Aotearoa - Land of the long white cloud.
New Zealand was originally discovered by the Maori people, who had sailed south from the Hawaiian Islands, over fifteen hundred years ago. They named the new land they had discovered, Aotearoa, which translates to; Land of the long white cloud, after the chain of white clouds they could see floating around the high mountain ranges that run along the spine of the two main islands that make up the country.
Useful Information about New Zealand
Today, New Zealand has evolved into a vibrant, first world, multi cultural society. The nation has earned itself a reputation for cutting edge innovation, particularly in the fields of agriculture, food production, energy, life sciences, digital technology and the environment. The year round temperate climate, leading to an outdoor lifestyle, has also seen 'Kiwi' teams excel in a wide range of sports and athletics.
Population
By world standards, New Zealand has a relatively low population of only 5.3 million people. Most of the population live in around the main centers, as indicated above. By comparison, the United Kingdom, which has almost the same total land area of New Zealand, has a population of approximately 69 million people.
Air and Sea access
New Zealand is served by many of the world's leading airlines. With multiple carriers running daily services to and from The USA, Asia and Europe.
New flight services are often being added due to the sustained international trade and tourism interest in New Zealand and surrounding areas such as Australia and the Pacific Islands.
As a main supplier to the world for primary goods such as milk, meat and forestry products, New Zealand also has a mature shipping industry.
Links with Australia
Being neighbours, the New Zealand and Australian people have formed a close historical bond over the years. As a result the governments of both countries signed the CER agreement in 1983. CER stands for Closer Economic Relations and ensures both countries can trade freely with each other and have the right to live and work in each others countries.