• New Zealand Regions
      • Hawke's Bay
      • Bay of Plenty
      • Waikato
      • Whanganui
      • Manawatu
      • Northland
      • Auckland
      • Gisborne
      • Taranaki
      • Wellington
      • West Coast
      • Nelson
      • Canterbury
      • Otago
      • Marlborough
      • Southland
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      Hawke's Bay

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      Beaches, wineries and Art Deco. The Hawke's Bay has a diverse economy, including business services that support its sectors to be the second largest contributor to regional GDP in the country. A popular tourist destination, the region has some of the countries best restaurants as well as stunning scenery, markets and festivals.

      Districts

      HastingsNapier

      Bay of Plenty

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      The Bay of Plenty is officially New Zealand's sunniest destination, enjoying short-lived winters and long summer days. The Region offers some of the country's most spectacular views and many ways to enjoy the pristine scenery and natural wonders. Visitors also enjoy exploring the Bay's Māori heritage and pre-European roots.

      Districts

      OpotikiOpotiki iSiteKawerauWhakatane

      Waikato

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      The Waikato is known for its rolling plains, fertile land and the mighty Waikato River. The region is the fourth largest regional economy in New Zealand, with a strong focus on primary production and associated manufacturing.

      Districts

      South WaikatoWaikato District

      Whanganui

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      Welcome to Whanganui. This is our place; where history is full of stories, legends and rich legacy. Where a thriving arts scene, creativity and evolving culture inspire our modern lives. Where breath-taking natural landscapes capture imaginations at every turn.

      Manawatu

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      Located in the lower North Island, Manawatu is heartland New Zealand, offering an authentic Kiwi experience.

      The main in the region are Palmerston North, most notable for Massey University. Palmerston has a vibrant, arts and culture scene.

      The region's economy is based on food production and processing, research and education. The region is also home for the New Zealand defence force.

      Northland

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      Northland was originally home to some of our country's first human inhabitants. Today, it is one of the fastest growing regions in New Zealand and home to nearly 189,000 people. Rich in culture and history, the region boasts a stunning natural environment.

      Auckland

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      Auckland Region stretches from the the beaches of the Pacific Ocean in the east to the expansive beaches of the rugged west coast of the Tasman Sea. Auckland City, the largest urban area in New Zealand is considered the main economic center of New Zealand and a popular destination for international students and travellers.

      Gisborne

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      Gisborne is a Region on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. It's known for wineries and surf beaches such as Makorori. The region has maintained a strong Maori heritage. The region's economy is made up mainly of agriculture, horticulture and forestry.

      Taranaki

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      Taranaki is a coastal and mountainous region on the western side of New Zealand's North Island. Its landscape is dominated by Mount Taranaki, its namesake volcano, which lies within the rainforested Egmont National Park.

      The port city of New Plymouth is the area's cultural and commercial hub. Taranaki's economy is diverse and includes dairy, oil and gas. The region is the highest contributor or national GDP per capita. 

      Wellington

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      The Wellington Region covers Wellington city in the south, Upper and Lower Hutt valleys to the north-east, and Porirua to the north-west. The region takes its name from Wellington, New Zealand's capital city.

      Wellington is famous for its arts and culture scene and is also the centre of New Zealand's film industry.

      West Coast

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      The West Coast, or as some locals call it, the "Wild West", is a long thin region that runs down the South Island's west coast.

      The region has the lowest population in all of New Zealand. It is famous for its rugged natural scenery such as the Pancake Rocks, the Blue Pools of Haast, and the glaciers.

      The main industries in the region are dairy farming and mining. Tourism also plays an important role.

      Nelson – Tasman

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      Nelson Tasman is an extraordinary, vibrant region where art and businesses thrive together among a stunning natural landscape. With one in five people internationally born, Nelson Tasman has 48 different cultures living in its environs.

      The region prides its self on being New Zealand’s leading Research and Development areas, with the highest proportion of people working in the research, science and tech sectors out of anywhere in New Zealand.

