New Zealand - Facts and Figures

Area: 270, 534 km2

Population: 3.66 million (March, 1996)

Population Growth: 1.42% (1995)

Capital: Wellington

System of Government: Parliamentary Monarchy

Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II

Prime Minister: Right Honourable James B. Bolger

Key Government Ministers: Don McKinnon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of External Relations and Trade and Minister for Foreign Affairs; John Luxton, Minister of Commerce and Industry; Bill Birch, Minister of Finance

Languages: English and Maori have "official language" status

Literacy Rate: 99%

Ethnic Background: 87.0% of European origin or descent, 9.4% Maori, 3.6% Pacific Islanders (1991)

Religion: The religious background of the New Zealand population is difficult to track as it is not required that an individual answer the question of religious affiliation which appears on the Census form. However, results from the 1991 Census indicate that 78% of the population professes to some religious affiliation, primarily Christian. Estimates place the Anglican religion as the most popular practised by 21% of the population, followed by Catholicism, practised by 15% of the population.

Currency: NZ Dollar = 100 Cents
C$ 1.00 = NZ$ 1.05 (average, week ending September 27, 1996)

For more information on New Zealand, visit these websites:

New Zealand Government

New Zealand Tourism Board

eNZed

Thinking about doing some business in New Zealand? Read on...

• Very similar to Canadian business traditions.
  
  
• Shake hands when greeting...you know the deal!
  
  
• Business meetings are more formal than in Australia.
  
  
• Make appointments and always be on time...being a little early won't hurt, either.
  
  
• Equality is a big thing in New Zealand. Who has seniority is not really a concern during business meetings.
  
  
• the first meeting usually happens in the office, but, be prepared to "do lunch" for future meetings.
  
  
• If you are invited for dinner, it is used a a social gathering and not as a time to discuss business.
  
  
• If invited to "supper," this usually means a late evening snack, not a full dinner, so, eat something beforehand or you might be a little hungry!
  
  

Some of this information was taken from the Information Series published by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. It is available in print format.