Life in New Zealand
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New Zealand's spectacularly beautiful landscape includes vast mountain chains, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, deeply indented fiords and lush rainforests. Comparable in size and/or shape to Great Britain, Colorado or Japan, New Zealand has a population of 4 million - making it one of the least crowded countries. www.purenz.com |
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Climate
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The North of New Zealand is subtropical and the South temperate. The warmest months are December, and February. The coldest months are June, July and August. In summer the average temperatures range between 20 - 30 degrees Celsius [70 - 100 F.] and in the winter between 10 - 15 C. [50 - 60 F.]. |
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Broad monetary policy implemented by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand stipulates an acceptable target band of 2% p.a. inflation. Interest rates on first mortgages are typically around 6.5% per annum. New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar NZ$. Coins have values of 5 cents, 10, 20, 50, $1, $2 and notes have values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100
The Reserve Bank of NZ website www.rbnz.govt.nz |
Taxation
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Income in New Zealand is subject to a combined income and social security tax, which is deducted by the employer on a Pay-As-You-Earn basis. [PAYE]
Tax Rates are as follows:
Earnings NZ $ 1 up to $38,000 19.5%
Earnings from NZ $38,000 to $60,000 33.3%
Earnings over NZ $60,001 39%
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There are relatively few tax deductions and exemptions.
Income received from overseas is normally taxed at source and therefore not liable for taxation in New Zealand. Capital gains are generally not taxed in New Zealand.
Goods and Services Tax - GST is currently 12.5% and included in fees for services rendered or price of goods purchased. Before commencing employment you are required to register with the Inland Revenue Department and will be issued an IRD number. |
Housing
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The average New Zealand house has 3 bedrooms, with brick or weatherboard external walls and are generally on sections 6500 - 8500 square feet.
Prices average from NZD $150,000 - NZD $200,000 but there are a large number of houses on the market in the NZD $200,000 - NZD $300,000.
Heating is usually with solid fuel heaters, electric heaters or natural gas.
Rental Housing is available but do not usually come fully furnished. Average rent for a 3 bedroom house in a city, outside of Auckland, would be NZD $200 per week or NZD $800 a month.
All prices advertised as a weekly rent.
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| www.realenz.co.nz | www.uniquerealty.co.nz | www.harcourts.co.nz |
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Telephone:
[unlimited local] |
NZD $34/month. |
| Electricity: |
NZD $0.87 per unit + GST. |
| Gasoline: |
NZD $1.46 per litre. |
| Natural Gas: |
NZD $0.06 per unit kilowatt. |
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Electrical Equipment
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Electrical supply is 230/240 volts at 60hz cycle.
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Healthcare System
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Introduction
The provision of publicly funded healthcare services is currently undergoing change, designed to focus the District Health Boards clearly on improving the overall health of all New Zealanders. Presently our public health system is funded by a combination of general tax revenue and Accident Compensation Corporation levy revenues. Individuals may purchase insurance cover for Private Health cover that supplements the Public health system.
For further information, please visit the Ministry of Health website at: http://www.moh.govt.nz
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Road Safety
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In New Zealand all motorists drive on the left hand side of the road.
Checkout http://www.enterprisemotorgroup.co.nz/ for vehicle prices and information |
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Food
The following are some examples of food prices:
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Meat
Chicken
Minced Beef
Lamb Chops
Pork Chops
Rump Steak
Roast Lamb
Dairy
Milk
Cheese
Butter
Margarine
Yoghurt
Beverages
Teabags
Coffee
Orange Juice
Wine
Miscellaneous
Flour
Eggs
Bread
Toilet Paper |
Weight
500 gms
500 gms
500 gms
500 gms
500 gms
500 gms
1 pint
200 mgs
250 mgs
250 mgs
200 mgs
100 bags
100 gms
1 liter
1 bottle
1 kg
1 dozen
1 loaf
4 rolls |
Actual Cost in NZD$
$2.42
$2.71
$3.60
$4.02
$5.14
$3.80
$0.65
$1.25
$0.85
$0.80
$0.88
$2.14
$3.00
$1.45
$14.45
$1.05
$2.71
$1.80
$2.22 |
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