NEW ZEALAND OR BUST

Fishing in the South Pacific

2009-08-09T21:31:00.000+01:00

The South Pacific has long been known because of the exciting experiences the waters can offer. It has been famous to tourists and even neighboring countries because of adventures and excitements it can offer. Many fishermen come to New Zealand when summers draws to a close. This is the season when tuna and billfish swim closer to the shores to find a warmer place.

During the remaining seven months of the year, that is the time for the fishermen to have a great time especially the months after the winter. You do not need many things to bring to enjoy the exciting destinations of the South Pacific. All you need is your clothes and hats and off you go.

Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, Tonga and Niue are places that most tourists visit to fish. These spots have been the highest rated fishing vacation sites because of the abundant fish and the weather as well. These spots have temperatures that attract fish, which explains why there are abundant fish in these places. Fishing in these spots is never complicated. You can even target sailfish and mahi-mahi with your own tackle.

Sailfish have been famous for their aerobatics with their sails dashing in the sunlight. It is also in the South Pacific that you will witness a big bull mahi-mahi lure you out. For the adventurers, this is also a chance for you to cast "poppers" and jigs to a dogtooth tuna or a trevally.

These hotspots are perfect not only to those who like to cook what they catch but also for those who have the "catch and release" philosophy. Game fishermen in these places usually catch sailfish, Northern Blue Tuna, Marlin, Spanish mackerel, Red Emperor, Trevally and Cod.

If you are someone who loves fly-fishing, creek fishing and blue water fishing, then the South Pacific is perfect for you. Whether you are an expert or a beginner, there are many skilled and experienced fishing guides and best quality boats that are safe and will ensure that you will have the best fishing experience.

It is recommended to hire a sport fishing or a specialist game fishing boat for to have fun and make the most out of your fishing trip. Game fishing and sport fishing are both popular in these spots. These are games that were used to be played only by the rich but on these spots anybody can play!

10 Reasons to Holiday in New Zealand Part 2

2009-06-02T23:01:00.001+01:00

10 Reasons to Holiday in New Zealand Part 2

10 Reasons to Holiday in New Zealand Part 2
By Sue Taylor

1. Queenstown in the South Island is considered to be the "Adventure Capital of the World". You can bungy jump or go on a thrilling jet boat ride, go heli-skiing, sky diving, fly-by-wire, and luging to name a few. Both bungy jumping and jet boating were invented in New Zealand. New Zealanders have a saying about Kiwi ingenuity which is borne out in the tourist spots within New Zealand.

2. There is a wide array of different accommodation options to cater for all tastes. At the upper end there are Lodges which are the height of luxury. These lodges are ordinarily located in very scenic and secluded areas and all gourmet meals are included in the price. The price of this type of accommodation reflects the luxury and inclusions.

The next level of accommodation is hotels, from international 5 star down to 2 star for basic accommodation. The hotels will tend to be serviced on a daily basis and usually include one room and a bathroom. Hotel rooms will include tea and coffee making facilities, fridges and most hotels would include a restaurant.

A favored option for families is the ever increasing numbers of apartments. The apartments are generally self catering as opposed to a hotel stay but the advantage is that they provide more space and are self catering which means that you don't have to eat out all the time thus saving you money to spend on sightseeing.

Then we have motels. Generally speaking motels offer more space than hotels and tend to be serviced daily but do not tend to be as luxurious. Motels often provide a separate bedroom or two and sometimes cooking facilities. You would need to check this out when booking.

There are also an increasing number of Bed and Breakfast's. These vary dramatically and can vary from 5 star establishments to the fairly basic. If you enjoy "getting to know the locals", the B & B option could be a good one for you. Generally breakfast will be provided as part of the price. Dinner would be by special arrangement only.

If you are on a budget there are plenty of backpacker hostels to choose from which are centrally located and well priced.

3. New Zealand has a great culinary landscape. Being a small island country surrounded by the sea, there are a multitude of seafood delicacies on offer. The ocean surrounding New Zealand is cold water thanks to Antarctica being relatively close. Cold water fish tend to have a delicate flavor. As well as fish from the sea, there are large lakes which are trout and salmon breeding grounds. Trout can not be caught commercially so there is no danger of supplies running out. New Zealand is also quite big on game and most of the more up-market restaurants will have a game option on the menu. You will find that there are dining options to suit every taste and budget. New Zealand might be quite removed geographically from the rest of the world but it is quick to adopt new types and styles of food and the kiwi ingenuity mentioned earlier in the article is demonstrated in the food served in restaurants. There are coffee bars and cafes, wine bars serving food, pubs with restaurants, family dining options, buffet's as well as the more up-market al la carte options.

