Welcoming

New Zealanders open their hearts to newcomers. In fact, nine out of ten migrants find the welcome they receive meets or exceeds their expectations, according to a recent Immigration New Zealand survey.

In the 2015 Expat Insider survey, 94% of respondents said they found Kiwi people ‘friendly’ or ‘very friendly’. It is one of the reasons we scored so highly (second of 64 countries) for ‘ease of settling in’.

New Zealanders know what it is like arriving somewhere new. We are great international travellers and nearly a quarter of us were born outside New Zealand. Over 90% of us feel some connection with another country through family, friends or interests.

Our warmth and hospitality is also a product of our size. New Zealanders do not have to protect their private space by staying aloof. Quite the opposite – living on the edge of the world as we do, we prefer to reach out and make connections.

Nearly four in five migrants say they are integrating well with the local Kiwi and Māori culture according to HSBC’s 2015 Expat Explorer survey.

Our character is also shaped by a unique mix of Māori and European culture. This melding of ideas and customs began with the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 and continues to this day.

Today, New Zealand is diverse, combining influences from around the world, especially the Pacific. We’re a country of open, welcoming people, a place you’ll make lasting friendships.The culture that has created is a strong connector between us, and a bond we love to share with visitors.