New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island and the South Island and over 700 smaller islands, Also following the article you come to know about New Zealand Regarding living costs, Education, Corruption, Crime rate, and Jobs.
What is the cost of living in New Zealand?
The struggles of the normal Kiwis are highlighted in the articles similar to the one below. Know More
Property as financial prop and the declining demand: New Zealanders are becoming more cautious
about selling houses due to high interest rates, the cost of living, and an upcoming election, as indicated by data from Real Estate NZ.
Living Costs Surge: Household living costs for an “average household” rose by 7.2% in the year
leading up to June 2023, as reported by Stats NZ.
Mortgage Interest Impact: Infometrics chief forecaster, Gareth Kiernan, highlighted that the
a significant difference between the Consumer Price Index and household living-cost figures is the
inclusion of mortgage interest in the latter’s calculation.
Major Contributors: The primary factors driving the increase in living costs are higher prices for
interest payments and grocery food.
High-Income Households: Households with higher incomes and expenditures have been most
affected by the rise in interest rates over the past one to two years. The highest-spending households
experienced a 7.8% increase in the past year, mainly due to higher interest rates.
Low-Income Households: Despite a 6.9% increase in the cost of living, low-income households have
been significantly impacted. The main contributors to this rise include grocery food, rent, fruit,
vegetables, and interest payments. However, these were somewhat offset by lower prices for private
transport supplies and services.
Recent Homeowners: Individuals who entered the housing market in 2020 or 2021 are most
vulnerable to the effects of rising interest rates, especially concerning higher mortgage payments.
Reserve Bank’s Findings: The Reserve Bank’s Financial Stability Report from May indicated that
households that borrowed during the period of very low interest rates between late 2020 and late 2021 were stress-tested at rates below current levels. This suggests that borrowers with high debt-to-income ratios might face challenges meeting their repayment obligations.
Māori Households: Māori households experienced a 7.1% increase in the cost of living over the 12
months to June 2023, which is the highest rate after high-income households. The main factors driving
this increase were interest payments, rent, and grocery food.
Private Transport Supplies and Services: For both low-income and Māori households, the costs
were partly offset by a decrease in prices for private transport supplies and services.
New Zealand Corruption Index, Ranking
NZ still ranks high In anti-corruption rankings. The administration’s take-no-prisoners policy has made
this country a transparent and easy-to-get-things-done land. However, there are always cases when you
wonder if something more could be done.
Recent cases of illegal and highly dangerous Warrant of Fitness decal scandals (where car owners were
allowed to legally drive cars that were not fit for purpose) or real estate agents being handed property
report documents that were false – have heightened the scrutiny that goes on continuously in this area.
We have a couple of such examples after the positive takeaways. Know More
Here are ten takeaways from the article titled “NZ Reclaims Top Spot in anti-corruption Rankings” from
the New Zealand Ministry of Justice:
Reclaimed Top Spot: New Zealand has reclaimed its position as the least corrupt country in the
world, according to the 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI).
CPI Score: New Zealand scored 88 out of 100 in the 2022 CPI, which is an improvement from the
previous year.
Joint Position: New Zealand shares the top spot with Denmark, both countries having the same
score.
Transparency International: The CPI is published annually by Transparency International and ranks
180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption.
Consistent Performance: New Zealand has consistently ranked in the top four least corrupt
countries since the CPI began in 1995.
Government’s Commitment: The result reflects the New Zealand government’s commitment to
transparency, integrity, and accountability.
Public Trust: The high ranking is indicative of the public’s trust in the government and the public
sector’s integrity.
Ongoing Work: Despite the top ranking, there is always more work to be done to ensure that New
Zealand remains free from corruption.
Public Engagement: The government emphasizes the importance of public engagement and
participation in maintaining a transparent and accountable system.
Global Ranking: The CPI is a global indicator of public sector corruption, and a high ranking is a
a positive reflection of a country’s governance and public sector performance.
Bad Eggs in the Basket – Cases of Corruption
Noteworthy – how people have abused the clean, transparent system and planted seed of mistrust
leading some to believe – maybe – corruption is something that needs to be taken seriously and understand that it is essential to keep a vigilant view – encouraging tipoffs and feedback with proper
support and backup to those who come forward.