There is also a thriving wine industry in New Zealand. Wherever you go, you will see vines and many of the wines produced are top quality. If wine is your thing, you won't be disappointed. Marlborough located at the top of the South Island is one of the oldest and best known wine areas, most famous for production of Sauvignon Blanc. New Zealand is also becoming very well known for producing excellent Pinot Noir, a notoriously difficult wine to produce.

4. If you are a Lord of the Rings fan, you will know that the recent series of movies was filmed in different parts of New Zealand. New Zealanders are very proud of this and whilst traveling around you will come across many mentions of parts of the movies which may have been filmed in certain spots. There are also tours catering specifically to Lord of the Rings fans.

5. New Zealand has an interesting cultural history. It is thought that the Maoris who came from Polynesia settled in New Zealand about 1000 years ago. New Zealand became a British colony in 1840 after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. There are many excellent museums within the cities and towns which offer a great overview of the relatively short and violent history of New Zealand.

Sue and Grant Taylor now travel extensively and they have compiled a number of tips for traveling at their website: http://www.taylortraveltales.com and http://www.newzealandtravelsite.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sue_Taylor
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10 Reasons to Holiday in New Zealand - Part 1

2009-06-02T22:59:00.001+01:00

10 Reasons to Holiday in New Zealand - Part 1

10 Reasons to Holiday in New Zealand - Part 1
By Sue Taylor

New Zealand is a small country of approximately 4 million people. It is made up of 2 main islands, the North Island, which contains the majority of the population and the South Island, which abounds with lush scenery. This is the ideal country for a holiday.

There are a multitude of airlines (approximately 45) that fly in to New Zealand these days. Most of them fly in to Auckland which is located towards the top of the North Island and is considered to be the gateway of the country. Auckland is by far the biggest city in New Zealand and has that big city feeling. Approximately one third of the whole population of New Zealand lives in the greater Auckland area. If you enjoy shopping, beaches or sailing, you could spend your whole time in Auckland, but although it is a beautiful city, there are many other special areas within New Zealand. There is an amazing diversity of scenery from beautiful beaches, ancient rain forests, stunning mountains, lakes, rivers and thermal activity to name just some of what you will see.

1. The people in New Zealand speak English which is a help if you are traveling from a western country. Generally speaking the people are also very friendly and will ensure your stay is very enjoyable. New Zealanders are very proud of their country and enjoy sharing the beauty and benefits of their country with others.

2. The exchange rate is favorable if you are coming over from Australia, UK, Europe and USA or almost any Western country. The shopping is very good particularly in the main areas such as Auckland, Wellington, (the capital of New Zealand situated at the bottom of the North Island) Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown. New Zealand has some very talented and established fashion designers as well as some promising up and coming young designers.

3. Apart from Auckland which can be quite congested both with people and traffic, you will find that New Zealand is relatively quiet. If you choose to hire a car, the quiet roads will probably be appealing as it can be rather daunting driving in an unfamiliar country on very busy roads. Note that cars drive on the left hand side of the road in New Zealand. Just be sure to check out the road rules. They have a very peculiar give way rule which could prove to be a dangerous trap for the unwary.

4. One of the best reasons to visit New Zealand is because of the stunning scenery. Although the country is small, there is an incredible diversity to the scenery. There are some beautiful as well as rugged beaches, some amazing and almost prehistoric geo-thermal areas around Rotorua, stunning mountains, rain forests, great fishing in the many lakes and rivers, the most famous lake being Lake Taupo as well as the natural beauty of some of the towns and cities.

5. If skiing is your passion, there are a multitude of choices on both the North and South Island for the beginner through to the advanced skier. One of the nice things about a skiing holiday in New Zealand, particularly in the Queenstown area (located in the South Island) is the stunning views you have whilst skiing. There is a wide variety of accommodation options available close to skiing areas.

This is Part one of a two part article. Look out for Part 2 which is coming soon.

Sue and Grant Taylor now travel extensively and they have compiled a number of tips for traveling at their website: http://www.taylortraveltales.com

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http://EzineArticles.com/?10-Reasons-to-Holiday-in-New-Zealand---Part-1&id=65436

How are things going

2009-04-13T22:59:00.002+01:00

Well it has been a while since my idea to emigrate to New Zealand started and I am afraid that is as far as it has gone,I think that it may take longer than I first thought.

