Life in New Zealand
Discover life in New Zealand
New Zealand, also known as Aotearoa in Māori, is a multicultural and peaceful country with beautiful scenery. More than just landscapes, New Zealand is home to inquiring minds and innovative industries that are looking to the future. The people of New Zealand or ‘Kiwis’ are friendly and proud of their country’s history and culture. New Zealand is the second most peaceful country in the world (rated in the Global Peace Index 2020) meaning you will feel secure as well as welcomed when you come to study in Auckland.
Living in New Zealand, you can experience a wide variety of epic landscapes in one day. You can see breathtaking glaciers, beautiful fjords, rugged mountains, hills, forests, volcanoes, and miles of coastline with gorgeous sandy beaches.
Embracing all cultures
New Zealand values indigenous culture and is respectful of all people and their communities. The Treaty of Waitangi (or Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Māori) is our founding document and its principles are widely adopted by the government and civil society. The whole country embraces the welcoming essence of Māori society – Manaakitanga. As a student here you will feel welcomed from the moment you arrive.
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Glossary of Māori language
You might hear or read some of these Māori words in New Zealand English:
- Māori = indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand
- Aotearoa = New Zealand
- kia ora = hello
- mōrena = good morning
- whanau = family
- ka pai = good
- pōwhiri = welcoming ceremony
- Kaitiakitanga = guardianship and protection
- Manaakitanga = hospitality
- Hangi = traditional feast prepared in earth oven
Valuing people and planet
New Zealand has a unique cultural value – ‘Kaitiakitanga’ – that strives to care for the world in a way that future generations can look forward to. Education, lifestyle, creativity and innovative industries here all embrace this forward-looking mentality. Leading the way in societal change isn’t a new concept here, indeed New Zealand was the first sovereign nation to grant women the vote in 1893.
Study in an incredible country
Students here have a great quality of life, enjoying many hours of sunshine every day, and fantastic outdoor activities including hiking, swimming, snowboarding and surfing - and even whale and dolphin watching! Students also enjoy a great quality of education, as education in New Zealand is internationally respected.
Life in Auckland
You will be studying in Auckland, which is located on New Zealand’s North Island. Home to beautiful beaches, exciting culture and international businesses, Auckland offers the perfect balance between big city life and a relaxed lifestyle. You can enjoy great food and shopping, relaxed parks and entertainment. People are friendly, and students are a welcomed part of the population. You will feel like part of the community here.
"Growing up in a big city, living in the concrete forest, I wanted to try something different. I wanted to try a chill lifestyle and try some outdoor activities. New Zealand sounded like a good destination for me."
Kyle from China
Studied Auckland Foundation Year (now replaced by the Foundation Studies Certificate)
Progressed to Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Engineering at the University of Auckland