About New Zealand - Key Facts

The Country

New Zealand is a self-governing member of the British Commonwealth of Nations. The government is, generally, modelled on the British system of parliamentary democracy with universal suffrage and a multi party House of Representatives. The party with the most members forms the government and its leader becomes the Prime Minister.

The Parliament is, unlike Britain, elected by a form of proportional representation known as Mixed Member Proportional where voters elect some members of parliament directly as their local representative, and some MPs are chosen from lists prepared by the various parties. The overall number of seats held by each party is directly proportional to the number of votes it receives.

You can get more info on the electoral system from the Electoral Commission site. The last election, in July 2002, resulted in two Parties, Labour and United Future forming a government. Like Britain, NZ is a constitutional monarchy. The Head of State - Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second - is represented in the country by a resident Governor General.

Tourist Information

In all centres there is a local visitor information office, part of the Visitor Information Network. They provide excellent assistance and should be an automatic stop for all travellers.Overseas, offices of the NZ Tourism Board can send you information. Check PureJoy Travel for Queenstown ski trip.

Banking and Currency

Banks are open Monday to Friday (except public holidays) 9.30am to 4.30pm. In central Auckland there is a branch of the ASB Bank in the Downtown Centre which is open Saturdays. The Bank of New Zealand Airport Branch is open seven days a week. For currency exchange there are also a number of other options, including currency exchange machines. Hotels will also change money. All major credit cards are widely accepted.

Water Supply

Tap (faucet) water is fresh and safe to drink anywhere in the country.

Goods and Service Tax (GST)

GST, a value added tax that is levied on everything. Goods purchased at some souvenir shops are free of GST if posted directly to your home. Duty free goods are also free of GST.  

Climate

The climate is described technically as "oceanic temperate". Which means that temperatures don't vary widely from summer to winter. But taken from north to south, Northland is sub-tropical in summer while the deep south is sub-antarctic in winter. Being a long narrow string of islands, the night/day summer/winter differences are not as fierce as in the middle of a continental landmass. Be ready for all kinds of weather at any time of year. The lush greenness you're coming to see doesn't grow without a continuous and liberal dosage of water. It rains all year round so always have a raincoat near at hand. In the evenings carry a jacket or sweater. Summer starts on the longest day of the year (Dec 22) and ends about mid-March. Winter starts on the shortest day, June 22.

Medical Services

Hospitals and the medical professionals are world class. Doctors must meet rigorous international standards before being allowed to practise. Hotels and motels have medical assistance on call. There are public medical clinics widely available.