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 About New Zealand |
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An island country of great beauty in the southern Pacific Ocean, New Zealand was settled by Maori groups from Polynesia, and discovered by Abel Tasman in 1642. The islands were explored by Captain Cook between 1769 and 1777, and the British established a permanent settlement in 1840, claiming the region as a crown colony. New Zealand received dominion status in 1907, and became fully independent in 1931.
New Zealand society is diverse and dynamic, sophisticated, and multicultural. The indigenous Maori people have influenced the language and arts, as well as the accents of all New Zealanders. While the people of New Zealand have embraced 21st century technology and culture, they strongly identify with a tradition of quiet, rugged individualism, self-reliance, and a gift for invention. The “Kiwis” value honesty, friendliness, and openness.
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Location |
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A part of Oceania, New Zealand is in the South Pacific Ocean, 1,200 kilometers southeast of Australia. It is about the same size as Japan or the British Isles. The landscape of the two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, is green and mountainous, with large tracts of farms and forests. |
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Population |
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The population of New Zealand reached four million in 2003. This population is close to three-quarters European in origin. About one in seven New Zealanders identify themselves ethnically as Maori. The number of children of mixed ethnic parentage is increasing, in 2001, 18% of children under the age of 15 belonged to more than one ethnic group. |
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Language |
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English and Maori are the two official languages of New Zealand. English is more widely-spoken, but the use of Maori is on the rise. A poetic language, Maori was entirely oral until the early missionaries recorded it in a written form. |
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Education |
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Preschool
Preschool education is not compulsory in New Zealand, but many children attend some form of kindergarten, play center, or childcare center.
Public, state schools
State primary, intermediate and secondary schools provide free, compulsory, and secular education for all young New Zealanders. Education is free from ages 5 to 19, and compulsory from ages 6 to 16. However, parents often need to pay for some school expenses that the state does not cover. State schools are co-educational at primary and intermediate levels. Most state secondary schools are also co-educational. Since 1989, state schools have been governed by boards of trustees elected by parents.
Most Maori are educated within the state system. In the 1980s, kohanga reo (preschool language ‘nests’) were established to help the survival of the Maori language. Some young Maori then continue their education in schools where the Maori language is used, and the curriculum is based on Maori culture and values. Maori who send their children to these schools do so by choice.
The Roman Catholic Church developed a separate, parallel system of primary and secondary schools in New Zealand to encourage and support Catholic identity. These schools have now been integrated within the state system. The state pays most of the costs of running the schools, which are required to have open entry. However, the schools are allowed to retain their special character.
Private schools
There are also a number of private (mostly church-related) schools. Some have chosen not to integrate with the state system and remain independent, fee-charging institutions. Some of the older schools have a socially elite character. Others have been established more recently, often by evangelical Christian groups. Private schools receive some state funding, but are governed by independent boards.
Higher Education
Almost all the country’s higher education institutions (polytechnics, colleges of education and universities) receive state funds, but are governed by independent councils. Part-fees are usually charged for most higher education courses. Student loans help maintain the tradition of open access to higher education. |
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Weather |
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Because of its long and narrow shape, there are considerable climate variations from the north to the south in New Zealand. North of Aukland is sub-tropical, while the South Island mountains are snow-capped all year round. The seasons are opposite those in the northern hemisphere. January is the warmest month with temperatures ranging from 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit) to 26 degrees C (79 degrees F). In July, temperatures range from 10 degrees C (50 degrees F) to 15 degrees C (59 degrees F). |
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Cost of Living |
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In accordance with the “Kiwi” relaxed living philosophy, the cost of living in New Zealand is reasonable. Of course costs of living vary according to location. For instance, Auckland is a more expensive city than those in the South. Housing may cost more in Auckland than in Dunedin, but average wages in Auckland are also higher than in Dunedin. And with regard to housing, New Zealand boasts one of the highest home ownership rates in the world. Housing in New Zealand is very affordable compared to numerous other countries. |
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Currency |
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The currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZ$), divided to 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of NZ$100, 50, 20, 10, and 5. Coins are in denominations of NZ$2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents. |
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Health |
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Both public and private medical facilities are of a high standard. Telephone numbers for doctors and hospitals appear at the front of the white pages of local telephone directories. Urgent pharmacies are also listed. People with a valid permit to stay for two or more years are entitled to health care services on the same basis as New Zealand citizens. In addition, there is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK which entitles short-term visiting British to publicly funded health treatment. While the Brits are entitled to free treatment as hospital inpatients, they must pay some charges for outpatient and private doctor services. |
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Weights and Measures |
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New Zealand uses the metric system, with units in grams and kilograms, milliliters, and liters. |
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Electricity |
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The electricity used in New Zealand is 230V and 50Hz. The plug type is the oblique flat blade with ground (inverted V). |
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