| New Zealand has a reputation for being a welcoming and safe destination. New Zealanders are renowned for their hospitality, friendliness and amicability. Students from throughout the world will find a high level of respect for their individual cultural differences throughout New Zealand. |
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NEW ZEALAND GEOGRAPHY AND DEMOGRAPHICS
New Zealand is known for its rich magnificence; scenically beautiful regions, each within easy reach of the other. This diverse scenery includes impressive mountain areas, fertile farmland, beautiful beaches and coastline, forests, numerous rivers and lakes. New Zealand offers some of the most beautiful and varied landscapes on earth. The eye catching experiences, the sights of high snowcapped peaks, glaciers, ancient beach forests, a wild coastline with unusual wildlife, long and deserted sandy beaches, alpine meadowlands, wide open sheep country, bubbling hot springs, green lush rainforests and a great deal more.
TOTAL AREA: 268,021 square kilometers
CAPITAL: Wellington
POPULATION: 4,393,500
CURRENCY: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
ETHNIC COMPOSITION: As per the 2006 census, approximately about 67.6 percent identified ethnically as European; 14.6 percent as Maori. Other major ethnic groups include Asian (9.2 percent) and 6.9 percent of Pacific peoples, while 11.1 percent identified themselves simply as a "New Zealander" (or similar) and one percent identified with other ethnicities.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: English
RELIGION:
There are approximately 35.8 percent Anglicans; 19.9 percent Ratana; 13.9 percent Catholics; 7.2 percent Ringatu; 7.1 Methodists; 6.5 percent Latter Day Saints and 8.3 percent recorded at the census.
New Zealand has a distinct culture and heritage. The lifestyles are generally more relaxed and informal than in most other developed countries and Kiwis (New Zealanders) are self-reliant, practical, open and hospitable. They tend to have little patience for ostentatious or loud behavior. They also value their families and their leisure time.
CLIMATE:
Being located in the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand seasons are completely opposite to countries in the North of the equator. Winter lasts from June to August and Summer is between December and February. It is surrounded by sea; the climate doesn't get uncomfortably hot or unbearably cold in the areas where the majority of people live, although extremes are found, particularly in the mountain ranges in Winter. Overall the temperature climate ranges from 20° - 30°C (68° - 86°F) in Summer, and from 5° - 15°C (41° - 59°F) in Winter.
New Zealand's Seasons: The North of New Zealand is sub-tropical and the South temperate. The warmest months are December to March and the coldest June, July and August. In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges approximately between 20° - 30°C and in winter between 10° - 15°C. We can also check the weather conditions on the New Zealand's metservice website at http://www.metservice.com/
CLOTHING:
In New Zealand, the dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. The smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and nightspots. Men are generally not expected to wear suits and ties, except in a few of the top formal bars and restaurants in major cities. In New Zealand when the weather turns cooler people wear light jackets or sweaters and when rain is expected a light waterproof jacket or coat can be worn.
LANGUAGE:
In New Zealand, English is the main written and spoken language. It is the ability to read, speak, write and understand English to a relatively high level which makes living and working in New Zealand easier and satisfying.
GOVERNMENT:
New Zealand is a modern parliamentary democracy based on the Westminster parliamentary system. Parliament is currently made up of 120 members representing eight parties. New Zealanders or Kiwis go to the polls every three years. Prime Minister is the head of the country. While voting is not compulsory, as a New Zealand resident or citizen they have to enroll as an elector in order to vote in the elections.
TRAVEL:
New Zealand is a very compact place, travel within New Zealand - whether by flights, buses, trains, cars or campervans is easy and affordable. Accommodation is also cheap and can be varied at times. The culinary promise of venison, fresh seafood, sublime ice cream and award winning wines are most commonly found and will whet the appetite.
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