I think that I will have to take at the very least a holiday there, so that I can assess if we like each other.

New Zealand

2009-04-13T22:52:00.001+01:00

A Short Introduction To New Zealand

A Short Introduction To New Zealand
By Rhiannon Williamson

New Zealand lies in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia.

New Zealand is made up of two main islands, North Island and South Island, with further outlying islands called the Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands, Bounty Islands, Campbell Island, Chatham Islands, and Kermadec Islands.

Guide to New Zealand - history

According to Maori history, the Polynesian Maori were the first settlers in New Zealand, they arrived and settled there around 800 A.D and remained fairly untroubled until 1840 when Maori chieftains entered into the Treaty of Waitangi with Britain.

In the Treaty they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria but retained territorial rights. Following the establishment of the Treaty, Britain began its first organised colonial settlement in New Zealand the same year.

There ensued the New Zealand Wars between 1843 and 1872 following conflicting land claims. The native people were defeated and the New Zealand government has since paid out compensation, but the entire issue remains contentious to this day.

In 1907 the British colony of New Zealand became an independent dominion and has always supported the UK militarily - particularly in both World Wars.

Geography, economy & climate

New Zealand is a geographically breathtaking country with glacier carved mountains, lakes, beaches, thermal springs, sub tropical pools etc., and where you can enjoy everything from skiing to surfing, from fishing to mountain climbing.

The economy of New Zealand is strongly dependent on its agriculture but it has benefited in recent years from it fledgling film industry, the fact that it has been used in a number of high profile Hollywood films, and from the fact that its tourist industry has grown as a direct result. Other sources of income to the country come from its exports of wool, sheep and dairy products, wood and paper products.

Rhiannon Williamson is an experienced publisher who has produced articles for leading travel and tourism guides and financial magazines. Her specialist knowledge about both travel and finance gives her site Shelter Offshore the unique ability to literally cover every single aspect of moving & living abroad - including the often less discussed offshore tax advantages that can be available when leaving our homeland. Check out her website to find out how you can escape from the rat race, relocate overseas, and profit from your move!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rhiannon_Williamson
http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Short-Introduction-To-New-Zealand&id=13631

The North Island

2009-04-13T22:46:00.000+01:00

New Zealand's North Island

New Zealand's North Island
By Ramnish Gupta

From Cape Reinga in the north right through to Wellington in the south, New Zealand's North Island offers some unique opportunities to tourist and locals alike.

Auckland city is the busiest New Zealand city and arguably the commercial capital of New Zealand. Being one of the most populated cities, Auckland offers some of the best shopping opportunities in New Zealand.

Wellington is the capital city and has a population of around 400,00. The main attraction in Wellington would have to be Te Papa, which is a museum located in the city. While at Te Papa, make time for a stroll around Queen's wharf or a cruise in the Wellesley or catch a play at Circa theatre. The Interislander ferry can also be caught from Wellington to travel across the Cook strait to Picton in the South Island.

Other attractions in the North Island include the Maori village in Rotorua, ski fields in the central North Island, stunning beaches in the Coromandel and Hawke's Bay, Huka falls near Taupo and Mt Taranaki (also known as Mt Egmont), which was the location for the filming of the Tom Cruise flick "The Last Samurai". Lord of the Rings tours are also available and extremely popular with Tolkien fans!

Ramnish Gupta is an amateur photographer based in Wellington, New Zealand. Some of his work can be found on the website: http://www.newzealandphotography.co.nz

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ramnish_Gupta
http://EzineArticles.com/?New-Zealands-North-Island&id=15975

The South Island

2009-04-13T22:29:00.001+01:00

New Zealand's South Island

New Zealand's South Island
By Ramnish Gupta

Natural, untouched beauty! That's what New Zealand's South Island is all about. The South Island is home to the Southern Alps and some great skiing and snow boarding opportunities.

Christchurch is the busiest city in the South Island and also offers an international airport, with flights connecting directly to a lot of overseas destinations. The Sumner Beach, Gondola, Avon river and Cashmere hills are the main attractions in Chistchurch. The city centre is always busy with trams running frequently making it a great place to hang out!