Sure! Here’s a simplified synopsis of the content from the provided link:
- Public Sector Fraud and Corruption: Fraud and corruption in the public sector take away funds
meant for those who truly need public services. The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) considers this a top
priority. New Zealand’s public sector is known for its corruption-free reputation, which gives the country an economic edge. This is because the cost of doing business in New Zealand, both real and perceived, is lower than in many other countries. However, there’s a growing belief that corruption risks in New Zealand are on the rise.
- RASILA & CHAND Case: This case revolved around a corrupt Auckland Council procurement process. Sundeep Rasila, a Council employee, took a bribe to ensure a contract went to businessman Sunil Chand. Chand’s business, On Time Print, profited about $58,000 from this deal. Rasila got a $7,500 kickback from Chand. Both were sentenced for their corrupt actions.
- DONNA GRANT Case: Donna Mariana Grant, a renowned Māori performing arts educator, used her
leadership roles in multiple organizations to fraudulently get $1.3 million of public funds. She defrauded the Tertiary Education Commission and Te Whare Wānanga o wanuiārangi. Although she didn’t use the funds for personal gain, her actions tarnished the reputation of several organizations. She was sentenced to 12 months of home detention.
- AUCKLAND TRANSPORT Case: In 2017, Stephen Borlase and Murray Noone were sentenced for
corruption and bribery offenses amounting to $1.2 million. This was New Zealand’s most significant
bribery case. The corruption occurred between 2006 and 2013 at the former Rodney District Council and Auckland Transport. Borlase’s company, Projenz, secured several council contracts during this period.
- MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT Case: Joanne Harrison, previously the General Manager of Organisational
Development at the Ministry of Transport was imprisoned in 2017. She fraudulently obtained around
$726,000 from her employer by creating fake invoices. The money was used to clear personal credit card debts and a mortgage. Harrison fled the country in 2016 but returned from Canada to face charges.
New Zealand Jobs
With all the given scenario, job prospects in New Zealand is pretty good. Post pandemic tourist arrival
has yet to catch up with pre-pandemic numbers but there is no reason why it should not take off. One of the few but – very glaring – challenge is the Australian Job Market. It’s open and very inviting – and appealing – to Kiwis. The cost of living is cheaper, the pay is 30-50% higher. Even we, in my family, have a Beat This photo bombing by our daughter Maya who is in Melbourne and sends us pictures of healthy food platters at home with a Beat This tag.
We happily but grumpily look at the food photos and shake our heads in Wellington with a : that would cost a fortune- greedy grimace emoji. I remember the one juicy tomato and one kumara I bought as a treat for us at an eye-watering cost of NZ $18 – ONE TOMATO and ONE KUMARA. ‘Nah let our daughter win’ says we (jealous long eerie whine).
So lets see how the job scene looks like in the Land of the Long White Clouds Click Here
10 points about New Zealand’s job market and key industries:
- New Zealand’s Growing Industries: New Zealand has several industries that are experiencing
significant growth. These industries offer numerous job opportunities for skilled workers.
- Agriculture & Forestry: New Zealand’s agriculture and forestry sector is a major contributor to the
country’s economy. The country is known for its dairy products, meat, wool, and wood.
- Construction: There is a high demand for construction workers in New Zealand due to the country’s
growing population and the need for infrastructure development.
- Engineering: New Zealand’s engineering sector is expanding, especially in the fields of civil,
geotechnical, and structural engineering.
- Health and Social Services: With an aging population, there is a growing need for health
professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers.
- ICT and Electronics: The information and communications technology (ICT) and electronics sector in
New Zealand is rapidly growing, offering opportunities for software developers, IT consultants, and
other tech professionals.
- Oil, Gas, and Energy: New Zealand has a developing oil, gas, and energy sector, which requires
skilled workers for exploration, production, and infrastructure development.
- Tourism and Hospitality: Tourism is a major industry in New Zealand, and there is a demand for
workers in hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality-related businesses.
- Science and Research: New Zealand is investing in science and research, leading to job
opportunities for scientists, researchers, and technicians.
- Education and Training: There is a demand for educators and trainers in New Zealand, especially
those who can teach in areas like science, mathematics, and technology.
