Winter in New Zealand
It's cold, snowy, wet or wild outside this weekend - but forecasters say this winter will be mild and warm.
Severe winter blasts have hit New Zealand over the past four days bringing road and airport closures due to snow and squalls across both islands. But the national climate centre Niwa and the MetService agree that this weekend will not be typical - we're in for a mild winter.
MetService says temperatures will be around 2C warmer than usual this winter in almost every part of the country, and Niwa scientist Dr Jim Salinger agrees temperatures will be up - "but we will have cold spells".
from New Zealand Herald
New Zealand
Saturday 23 June 2007
Thursday 21 June 2007
Information about New Zealand
New Zealand is a small and distant country. For those accustomed to larger, more metropolitan societies this can come as a shock. Of all New Zealand’s cities only Auckland with a population of over a million, about 25% of the national total, would qualify as a major city. For many migrants, our other centres have more the feel of a country town and provincial towns often seem more like villages. If you love big city life, these features will not appeal. Our smallness is also reflected in other ways. The range of consumer goods is more limited and prices are sometimes higher. When compared with larger developed economies, New Zealand wage scales are also lower. This has to be kept in mind when comparing living costs which must be measured in terms of your New Zealand not your current salary. The opportunity to develop highly specialised skills is more limited. Standards tend to be more uniform, with few schools and no universities comprising an elite.
Although new technologies are constantly making it easier for us to keep in touch, quick overseas trips are not an option. Our closest neighbour, Australia, is still three hours flying-time away and overseas travel remains costly and time consuming. Divorce rates amongst migrants are high and distance from family and friends is often a contributing factor. If family and friends are important to you, this is something you’ll need to weigh carefully before choosing to settle here.
New Zealand is a new society. Although Maori settlement of Aotearoa goes back almost a thousand years, the cultural roots of other New Zealanders go back little more than 150. A rich sense of history and tradition is something you will not find here. Freedom from the past can liberate but for some,thjs lack of history can engender feelings of isolation and loss. As a new country we also have our own way of doing things. Our housing is lightly constructed and employs different materials and styles. Two-storey houses, double glazing and central heating are uncommon and construction is generally of wood or manufactured materials. Our roads are usually limited to two lanes and in the country often have a gravel or metalled surface. We are also a do- it-yourself culture. If you want things done about the house, you must generally do them yourself. Home decorating and renovation is a national obsession and you’ll need to take a hands-on approach to most things. Domestic servants are not available and status counts for little. As a New Zealander you will be expected not to stand on your dignity and ‘muck in’ like a good Kiwi, whatever the occasion.
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/settlementpack/
Although new technologies are constantly making it easier for us to keep in touch, quick overseas trips are not an option. Our closest neighbour, Australia, is still three hours flying-time away and overseas travel remains costly and time consuming. Divorce rates amongst migrants are high and distance from family and friends is often a contributing factor. If family and friends are important to you, this is something you’ll need to weigh carefully before choosing to settle here.
New Zealand is a new society. Although Maori settlement of Aotearoa goes back almost a thousand years, the cultural roots of other New Zealanders go back little more than 150. A rich sense of history and tradition is something you will not find here. Freedom from the past can liberate but for some,thjs lack of history can engender feelings of isolation and loss. As a new country we also have our own way of doing things. Our housing is lightly constructed and employs different materials and styles. Two-storey houses, double glazing and central heating are uncommon and construction is generally of wood or manufactured materials. Our roads are usually limited to two lanes and in the country often have a gravel or metalled surface. We are also a do- it-yourself culture. If you want things done about the house, you must generally do them yourself. Home decorating and renovation is a national obsession and you’ll need to take a hands-on approach to most things. Domestic servants are not available and status counts for little. As a New Zealander you will be expected not to stand on your dignity and ‘muck in’ like a good Kiwi, whatever the occasion.
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/settlementpack/
Monday 18 June 2007
New Zealand sanctions against Fiji
New Zealand says it has begun planning tough sanctions against Fiji, in response to the military government's expulsion of its top diplomat.
Prime Minister Helen Clark described the expulsion of High Commissioner Michael Green as a "provocative act".
She said that new measures, which could be imposed as early as next week, would send a message to Fiji that it needed to change its behaviour.
Fiji's leadership accused Mr Green of interfering in its domestic affairs.
The military authorities, led by Commodore Frank Bainimarama, left the door open for New Zealand to send a replacement, but this was rejected by Wellington.
Helen Clark accused Cmdr Bainimarama of "lashing out" by expelling Michael Green, adding that "there is no rhyme or reason to it".
She described the expulsion as a "serious and significant act", which needed a similar response.
Ms Clark did not give details of what the new sanctions might be, but said they would be decided by the Cabinet next week.
