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NEW ZEALAND

Economy

New Zealand's economy is dependent on its export trade, with agricultural products totaling more than 50% of all New Zealand exports. These products include: the production of sheep meat, beef, wool, dairy produce and hides, deer, goats and cereal products. New Zealand also has an increasingly strong competitive advantage in food processing technology, telecommunications, plastics, textiles, plantation forest products, electronics, climbing equipment and apparel. In recent years there has also been a far greater interest in the production of specialized lifestyle products such as yachts.

Unfortunately, the lure of higher pay and larger high-tech infrastructures in the U.K. and Australia has seen to the emigration of many Kiwi professionals. Nevertheless, this flow of New Zealand nationals has given way to more space for migrants to enjoy and participate in New Zealand's dynamic and developing economy.
More Information: > Visa by country – New Zealand-Skilled Migration and Business Migration.

Goods and Services Tax (GST): GST is a broad-based tax of 12.5 per cent on most goods and services you buy.
More information on GST and other taxes: http://www.ird.govt.nz
Taxes: The structure of employment has changed significantly in recent times with education lasting longer, more women working in paid jobs for longer periods and a labor force that has increased mobility and flexibility. Furthermore, paid employment is no longer as accessible as it was. Over the last two decades, unemployment has become an increasingly visible feature of New Zealand society and growing numbers have found themselves trapped in long-term unemployment. However, with relatively low taxes and the stream of skilled workers to the U.K. and Australia, there are many professional employment vacancies waiting to be filled.
Employment: The structure of employment has changed significantly in recent times with education lasting longer, more women working in paid jobs for longer periods and a labor force that has increased mobility and flexibility. Furthermore, paid employment is no longer as accessible as it was. Over the last two decades, unemployment has become an increasingly visible feature of New Zealand society and growing numbers have found themselves trapped in long-term unemployment. However, with relatively low taxes and the stream of skilled workers to the U.K. and Australia, there are many professional employment vacancies waiting to be filled.
More information: http://www.job.co.nz
Cost of living: The cost of living in New Zealand varies according to your location. The New Zealand Immigration Service advises prospective migrants the average cost per week including dining out, rent or home ownership (mortgages etc), running and equipping the home, clothing and footwear and transport and travel would be in the vicinity of NZ$750.00. These figures are conservative, particularly for Auckland residents, which is the most expensive city in New Zealand. However salaries in Auckland tend to be higher. The further you head south, the less expensive the cost of living becomes.

NEW ZEALAND