NEW ZEALAND IMMIGRATION NEWS

Live & Work in New Zealand according to Mercer 2008 Report

Tuesday, 24 June 2008

Mercer's 2008 Quality of Life Report rates the New Zealand cities of Auckland & Wellington as some of the best places to live in the world.

Auckland made it to position 5, behind Zurich, Vienna, Geneva, and Vancouver. This places Auckland as the most liveable city in the Asia-Pacific region and in the southern hemisphere.

Wellington came in at position 12, just trailing Sydney and Copenhagen, and still well ahead of Melbourne which made it to 17 on the list.

The Quality of life survey assesses 215 cities on 39 criteria including, political, social, economic and environmental factors, personal safety, health, education, and transport.

For personal safety, both Auckland and Wellington achieved equal 10th position, with cities such as Luxembourg, Bern, Geneva, Helsinki and Zurich taking top honours.

Mercer's survey is conducted to help governments and businesses place employees on international assignments. The survey tends to focus on the biggest cities but Wellington made it into the survey by virtue of being New Zealand’s capital.

Tourism Auckland's Chief Executive, Graeme Osborne, said he is not surprised his city retained its place in the top five and attributed the harbour city's success to its "young, progressive and spiritual attitude".

"I think we’re blessed for natural assets … we have the sophistication of a global city with natural and heritage assets at arm’s reach." said Mr Osborne.

People looking for a change in lifestyle & working conditions should consider New Zealand as it rivals many of the best locations in the world. With a strengthening economy and a need for skilled workers, New Zealand could be the perfect place to live & work.

If you are interested in living & working in New Zealand or would like more information on New Zealand Visas, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you.