Dunedin with it's Cadbury's factory and Queenstown with it's adventure attractions are the other two cities that can't be missed in the South Island. Queenstown also has bungee jumping opportunities, jet boats and ski dive opportunities. Milford sound tours also leave from Queenstown, and are highly recommended. Stewart island can also be visited by ferries leaving Invercargill.

Most cities in the South Island are well connected by Trans Rail and that's perhaps the most convenient way to travel. Alternately, rental cars can also be booked and a drive along the West Coast is highly recommended. Getting to the South Island from the North Island is possible by either catching the Interislander ferry from Wellington or a Sounds Air flight from Wellington airport. Domestic flights run by Air New Zealand and other airlines also connect most other cities in the South Island to Wellington.

Ramnish Gupta is an amateur photographer based in Wellington, New Zealand. Some of his work can be found on the website: http://www.newzealandphotography.co.nz

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ramnish_Gupta
http://EzineArticles.com/?New-Zealands-South-Island&id=15976

Holiday in New Zealand - Nature's Own Paradise by Simon Johnson

2008-08-06T19:59:00.002+01:00

Often called "Kiwiland" by visitors, New Zealand is a striking island country filled with exoticas and natural wonders. It is divided into two parts, North Island and South Island. With unique attractions like geysers, ravishing lakes, rivers and beautiful mountains, New Zealand is surely a country worth visiting for a great holiday.

Below mentioned are some of the best attractions you can visit while holidaying in New Zealand:

Wellington

Situated in the North Island of New Zealand, this capital city is a must visit destination while holidaying in New Zealand. Every year a large number of tourists visit this city to witness its rich culture, delicacy and art. Wellington offers to its visitors, a series of stunning attractions like Brooklyn Windmill, Parliament buildings, Elmscourt, Mount Victoria, Frank Kitts Park, Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, Karori Cemetery, National Library, Wineries, Vineyards and some of the marvelous Museums. The city is known for its galleries, cafes, restaurants, art venues and theatres.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a small town situated in the North Island of the country, close to the southern coast of Lake Rotorua. Many tourist and visitors visit this part of New Zealand because of the unique natural geysers, craters, hot mud pools and springs in the town. Other attractions found in Rotorua include Whakarewarewa Forest, Okere Falls, The Agrodome, The Buried Village and Te Puia and Wkakarewarewa Thermal Village.

Tongariro National Park

Situated in the centre of North Island, Tongarriro national park is one of the oldest attractions found in New Zealand. This UNESCO approved heritage site is a must see for all the tourists, especially those fond of ancient architecture.

Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands is a perfect tourist spot for those looking for some refreshing fishing experience while vacationing in New Zealand. Bay of island is a gorgeous tourist attraction with diving, fishing and sailing as its major charms. Some of the other things to look around in this part of New Zealand are Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Captain Cook memorial museum, Haruru falls and Puketi forest.

Auckland

Being the largest city in New Zealand makes this tourist destination highly popular with tourists. Auckland offers a variety of tourists attractions like war memorial museum, sky tower, Auckland zoo, national maritime museum, art gallery, regional botanic garden, Kelly Tarlton's and more.

Waitomo Caves

A tour to Waitomo caves should be a must have in your itinerary while visiting New Zealand. Situated on the southern side of Hamilton, Waitomo Caves can be explored by the underground rivers which take you through a cave trip worth experiencing.

Best time to visit New Zealand

Ideal time to visit New Zealand is in the months of February and March, but advanced booking at this time of the year is advisable to all the tourists. For those looking forward to skiing and other winter sports, the best time for visiting New Zealand is in the month of August.

About the Author

If you found this information useful you can find out more at
http://www.last-minute-holidays.me.uk . You will be able to watch holiday videos as well as find out more about holiday destinations and a Last Minute Holidays. Please feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our site - Simon Johnson

Drink driving in New zealand

2007-07-07T17:10:00.000+01:00

A nationwide blitz on drink drivers has police renewing calls that the blood-alcohol limit needs lowering.

On Friday night, 26,000 people around New Zealand were stopped and police say the number of positive results shows many are unable to make judgements or drive properly even when they are under the limit.

One driver's reading would have put him over the youth blood-alcohol limit, but because he was 27, he passed.

He was okay to drive under the current adult limit of 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 mls of blood, but not okay to drive according to the police.

"The current limit is unfortunately so high that people are so drunk that they're too drunk to know that they're too drunk to drive. And that's the sad consequence of the current limit," says Dave Cliff, superintendent national road policing.

