KNOW ABOUT LIVING IN THE COUNTRY - NEW ZEALAND
ABOUT THE COUNTRY
New Zealand is an island in the South West Pacific Ocean. It belongs to a large group of islands called Polynesia, 1600 kilometers southeast of Australia. New Zealand consists of two main islands and many smaller islands spread out hundreds of kilometers from the main ones. Once a British colony, New Zealand is now an independent country and member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The capital of New Zealand is Wellington and Auckland is the largest city both located on the Northern mainland. The population of New Zealand is over 3 million. Many New Zealanders are British descendants from 1800's. More than 70% of the population lives in the North Island and 85% are concentrated in urban areas. New Zealand's most important cities are Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Manukau and Dunedin.
Maoris were the first settlers in this country and now there are about 300,000 Maoris who live in New Zealand. Maoris are Polynesians whose ancestors settled in New Zealand several centuries ago. The majorities of New Zealanders today are of European descent and are popularly called pakcha or white men. New Zealand has a long and outstanding tradition of upholding equal rights of all peoples. It was the first country to provide social security benefits and old age pensions for its people and in 1893 it was the first nation to give women the right to vote. It follows a parliamentary form of government and elects its parliament. The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers perform the task of running the government.
The North Island is about 1, 14,592 square kilometers with 3 prominent geographical regions.
Geographic regions
Northern peninsula and Waikato Basin occupies most of the island and is rich in forests, orchards and rich lowlands. There are beautiful beaches on the west coast.
Volcanic region and Western Hill country lies to the west. This region is volcanic rock area and there are some active volcanoes, geysers and hot springs too.
Eastern Hills - To the east are a mountain range extending from East Cape to Cook Strait. On the eastern slopes cattle and sheep are reared.
South Island is larger than the north in area. On this island are the Southern Alps, the Canterbury Plains and the Olago Plateaus and Basin. Mount Cook the highest peak in the Alps is approximately 3800 meters. This region is very beautiful. Rain forests cover the slopes. The southwest coast has a rugged coastline lined with Granite Mountains. In the Canterbury plains crops such as wheat, oats, and fodder are grown for cattle.
Climate
New Zealand generally has a mild rainy climate but extreme climatic conditions prevail in the Northern islands central plateau. In the South island the west is wet as compared to the drier east. South island is cooler than the North Island. Snow falls in the South Island Mountains in winter making it a popular ski sport centre. Seasons in New Zealand are reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere, since it is in the Southern Hemisphere. Summer is from December - February, autumn from March to May, winter from June to August and spring from September to November.
EMPLOYMENT FOR OVERSEAS STUDENTS
Under present immigration regulations most international students on student permits are automatically permitted to work up to 15 hours per week during the period of the academic year (February-November). It is also possible to work full-time during the summer holidays (November-February). International student who wish to work during the summer holidays are required to obtain a work variation to their student permit from the New Zealand Immigration Service.
STUDENTS' ACCOMMODATION
NZ institutions assist students in finding accommodation whilst studying in NZ. Various types of accommodation are available.
Halls of residence, student hostels, dormitories
These are usually located on campus with single or double (shared) rooms. Costs range from NZ$ 800 - 850 i.e. Rs 16,000 -16,500 per month including food.
Homestay
Students will live with a New Zealand family with their own room. As a family member, the student has every opportunity to experience the New Zealand way of life. Cost for this (including food) also ranges between NZ$ 220- 240 per week
Apartments/flats
This is a popular option with Indian students. Most institutions help students find a flat. Students choose their own flat mates. Costs range from NZ$ 150 - 550 per week depending on city and area. This includes food + other expenses.
HEALTH INSURANCE:
New Zealand is famous for having one of the world's best health care systems. Insurance for health though not compulsory is advisable. Insurance cover is for general ill health and all medical aid. New Zealand Education International Limited (NZEIL) in collaboration with 2 leading insurance companies provides specific policies for International students and universities provide details for these.
