Life in New Zealand

About New Zealand

New Zealand truly is one of the most picturesque and photogenic places on earth. A small island nation of about 5 million people, New Zealand is made up of two major land masses (North Island and South Island) and a number of smaller islands including Stewart Island located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The two main islands are divided by a 22km stretch of water called the Cook Strait.

New Zealand is located approximately 1,500km east of Australia and about 1,000km from the Pacific Islands. Due to its relative remoteness and being water locked, New Zealand was one of the last countries to be found and settled.

The country is made up of some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes, from vast mountain ranges, steaming volcanoes to sweeping coastlines. It is a natural playground for thrill seekers and adventurers and those who simply want to visit for the culture and landscapes.

Auckland

Auckland, based around 2 large harbours, is a major city in the north of New Zealand’s North Island. In central Queen Street, the iconic Sky Tower has views of Viaduct Harbour, which is full of superyachts and lined with bars and cafes.

Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, is based around an extinct volcano and home to the formal Wintergardens. Mission Bay Beach is minutes from Downtown

New Zealand Economy

The economy of New Zealand is the 53rd-largest national economy in the world when measured by nominal gross domestic product (GDP) and the 68th-largest in the world when measured by purchasing power parity (PPP). New Zealand has one of the most globalised economies and depends greatly on international trade – mainly with Australia, the European Union, the United States, China, South Korea, Japan and Canada. New Zealand’s Closer Economic Relations agreement with Australia means that the economy aligns closely with that of Australia.

The New Zealand economy has been ranked first in the world for Social Progression, which covers such areas as Basic Human Needs, Foundations of Wellbeing, and the level of Opportunity available to its citizens.

New Zealand was ranked 1st on the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index

The majority of New Zealand’s economy is located in its three main cities – Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch

Fertile soil and excellent growing conditions coupled with sophisticated farming methods and advanced agricultural technology provide the ideal environment for pastoral, forestry and horticulture activities. Various primary commodities account for around half of all goods exports and New Zealand is one of the top five dairy exporters in the world.

It’s an outward-looking, internationally competitive economy with exports accounting for about 30% of GDP.

We have a low-inflation environment, with monetary policy managed by the Reserve Bank, our independent central bank that is charged with maintaining price stability.

We have a long-standing flexible exchange rate. There are no exchange controls or restrictions on bringing in or repatriating funds.

he New Zealand economy made a solid recovery after the 2008/09 recession, which was shallow compared to other advanced economies. Annual growth has averaged 2.1% since March 2010, emphasising the economy’s resilience.

In the year ending September 2017 the economy grew 2.7%.

Our top ten trading partners in 2016 were, in order, Australia, China, the European Union, USA, Japan, Singapore, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia and India. The government is pursuing further opportunities in Europe and also in emerging regions including the Middle East and Latin America.

While we export a wide and growing range of products, commodity-based products remain a main source of export receipts.

Living in New Zealand

Students will always come first at FIAT. We love living in this country and hope that you will enjoy your time with us and treasure the memories forever. Some of you may even join us as future New Zealanders.

A range of guidance and support systems is available to students in order to ensure that a safe, caring and supportive environment is created for students which meets individual needs and provides for full personal development.

If at any time you have any needs, issues or concerns we will provide you with any assistance or guidance we can. FIAT is committed to helping students achieve the best outcome from their study.

For any support you need, please contact either the Administrator of the CEO/Principal.

Emergency Number : Fire/ambulance/police => 111

IMMIGRATION

If you are an international student, you must fulfil all requirements of your visa and maintain your student visa status for the length of your programme.

Full details of immigration requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available from Immigration New Zealand, and can be viewed on their website at www.immigration.govt.nz.

Under New Zealand law, FIAT is allowed to provide you with information regarding immigration but is not allowed to give you advice

If you want advice or help regarding immigration you should seek advice either

  • directly from Immigration New Zealand, or
  • from an immigration adviser licensed under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, or
  • from a person that is exempt from being licensed under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007.

FIAT can help you find such a person.

ELIGIBILITY FOR HEALTH SERVICES

Most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the full costs of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly funded health services are available through the Ministry of Health, and can be viewed on their website. at www.moh.govt.nz.

All international students need to maintain their insurance cover for full period of their student visa when they are in New Zealand

ACCIDENT INSURANCE

The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents, and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs.

Further information can be viewed on the ACC website at www.acc.co.nz.

MEDICAL AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

International students (including group students) must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance for the duration of their travel and studywhile in New Zealand. FIAT has made arrangements with a respected insurance company, Orbit protect (https://orbitprotect.com/) to provide insurance tailored to international students and we can arrange this for you. The medical and travel insurance will commence as soon as FIAT is notified of the issuing of your date of travel to New Zealand.

ACCOMMODATION

Whilst studying in New Zealand students will need somewhere to live. Many students live in Hostels, while others opt for a home stay with a local family or live with friends (sometimes new friends they meet through their study) in a rented ‘flat’ (apartment/house). A good option is to book a short-term stay and then shift into a longer-term accommodation once you have settled into your course and made some friends.