New Zealand Education
Wither Education for NZ : Today it is a different story. From the article “Once world-class, NZ’s education system is now a disaster. Some years back NZ ranked 4 th in the world of Education Sector
Read More About New Zealand Education Click Here
New Zealand Crime Rate and Criminals
Until a decade ago firearm aggression, ram raid robberies, active gang dramas leading to police chases,
and putting people’s lives at risk – were unheard of. One can remember walking the streets of Auckland,
especially Queen Street, and getting the feel of a cosmopolitan aura with people bustling around, from
all parts of the world, sitting in outdoor restaurants enjoying the serene safety provided. Today,
however, it is different.
Not a day goes by without a dairy owner or alcohol shop being raided. Noticeable is the fact that these
crimes are choreographically orchestrated in a manner that’s been a template. Perpetrators are
underage, fueled on drugs, backed up by stolen cars and you name it.
While many believe that the increase of 501’s deported from Australia are now in New Zealand and –
because of their WHAT’S THERE TO LOSE ANYWAY attitude, go on illegal, life-threatening crimes.
Over 2500 NZ-born convicts have been deported to NZ from Australia after they have served their
sentences. The hardened criminals who return to a country – where they were born, but might almost
never live and, in many cases, have no connection – have no reason to lead a NORMAL life they do not
know and have never experienced in most cases.
“Under the existing law, returnees called 501s for the section of Australia’s migration law are
deported under – can be subject to strict, parole-like conditions after being returned to New Zealand if
they have served a year or more in Australia” (Google)
Crime Stats in NZ and its reasons:
The increase in crime trends in New Zealand can be attributed to various factors. Here are some insights
based on the search results:
- Gang Activity: There has been a significant increase in gang numbers in New Zealand. The number of gang members has risen by 50% in the past three years. This surge in gang activity can be a contributing factor to the rise in crime rates.
- Firearms: The availability and use of firearms have been a concern. There have been instances of
firearms being presented during crimes, which can escalate the severity of the crime.
- Methamphetamine: The methamphetamine market in New Zealand is lucrative, and its use has
been linked to violent crimes. The drug trade and its associated crimes can be a significant factor in the rising crime rates.
- Economic Factors: Economic challenges, unemployment, and financial hardships can lead to an
increase in certain types of crimes.
- Social Factors: Issues related to family violence, child abuse, and other social challenges can also
contribute to the crime rates.
- Police Reporting: An increase in the reporting of crimes, especially those related to family harm, can
lead to a perceived increase in crime rates.
It’s essential to note that these are just some of the potential reasons, and the actual causes can be
multifaceted and complex. The government and law enforcement agencies are continually working on
strategies to address these issues and reduce crime rates in the country. Know More
The Crime overall :
In the article “How much has crime actually increased?” on The Spinoff, this is their observation:
- Perception of Crime in Auckland: Many people in Auckland believe that the city has seen the most
significant rise in crime since the onset of the pandemic. - Reason for Concern: The perception of increased crime in Auckland is often fueled by daily news
articles about criminal activities in the city. - Crime Increase in Auckland: Crime has indeed risen in Auckland since before the pandemic began.
- Comparison with Other Regions: Auckland’s monthly crime rate increased by 19.1% when
comparing the years 2021-2022 to 2017-2019, the Waikato and Nelson regions saw even larger spikes. Crime in Waikato rose by 20.5% and in Nelson by 19.9%. - Decrease in Some Areas: Some remote parts of New Zealand, like the West Coast, Gisborne, and
Otago witnessed a decline in crime rates since before the pandemic. The West Coast saw a drop of
22.1%, Gisborne decreased by 10.2%, and Otago declined by 4.8%. - Overall Crime Increase: The total number of crimes recorded in New Zealand has surged by 15.4%.
- Types of Crimes: Theft remains the most frequently reported crime and has been a significant driver
behind the increase in crime numbers. Nationwide, theft rose by 25.2% compared to pre-pandemic
levels. Acts intended to cause injury, such as assaults, increased by 19.7%. - Decrease in Certain Crimes: Abduction and harassment crimes decreased by 20.6%, but these types
of crimes have always constituted a small fraction of the overall crime rate. - Clarification on Crime Types: The article differentiates between robbery (which involves force
against a person) and theft (which doesn’t). Burglary involves unlawfully entering a building with the
intent to commit a crime, regardless of whether the crime is executed or not. - Misconceptions: The data suggests that the notion of Auckland undergoing a unique surge in
crime is not accurate. Almost every region in the country has seen double-digit increases in crime rates compared to pre-pandemic levels. Source