"What we will be looking at is what is the most effective way of driving home to Fiji that it needs to mend its behaviour and take steps back to constitutional government," Ms Clark said.
from the BBC
Prime Minister Helen Clark described the expulsion of High Commissioner Michael Green as a "provocative act".
She said that new measures, which could be imposed as early as next week, would send a message to Fiji that it needed to change its behaviour.
Fiji's leadership accused Mr Green of interfering in its domestic affairs.
The military authorities, led by Commodore Frank Bainimarama, left the door open for New Zealand to send a replacement, but this was rejected by Wellington.
Helen Clark accused Cmdr Bainimarama of "lashing out" by expelling Michael Green, adding that "there is no rhyme or reason to it".
She described the expulsion as a "serious and significant act", which needed a similar response.
Ms Clark did not give details of what the new sanctions might be, but said they would be decided by the Cabinet next week.
"What we will be looking at is what is the most effective way of driving home to Fiji that it needs to mend its behaviour and take steps back to constitutional government," Ms Clark said.
from the BBC
Sunday 17 June 2007
Another view of New Zealand
Living and investing in New Zealand is becoming more and more popular as people are discovering the small but friendly country. They love the varied scenery, mild climate, and many activities. Living in New Zealand appeals to those who like a quiet life and love the outdoors.
New Zealand Facts
Many people from other areas are trying out living in New Zealand or investing there. US citizens are immigrating thanks to a new interest in IT. Farming is still thriving too. New Zealand is an especially beautiful country. The weather changes drastically during the course of a day. Overall climate is mild winters (wet) and warm summers (dry). It's in the Southern Hemisphere. The native people are the Maori. The British made it a colony in the 1800s. People from Europe, Pacific Islands, and Asia also live there. English is spoken as the native language. It?s hard to find anyone who doesn't enjoy living in New Zealand. It?s one of the friendliest countries in the world.
Vast Differences
Even though New Zealand is small, youll have it all. Sandy beaches, blue green waters, lush tropical forests, towering alpine peaks, and bright green pastures. If you love to play outdoors, living in New Zealand is for you. Youll spend your time hiking, biking, and playing water sports. In just one day you can fly over a glacier, white-water raft, visit a volcano or crater lake, go bird or whale watching and dine in a first class restaurant. Where its high youll need a jacket and where its low youll wear a swimsuit. The range of scenery is unique in the world.
People
New Zealand is noted for the friendly people. Known as Kiwis, everyone is laid-back and welcoming. If you like to stay indoors and wear a tie, New Zealand isnt for you. Its so safe you can hitch a ride without being afraid. Or you can pick up a hitcher and be safe. View some pictures of the stunning scenery. If you move there, youre sure to feel welcome.
Geography
New Zealand is long and thin in shape. If you try living in New Zealand your main choices will be the North Island area or the South Island area. The north features volcanoes and miles of green pastures. Its the most populated area. In the south youll find the sharp, rocky Alps. Landscape varies from surf and sand to blue glacier lakes with many national parks.
Copyright 2005 Ofer Shoshani
New Zealand Facts
Many people from other areas are trying out living in New Zealand or investing there. US citizens are immigrating thanks to a new interest in IT. Farming is still thriving too. New Zealand is an especially beautiful country. The weather changes drastically during the course of a day. Overall climate is mild winters (wet) and warm summers (dry). It's in the Southern Hemisphere. The native people are the Maori. The British made it a colony in the 1800s. People from Europe, Pacific Islands, and Asia also live there. English is spoken as the native language. It?s hard to find anyone who doesn't enjoy living in New Zealand. It?s one of the friendliest countries in the world.
Vast Differences
Even though New Zealand is small, youll have it all. Sandy beaches, blue green waters, lush tropical forests, towering alpine peaks, and bright green pastures. If you love to play outdoors, living in New Zealand is for you. Youll spend your time hiking, biking, and playing water sports. In just one day you can fly over a glacier, white-water raft, visit a volcano or crater lake, go bird or whale watching and dine in a first class restaurant. Where its high youll need a jacket and where its low youll wear a swimsuit. The range of scenery is unique in the world.
People
New Zealand is noted for the friendly people. Known as Kiwis, everyone is laid-back and welcoming. If you like to stay indoors and wear a tie, New Zealand isnt for you. Its so safe you can hitch a ride without being afraid. Or you can pick up a hitcher and be safe. View some pictures of the stunning scenery. If you move there, youre sure to feel welcome.
Geography
New Zealand is long and thin in shape. If you try living in New Zealand your main choices will be the North Island area or the South Island area. The north features volcanoes and miles of green pastures. Its the most populated area. In the south youll find the sharp, rocky Alps. Landscape varies from surf and sand to blue glacier lakes with many national parks.
Copyright 2005 Ofer Shoshani
Shopping in New Zealand
If you are looking for a unique and interesting gift, then I urge you to check out http://ProductsFromNewZealand.com/444 . You will be amazed at the range, and the quality is second to none!
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