Pros and cons of living in New Zealand

Mysterious, amazing, distant New Zealand is a country with an inexhaustible arsenal of discoveries. Maiori began to inhabit the islands in the early 13th century AD. Unique topography, enchanting landscapes, exoticism, a high standard of living, the idea of ​​gender equality brought to the highest practical embodiment, and a low crime rate attract immigrants.

There are more compelling reasons for moving to an island nation.

Why should you settle in New Zealand?

According to reputable agencies, 70% of immigrants choose New Zealand to do business and work, 21% come to reunite with their families, the rest are resettled for humanitarian and aesthetic reasons. Let's name the most important arguments in favor of choosing a country for permanent residence.

Decent standard of living

According to world rankings, the island nation is in the top ten countries in terms of living standards. The assessment takes into account political stability, material security, life expectancy, unemployment rate. The bulk of the population is employed in the agricultural sector. The minimum wage for low-skilled professionals in 2022 was over NZD 8 per hour. Qualified employees receive more than 18 NZD per hour.

Such income allows you to buy or rent real estate, accumulate funds in savings accounts, own a car. A varied, not very economical food ration for a family of two costs about 300 NZD, subject to the purchase of products in large chain stores. In small shops, at farmers' markets, they are even cheaper.

Prosperous ecological situation

The country of kiwi (this is not offensive, but the definition accepted among the locals) is one of the cleanest on the planet. The government is investing significant amounts in environmental protection activities. An amazing fact: the beach in the city of Whangarei, near which the oil refinery is located, is marked with a blue flag. Owners of electric vehicles are exempt from paying transport tax. Renewable sources are used to generate electricity.

Simplicity and transparency of business activities

The World Bank ranked New Zealand first in the Business Registration category. It takes 10 minutes to register a company online. The country is not corrupt. No tedious bureaucratic procedures. Obtaining building permits, connecting to the electricity grid, executing contracts, international trade rules are simple and clear. Capital gains tax is not charged. The rules for accounting and tax reporting are declared in detail on the official portals of the relevant departments.

Weather and climate

The country has a maritime subtropical climate. The peak of summer is in January. But there is no sweltering heat, as in Australia. The thermometer rises to 20 °C in summer. The air is humid, which is explained by the oceanic environment, the level of precipitation is high. But there are no sudden temperature changes, so weather vagaries are perceived favorably.

Loyal immigration policy

70% of the country's population are of European origin. The economy and agriculture are constantly in need of workers and qualified specialists. With a certain perseverance, finding a job is not so difficult. There are several categories of visas.

The list of advantages is complemented by progressive medicine, the goodwill of the local population, a high level of security, the absence of racial prejudice, and decent pension payments.

What can spoil the stay?

The first negative factor is increased seismic activity. About 20 thousand earthquakes are recorded here every year, but most of the tremors are weak and do not pose a danger.

Other cons:

• significant distance from Europe, expensive air tickets. The flight to the nearest Australia takes 3 hours. For people who are not thrilled about flying, remoteness becomes a real challenge;
• lack of heating in houses. It is cool in winter;
• the richest community of insects and other representatives of the fauna can not only amaze with diversity, but also irritate. The good news is, unlike Australia, there are no venomous snakes here;
• high solar activity, provoking the development of cancer. Preventive measures (wearing sunglasses, using creams) reduce the level of danger;
• expensive real estate. The highest prices are in the capital, Wellington. The cost of housing has a strong regional binding, so you can always find an option that fits your budget.

The listed negatives are conditional. Given the high ratings of international organizations, feedback from residents, moving to New Zealand is promising.