Quality of Life in New Zealand

Source: New Zealand Immigration Service, accessed April 2006

In many ways it’s not what we have that’s important to our quality of life – it’s what we don’t have!

We don’t have high crime rates, our police don’t carry guns and instances of corruption are virtually unheard of.

We don’t have abject poverty or hunger and we don’t have the pollution, congestion, health issues and cramped city living that we see elsewhere.

One of the things you will find here, and it’s something we take very seriously, is our acceptance of different views and ideas.

We are a modern, secular, democratic society with no ingrained class system. Freedom of speech, expression and religious belief is guaranteed in law.

We don’t judge people on how they sound, what colour they are, how they vote, where they go to church, where they live or the type of car they drive. Gender equality is something New Zealand has led the world in.

Being tucked away in a corner of the South Pacific doesn’t mean that New Zealanders don’t care deeply about events affecting the rest of the world. We provide a significant sum in foreign aid, honour our refugee responsibilities and make an enormous contribution to humanitarian efforts.

New Zealand was a founding member of the United Nations and has always played an active role in international affairs. You’ll find us at the forefront of debate on the major issues affecting the world community, such as global warming. We’ve shown that we’re ready to stand up for those things we care passionately about even if, as in the case of our anti-nuclear legislation, this comes at a cost.

Questions you might like to ask us:

	Jobsearch - Where can I get help with finding employment?
	Business for Sale - Can I buy an existing business?
	Study in New Zealand - Residence through studies?
	Open a bank account - how can I transfer my money?
	What are the English language requirements?
	Will I be eligible for public healthcare?
	What customs requirements are there?
	Will I be able to bring my pets?
	Will I be able to use my skills?