About New Zealand
Comparable in size and/or shape to Great Britain, Colorado or Japan, New Zealand is an independent nation and a member of the British Commonwealth. It has a diverse multi-cultural population of 4 million people, the majority of whom are of British descent. New Zealand's indigenous Maori make up around 14 percent of the population.
Language
English is the common language of New Zealand. Maori, an official language of growing importance, is spoken mainly in the Maori community.
Weather
November/December sees the end of spring and the start of summer in Hamilton, which generally means that daily temperatures vary between cold and frosty to warm and hot. So be prepared for warmer weather (18-25 degrees) mixed with sun, occasional rain and cloudy patches. Cooler evenings are still common but an early summer is always possible. Days become longer as summer approaches, offering more opportunity to partake in outdoor activities.
Clothing
Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and night-spots. Men are generally not expected to wear suits and ties, except in a few of the top formal bars and restaurants in major cities. In summer a light jacket or sweater should be included in your luggage should the weather turn cooler or you visit higher altitudes. You can expect some rain, so include a light rainproof jacket or coat.
Time
New Zealand is 12 hours ahead of GMT.
Banking
Banks are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, with selected banks offering Saturday trading. Automatic teller machines (ATM) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in malls. International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home. New Zealand businesses accept all major credit cards.
Goods and Services Tax
Goods and services are subject to a 12.5 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) included in the displayed price. Visitors cannot claim this tax back, however when a supplier ships a major purchase to a visitor's home address the GST will not be charged.
Currency
New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$). Coins have values of 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2; notes have values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Recent changes mean that 5 cents pieces are no longer used and only the new 10, 20 and 50 cent pieces are accepted. Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city centres.
Passport and Visas
A current passport is required for entry to New Zealand. Whilst New Zealand has Visitor Visa Waiver Agreements with some countries, it is important that all delegates intending to travel to New Zealand check with their travel agent or the New Zealand High Commission in their country.
For further information go to http://www.immigration.govt.nz/
Travel/Loss of Deposit/Health Insurance
It is recommended that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance. Waikato Management School accepts no responsibility for any accidents which occur during this trip. Delegates are encouraged to arrange travel insurance (medical, personal accident, loss and robbery) in their home country prior to departure.
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required to enter New Zealand.
Electricity Supply
Throughout New Zealand, mains electricity is supplied at 230/240 volts, 50Hz AC. The flat 3-pin connecting plugs are different from those in other countries. Some hotels provide converters or transformers for 110V equipment.
Laptops
You will need an RJ45 type plug to be able to connect your laptop into a computer socket in New Zealand, and an adaptor with a flat, angled two or three-point power plug to connect to the power supply.
Tipping
Tipping is not common practice in New Zealand and, while always welcome, is generally reserved for outstanding service.
Shopping
Most shops and businesses are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, as a minimum. Many stores also open Saturdays and some open on Sundays. |