New Zealand – The home of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup

In 2015 New Zealand and Australia are co-hosting the 2015 ICC Cricket world cup which is estimated to be watched by more than a quarter of the world. The Cricket World Cup started in England in 1975 and subsequently has taken place every four years since with New Zealand and Australia previously hosting the cup in 1992. New Zealand has games being played in several cities including Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Napier, Nelson, Dunedin and Christchurch which gives tourists and Kiwi’s …

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Dunedin – The Creative City of Literature!

Dunedin has recently been named the creative city of literature by the prestigious UNESCO, the only city in New Zealand to hold the title. Dunedin has been long known in New Zealand as a city of education, Scottish History and heritage and even has the highest number of churches per capita out of any other city in the world. Dunedin has joined Melbourne, Edinburgh, Dublin, Iowa City, Reykjavik, Norwich and Krakow. Dunedin is one of the most important settler cities and …

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A New Zealand Christmas tree with a twist

Red and green is the traditional colour scheme for christmas for many people around the world and New Zealand is no different. Except New Zealand grows its very own Christmas trees along the shore line. The first mention of the Pohutakawa as a christmas tree was in 1867 and since then the bright red flowers have been firmly planted in the New Zealand christmas tradition. The tree flowers over the New Zealand summer holiday period from November through to January …

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A New Zealand story: At home in Dunedin

Two years after moving to New Zealand from South Africa, this family has fully embraced Kiwi culture and lifestyle. The advantages of New Zealand life won them over, although it was not easy at first, having to adjust to the weather, the Kiwi accent, and slight differences in job environments. These now seem pretty minor and all that remains is “a wonderful experience”. Read out more about this particular experience of moving to New Zealand, browse our “Life in NZ” pages, …

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Christmas down-under

Have you ever wondered what Christmas is like for those of us down-under? Kiwi’s are typically laid back and relaxed people and the New Zealand Christmas is no exception to this. Christmas days are typically spent either at home, at a relatives or if you are lucky enough at the bach (holiday house). The classic Christmas dinner is sometimes replaced with a kiwi favourite – the barbecue and the days activities are largely orientated around the outdoors due to Christmas …

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A New Zealand story: Building a new city and a new life

Fancy moving to New Zealand from Ireland? This young family has done it! Recession in Europe and work opportunities in the building industry after the Christchurch earthquake have enticed Martin and his family to take the plunge. Although work in his field of expertise is similar to what he did in Ireland, Martin is convinced that careful preparation is the key to a successful migration in various ways, and he looks forward to his family getting residency. Great quality of …

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A New Zealand story: Family life returns for migrant couple

A particularly touching story of a migrant couple from the Philippines and how their hard-working attitude enabled them to bring their 3 children over and live in New Zealand with a resident visa. The Christchurch rebuild has created many job opportunities in various trades. Read out more about this particular experience of moving to New Zealand, browse our “Life in NZ” pages, or sign up to our free Kiwi Essentials New Zealand guide. Or contact us to find out how we can …

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A New Zealand story: A creative life

Even better the second time around! This is what this young American couple found New Zealand to be. After a short work opportunity in Wellington, the couple moved back to the US but the memories of New Zealand’s laid-back life, “by the beach”, was too strong to resist… Mike and Megan therefore decided to make the move more permanent and they are happy as ever, in New Zealand’s bustling “little capital”, Wellington. Read out more about this particular experience of moving …

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A New Zealand story: A marriage of career and lifestyle

Following a honeymoon experience in New Zealand, Ilena and Andrea, from Italy, decided to make a lifetime move and settle in New Zealand. With essential skills on demand, getting a job was straightforward, and they sorted out the paperwork opting for the no-hassle method, using a New Zealand-based immigration adviser. They now live in Rotorua, where they enjoy being close to Nature and the rich local culture. Find out more about this particular experience of moving to New Zealand, browse our …

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A New Zealand story: Full of smiling faces

Paramsothy Jeyakumar (Jeya), once a talented post-graduate student in Palmerston North, shares his family’s story of emigrating to New Zealand from Sri Lanka following his initial experience as a student. “New Zealand had everything we were looking for. No fear, less crime, no corruption, no racism, and equal opportunities for women.” If all these boxes are ticked, it was not easy to settle at first, but Jeya believes that hard work and honesty will see you through, and make you happy. Making …

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