain types of treatment.

High-quality medication (both over-the-counter and prescription) is widely available at local pharmacies, although the name of the product may differ from the U.S. version.

Access to medical care may be less available in rural areas.

Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars.

Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Traffic Safety

While in New Zealand, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

All traffic travels on the left in New Zealand, and you should exercise extra caution if you are accustomed to driving on the right.

Driving on the wrong side of the road is a leading cause of serious injury and death for U.S. tourists.

Proceed carefully through intersections.

Traffic circles are common throughout New Zealand.

When approaching a traffic circle, always yield to traffic coming from the right--noting that traffic already in the circle has the right-of-way--and merge to the left into the circle.

Right turns on a red traffic signal are not permitted.

Renting a car or a camper is a popular way to enjoy New Zealand's natural beauty, but if you are unfamiliar with local conditions, you should be extremely careful.

New Zealand has only 100 miles of multi-lane divided motorways.

Most intercity travel is on two-lane roads.

While these roads are in good condition, New Zealand's rugged terrain means motorists often encounter sharper curves and steeper grades than those found on the U.S.

Interstate Highway System.

Make sure to follow the posted speed limit signs.

You should also use caution to avoid animals when driving in rural areas.

Please note that there is very limited cell phone coverage on large portions of scenic highway in the South Island, which is remote and has little traffic.

Roadside sobriety checks by police are common, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to immediate jail time in New Zealand.

Furthermore, New Zealand prohibits driving while texting as well as driving while using a cell phone.

Make sure to look carefully in all directions before crossing a street or roadway, and always use crosswalks.

Pedestrians do not have the right of way except in crosswalks.

New Zealand law requires that cars stop for pedestrians who are in a crosswalk and that cars stop at least two meters (approximately 6 feet) from a crosswalk that is in use.

Public transportation, including buses, trains, and taxis, is for the most part reliable and safe.

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Airports - total

123

Airports with Paved Runways

39

Railways

2,565 Miles 4,128 Kilometers

Roadways- total

58,508 Miles 94,160 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

38,997 Miles 62,759 Kilometers

Waterways

1,000 Miles 1,609 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Tauranga, Wellington

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Pipelines: Condensate

206 Miles 331 Kilometers

Pipelines: Gas

1,203 Miles 1,936 Kilometers

Pipelines: Liquid Petroleum Gas

107 Miles 172 Kilometers

Pipelines: Oil

179 Miles 288 Kilometers

Pipelines: Refined Products

123 Miles 198 Kilometers

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Telephones

1,870,000

Cell Phones

4,245,000

Internet Users

3,360,000

Internet Country Code

.nz

Internet Hosts

2,470,000

Broadcast Media

• state-owned Television New Zealand operates multiple TV networks and state-owned Radio New Zealand operates 3 radio networks and an external shortwave radio service to the South Pacific region
• a small number of national commercial TV and radio stations and many regional commercial television and radio stations are available
• cable and satellite TV systems are available

Telephone System

• assessment: excellent domestic and international systems
• domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone subscribership exceeds 150 per 100 persons
• international: country code - 64; the Southern Cross submarine cable system provides links to Australia, Fiji, and the US; satellite earth stations - 8 (1 Inmarsat - Pacific Ocean, 7 other)

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Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

39,240,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

42,400,000,000

Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

4,537,000,000

Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m)

4,590,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

29,420,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

148,900

Oil Exports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

47,290

Oil Imports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

99,810

Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

31,740

Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

81,400,000

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Anthem History

• name: "God Defend New Zealand"
• lyrics/music: Thomas BRACKEN [English], Thomas Henry SMITH [Maori]/John Joseph WOODS
• note: adopted 1940 as national song, adopted 1977 as co-national anthem; New Zealand has two national anthems with equal status; as a commonwealth realm, in addition to "God Defend New Zealand," "God Save the King" serves as a royal anthem (see United Kingdom); "God Save the King" normally played only when a member of the royal family or the governor-general is present; in all other cases, "God Defend New Zealand" is played

Anthem Lyrics

E Ihoa Atua O nga Iwi Matoura, Ata whaka rongona; Me aroha noa.

Kia hua ko te pai; Kia tau to atawhai; Manaakitia mai Aotearoa Ona mano tangata Kiri whero, kiri ma, Iwi Maori Pakeha Repeke katoa, Nei ka tono ko nga he Mau e whakaahu ke, Kia ora marire Aotearoa Waiho tona takiwa Ko te ao marama; Kia whiti tona ra Taiawhio noa.

Ko te hae me te ngangau Meinga kia kore kau; Waiho i te rongo mau Aotearoa Tona pai me toitu; Tika rawa, pono pu; Tona noho, tana tu; Iwi no Ihoa.

Kaua mona whakama; Kia hau te ingoa; Kia tu hei tauira; Aotearoa

Anthem Lyrics English

• fix: God save us all. Thy choicest gifts in store On her be pleased to pour, Long may she reign. May she defend our laws, And ever give us cause To sing with heart and voice, God save The Queen.
• Note: The second verse of 'God Save The Queen' is commonly omitted