Disappointed by the over 200 drunk drivers caught in the nationwide blitz, police say New Zealand country still has a huge problem.

"Given that the weather conditions around the country last night were atrocious we got an extraordinary number of drunk drivers once again," Cliff says.

But there's little chance the government will lower the limits down to the Australian limit of 50 micrograms.

Transport Safety Minister Harry Duynhoven says it's not government policy to lower the blood alcohol level.

"However it is something we have continually on the radar because many other countries have already done so."

Despite advertising campaigns, numbers of prosecutions for drink driving have been on the rise since 2003, with no sign of a reduction in figures to date this year.

"At the current limit, the chances of being involved in a crash are around 30 times that of a sober driver. So the risk is enormous," says Cliff.

New Zealand's limit is the same as the United Kingdom and the United States. But other European countries and Australia all saw lower carnage once they lowered their limits. That is something the New Zealand government looks unlikely to do..

from tvnz.co.nz

Kiwi will fall sharply by year's end, says bank

2007-07-01T22:15:00.000+01:00

Kiwi will fall sharply by year's end, says bank

The Kiwi dollar traded above US77 cents during the weekend, but the global backdrop for the dollar is as "good as it gets" and Deutsche Bank is expecting the dollar to fall sharply to US68c by the end of the year.

Another forecaster, Infometrics, is picking the economy to cool and higher interest rates and lower migration to trip up the housing market, which is expected to drop 3 per cent in the year to March 2009.

The New Zealand dollar was trading just under US77c late on Friday, after official figures showing March quarter economic growth of 1 per cent, with some economists expecting a much slower run in the second half of the year.

The dollar traded slightly above US77c yesterday, still around a 22-year high, and a vast leap above the 10-year average of US56c.

The Kiwi, like many currencies, is also extremely strong against the Japanese yen, trading about 95 yen, compared with a decade average of just 66 yen.

Deutsche Bank is forecasting the dollar will drop back to US72c in September and down to US68c by the end of the year.

from stuff.co.nz

Lack of skilled workers still a problem

2007-06-29T18:45:00.000+01:00

Lack of skilled workers still a problem

New Zealand businesses are the most worried in the world about the skills shortage. A report by international business consulting firm Grant Thornton has found that 60 percent of businesses say the lack of skilled workers is one of their biggest restraints. For Australia the figure is 59 percent and South Africa 58 percent. Grant Thornton spokesman Peter Sherwin says economic alarm bells should be ringing, as businesses may have to move overseas to find the skilled staff they need. He says the skills of migrants coming into the country are often not appropriate or not of the same level of those of migrants heading for Northern Hemisphere countries.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Bird Flu

2007-06-27T14:28:00.000+01:00

Big culls 'unlikely' if bird flu comes to NZ

Major cullings of wild or farmed birds are "highly unlikely" if the deadly bird flu hits New Zealand, says the Department of Conservation (DOC). An exercise called Operation Gallus in Wellington yesterday and today has department staff working on a response plan for the possibility of bird flu reaching New Zealand. DOC biosecurity chief technical officer Geoff Hicks said culling of birds was not included in the plan as DOC considered it to be ineffective and might spread the disease. However, Hicks said New Zealand was at a low risk of getting bird flu.
Source:The Press

Cold in New Zealand

2007-06-27T14:26:00.000+01:00

It has been the coldest night of the year so far for many parts of the country. TRN's weather analyst Philip Duncan says clear skies allowed polar air from the weekend's storm to settle and freeze. Timaru and Queenstown were shivering on -6 degrees at 7.30 this morning. West Auckland was 1 degree, Hamilton, Taupo and Blenheim were -3, Wanaka -5, and Lumsden -5. Severe frosts are expected again tonight in many areas, possibly as far north as Rotorua.
© 2006 Newstalk ZB News

Waterfalls in New Zealand

2007-06-25T23:53:00.000+01:00

It's no secret that everyone loves waterfalls. This is evident by their popularity and the amount of tourism dollars spent to support their visitation. They even buoy the economy of some countries around the world. And while many have tried to study why we are so drawn to waterfalls, there's no denying that most of us would bend over backwards to see them.

