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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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 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.
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 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 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.
Taupō introduces smoking and vaping ban, but it won’t be enforced The Taupō council yesterday voted to make the district “smoke and vape free”, which will include “smoke free” signage and education and awareness campaigns. The council stoped short of making the plan a bi-law meaning there will be no repercussions for thoes who flaunt […]
Calls for congestion charges to be introduced across New Zealand Auckland and Wellington drivers loose on average 118 and 150 hours respectively each year due to traffic congestion. This has a significant impact on individuals and businesses Think-tank, The New Zealand Initiative has recommended introducing conjestion charges, similar to what is in force, and proven […]
Central New Zealand shaken by 5.4 earthquake As at 1.12am, GeoNet recorded a “moderate” intensity jolt, 50 kilometres north-west of Paraparaumu, had a magnitude of 5.4 and was 64 kilometres deep. The event is too small to cause a tsunami threat to New Zealand. There were no reports of injury or damage. Jolts like this […]
NZ’s ‘once in a lifetime’ infrastructure spend set to create up to 9000 construction jobs The New Zealand government announced $8 billion for roads, rail, schools and hospitals on Wednesday, part of a $12 billion package. Around half of the cash splash will go to Auckland, the country’s biggest and most congested city, home to […]
New Zealand government advises against non-essential travel to China New Zealand’s Government has raised its coronavirus travel alert level to include all of China, telling Kiwis to ‘avoid any non-essential travel to the country.’ The move is a significant increase from warnings made by the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which confined the […]
Staying to work after study You can apply for a visa to work in New Zealand for up to 3 years after you finish your study if you have an acceptable qualification. A Post-study work visa lasts for 1, 2 or 3 years depending on the level of your qualification and where you studied. From […]
Judiciary The New Zealand judiciary has four basic levels of courts: The Supreme Court; the Court of Appeal; the High Court; and the District Court (including the Youth Court). The Supreme Court was established in 2004, under the Supreme Court Act 2003, and replaced the Privy Council in London as New Zealand’s court of last […]
Executive government Queen Elizabeth II is New Zealand’s sovereign and head of state. Since the Queen is not usually resident in New Zealand, the functions of the monarchy are conducted by her representative, the governor-general. As of 2017, the Governor-General is Dame Patsy Reddy. A governor-general formally has the power to appoint and dismiss ministers […]
Legislature Parliament is responsible for passing laws, adopting the state’s budgets, and exercising control of the executive government. It currently has a single chamber, the House of Representatives. Before 1951 there was a second chamber, the Legislative Council. The House of Representatives meets in Parliament House, Wellington. Parliament House is the home of the House […]
Political System The politics of New Zealand function within a framework of a unitary parliamentary representative democracy. New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy in which a hereditary monarch—since 6 February 1952, Queen Elizabeth II—is the sovereign and head of state. The New Zealand Parliament holds legislative power and consists of the Queen and the House […]