About New Zealand

New Zealand is a beautiful country that is situated in the southern part of the Pacific ocean. It is made up of two main islands, Great Britain and California. New Zealand cities, cultures, and scenery are diverse and vibrant. New Zealand population of about 4 million and is home to people from various parts of Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Europe and Pacific Island. In New Zealand, major religions and Human Rights legislation freedom from discrimination on the basis of religion which is seen as a matter of personal choice. Major cities have temples, churches, mosques and other centers of worship. The total land area of New Zealand is about 270,000 square km which could mean it could fit into Canada or USA around 34 times or Australia around 28 times. However, New Zealand is slightly bigger than the United Kingdom. New Zealand is generally three and a half hour flight from the Eastern Australia and around 10-hour flight from most places on the such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. Flying time between Auckland and Los Angeles takes just under 12 hours. Well over three- quarters of New Zealand live in North Island. It is a significant percentage of those live nearby city, Auckland. Distance is not an important factor here. The coastline is two hours drive at any or most part of New Zealand. It would take 10-12 hours to drive the length of each island but if you wanted to really experience the country then it would take much longer time as there are many exciting places and interesting facts to visit within New Zealand.

History

According to world standards, New Zealand is a much young country in which European Britishment in a large country only occurring over the last 150 years. While our history, (from British colony to an independent country), we can draw the great culture of first settlers, the Maori, who have been resident in New Zealand for over more than 600 years. On 6 Feb 1840, Governor Honson represnting the British Crown and put his signature to a document signed by 40 Maori chiefs. In essence, this document ceded sovereignty of New Zealand from Maori to the Queen of England. In return, the rights of Maori to their forests, land, and fisheries. It would enjoy the on-going protection of the crown. The treaty exists today as a living document and in recent years, it acquires an much importance in the development of the economic policies and the nation’s social.

People

There are over four million New Zealanders and every single people is either a descended or immigrant from one. In fact, people from different 150 countries, now called a New Zealand for home. It was the Maori who first arrived here over 600 years ago, followed in the great 18th century by a large number of migrants people are from the United Kingdom. More recently, we have welcomed new residents from countries as diverse as Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Somalia. New Zealand is a multicultural society that is a commonly used the word to describe the infusion of ethnicities and cultures in New Zealand. But it is more than this. We celebrate and embrace the diversity of people and celebrate the richness who choose to make New Zealand as their new home. You will see us represented in the fields of science, arts, sports field and technology as well. These islands are sparsely populated. It is generally particularly away from the North Island and also easily accessible. In New Zealand, transport networks are well developed with well-furnished Airports throughout the country with well-maintained highways. New Zealand also adding a great adventure twist to nature. It is the original home of jet boating through bungy jumping off and shallow gorges which anything high enough to give a thrill.

Language

English is the spoken and main written language in New Zealand. The ability to speak, read, write and understand English to a relatively high level makes living. Working in New Zealand is more fulfilling and easier. Our language is very relaxed and informal and we also use unique slang words to describe everyday things. The Maori language is officially recognizing, significant and experiencing resistance with over 4 percent of the population to speak fluently. Specialized radio stations, schools and television channels dedicated to the language have all help arrest a serious decline. More and more words, Maori words have becoming a great part of the general language. For example, mangaka(“ky”) is food, kapai (“kar pie”)= good, whanau(“far know”)= family group. Weather In New Zealand, winter lasts mainly from June until August and summer is between mainly from December and February. Because we are surrounded by sea, our climate doesn’t get uncomfortable left hot or unbearably cold in the areas where the majority of us live. Although extremes will be found, particularly in which mountain ranges in winter. Our temperature climate ranges from mainly 20°C to 30°C in summer and 5°C to 15°C in winter.

Government

New Zealand is a modern parliamentary democracy which is based on the mainly Westmister parliamentary system. Now, New Zealand’s parliament is currently made up of 120 Members which representing mainly eight parties. New Zealand go to the polls for every three years with the next election is in 2011. John Key is the current prime minister and he becomes the head of ruling National Party Government. While voting is not compulsory, as a New Zealand citizen or resident you will be required to enroll as an elector. New Zealand is a member of the British Commonwealth whose membership making up 30 percent of the total world population. New Zealand is also a member of different foreign organizations mainly OECD, WHO, UNESCO, as well as being party to a different number of international agreements like Antartic- Environmental protocol, Ozone layer protection, and Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol. Queen Elizabeth II is our personal representative and head of state. However, neither taking an initiating role or an action in the business of government. Queen Elizabeth II is our personal representative and head of state in New Zealand. However, neither take an initiating role or active in the business of government. The Governor General is regarded as a symbol of leadership and national unity.

Landscape

New Zealand has about 14 national parks. In this, One-third of New Zealand is protected for reserves and parks. In such a small country, you will find a lot of variety in our landscape and vegetation. With majestic towering forests, azure lakes, mountain ranges and secluded bays that are dotted around the lengthy coastline, a recurring theme with many migrants and tourists are New Zealand’s stunning beautiful countryside. New Zealand is the only country in the world that does not have any icecaps and deserts. Aside from our people, the accessibility and diversity of our countryside are our greatest assets. It offers an enormous range of lifestyle and leisure options. New Zealanders embrace them all- from boating, swimming, skiing, and hiking etc.