Flag of New Zealand


There are 4,107,000 people living in new zealand . They speak English and Maroi.
New Zealand is about 1,250 mi (2,012 km) southeast of Australia.It consists of two main islands and a number of smaller outlying islands so scattered that they range from the tropical to the antarctic. The country is the size of Colorado. New Zealand's two main components are the North Island and the South Island, separated by Cook Strait

. The North Island (44,281 sq mi; 115,777 sq km) is 515 mi (829 km) long and volcanic in its south-central part. This area contains many hot springs and beautiful geysers.


South Island (58,093 sq mi; 151,215 sq km) has the Southern Alps along its west coast, with Mount Cook (12,316 ft; 3754 m) the highest point.

Other inhabited islands include Stewart Island, the Chatham Islands, and Great Barrier Island. The largest of the uninhabited outlying islands are the Auckland Islands (234 sq mi; 606 sq km), Campbell Island (44 sq mi; 114 sq km), the Antipodes Islands (24 sq mi; 62 sq km), and the Kermadec Islands (13 sq mi; 34 sq km).
Daily sunshine hours average from four to five in winter to six or seven in summer in most parts of New Zealand. The north of the country and the east coasts are rather more sunny than the extreme south and the wetter west.
Newzealand is lies in the south Pacific Ocean, 1600 km east of Australia. It is made up of the north and South islandsand a number of smaller islands,with a total area of 268000 sq km.
Abel Janzoon Tasman was the first European explorer to see New zealand in 1642, but it was Captain James Cook who first set foot on New zealand soil in 1769.
New Zealand has eight lakes over 100 km2 and our largest lake is Lake Taupo at 606 km2.
New Zealand's longest river is the Waikato River at 425 km long.
The Clutha River carries the most water at 650 m3/s.
Aoraki/ Mt Cook is New Zealand's highest mountain at 3754 m.
New Zealand's hottest temperature of 42.4 oC was recorded at Rangiora in Canterbury and Jordan in Marlborough.
New Zealand's coldest temperature of -21.6 oC degrees was recorded in Ophir in Central Otago.
New Zealand is 1600 km east of Australia.
We have a state highway network of 10,894 km.
Our total land area is 268,680 km2.
New Zealand is 1600 km in length.
New Zealand's coastline is 15,134 km.
New Zealand has 14 national parks.
One third of New Zealand is protected in parks and reserves.
Did you wonder how many people live in New zealand, how large new zealand is,what is our main exorts, whether we use nucler power to generate electricty etc- well find these facts and figures right here.....



The capital city of new zealand is Wellington

After the local government reforms of 1989, the term "city" began to take on two meanings in New Zealand. Before 1989, a borough council with more than 20,000 people could be proclaimed a city.

Here is a map of the major cities.



With mountainous topography and a relatively small population, mostly located around a long coastline, New Zealand has always offered many transport challenges. Before Europeans arrived, Māori either walked or used watercraft on rivers. Road and air are the dominant forms of transport, although bulk freight continues to be transported by rail.

What is the intent of the Gambling Act in respect of Remote Interactive Gambling?

The Gambling Act 2003 (the Act) is the first law in New Zealand to regulate remote interactive gambling.

Under the Act remote interactive gambling is prohibited. Limited exceptions relate to the Lotteries Commission, the Racing Board and sales promotion schemes in the form of a lottery.

Is the Act intended to catch sales promotions?

Yes.

Why are online/electronic promotions and competitions included in the prohibition?

Remote interactive gambling is prohibited (except in those limited circumstances discussed above) because of the potential for harm from this form of gambling, particularly for young people. For example, the internet or cellphones can be used for continuous forms of gambling that offer rapid opportunities for investment.

“Instant win” and prize competitions appear to be illegal – is this correct?

“Instant win” (and also prize competitions) are now illegal if conducted as remote interactive gambling. They are not a lottery, which is the only form of sales promotion scheme able to be conducted as remote interactive gambling.

