For those that have visited New Zealand the reason for living here is self evident, however if you have never been to New Zealand you are about to gather information that I believe will demonstrate New Zealand must surely be the most desirable country in the world to live in. The photo section itself provides a region by region tour of the country which may help you decide which part of the country to reside in however the beauty of the New Zealand landscape in itself is only half the attraction. The icing on the cake is a thriving a resilient economy coupled with a lifestyle that many others can only dream of.

Many past and present residents of New Zealand often travel the world, however almost without exception the catch phrase upon return is "it makes you truly appreciate what you have".

Clickable map of New Zealand

Click on the region name to access photos and a description.

New Zealand is recognised as being one of the most beautiful and exotic locations in the world. Add to this a rare combination of strengths such as a thriving economy, world class education, safety and security and it is soon evident why New Zealand is one of the most desirable countries in the world to live.

These are just some of the reasons…….
Updated March 2010

• Unemployment. New Zealand has some of the lowest unemployment figures in the world. Automotive Employment NZ has kept a running update every three months, since 2004. The track record is impressive by world standards and shows that employment opportunities have remained abundant. click here.
  
• Life expectancy. The average life expectancy for a New Zealander is 80.36 years (est. 2009.) In itself this is an indication of the standard of living New Zealanders enjoy. The figure is higher than both the UK and the USA and in fact most countries in the world according to the world Fact Book.
• Education. Schools, universities and tertiary training institutions in New Zealand are world class. As a basic right education is free to permanent residents at public primary, intermediate and high schools in NZ. Students from all over the world choose to study in NZ such is the quality of education here.
• Hospital Care and Medical treatment. Public hospital care in New Zealand is provided free of charge to New Zealand permanent residents. Whilst there is modest charge for visiting a GP, (Doctor) there is no waiting for appointments. Virtually every resident of New Zealand can phone a doctor and gain a same day appointment if needed.
• Economic growth and wealth. New Zealand's economic growth is generally high by world standards. This taken in isolation however does not necessarily provide the full story as to the full extent and health and resilience of the New Zealand economy. When this growth is coupled with a relatively even distribution of wealth throughout most sectors of New Zealand society the full picture starts to emerge.
• Religion. New Zealand accommodates all religions with the various dominations achieving relative harmony.
• Drinking Water. One of the basic necessities of life is water and New Zealand's water supply is one of the cleanest and abundant in the world. New Zealanders are often shocked at the poor quality of water when travelling overseas and many have little understanding at just how precious this resource is in other countries. Water is cheap, of high quality and has no controls as to its use except in the rare events. With global warning this is not an issue to overlook for new migrants.
• Air quality. New Zealand clean green image often promotes green fields and unspoilt country side. In virtually every town and city in New Zealand you can expect the air to be clean and fresh.
• Food Quality. Unlike many developed countries in the world, New Zealand has avoided the temptation to genetically modify our food for commercial gain. Most schools in NZ educate our children to develop healthy eating habits. Agriculture and Farming in NZ is well known to be world leading, the quality of food produced is unparalleled worldwide.
• Freedom. New Zealand is one of the most accepting countries in the world. New Zealanders have freedoms that we take for granted that other countries struggle to ever achieve.
• The climate. New Zealand's climate has been described by the early farming community as the nearest to perfect you could ever find. Out temperatures for the most part range between 7 degrees Celsius in winter (slightly colder in the South of the South Island) and 30 degrees Celsius in the summer. The colour green in New Zealand takes on a new meaning, our plant life and native forests are lush and abundant with clear cool rivers running throughout the many mountain ranges. The climate is rarely considered too hot or too cold. New Zealand is not prone to hurricanes or extreme weather conditions.
• Safety. No Dangerous wildlife and insects. New Zealand is one of the only countries in the world that has no poisonous insects or dangerous wildlife with the exception of the Katipo Spider. If you are fortunate to find a Katipo this will make you among only a handful of New Zealanders who have ever seen one as they have become so rare that 18 reserves throughout the country are being proposed to assist the surviving remnants of this species. In a practical sense this means that activities that present risk in many countries due to wildlife are not present, meaning that increased levels of safety are experienced in outdoor activities.
• No Terrorism. New Zealand has only ever experienced one terrorist attack, which was the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior in 1985 by French secret service. In 1985 New Zealand was basking in its position as leader of the anti-nuclear movement. The Greenpeace flagship, the rainbow warrior had been protesting against French nuclear testing in the South Pacific and was docked in Auckland harbour when it was attacked and sunk by the French secret service. The fact the attack was carried out by a friendly country in terms of the relationship enjoyed by both NZ and France was cause for considerable outrage for New Zealanders at the time. French residents and tourists will however always be warmly welcomed to NZ regardless of this fact. No other terrorism has ever occurred in this history of NZ up to current date.
• Entertainment. New Zealand has world class entertainment facilities in every major city of New Zealand. Whether you are young or old, extroverted or reserved, cultured or otherwise New Zealand holds something for everyone.
• Nuclear free. New Zealand does not allow any nuclear powered craft of any type into our territorial waters or airspace. This policy has been in place since 1983 and has become part of the identity of New Zealand's peace loving culture.
• Crime. Whilst New Zealand is not crime free, for the most part crime is low when compared to many other countries. Children can for the most part walk in safety along the foot path and play in the streets and parks. In many parts of New Zealand many rural communities do even lock there doors or windows at night.
• HIV/Aids. Is one of the worlds lowest at 0.1%.
• Literacy. 99% of New Zealand's population can read and write.
• Poverty. According to "The World Fact Book" New Zealand has no recognised poverty or more correctly poverty is described as "Not applicable".
• Sport. Sport is a big part of New Zealand culture and New Zealand has literally thousands of sports fields, swimming pools, stadiums, gymnasiums and sports facilities throughout the country which are either free of provided a virtually no cost to any one wishing to use them.
• Boating. Unlike many countries worldwide, boating is an affordable luxury. New Zealand has the highest ratio of water craft per person in the world.
• Environmental Agreements New Zealand is party to and adheres to the following agreement internationally. Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Antarctic Seals, Marine Life Conservation.
• National/regional parks and marine reserves. New Zealand per kilometer has one of the largest numbers of reserves in the world. The department of conservation in New Zealand makes a huge portion of the countries treasured native forests (rainforest) accessible to the population through a massive network of hundreds of back country huts. For the more adventurous among us the back country huts are available for overnights stays from $10 to $15 per night and in many cases include full gas cooking facilities, BBQ's, drinking water, beds, decking, picnic tables plus many other facilities. The New Zealand government has an ambitious plan to make 10% of our coastline marine reserves to guarantee the long term sustainability of marine life.
• Outdoor pursuits. Active New Zealanders an enviable lifestyle of outdoor activities, we have some of the best beaches in the world, spectacular scenery which is breathtaking. A recent immigrant to New Zealand accurately described his observations by commenting that literally every corner he turned on his tour around New Zealand provided a panoramic camera shot worthy of a postcard. Snow and water skiing, boating/sailing, fishing (both salt and fresh water) climbing, tramping/hiking, white water rafting, surfing, caving, 4x4 off road driving are all activities that New Zealanders can enjoy should they wish to. The difference with New Zealand is that the scenery and natural abundance of our fisheries and resources is some of the best in the world which brings the pleasure derived from involvement in the activities to a whole new level.