Comparison of the UK and New Zealand for Settlement Migration.
Seeking a Change? Exploring a destination with stunning landscapes and a more laid-back atmosphere, where fresh air and clear skies foster a healthier lifestyle? Discover the distinctions between living in New Zealand and residing in the UK, and learn how you can obtain a visa to embrace our way of life.
Comparing New Zealand and the UK:
- New Zealand and the UK share commonalities such as aligned values, a shared history, and the predominant use of the English language.
- Transplants from the UK often praise Kiwis for their relaxed demeanor, friendliness, and amiable nature.
- Numerous British expatriates attest to New Zealand’s welcoming ambiance, relaxed lifestyle, and commendable work-life equilibrium.
Enviable Work-Life Harmony:
- The quality of life in New Zealand excels compared to numerous other nations.
- New Zealanders exhibit a robust work ethic alongside a commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
- Even within our major urban centers, proximity to beaches, cycling trails, or national parks remains readily accessible.
- Our fondness for the outdoors prompts us to prioritize leisure time with friends and family.
Ideal Climate for Outdoor Enthusiasts:
- New Zealand enjoys a temperate climate, translating to warm, dry summers from December to February, and mild, wet winters from June to August.
- Unlike certain regions of the UK experiencing prolonged bouts of extreme weather, New Zealand offers a conducive environment for year-round outdoor activities.
- Regional climatic variations are notable, with the north typically warmer than the south. For instance, while Queenstown in the South Island experiences winter snowfall, such occurrences are rare in North Island locales like Wellington.
Breathtaking Scenery:
Renowned for its picturesque landscapes, New Zealand boasts captivating features ranging from scenic surf beaches and lush native forests to snow-capped volcanoes in the North Island, and the majestic Southern Alps, meandering rivers, and deep fjords in the South Island. It’s no wonder our scenery frequently graces the silver screen, as seen in movies like The Lord of the Rings.
Our dramatic scenery spans the entirety of the country, offering ample exploration opportunities within a matter of weeks for those relocating to New Zealand.
Distinctive Indigenous Heritage:
- New Zealand’s cultural fabric is woven with significant Māori and Polynesian influences.
- Māori tikanga, encompassing protocols and customs, permeates our societal framework.
- Central to Māori customs is ‘Manaakitanga,’ epitomizing hospitality, kindness, and generosity, values that resonate within our multicultural society, extending a warm embrace to all.
Tranquil and Democratic:
Geographically removed from the political tumult afflicting many regions globally, New Zealand maintains a keen interest in international affairs while enjoying relative geographical isolation.
A Plethora of Housing Options:
A notable disparity between UK and New Zealand housing lies in space availability. Unlike the UK’s prevalence of high-density developments, New Zealand offers diverse housing options catering to varied lifestyle preferences.
Whether one seeks a spacious suburban dwelling with ample outdoor space, expansive rural properties, or chic urban apartments, New Zealand’s housing market accommodates an array of preferences, minimizing commuting burdens except in remote locales.
Subsidized Healthcare:
New Zealand extends free or low-cost public healthcare services to citizens, residents, and individuals holding work visas valid for two years or more.
Government subsidies alleviate healthcare expenses, requiring partial payment for general practitioner consultations, while emergency treatment at hospitals incurs no charges. Elective procedures may necessitate private healthcare coverage.
Medical Assistance for Temporary Residents:
Even temporary visa holders may access certain healthcare services under specific circumstances, subject to eligibility criteria outlined on the Ministry of Health’s website.
For those ineligible for public healthcare services, comprehensive travel insurance inclusive of health coverage is strongly recommended.
Accident Compensation Coverage:
In the event of accidents, a substantial portion of medical and recovery expenses may be covered under New Zealand’s Accident Compensation scheme (ACC), regardless of fault.
Funded through levies contributed by employees and employers, the ACC obviates the need for litigation in injury-related cases.
Optimal Environment for Families:
New Zealand’s family-friendly environment renders it an ideal locale for starting and nurturing familial bonds. Complemented by affordable, quality education, children are afforded opportunities to engage with nature and participate in a diverse spectrum of healthy recreational activities.
