Did you know New Zealand boasts the longest place name in the world? Taumatawhakatangihangaoauauotameteaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupo-kaiwhenuakitanatahu is the longest place name in any English speaking country and translates to “the place where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, who slid, climbed and swallowed mountains, known as the land-eater, played his nose flute to his loved ones”.

The Maori people are the indigenous population of New Zealand who came here from Polynesia between 1250 and 1300. They have a unique culture with their own language, mythology and rituals. After New Zealand was westernised, the Maori adapted to the British lifestyle but many still proudly practices their culture and heritage. Maori culture experiences are now a high tourist attraction to New Zealand.

Southland has a large agricultural industry but is also the home to the Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter and is the only smelter in New Zealand. The Smelter draws unique skills and contributed approximately NZD$525 million per year to the region. If you are interested in working in this industry in New Zealand, get in touch with us today! More info in our Regions page!

New Zealanders are affectionately nicknamed Kiwi’s. But do you know why? The Kiwi is a native bird which has been around for approximately 70million years. The Kiwi is nocturnal and is most commonly found on the West Coast but many zoo’s and animal parks have Kiwi enclosures that you can get up close and personal with our national treasure.