About New Zealand

Aotearoa (meaning ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’) or New Zealand was first inhabited by Maori in around A.D. 800.  Though a Dutchman was the first European to sight the country, it was the British who colonised New Zealand. The British claimed New Zealand for Great Britain and NZ became a member of the Commonwealth of the British Empire in 1907.

Government

New Zealand is a democracy with its own federal system of government.  The Queen of England is the Head of State but is permanently represented by the Governor General.  The Federal Government is elected every 4 years and is led by the Prime Minister.

Auckland

The Taylors College campus is located in the North Island of New Zealand in the city of Auckland.

Auckland is a vibrant South Pacific city situated between two beautiful harbours and surrounded by subtropical islands and lush native forest.  It is one of the few cities around the world where the wild outdoors can be enjoyed right alongside the comforts of home.

Central Auckland boots an array of culture, theatre, lifestyle and fashion, not to mention some of the best education providers internationally.  With a population of over one million people, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city.

Students are an established and welcome part of Auckland’s population and lifestyle; as they contribute in many ways to the steadily growing ethnic diversity of this harbour city.

Climate

The New Zealand climate is generally pleasant without extremes in temperature. 

Because New Zealand lies in the Southern Hemisphere, the average temperature decreases as you travel south. The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate.

The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August. In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30ºC and in winter between 10-15ºC.

Season	Month	Temperature ranges
Summer	Dec/Jan/Feb	12°C - 24°C
Autumn	Mar/Apr/May	13°C - 20°C
Winter	Jun/July/Aug	5°C - 15°C
Spring	Sep/Oct/Nov	11°C - 18°C

Links

These links will take you to external sites. Sites will open in a separate window, and are in English unless otherwise indicated.

• New Zealand Tourism
  More information about New Zealand including an interactive map, ideas for things to do and places to visit.
• Auckland City Council
  Information about Auckland city where Taylors College is located.
• New Zealand Government
  Learn about the people, the country and the system of government.