EXPLORE THESE 25 PROS AND CONS OF LIVING IN NEW ZEALAND
Introduction
New Zealand, which is sometimes called the "Land of the Long White Cloud," is a beautiful place to visit because of its diverse culture and good standard of living. This island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean has drawn people from all over the world, whether they want to start over, find work, or retire in peace. But living in New Zealand has its own set of pros and cons, just like living anywhere else.
This guide will talk about everything about living in New Zealand, from the country's geography and climate to job options and general quality of life. What it's really like to live in this beautiful country will become clear to you by the time you're done reading.
Living in New Zealand
New Zealand Population:
New Zealand had about 5.1 million people living there. And even though this country has one of the fewest populations in the world, its mix of cultures and races makes it a more welcoming place for people from all walks of life.
Geography of New Zealand:
New Zealand's geographical diversity is striking. The North Island and the South Island are the two major landmasses that have the best cities to live in New Zealand. The North Island is known for its warmer climate, active volcanoes, and vibrant cities like Auckland and Wellington. In contrast, the South Island is celebrated for its dramatic landscapes, including the Southern Alps, fjords, and adventure-centric cities like Queenstown. Beyond the main islands, New Zealand is surrounded by an archipelago of smaller islands, each with its unique charm.
How Big is New Zealand?
New Zealand is made up of about 268,021 square kilometres. The main landforms are the North Island and the South Island. There are also about 700 smaller islands that make up the country.
New Zealand Weather:
The weather in the country is notoriously hard to predict because it is in the Southern Hemisphere. New Zealand has a temperate maritime climate, which means that the weather is warm and it rains a lot. In general, this temperature is nice, but it can cause the weather to change quickly during the day. New Zealand is a great place to go for outdoor sports all year because the summers are warm and the winters are mild.
Average Salary in New Zealand:
The average Salary depends on the area you live and the employment opportunities in New Zealand. The average salary in a big city like Auckland or Wellington is between 60,000 and 90,000 New Zealand dollars a year. This is to make up for the higher cost of living. Healthcare, engineering, IT, and building are all in high demand and pay above-average wages. Professionals in these fields can make anywhere from NZD 70,000 to NZD 120,000 a year. On the other hand, businesses that don't need as many specialised skills may pay less on average, with annual salaries usually falling between NZD 45,000 and NZD 60,000. Qualifications and experience are also big factors in figuring out how much someone can earn.
Jobs in New Zealand:
The strong job market in New Zealand is one of the main reasons people want to move there. The country has a lot of job chances for skilled professionals because the economy is growing and there are skill gaps in many fields. As long as you're a healthcare worker, an engineer, an IT expert, or a professor, New Zealand usually has jobs open to fill them.
New Zealand Visa:
If you want to move to New Zealand, you need to know what the visa standards are. The government of New Zealand offers different types of visas, such as work visas, student visas, and residence visas. Each type has its own set of rules and standards. It is suggested that you talk to the New Zealand Immigration Service to find out which visa is best for you.
Quality of Life in New Zealand:
New Zealand always does well on surveys that measure quality of life around the world. Health care, schooling, and general well-being are all very good in the country. A truly excellent standard of life is enhanced by having access to clean air, natural beauty, and fun activities.
Cost of Living in New Zealand:
The cost of living in New Zealand changes depending on where you live and how you live your life. To live in a big city like Auckland, Wellington, or Queenstown costs more. For example, in Auckland, a one-bedroom flat rents for about NZD 550 per week. On the other hand, there are places that are less expensive, especially in country areas. Besides housing, some other important costs to think about are transportation (a monthly pass for public transit can cost around NZD140), food (a single person can spend between 100 and 150 NZD per week), and medical care (a visit to the doctor can cost between 40 and 60 NZD).
Crime Rate in New Zealand:
Most people think that New Zealand is a safe place to live. Compared to many other countries, the crime rate is low, and serious crime doesn't happen very often. Nevertheless, it is important to exercise care everywhere, but especially in cities.
Immigration to New Zealand:
Many people find it easy to move to New Zealand, especially if they have the skills and credentials that are in high demand. The country wants immigrants to add to its culture and business because it values diversity. There are many ways to become an immigrant, so it's important to find the one that works best for you.
(Read More: New Zealand vs. Australia: which is better choice?)
Pros of Living in New Zealand:
1. Natural Beauty: New Zealand has absolutely stunning natural beauty, with its pristine beaches, lush woods, and towering mountains.
2. Activities outside: Hiking, skiing, water sports, and other outdoor activities can be done all over the land.
3. Health care: New Zealand's people can use a high-quality health care system.
4. Education: From elementary schools to colleges and universities, the system of education is great.
5. Low Crime Rate: There isn't much crime in the country, so it's safe.
6. Work-Life Balance: New Zealanders respect their free time, which helps them live a balanced life.
7.Friendly People: They are known for being friendly and open to visitors.
