New Zealand

Facts about New Zealand

Facts

New Zealand has a population of 4.028 million, and a land area of 268,680 square kilometres. The highest point is Mount Cook or Mount Aoraki which is 3754 metres above sea level.

The official languages of New Zealand are; English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language. The ethnic of New Zealand are made up of 67.6% European, 4.6% Maori, 6.9% Pacific peoples and 9.2% of Asian.

The capital city is Wellington with Auckland nominated as the largest state of New Zealand. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II, and the head of government is called Prime Minister.


History       

New Zealand is a relatively small country located in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main islands; the North Island and the South Island. There are small islands such as Stewart Island and other smaller islands.

More than one thousand years ago, the first contact with the European was with the Dutch navigator Abel Tasman who visited New Zealand (or Aotearoa, the Maori name for New Zealand) in 1642. British explorer James Cook visited New Zealand in 1769, 1773 and 1777 respectively.

The Europeans’ settlement made their living by hunting seals and whales, by working as traders and missionaries. From 1840 onwards, there are more and more well organised European settlements.

For more information, go to the website: www.newzealand.com  or  www.nzhistory.net.nz


Public Holidays

On Christmas Day, Easter Friday, Easter Sunday and ANZAC Day most organisations such as government departments and services, businesses, shops and restaurant are closed.


The calendar for 2009 Public Holidays is as follows:

Date               Events
1. January      New Year’s  Day
2. January      New Year’s Holiday
6. February    Waitangi Day
10. April          Good Friday
13. April          Easter Monday
25. April          ANZAC Day
1.  June          Queen’s Birthday
26. October    Labour Day
25. December Christmas Day
26. December Boxing Day


Climate

In New Zealand, July is the coldest month whereas January and February are the warmest months. The climate changes and varies little between summer and winter with gradually varies up to fourteen degrees Celsius as it moves from inland to the east of the mountain ranges.

New Zealand’s summer months are December, January and February. The average temperatures are:

• Auckland   Low (° C)  12  - High (° C) 24
• Wellington   Low (° C)   13  - High (° C) 20
• Christchurch   Low (° C)  12 -  High (° C) 22

New Zealand’s winter months are June, July and August. The average temperatures are:
     
Auckland Low (° C)  9  -  High (° C) 15
Wellington Low (° C)   6 -  High (° C)  12
Christchurch Low (° C)   3  - High (° C)  12

The popular term for New Zealand weather is ‘four seasons in one day’.


Recommended Clothing

In summer, you need light jacket or sweater. If you are visiting higher altitudes, you may need to bring a light rainproof jacket or coat. In winter, you need warm winter garments and layer your clothing.


Daylight Savings

According to The Department of Internal Affairs, New Zealand, the Daylight Savings commences on the last Sunday in September, when 2:00 am becomes 3:00 am, and ends on the first Sunday in April the following year, when 3:00 am becomes 2:00 am.

For 2009,  

• Daylight Saving ended on Sunday 5 April 2009 (when clocks went back one hour).
• It begins again on Sunday 27 September 2009 (when clocks go forward one hour). (The Department of Internal Affairs, New Zealand).

Making Phone Calls

New Zealand local phone numbers have seven digits. Area codes consist of two digits, the first is zero. When calling another region from within New Zealand, first dial these two area digits then dial the phone number.

Emergency call (police, fire, ambulance)        111 (free)
Outside caller’s region                                   charged
Number starting 0800 or 0508                      free
0900 numbers                                               charged by the minute

For more information, go to websites www.whitepages.co.nz and www.yellowpages.co.nz.   

Area     -  Calling code
Northland/Auckland   -  09
Waikato/Bay of Plenty  -  07
Central North Island   -  06
Wellington/Kapiti  -  04
South Island and Stewart Island  -  03
   
Cheap phone cards and prepaid calling cards are available at any outlet of New Zealand stores, for more information on international calling rate, see website: www.ecallchina.com/country/best-rate-A.aspx