New Zealand is a popular expat destination. Not only is it the 4th most peaceful country in the world, but its wide-open spaces and the healthy lifestyle it offers are equally strong attractions for expats, particularly those with young families. Recently Wellington topped the list as the city of choice for expats with IT experience as the city goes through a severe shortage of skilled, tech professionals – but that’s not all it has going for it. Read on to discover why it’s a great city for anyone who is planning on settling in New Zealand.
Why choose the city of Wellington when moving to New Zealand
A calm capital with loads of culture
Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city and is known to be one of the world’s most relaxed cities. It also enjoys the more dubious title as the world’s windiest city (people living in Port Elizabeth, South Africa might dispute this).
It’s a city filled with cultural hotspots, with reportedly more cafés bars and restaurants per capita than New York. It’s also known for its high quality of food and services in general and enjoys a busy nightlife. As the capital, it the centre of New Zealand’s arts and culture industries and features many innovative film production companies, museums and art galleries.
Compact and close to nature
Wellington is home to around 500 000 people and its centre is very compact, which means you can get anywhere on foot in under 30 minutes. It’s also a city that enjoys a close proximity to nature. Just a few kilometres out of the centre you can view native penguins crossing the road and the beautiful ecosystem surrounding this Wellington is magnificent. If you love the outdoors, you’ll be delighted with Wellington’s 363kms of mountain biking and walking tracks.
World-class education system
New Zealand’s education system is world-class and very modern. It is consistently ranked as one of the best in the world by The UN Education Index and Wellington enjoys an international reputation for quality education, being home to many world-ranked universities and technical institutes.
Modern, quality healthcare
As an expat, you’ll have access to modern, quality healthcare in Wellington that will meet all your family’s needs. Access to doctors is easy and affordable and hospital care is free in the public system for all residents and specialist treatment is subsidised.
A buzzing technology hub
Wellington is home to a large number of internationally recognised companies including Datacom, Xerox, Game Froot, Silver Stripe, PikPok and Fronde. The demand in this sector is so high, that the current workforce (about 5% are employed in the tech sector) can’t match or meet its requirements. As a result, Wellington’s IT industry is turning to foreigners to fill the gap and are tempting them with very lucrative salaries. The careers that are most in demand include:
- Database Administrators
- Data Security Specialists
- Business Analysts
- Program Developers
- Project Managers
- Software Engineers
- Telecom Network Engineers
The demand is so great that some employers are offering successful applicants, who have passed their review process, fully paid trips to Wellington to meet them and complete the interview process.
If you’re thinking of immigrating to New Zealand and need advice concerning your finances, contact us today. We’re here to help you unlock your South African wealth and put you on the path to financial freedom in your new home.
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