In New Zealand – a land known for stunning natural beauty – there are many waterfalls to complement its already impressive collection of natural attractions and features. Thanks to its position in the roaring 40s (between 40 and 50 degrees South Latitude), it rains frequently and the wet weather comes from all directions – the Tasman Sea, South Pacific Ocean, or Southern Ocean. The Maori name of the land, Aotearoa, means "land of the long white cloud" so its wet climate did not go unnoticed by the early inhabitants as well. Indeed, waterfalls are bountiful and they provide the perfect excuse to see the country while experiencing its incredible scenic diversity.
New Zealand's waterfalls come in all different shapes and sizes. There are short and stocky ones like the powerful powder-blue Huka Falls and the majestically tall drop-down-the-mountain ones like Sutherland Falls. There are the classically rectangular ones like Marokopa Falls as well as the graceful and elegantly tall ones like the Bridal Veil Falls near Raglan. There are even alluring ones that won't overwhelm you with their height but mesmerize you with their character like the multi-tiered Purakaunui Falls. No matter how you look at them, there is a unique beauty about each waterfall. No two are the same and you could spend a lifetime trying to visit them all.

Geographically sprinkled throughout the country in both North and South Islands, the waterfalls allow you to see the best natural scenery that New Zealand has to offer – both on and off the beaten paths. You'll find them in the subtropical settings of Northland, in coastal locales like the Coromandel Peninsula, or the thermal and volcanic wonderlands of Tongariro National Park. Moreover, you can also find them in mythical fiords like the Milford and Doubtful Sounds, the snowy expanses of the Southern Alps, or even the wind-swept Catlins Forest. And since New Zealand is tailor made for self-driving tours, you can take your pick of which waterfalls to visit and which parts of the country to experience them.

With New Zealand Waterfalls, you are not only making the most of your time immersing yourself in nature, but you're also getting good exercise, learning about the land, and collecting memories you will cherish for the rest of your life. So no matter how you look at it, there's no reason not to visit the country's waterfalls. After all, they're 100% pure Kiwi bliss!

By: Johnny T. Cheng

Johnny T. Cheng is author of the award-winning A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls (Story Nature Press). Find out more about his book at www.storynature.com or visit his blog at www.world-of-waterfalls.com.

Winter in New Zealand

2007-06-23T19:12:00.000+01:00

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

Information about New Zealand

2007-06-21T14:30:00.000+01:00

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/

New Zealand sanctions against Fiji

2007-06-18T14:39:00.000+01:00

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

Another view of New Zealand

2007-06-17T20:17:00.000+01:00

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

Shopping in New Zealand

2007-06-17T16:07:00.000+01:00

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!

Fijian pre-school ordered to close

2007-06-13T20:23:00.000+01:00

New Zealand's only community owned Fijian pre-school has been ordered to shut down. The Ministry of Education says the Viti Centre has had a trail of serious financial problems, but parents and teachers are determined to fight the closure. "The Centre needs to open and stay open for the children," says Amalaini Ligalevu, the Centre's Licencee. That is unlikely to happen as the Auckland childhood centre has had its licence cancelled after being put into liquidation owing a quarter of a million dollars to Inland Revenue. The Ministry says there has been a raft of different problems and compaints against the Centre.
Source:One News

Latest news from New Zealand's neighbour

2007-06-09T15:25:00.000+01:00

A wharf has collapsed and more than 12 boats have run aground in wild weather lashing Sydney Harbour.
NSW Maritime chief executive Chris Oxenbould said more than a dozen vessels had broken free of their moorings in high winds and torrential rain and had run aground on beaches and in bays.
"More than 30 vessels have required towing since the gale-force conditions began yesterday," he said today.
"The Cremorne Point Wharf has also collapsed and partially sunk overnight.
"A contractor is currently alongside assessing the damage and planning a recovery."
Mr Oxenbould said it was too early to indicate what potential damage the vessels may have caused.
He said weather conditions could further deteriorate with a front expected to come through this afternoon.
"People need to be advised that if they're in doubt of the integrity of their mooring -- especially in those bays and coves that are exposed to these current conditions -- then they should check their vessel, when conditions are safe for them to do so," Mr Oxenbould said.
The majority of problems with moorings had been at east-facing locations at Abbotsford, Mosman, Balmoral, Manly, North Harbour, Little Sirius Cove, Shell Cove and Neutral Bay.
Meanwhile, Sydney ferry services remain severely disrupted.
The Manly Ferry and Jetcat services were cancelled again today due to dangerous conditions at Manly wharf and will be replaced by buses, a Sydney Ferries spokesman said.
Passengers are advised to go to Old Cremorne wharf until Cremorne Point wharf is assessed for damage.
The spokesman encouraged the public to call the Transport Information line before attempting to catch ferries as services were constantly changing due to the unpredictable weather.from New Zealand Herald

Points to get into New Zealand

2007-06-06T22:29:00.000+01:00

I have just checked the immigration site to immigrate into New Zealand and at the time of writing the minimum points required are 100, and going through a quick check on the website I have come up with a score of 115. I have also checked more job websites in New Zealand, and Electricians are needed. The only drawback is the fees that have to be paid for the various stages of the process,which is not cheap.!!!