8. A Wide Range of Cultures: New Zealand is proud of its diverse people.
9. Sustainability of the environment: The country is committed to doing things that are good for the environment.
10. A fairly high minimum pay is needed to make sure that people can live comfortably.
11. Universal Healthcare: Everyone in the state has access to health care.
12. Cultural fairs: New Zealand has many cultural fairs and events.
13. Māori Culture: Get to know the native Māori culture and be a part of it.
14. Their cuisine is a unique mix of different types of food.
15. Great Coffee: People in New Zealand really enjoy their coffee.
16. Educational Opportunities: Education in New Zealand is truly a blessing with many benefits.
17. Job Opportunities: People with skills are in high demand.
18. Beautiful Wine areas: You can enjoy world-class wine in a number of areas.
19. No Snakes: New Zealand has a lot of interesting animals, but no snakes.
20. Adventure tourism: People who want to have fun will have a lot of options.
21. Good Water: You can drink some of the cleanest and freshest water in the world.
22. Multilingual Society: English is the main language, but you'll hear a lot of different languages because the people are from all over the world.
23. Having a Strong Economy: The economy of New Zealand is safe and strong.
24. Stability in politics: The country has a strong political system and a history of secure government.
25. Excellent Education: New Zealand's universities regularly rank as some of the best in the world.
Cons of Living in New Zealand:
1. Geographic Isolation: New Zealand is very far away, which can make travelling between countries more expensive and take more time.
2. The cost of housing: In places like Auckland, home prices and rent can be very expensive.
3. Few Job Opportunities in Some Fields: Some fields may not have as many job opportunities, while others may have a lack of skilled workers.
4. Cost of Living: For some countries, the cost of living can be high, especially in big towns.
5. Unpredictable weather: People who like more stable climates may not like how the weather changes so often.
6. Fewer People: Because New Zealand has a smaller population, there may not be as many cultural and entertainment choices in some places.
7. Slow Internet: Even though it's getting better, some rural places may still have slower internet speeds.
8. Earthquakes: New Zealand is on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which means it is prone to earthquakes. However, strict building rules make the risks lower.
9.Bugs: Each part of the country has its own environment, but some places can get bug problems from bugs that were brought in from other places.
10. Distance from Major Markets: Because the country is geographically isolated, it can cost more to sell and import goods.
11. Difficulty in the Immigration Process: The immigration process can be hard to understand and take a lot of time. It can also be hard to meet all the requirements for the New Zealand immigration.
12. Being far away from family: If your family lives in a different country, it can be hard to be away from them, and travelling between countries can be expensive and take a long time.
13. Getting used to a new culture and society: Some expats find it hard to adjust to a new culture and society, and sadness can be a real problem.
14. Environmental dangers: The country is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanic events every once in a while. Even though the building is up to code, these events can still be annoying and upsetting.
15. Long Work Hours in Some Fields: Some fields, like healthcare, may require long and unpredictable work hours, which could make it hard to balance work and life.
16. Strict Rules for Quarantine: To protect its unique environment, New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules that can be hard for travellers and pet owners.
17. The cost of education for foreign students: New Zealand has great schools, but international students may have to pay more for tuition than local students. Universities will also provide scholarships to study in New Zealand that will aid them financially.
18. Limited Public Transportation: In rural places and smaller towns, there may not be a lot of public transportation options, so you may need to own a car.
19. Visa Restrictions for Some Nationalities: Getting a visa may be harder for people of some nationalities, and you may have to meet more requirements.
20.Geographic Isolation: New Zealand is very far away, which can make travelling between countries more expensive and take more time.
FAQ’s
1. How much does it cost to live in New Zealand?
A: The cost of living in New Zealand changes based on where you live, how you live, and how many people live with you. People who live in big towns like Auckland and Wellington usually have to pay more for things like housing and transport. A single person can expect to spend between NZD 2,000 and NZD 2,500 a month on living costs, not including rent. Rent can be anywhere from NZD350 to NZD600 per week, based on the type of place you live and where it is.
2. How is New Zealand's health care system?
A: New Zealand is proud of its high-quality healthcare system, which gives its people access to basic medical care. You can get health care from both state and private providers, and the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) pays for many of the services. You can use state health care if you live in the country or have a work visa. You might still want to think about getting private health insurance, though, if you want more coverage and faster access to specialist care.
3. How do I become a citizen of New Zealand?
A: New Zealand's immigration process can be hard to understand, and the rules may be different for each person. In general, there are different types of visas, such as investment visas, student visas, skilled migrant visas, and family reunification visas. Before you can start the immigration process to New Zealand, you need to make sure you are eligible and choose the right type of visa for you. For detailed and up-to-date information, it's best to talk to an immigration advisor or check out the New Zealand Immigration Service page.
4. How many jobs are there in New Zealand?
A: New Zealand's job market isn't the same in every business or region. There aren't enough skilled workers in the country in fields like agriculture, engineering, IT, healthcare, and building. There are probably a lot of job openings for people with the right skills and experience in these areas. New Zealand also puts a lot of emphasis on work-life balance, which means that many people have shorter work hours and a better work-life balance.
5. How safe is New Zealand as a place to live?
A: A lot of people think that New Zealand is a safe and peaceful place to live. The number of crimes is pretty low, and serious crimes don't happen very often. But it's important to use common sense when travelling, especially in cities, as it is in any country. Natural tragedies like earthquakes can happen, especially in places like Canterbury, so it's smart to be ready and know what to do in an emergency.
Conclusion
To sum up, New Zealand is a place with lots of chances, beautiful nature, and a high standard of living. To make an informed choice, it is important to think about both the pros and cons of moving to this beautiful island nation. You can decide if studying in New Zealand is the right choice for you by carefully weighing the pros and cons and doing a substantial amount of study. New Zealand has a lot to offer, whether you're interested in its beautiful scenery, friendly people, or the chance to live a healthy and satisfying life.
