7 Reasons to move from South Africa to New Zealand
In the 2017/2018 financial year, more than 5,000 South Africans left for New Zealand. Our guess is that their reasons to move from South Africa to New Zealand, while unique to each person, shared some distinct similarities.
Today, we’ll discuss these similarities, which range from the countries sharing a similar culture to the high standard of education children receive in New Zealand.
1. New Zealand is familiar
South Africa and New Zealand are alike in many ways. The culture is similar, many values are shared, and both countries have good weather and a great love for the outdoors. New Zealand can also match South Africa when it comes to breathtaking scenery.
It also helps that English is spoken in New Zealand, so South Africans going over won’t have problems communicating with locals. It is much harder to adapt to life in a new country when you can’t speak the local language!
2. It is one of the safest countries in the world
No country is without crime, but New Zealand does much better than South Africa in safety indexes. For instance, in the 2022 Global Peace Index, New Zealand came in second after only Iceland.
In comparison South Africa slipped down one spot in 2018 to sit at number 125 out of 163 countries.
3. New Zealand’s economy is doing well
The South African economy advanced 1.1% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2018. In contrast, the New Zealand GDP grew 2.6% year-on-year in the same period.
This good growth, although lower than originally forecasted, stimulate the job market. New Zealand’s unemployment rate at the end of 2018 was only 4.3%, while South Africa was struggling with an unemployment rate of 27.1%.
4. Plenty of job opportunities
South Africans are known as hard workers and sought-after employees the world over. If you have the right skills, qualifications and experience, you are bound to find a job in New Zealand.
5. Access to excellent healthcare
New Zealand’s healthcare is among the best in the world. The public healthcare system ensures that all residents have access to free or heavily-subsidised hospital care. According to the OECD Better Life Index, New Zealanders have a life expectancy of 82 years, which is two years above the OECD average.
Please note: in order to access public healthcare, migrants must have New Zealand residency status.
6. Children get a world-class education
New Zealand consistently fares well in the OECD’s Better Life Index where the country’s education is scored on students’ literacy, math and science performance.
Parents also agree that New Zealand’s education standards are exceptional. Expats ranked New Zealand’s school quality at number 10 out of 31 countries in the latest Expat Explorer Survey. South Africa came in at number 21.
7. It’s not as expensive as you might think
While it’s true that New Zealand is not the cheapest place to live in the world, it’s not as expensive as many people think. In fact, the cost of living in New Zealand is dropping relative to many other countries.
In the 2018 Mercer Cost of Living Index, Auckland dropped to number 81 on the list while Wellington dropped to number 101. This makes it more affordable cities to live in than Berlin, at number 71, and London, at number 19.
Keep in mind that even though the cost of living might be more expensive than in South Africa, you get to live in a beautiful country with good public services. New Zealanders are also known for favouring a healthy work-life balance, so it’s safe to say that life will be good in the Land of the Long White Cloud.
Eager to explore your chances of working and living in New Zealand? Book your consultation call with our licensed advisor today!