      Canterbury

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      Canterbury is a region on New Zealand’s South Island marked by grassy plains, clear lakes and snow-capped mountains. Its largest city, Christchurch, is famed for its art scene and green spaces.

      Otago

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      There are few places in the world which will leave you with a lasting sense of difference. Central Otago is undoubtedly one of them from its landscapes, its seasons, its people, its products and experiences.

      Marlborough

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      Marlborough Region is on the north-eastern corner of the South Island. The region is well known for its winemaking industry, and the Marlborough Sounds, an extensive network of coastal waterways, peninsulas and islands.

      Apart from the wine industry, aquaculture, agriculture and tourism play an important role in the local economy.

      Southland

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      Southland is New Zealand’s most southerly region and includes the World Heritage ranked Fiordland National Park.

      The region's only city Invercargill offers a relaxed pace of life with wide streets, little traffic, spacious parks and gardens, striking Victorian and Edwardian architecture and impressive sporting facilities including New Zealand’s first indoor velodrome. Southland's location is such that views of Aurora Australis or the Southern Lights are common.

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Getting Legal Help in New Zealand

Getting legal help can be a very unpleasant task and the idea of going to court is a frightening prospect for most people. With that in mind, it’s essential to know what systems are in place in New Zealand, that might be able to assist you with a legal matter.
There are many instances where you may need legal help or advice, such as buying or selling real estate, negotiating contract agreements, immigration issues, child support or divorce proceedings. In many of these instances, you may need to contact a lawyer to represent you or give you some advice as to how to move forward with your legal issue. Lawyers must treat everything you tell them as confidential and act independently in your best interests.

 

Lawyers
Lawyers tend to separate into two groups, barristers that deal with legal issues inside the court, and solicitors who operate outside courts. Most lawyers are qualified as both, but choose to follow one route or the other as a professional. In New Zealand, everyone has the right to representation and legal help, but that doesn’t mean that lawyers and the services they provide are cheap. You should always ask a lawyer their hourly rate before enlisting their help or advice. If you want to look for a lawyer in New Zealand and don’t know where to start, the New Zealand Law Society has a list of registered lawyers and their firms with varying fees and costs.

 

Legal Aid
For the New Zealanders that can’t afford to get help from a lawyer, facing a legal issue can be a hugely stressful situation. Specific financial conditions may entitle an individual to legal aid, a fundamentally important system set up to protect every citizen’s right to justice, and allow representation for those who can’t afford a lawyer.
Legal aid is considered a loan that you may have to repay some or all of, depending on how much money you earn, what property you own or what you stand to receive if you win your case. Legal aid is available for criminal, family and civil cases but the requirements may vary depending on the severity of the case, your financial situation and parties involved.
Legal aid is only available for those who can’t resolve the legal issues without a lawyer. If you want legal advice and don’t need physical representation; there are other ways you can achieve this without paying high legal fees. You can get free advice from the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, or by contacting a Community Law Centre.

 

Citizen’s Advice Bureau
The Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) provides free advice, education and support to those looking for legal advice on a wide variety of issues. As well as personally tailored help, the Citizen’s Advice Bureau has a very detailed website with information on your rights for a host of different subjects, such as consumer rights, housing, environment, employment and immigration. As well as visiting the website, you can go to your local CAB or speak with them over the phone. Trained volunteers operate the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, and it holds itself to very high standards as a force for positive social change.

 

Community Law Centres
Community law centres are also available nationwide to assist with legal information, education and even representation. They will provide you with a way to speak with and potentially meet lawyers that are experienced in the field that you require, as to give you the best possible advice. You can call a community law centre to receive guidance, drop in to one of the centres, or make an appointment with the staff. Those that are eligible to use a community law centre are those that need help with emergency housing, have a child at risk, suffer from a disability or have a low income. Community law in New Zealand is all about helping people enjoy justice and equality, no matter their circumstances. They strive to make their clients feel comfortable and confident when facing their legal issues.

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