It is an island located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It comprises two main landmasses: the North and South islands. Majority of the population is of European descents. English, Māori and New Zealand Sign Language are the official languages, with English predominant. Kiwis are very friendly and welcoming to visitors and new residents and most often treat everyone in a fair and egalitarian manner without regard to race, religion, social or economic background.
Most Kiwis eat three meals a day. Breakfast may consist of toast; eggs, cereal, juice or milk while lunch will likely be sandwiches, vegetables, fruit and a drink. Evening and weekend meals tend to be heavier and are usually spent together at the dining table. Such meals will provide a good opportunity for a home stay student to not only practice English, but also to get to know his or her host family and to start to build positive lasting relationships. Since the New Zealand diet may be different from what a Muslim is accustomed to, a home stay student should not feel shy to inquire about whether the ingredients used are halal, as Kiwis are quite accommodating and would not find that offensive.
Other points to consider:
- Kiwis expect you to call and make appointments before you visit.
- Do not expect to be served food when you visit at meal times except when you were invited beforehand.
- Kiwis like to keep to time when they make appointments, so make sure you are on time for your appointments.
- Kiwis often refer to a meal or dinner as tea, so make sure when you invite someone for a cup of tea that he or she knows it is just a cup of tea and not a meal.
Why Study in New Zealand?
The quality of education in New Zealand is excellent and internationally recognized. The education institutes are diverse in size and location and the cost of living and studying is highly affordable compared with other countries. Additionally, New Zealand’s climate is pleasant and the locals are famous for their warm hospitality and attractive lifestyle.
Climate
Auckland (January: 16.4° – 23.8° C)
Auckland (July: 8° – 14.7° C()
Wellington (January: 13.4° – 20.3° C)
Wellington (July: 6.2° – 11.3° C)
Christchurch (January: 12.2° – 22.5° C)
Christchurch (July: 1.7°– 11.3° C)
Dunedin (January: 11.7° – 19.9° C)
Dunedin (July: 2.4° – 9.3° C)
Dress Code
- Daily clothes – casual wear.
- Summer/spring clothes – light casual wear.
- Winter/autumn clothes – warm sweaters and jackets.
- National Costume is recommended to for festivities.
Shopping & Dinning
- Shopping centers usually open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday to Thursday.
- Fridays allow for late night shopping until about 9:00 PM.
- Student discounts are available upon presenting your student ID card.
- The major retail outlets are Farmers, K-mart and The Warehouse.
- The major supermarkets are Pac”n”Save, Countdown, Food town and New World. 24/7 supermarkets are also available.
- Wide rage of cuisine offered.
- Halal meet is available at a number of food stores.
- Tap water is safe to drink.
Travel & Transportation
- Easiest travel methods – buses, trains, planes (e-tickets for international flights are available).
- Regular bus services into the city are provided.
- Good affordable public transport services.
- Student fares are available.
- Taxis are expensive
