Your Chances
What New Zealand has to offer and who is needed here?
New Zealand is a country of approximately 4.2 million people and is nearly the size of United Kingdom or Japan. Various sobriquets are accorded to the country such as ‘Clean and Green’, ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’, ‘The friendly nation’ and so on. Indians were re-introduced to New Zealand recently through beautiful sceneries as featured in various Indian Movies. But these do not describe New Zealand adequately as there much more to New Zealand. It is also the land of Edmund Hillary, Ernest Rutherford and Katherine Mansfield. Oh yeah! Richard Hadlee and John Wren are from here too. These people demonstrate the character and spirit of New Zealand: entrepreneurial, innovative, daring, and honest.
The initial harsh environment early Kiwi settlers encountered has led to shaping of the New Zealand psyche i.e. dealing with issues in a straightforward and innovative manner. New Zealand looks back at a long history of migration and has over time become truly multicultural with large number of migrants from the Indian Subcontinent settled in various parts of New Zealand. These Communities have as part of their settlement developed various associations, community and cultural centres, and businesses. We have now regular screening of Bollywood movies and cuisine from various parts of India widely available throughout New Zealand.
Education, Health and welfare services
These services are mainly provided by the Government of New Zealand. These services are of comparatively good standard and have a focus on high needs populations. Educational services begin with Early Childhood Education and extend to tertiary or university education. Generally early education [primary and secondary] if provided by state run schools is free. While tertiary students can access interest free student loans and living allowances to complete their education. Health care services, as provided in public hospitals, are free for all New Zealand residents. However primary care services require payment but these fees are subsidised heavily by the Government. Also accidental cover and insurance is provided for free for all New Zealand residents by the Government. There is also the option of accessing private health care at internationally competive rates.
Owning a house:
Owning a house is a tradition in New Zealand and has led to a growing housing market. Migrants are advised to first rent before buying a house. This gives time for the buyer to assess the market and also quality of housing. Unlike many other western nations, heat insulation and central heating for houses is not widely available – so one has to take time in choosing suitable housing as weather in New Zealand can get quite cold in the winter months.
Running your own business
New Zealand is a country of small businesses and entrepreneurs and is one of the most deregulated economies in the world. In the Doing Business 2010 Report of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank New Zealand ranks first in the category of "Starting a Business" and second in the category "Ease of Doing Business". India ranks 133. and 169. respectively! Many Indian immigrants own their own business in New Zealand.
Job Opportunities:
In December 2008, the unemployment rate in New Zealand was at 4.9% but with the financial recession this is expected to go up to 6%. However this is still lower than many Western economies and the general economic climate in New Zealand remains healthy. From an Indian perspective the best job opportunities are in IT and Telecommunication Technology as well as in the local Indian Restaurant and Catering Industry. Employment prospects in other areas are not as good for Indians, unless within the local Indian business community. There are also many Indian Doctors in New Zealand!
