With its clean, healthy, uncluttered environment, low population density, comfortable climate, affordable housing and reputation for safety, New Zealand consistently rates amongst the best places to live and work in the world. Wonderful adventure and outdoors opportunities, excellent schools and universities, sophisticated city life and public health care and transport systems are huge draws.
Few countries are undergoing more radical cultural and ethical changes than New Zealand: by the middle of this century, two thirds of its children and more than half of its population will be of Maori, Pacific Island or Asian origin. Some of the change is due to more liberal immigration policies adopted since 1980.
However the current Government has seen fit to recently over-haul the immigration system, tightened English language requirements and made the migration programme more responsive to the local labour market. Greater priority is now given to those with skills that are in short supply. Indeed with only 3.6% unemployment at the end of 2004 employers are facing significant skill and labour shortages.
It is now true to say that “New Zealand, welcomes families who have the capacity to succeed." The New Zealand Government sets high standards for their “ideal migrant” but at the same time are seeking to attract highly-skilled migrants, particularly in those industries and regions of New Zealand experiencing growth and skills shortages.
About New Zealand and history
New Zealand was originally settled in the 1100s by the Maoris (pronounced MAU-rees), who called it Aotearoa (Land of the Long White Cloud). The next epoch in the islands' history opened in 1642, when the Dutch explorer Abel van Tasman sighted the land and called it Niuew Zeeland. It wasn't until the 1830s that European settlement began in earnest. From the 1860s to the 1880s, gold fever drew thousands of prospectors to New Zealand. About the same time, large sheep farms began to be established on land cleared from the native forests. The country became autonomous in 1907 and is today an independent member of the Commonwealth.
Since 1984 the government has accomplished major economic restructuring, moving an agrarian economy dependent on concessionary British market access toward a more industrialized, free market economy that can compete globally. This dynamic growth has boosted real incomes, broadened and deepened the technological capabilities of the industrial sector, and contained inflationary pressures. Inflation remains among the lowest in the industrial world. Per capita GDP has been moving up toward the levels of the big West European economies.
New Zealand is blessed with some of the most varied and dramatic terrain in the world, from glaciers and fjords and beaches to mountains and meadows and rain forests. If you're so inclined, you can admire the breathtaking scenery while skiing, surfing, jet-boating, horseback riding, mountain climbing or hiking (which the locals call "tramping"). If you prefer more leisurely activities, you can still enjoy New Zealand's natural wonders by strolling along its pristine beaches, sailing on its picturesque bays or fishing in its crystal-clear rivers and lakes.
New Zealand immigration law is a daunting, complex subject, and few are ever prepared to navigate the process alone. That's why professional representation makes all the difference. Before planning to migrate to New Zealand, discover whether you qualify for a short stay, temporary or permanent migration Visa by completing our full Visaplus Assessment Appraisal Form.
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