Living in New Zealand

The Country

New Zealand is a beautiful country situated in the southern part of the Pacific Ocean. It is made up of two main islands, and is roughly the size of Japan, California or Great Britain. Our cities, scenery and cultures are vibrant and diverse. New Zealand has a multi-cultural population of 4 million and is home to people from the Pacific Islands, various parts of Asia, India, Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Indigenous Maori make uparound 14 percent of the population.

Most major religions are represented in New Zealand and Human Rights Legislation guarantees freedom from discrimination on the basis of religion, which is seen as a matter of personal choice. Major cities have churches, temples, mosques, synagogues and other centres of worship for most religions. Homestay families and student hostels can ensure that religious dietary requirements are respected.

Climate

New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, so January and February are the warmest months, autumn is from March to May, winter from June to August, and spring from September to November. The climate is temperate with relatively mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. It’s not sub-tropical, except in the far north. The weather varies a lot between different geographical regions.

Employment – Availability, Entitlement

During 2005, new immigration regulations relating to a student’s ability to work whilst studying, and to post study work opportunities, were introduced. These student policy changes came into effect on 4 July 2005.

Eligible students may apply to work up to 20 hours in any given week, rather than the previous restriction of 15 hours per week.
International students undertaking a course of 12 months or more may apply to work full-time over the summer holidays.
Students in years 12 and 13, and eligible English language students may apply to work up to 20 hours in any given week.
Students graduating from a two-three year diploma, degree or post graduate qualification, will be eligible for a six-month Graduate Job Search Work Permit. This allows them to search a job relevant to their qualification. Once they have received a job offer the six month work permit will be extended to the length of their job offer.