Just a few photos around New Zealand

2007-06-03T23:15:00.000+01:00

A little bit further in New Zealand.

2007-06-02T21:09:00.001+01:00

When I have looked on the immigration site one of the first things I looked at was do they require my trade, being an electrician I quickly established that this is a trade that was in short supply and New Zealand is a country needing electricians.
This can be found out on the immigration site and is pretty straight forward to find out if you can be a skilled migrant and checking if an area of New Zealand has a skills shortage. One other thing I did check before I went any further was to see if I had enough points to apply for immigration, the system they use is that you have to have a certain amount of points via a questionnaire before proceeding, I passed that bit.

A bit more about New Zealand

2007-06-01T22:17:00.000+01:00

New Zealand is a country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two large islands (the North Island and the South Island) and numerous smaller islands, most notably Stewart Island/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands. In Māori, New Zealand has come to be known as Aotearoa, which is usually translated into English as The Land of the Long White Cloud. The Realm of New Zealand also includes the Cook Islands and Niue, which are self-governing but in free association; Tokelau; and the Ross Dependency (New Zealand's territorial claim in Antarctica).

New Zealand is notable for its geographic isolation, being separated from Australia to the northwest by the Tasman Sea, approximately 2000 kilometres (1250 miles) across. Its closest neighbours to the north are New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga.

The population is mostly of European descent, with the indigenous Māori being the largest minority. Non-Māori Polynesian and Asian people are also significant minorities, especially in the cities. Elizabeth II, as the Queen of New Zealand, is the Head of State and, in her absence, is represented by a non-partisan Governor-General.This is taken from Wikipedia

History about New Zealand

2007-05-31T23:15:00.000+01:00

It is estimated the Maori inhabited New Zealand around 800AD. Around eight hundred years later the Western world discovered New Zealand. In 1642, in a bid to locate the mysterious, rich land Australia, the Dutch Explorer, Abel Tasman caught sight of the West Coast of the South Island.

The First European to set foot on New Zealand soil was Captain James Cook of England, in 1769. He also made the first, but inaccurate map of the country.

Settlers from England started to arrive in the 1830's, and by 1840 a Treaty was signed between the crown and the chiefs of the Maori tribes. The Treaty of Waitangi handed sovereignty of New Zealand to the Crown, and is a matter of dispute even today, as the Maori translation is not quite the same as the English.

One hundred and seven years later, in 1947 New Zealand declared independence, and became its own country, after Britain did not let New Zealand troops return to defend their home against the possibility of Japanese invasion in the Second World War.

Though all New Zealanders became New Zealand citizens, until 1977 they were still British subjects. In 1983, New Zealand was declared "The Realm of New Zealand", and in 1986 the Constitution Act removed all power from the United Kingdom to legislate for New Zealand when it was requested.

Today, Queen Elizabeth holds the title of Queen of New Zealand, and is represented by the Honourable Anand Satyanand, our Governor General. New Zealand remains part of the Commonwealth, but as an independent country.
from www.NZ.Com

New Zealand, a new start?

2007-05-30T23:43:00.001+01:00

I am at a crossroads in my life, I am divorced (again), I have problems at work, my daughter has grown up, and I am feeling as though I need a change in my life.

I have been toying with the idea of moving to New Zealand after talking to a friend at college when I was doing a part time course. He also was thinking of going to New Zealand and was surfing the Internet on websites that were showing houses in New Zealand, they appeared to be cheaper than in the UK and were a lot nicer than the average house.

I have spent lots of hours on the Internet myself, looking on websites about and in New Zealand, and I am pretty amazed at the opportunities available in this country.
The site for looking at immigrating to New Zealand was the obvious one really, called Immigration New Zealand, http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/default.htm ,and the best place to start as it is run by the New Zealand government.