“Instant win” games and prize competitions (by their definitions) are caught by the prohibition on remote interactive gambling. Where there is no element of remote interactive gambling whatsoever involved, instant win games and prize competitions are still legitimate forms of sales promotion schemes.

What is a lottery?

A lottery is defined in the Act and part of the definition refers to “prizes … are distributed according to a draw that takes place after all participants have entered”. Only a sales promotion where this situation applies is excluded from the prohibition on remote interactive gambling. If any other element of chance (or skill and chance) is introduced, this will cause the activity not to be a lottery.

What’s the difference between online “instant win” and selling “scratch’n’win tickets on the street?

A significant difference between online “instant win” and selling “scratch’n’win” tickets on the street is that the internet or cellphones can be used for continuous forms of gambling that offer rapid opportunities for investment. In addition, “scratch’n’win” tickets that are sold on the street are usually an authorised form of class 2 or class 3 gambling conducted by a society to raise money for a community purpose, not for commercial gain. Businesses cannot conduct lotteries, prize competitions, “instant win” games or other forms of gambling except in the form of a sales promotion scheme and they cannot make any commercial gain from sales promotions, except in the normal trading of the business’s goods or services – see the definition of sales promotion scheme in the Act. Only a sales promotion scheme that is in the form of a lottery and conducted in New Zealand can be conducted as remote interactive gambling.

Are we right in our understanding that 20c is the maximum additional cost for an online competition entry? If so, on what basis?

The definition of sales promotion in section 4 of the Act specifies that “the person is not required to pay direct or indirect consideration other than to purchase the goods or services promoted for a price not exceeding the usual retail price”. The Department of Internal Affairs (the Department) has, however, historically taken the view that the actual communication cost of the participant entering a sales promotion scheme (in addition to the cost of purchasing the item) is acceptable, as long as there is no extra charge to actually enter the promotion. Communications costs would include, for example, the cost of postage or the cost of a single text message (but not the cost of any aspect of administering the promotion). The cost of a text message should not be more than the actual, true cost of a one-way communication normally charged by the telecommunications company. It cannot include any administration cost or any amount paid to a service provider such as a business involved in technically processing the entries from the promotion. This may now, we understand, be less than 20 cents for a text message and should certainly not exceed 20 cents. (The communications costs for other media such as 0900 or the internet are likely to be different from txt costs, but in all cases the rules are the same.)

The participant must pay ONLY the actual true communication cost, not any additional charges that have been loaded onto the actual cost. For example, the promoters of text or on-line promotions must carry the cost of any response to the participant.

If an online competition involves any element of gambling (and it is not a sales promotion scheme that is in the form of a lottery and conducted in New Zealand) then it is illegal as it will be deemed to be remote interactive gambling. Even if the sales promotion is in the form of a lottery, it could be illegal gambling if there are additional charges. Any illegal gambling could result in action being taken under section 19 of the Gambling Act.

What, therefore, are the acceptable costs for mail and telephone entries?

The cost of a mail entry should not exceed 45 cents, which is the postage cost for economy mail. The same principle applies for text messages, 0900 numbers etc. This cannot exceed the true cost of communication. We understand that this is now 20 cents or less for a text message (which may be at an even lower cost for a bulk arrangement) and much less than 45 cents for an 0900 number (again special arrangements may reduce the price further).

Was it realised that some large charities would be affected?

Yes, it was realised that purchasing lottery tickets electronically (eg over the internet or by means of a phone call) would be caught by the prohibition.

Is online voting affected? If not, why not?

Online voting is not affected as long as gambling is not involved.

Should the online voting be linked to a form of gambling as defined in the Act then it would be deemed to be remote interactive gambling and illegal by virtue of section 9 of the Act.

The exception to this is for a properly constituted "sales promotion scheme" which is specifically excluded from the definition of "remote interactive gambling" where it is in the form of a lottery and conducted in New Zealand.

