About New Zealand - Useful Information

Useful Information

Cultural Etiquette & Slang • Tipping is not expected in New Zealand. However, feel free to show your appreciation for special services performed.

• New Zealanders, like the British and Australians, drive on the left side of the road.

• It is no insult to call a New Zealander a ‘Kiwi’ - they often call themselves that and will not be offended if a foreigner calls them that also.

• If you are visiting New Zealand on business, be aware that New Zealanders tend to be fairly formal when it comes to business attire, punctuality, in following a structured agenda and so on. They are not, however, bothered by who has seniority in meetings – New Zealanders tend to be fiercely egalitarian in nature, rather like their Australian neighbours.

• New Zealanders are fanatical about Rugby. The Te Rauparaha haka is the chant all New Zealanders learn from a young age, and chant whilst playing or cheering on rugby players, or at special celebrations.

You will doubtless encounter it during your stay in New Zealand. It goes like this:

Ka mate! Ka mate! Ka ora! Ka ora!
Ka mate! Ka mate! Ka ora! Ka ora!
Tenei te tangata puhuru huru
Nana nei i tiki mai, Whakawhiti te ra
A upane! ka upane!
A upane! ka upane!
Whiti te ra! Hi!!

I die! I die! I live! I live!
I die! I die! I live! I live!
This is the hairy man
Who will cause the sun to shine
One step upwards
Another step upwards
The Sun shines!!

National Holidays
2004:
January 1-2 New Year

February 6 Waitangi Day

April 9-12 Easter

April 25 ANZAC Day

June 7 Queen’s Birthday

October 25 Labour Day

December 25 Christmas Day

December 26 Boxing Day

What to Bring With You
Aside from medication and other personal products you may find difficult to track down in New Zealand, it is difficult to see what else you will need to take with you – New Zealand is a developed, first-world country and its cities have all the amenities available to the average traveler in Europe or America.

Budget Travelers
The very least budget travellers can expect to pay per day travelling throughout New Zealand is $35 USD, which is approximately $50 NZD.

Please note that this allows for student dorm-style accommodation only and cheap meals and transportation. It does not factor in many ‘big’ expenses associated with travelling which we assume are paid before leaving your home country i.e. all types of insurance, international flights and so on. It would in fact be wiser to budget for more.

Want to live and work in Australia? Want to live and work in Australia? Australia needs skilled workers! 200,000 jobs are advertised weekly, and the unemployment rate is the lowest in years. 102,500 Skilled Visas are to be granted by June 2008.

Want to travel to Australia? The Australian Visitor visa allows people to travel to Australia for tourism or business. Applicants from certain countries can conveniently and securely apply online for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).

Want to work and holiday in Australia? This Australian visa provides an opportunity for young people from selected countries to holiday and work in Australia for a period of 12 months, allowing them to explore the country.

Want to study in Australia? Each year over 150,000 international students arrive in Australia. The Overseas Student Program (OSP) allows people who are not Australian citizens or permanent residents to study in Australia.

Want to manage, purchase or set up a business in Australia? The Business Skills visa class encourages successful business people to settle permanently in Australia and contribute to the Australian economy by developing new or existing businesses.

Want to retire in Australia? The Retirement visa is for people over the age of 55, who have no dependants (other than a spouse), and can support themselves in Australia. Enjoy your retirement!

Want to join your partner/spouse in Australia? The Australian Partner visa is for people who have an eligible Australian spouse/partner or interdependent partner, or who wish to come to Australia to marry their Australian fiancé.

Want to join your children in Australia? Parents may be able to migrate to Australia if they have a child in Australia who is an eligible Australian citizen or permanent resident. Visas are available for parents of working age and those of pension age.

The UK Government seeks skilled workers & professionals to fill shortages created by the growing UK economy. Free UK visa eligibility assessment.

Useful Information