New Zealand is consistently ranked as one of the best countries to live in. However, its natural beauty comes at a high price. The average cost of living in New Zealand is not so attractive. In fact, a family a four spends around 6,000 NZD to 8,000 NZD (3,600 to 4,800 USD) per month.
"New Zealand is the world's fifth richest country as measured per adult wealth," said Credit Suisse's chief investment officer for Asia-Pacific John Woods. As well as being the fifth richest country in the world, the report says Kiwi wealth is "reasonably evenly distributed".
A small island nation home to around 4.5 million people located in the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is famous for its national rugby team, its indigenous Maori culture and its picturesque landscape. If you're an international student considering studying abroad, New Zealand may be a long way from home.
The 2017 Global Peace Index, which compares 162 countries for the risk of personal violence, rates New Zealand as the world's second safest country just after Iceland. Transparency International's 2017 Corruption Perception Index ranks us the least corrupt country in the world, equal with Denmark.
The Colony of New Zealand was a British colony that existed in New Zealand from 1841 to 1907, created as a Crown colony. The power of the British Government was vested in the governor of New Zealand, but the colony was granted self-government in 1852.
| Colony of New Zealand |
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| Currency | New Zealand pound |
| ISO 3166 code | NZ |
A capital is typically a city that physically encompasses the government's offices and meeting places; the status as capital is often designated by its law or constitution. In some cases, a distinction is made between the official (constitutional) capital and the seat of government, which is in another place.
The quality of life in New Zealand really is very good compared to many other countries and the pace is relatively relaxed. New Zealanders have a strong work ethic but also believe in having a good work life balance. Even in our biggest cities, you are never too far from a beach, bike trail, or national park.
Positioned on a peninsula between the Waitemata and Manukau Harbour, Auckland is lucky to be home to wonderful waters with unbeatable landscapes and unique wildlife that frequently make it to the big screen. These picture perfect waters are also why Auckland is known as the world's best city for yacht lovers.
After a British colony was established in 1840, William Hobson, then Lieutenant-Governor of New Zealand, chose the area as his new capital. He named the area for George Eden, Earl of Auckland, British First Lord of the Admiralty. Māori–European conflict over land in the region led to war in the mid-19th century.
1840 is considered a watershed year in the history of New Zealand: The Treaty of Waitangi is signed, British sovereignty over New Zealand is proclaimed, organised European settlement begins, and Auckland and Wellington are both founded.
Wellington is New Zealand's political centre, housing the nation's major government institutions. The New Zealand Parliament relocated to the new capital city, having spent the first ten years of its existence in Auckland. A session of parliament officially met in the capital for the first time on 26 July 1865.
Wellington, New ZealandBy the numbers, Wellington is the second windiest city in the world. Not surprisingly, its strong winds have earned the city the nickname of “Windy Wellington.” Year-round, its average wind speeds are 27 MPH. Winds reaching or exceeding gale force are recorded 233 days out of the year.
What language do New Zealand speak?
Māori
English
New Zealand Sign Language
Wellington is one of the windiest places in New Zealand because of its location beside Cook Strait, the only major gap between the mountains running the length of the two main islands. As winds are funnelled through the passage they become stronger, especially on the northern (Wellington) side of the strait.
New Zealanders shouldn't be so surprised how often it's windy here. After all, we're basically a few mountainous islands stuck partially in the Roaring Forties. With a lack of land to slow things down the wind whips up across the sea, fuelled by storms these strong winds swirl around Antarctica quickly.
New Zealand: The 'small country at the bottom of the world' that keeps on rising to the top.
What is the currency of New Zealand?
What type of government does New Zealand have?
Parliamentary system
Unitary state
Constitutional monarchy
New Zealand's climate is complex and varies from warm subtropical in the far north to cool temperate climates in the far south, with severe alpine conditions in the mountainous areas. Most areas of New Zealand have between 600 and 1600 mm of rainfall, spread throughout the year with a dry period during the summer.
Who is the captain of New Zealand?
What is the capital of America?
Where is the capital of Brazil?
