Living in New Zealand

As a multicultural society, New Zealanders are tolerant people and are very welcoming and friendly towards visitors. Alongside the diversity of its population, New Zealand is also host to a large international student population with people from over 180 different nationalities having been granted study permits over the past five years. Students easily assimilate into the New Zealand society.

Unlike many other commonwealth nations, foreign nationals who are permanent residents in New Zealand are eligible to vote in a general election, provided they have lived in New Zealand for one year or more.

1. A Land of Tradition: The Maori People: New Zealand was first settled by Eastern Polynesians who arrived in canoes from across the Pacific Ocean about 1000 years ago. Over several centuries in isolation, these settlers developed their own language, tribes and mythologies, gradually emerging as the Maori peoples as they are known today.

2. Weather: The first thing to note about New Zealand’s climate is that the seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere.

3. “Melting Pot” – A Multicultural Society: The ethnic makeup of New Zealand’s population is very diverse. Over the years, people from all over the world have gone to New Zealand and now call it home. More than 23% of New Zealand’s population were born overseas. The New Zealand population mainly comprises an assimilation of European, Maori, Asian, Middle Eastern and Pacific Islands people.

4. The Great Outdoors: Volcanoes, high snow-covered mountains, spectacular lakes, white sandy beaches – New Zealand is a land of unparalleled beauty. Dubbed a “natural playground”, New Zealand’s pristine landscape provides the backdrop for some extreme adventure activities. From mountain climbing which embodies the spirit of New Zealand’s greatest adventurer, Sir Edmund Hillary, to the thrill of bungy jumping, skydiving, zorbing and white-water rafting, New Zealand is the home for lovers of the great outdoors.

New Zealand has a sporting culture, international students will find an array of solo and team sports to participate in during their studies including rugby, cricket, netball, skiing, swimming and so forth.

5. Vibrant Lifestyle: Amidst New Zealand’s breathtaking environment, students will be surprised to find cities abuzz with excitement and culture. Known as a relaxed and fun-loving society, New Zealand’s cities are a cosmopolitan blend of cafes, shopping, movies and nightlife.