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New Zealand is famed for its beauty, history, and extraordinary culture, with many of the world’s biggest block-buster films being shot on its beautiful back-drops. It’s a hot-spot for tourists, boasting some of the world’s most incredible views and animal-life. Where is it? New Zealand is situated in the south-western Pacific Ocean, 1500 kilometres from Australia. It is an island country, and therefore comprises of two main landmasses, known as the North and South Islands, as well as numerous other, smaller islands. Who lives there? Today, the majority of the people living in New Zealand permanently are of European heritage. Originally, though, New Zealand was inhabited Polynesians, who were the first humans to settle on the islands in 1250-3000 CE, and it was they who developed the distinctive Maori culture that New Zealand continues to be renowned for. Only a small minority of New Zealand's current population identify themselves as being of Maori descent, and efforts are being made to revive their traditional Maori culture. What language do they speak? New Zealand English is the name given to the dialect of the English language that is used in New Zealand. Out of the country's three official languages (New Zealand English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language), New Zealand English is the one which is used most commonly, with ninety-eight per cent of the country's population employing it as their first language. Recently, though, efforts have been made to revive the Maori population’s traditional language, Te Reo Maori, and, in 1987, the language was finally listed as the country's second official language. How affluent is it? New Zealand is described as having a developed market economy, with the majority of its income being garnered through its agricultural system, and the subsequent trading of fruit, meat, vegetables, wool and dairy products with neighbouring countries such as China and Australia. What currency do they use? New Zealand's currency is the New Zealand dollar. What’s the weather like? New Zealand is an island country, with each island receiving differing amounts of sunshine and precipitation. In the summer months, New Zealand's North Island enjoys a subtropical climate, with temperatures often exceeding thirty degrees; however, in the winter months, temperatures can fall well below freezing. On average, New Zealand's cities receive approximately 840mm of rain annually; however, some parts of the country receive only 300 mm, while others receive 1317 mm. Will I see any wildlife? New Zealand is famous for its large number of unique bird species: the Kea, for example, is the only alpine parrot in the world, and is indigenous to New Zealand's mountain ranges. Enormous conservation efforts are being made to save endangered bird species such as the kakapo, the kokako and the kiwi. How many British people live there? As already stated, a large majority of New Zealand's current population are either of European descent, or have emigrated from Europe, with forty per cent of the country's total population being made up of British immigrants. Fancy joining them? Visit International Removals for information on moving to New Zealand.
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