Frequently Asked Questions about New Zealand
Why do so many young New Zealanders emigrate from their country?
People leave to pursue better employment opportunities elsewhere, mostly in Australia and the USA. Generally, salaries are higher and prospects for advancement greater in these larger economies. Another reason young people leave is that New Zealand is isolated from the rest of the world and expensive to travel to.
How far away is Australia?
‘Not far enough’ goes the Kiwi joke. Seriously, though, Australia is a little over 1200km over the sea to the west. Flight time from Auckland to Sydney is two-and-a-half hours, with departures at regular intervals throughout the day.
How safe is New Zealand?
New Zealand is a very safe place in general, with one of the lowest rates of robbery and violent crime in the developed world. There are incidents though and, overall, the murder rate is double that of England and Wales. In 2003 over 134,000 cases of theft were reported, a high figure given that the population is around 4 million.
What percentage of the population is Maori?
Around 10 percent of the people are Maori, 80 percent European and the remainder Pacific Islanders and Asian immigrants.
Can I be a resident of New Zealand while keeping my citizenship?
Yes, you can. Once you have been in New Zealand for two years you can apply for an indefinite returning resident visa; this will allow you to return and work in your home country should you wish to.
People leave to pursue better employment opportunities elsewhere, mostly in Australia and the USA. Generally, salaries are higher and prospects for advancement greater in these larger economies. Another reason young people leave is that New Zealand is isolated from the rest of the world and expensive to travel to.
How far away is Australia?
‘Not far enough’ goes the Kiwi joke. Seriously, though, Australia is a little over 1200km over the sea to the west. Flight time from Auckland to Sydney is two-and-a-half hours, with departures at regular intervals throughout the day.
How safe is New Zealand?
New Zealand is a very safe place in general, with one of the lowest rates of robbery and violent crime in the developed world. There are incidents though and, overall, the murder rate is double that of England and Wales. In 2003 over 134,000 cases of theft were reported, a high figure given that the population is around 4 million.
What percentage of the population is Maori?
Around 10 percent of the people are Maori, 80 percent European and the remainder Pacific Islanders and Asian immigrants.
Can I be a resident of New Zealand while keeping my citizenship?
Yes, you can. Once you have been in New Zealand for two years you can apply for an indefinite returning resident visa; this will allow you to return and work in your home country should you wish to.