Expatriate families laud New Zealand’s strong sense of community, with the nation ranking 8th in community cohesion on the OECD’s Better Life Index, surpassing the UK’s 22nd position.
Families also find solace in New Zealand’s stellar safety record, as evidenced by the 2021 Global Peace Index ranking New Zealand the world’s second safest country, trailing only Iceland, while the UK secures the 33rd spot.
Superior Educational Standards:
New Zealand’s education system garners international acclaim, ranking 12th globally in the 2021 Legatum Institute Prosperity Index, outpacing the UK’s 16th position.
With a keen focus on preparing students for future challenges, New Zealand ranks third in The Economist’s 2019 Educating for the Future Index, trailing behind only Finland and Sweden.
Early Childhood Education:
The government subsidizes early childhood education (ECE) for children under five years, ensuring widespread access to foundational learning opportunities.
While state primary and secondary education is free for domestic students, voluntary contributions and supplementary expenses may apply. State-integrated and private schools may levy compulsory fees.
Higher Education Excellence:
New Zealand boasts top-tier tertiary education institutions, including eight universities and 16 institutes of technology renowned for delivering internationally recognized qualifications.
All New Zealand universities rank within the top 500 in the 2023 QS World University Rankings, with five among the top 300.
Comparable Cost of Living:
New Zealand’s cost of living mirrors that of other Western OECD nations, presenting varying affordability levels compared to the UK depending on one’s city of origin.
For instance, while London ranked as the 15th most expensive city globally in Mercer’s 2022 Cost of Living Survey, Auckland secured the 95th position, with Wellington trailing at 120th. Smaller New Zealand towns typically offer lower living costs.
Abundant Employment Opportunities:
New Zealand’s robust job market continues to attract UK professionals across diverse sectors. Despite pandemic-induced challenges, demand persists for skilled workers in fields such as healthcare, construction, education, engineering, ICT, agriculture, and forestry.
Individuals possessing skills listed on the official critical skill shortage register stand a heightened chance of securing employment and acquiring visas.
Economic Resilience:
Bolstered by a resilient free market and an open economy, New Zealand sustained annual GDP growth of 5% in 2021.
Though the COVID-19 pandemic tempered economic expansion, the OECD projects a gradual easing of GDP growth to 3% in 2022 and 2% in 2023.
Global Connectivity:
International trade plays a pivotal role in New Zealand’s economy, accounting for approximately 60% of total economic activity. With a strong emphasis on global engagement, New Zealand maintains Free Trade arrangements with numerous nations, bolstering economic ties and facilitating market access.
Participation in initiatives such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) underscores New Zealand’s commitment to fostering regional integration and enhancing trade relations.
Secure Investment Climate:
Renowned for its stability and transparency, New Zealand ranks among the world’s least corrupt democracies, offering enticing investment opportunities across traditional and emerging sectors such as ICT, biotechnology, and agricultural research.
International accolades affirm New Zealand’s favorable business environment, including top rankings in tax competitiveness, corruption perception, and economic freedom indices.
Navigating the Visa Process:
Prospective migrants to New Zealand can explore various visa options tailored to their circumstances.
For individuals aged 18-30, working holiday visas afford extended stays of up to 23 months.
Work visas permit residency and employment for specified durations, with potential pathways to permanent residency through schemes like the Skilled Migrant Category.
Permanent Residence in New Zealand:
Permanent residency status grants indefinite stay and work privileges in New Zealand, conferring rights akin to those of citizens without necessitating citizenship acquisition.
As a permanent resident, access to government-funded services, electoral participation, and education fee entitlements are among the benefits conferred.
Planning the Relocation:
Upon committing to relocate to New Zealand, prospective migrants face a multitude of logistical considerations. Securing employment, obtaining visas, selecting suitable living arrangements, and addressing financial matters rank among the foremost priorities. For families, identifying optimal schooling options further enhances the relocation planning process.
