Assuming that you have your finances in order and are engaged in a profession for which there are plenty of employment opportunities in New Zealand, moving to the country could be one of the best decisions you make. New Zealanders are among the happiest people in the world and what better reason could have to move – to be happy and be surrounded by happy people! New Zealand has consistently featured in the top 20 list of happiest countries based on both Gallup surveys and UN World Happiness Reports.
There’s a reason why the Kiwis are such a happy bunch, so before you pack your bags make sure that you’re on the same page and have the same expectations from life. There are various factors that affect happiness, so let’s take a look at some of them.Health Care
New Zealand has a robust health care system that is accessible to all. Public health care is either free or very affordable because of heavy government subsidization. If you wish to, you still have the option of getting private health care insurance. The quality of health care itself is on par with any other developed country and health care services are also easily accessible. Doctors can be reached easily and treatment for emergencies and accidents is free in hospitals. The costs for treatment and recovery from any injury caused by an accident will be borne by the Accident Compensation Corporation, making health care expenditure a lot less stressful to the common man.
Standard of Living
New Zealand is a developed country and the standard of living is as good as it is anywhere else in the developed world. Although there will be some differences, you will find that you still have access to almost all of the same conveniences that you were accustomed to back home. This said, quality of life may be better in many ways because of the more laid back pace of life in the country. This is one of the main reasons why New Zealanders are so healthy. For most people there is a healthy work-life balance. National parks, the wilderness and beautiful beaches are always a short drive away and it doesn’t require much effort to take a break from the regular routine.
Economy
New Zealand’s economy did suffer on account of the global recession but it has weathered it relatively well and has been recovering well. The economy grew by 3% in the last year and is expected continue growing at the same rate in the coming year. While the scope for employment may be limited in some professions there are plenty of jobs to be found in New Zealand, which is why there are still plenty of expats being drawn to the country. Most of the growth and opportunities today are to be found in ICT, healthcare and engineering. There are plenty of other career options in New Zealand and you shouldn’t have much trouble finding employment if your profession is listed on Immigration New Zealand’s skill shortages lists.
Liberalism and Freedom
New Zealanders thrive on their freedom and liberties that are well protected. The country was in fact awarded the top spot on a Social Progress Index by Washington-based think-tank Social Progress Imperative. New Zealand beat 129 other countries to claim the peak position. Personal rights and freedoms are given a great deal of importance and freedom of speech, an independent press and other personal freedoms are highly valued and well protected.
Clean Governance
Because of the stability of the local government and low levels of corruption, as compared to most parts of the world, New Zealand is not just a great country to live in, but it is also a great place to do business. Red tape and bureaucracy can often be a hurdle to business and foreign investment, but this is not much of a problem in New Zealand.
Society
New Zealand has a multicultural society that is liberal and welcoming. Most New Zealanders are extremely friendly and you shouldn’t have too much trouble socializing. It is a much less class conscious society and people are friendly and compassionate in general. With large waves of expats always coming in New Zealand is like a cultural melting pot with people of various ethnicities. No matter which country you come from you are likely to find a bit of your home here in New Zealand, which can be quite reassuring at times, even if you’ve been dying to leave it all behind!