The caveat to this is that the online voting in a sales promotion scheme must not result in the payment of any "direct or indirect consideration other than to purchase the goods and services". Were this to occur it would breach the definition of a sales promotion scheme.

Is a promotion where everyone wins, but there is a limited number of prizes / free stock, affected by the Act?

It is presumed that this example anticipates that everyone who enters "wins" a prize chronologically until there are no prizes left.

If there is only one form of prize then up until the point at which the prizes run out it would more properly be seen as a giveaway, as there is no element of chance to bring it under the notion of gambling. If there were a chance aspect in selecting different types/values of prize won by different entrants then that would satisfy the element of chance in determining an "outcome" and therefore the promotion would be gambling.

Similarly, if the winners are selected at random, rather than on a “first in first served” basis, there would be an element of chance and the promotion would be gambling.

There may also be Fair Trading Act issues. The Commerce Commission should be consulted in relation to this question.

Can you use the word ”FREE” for a free gift or product, or is the cost of the communication regarded as negating “free”?

This isa Fair Trading Act issue. Companies should seek advice from the Commerce Commission.

Does the legislation only apply to NZ-based promotions? We have a number of international members who run promotions from an off-shore base to NZ consumers.

Only the gambling that is conducted in New Zealand is subject to the provisions of the Act. If any element of the gambling is organised or conducted in or from New Zealand, it will be caught by the Gambling Act.

However, the Act does place a ban on advertising overseas gambling. The definition of "overseas gambling advertisement" includes a form of communication that "publicises or promotes gambling that is outside New Zealand or a gambling operator who is outside New Zealand". The effect of this is that the advertising that takes place in New Zealand should be limited to describing the promotion as it relates to New Zealand consumers.

There are numerous factual scenarios that could come under the Act and the Department would need to assess each example on a case-by-case basis.

Part of the Gambling Act’s definition of a Sales Promotion Scheme is that “The person is not required to pay direct or indirect consideration, other than to purchase goods or services.” Are communication costs, eg postage, toll call, txt fee not regarded as indirect costs?

The definition of "gambling" in section 4 of the Gambling Act 2003 includes para. (a) which refers to "paying or staking consideration directly or indirectly....". What constitutes consideration would be a matter of fact in each case. The Department cannot give any definitive interpretation. A situation where a person pays more than the usual retail price of a product to the promoter is clearly a breach of the Sales Promotion definition. It is within the scope of the definition of gambling because the extra cost must be consideration for entry into the gambling. But “direct” or “indirect” costs may also include other situations each of which would be a matter of fact. The promoters may need to seek legal advice on a promotion to see if the promotion involves indirect consideration.

The Department has taken a broad interpretation of “indirect consideration” in respect of communication costs so as to allow the actual cost of the communication. Having to pay any additional consideration over and above the cost of communication is likely to cause the activity to breach the sales promotion scheme definition.

What about a competition where contestants predict which team will win each game in a major sports tournament – no goods are purchased; entry is via website or txt. Is it legal?

The question relates to a competition run on the internet, although they can be run using 0800 or 0900 numbers. If any competition involves "gambling" and there is consideration paid to enter then it will breach the prohibition on remote interactive gambling. Where a competitor chooses or selects winners for future games or sporting events this generally involves some element of chance as well as skill. If entry is genuinely free it will not be caught by the Act. If there is some consideration or more than a true communication cost then this type of competition will be caught by the Act.

0900 games appear to be unaffected – correct?

This is incorrect. 0900 numbers can be affected by the new legislation in certain circumstances.

0900 gambling is prohibited under the Gambling Act except a sales promotion scheme in the form of a lottery. The definition of remote interactive gambling means that 0900 numbers cannot be used for gambling activities if there is more than an actual, true communication cost charged. A sales promotion scheme that is in the form of a lottery and conducted in New Zealand can still be conducted using an 0900 number but only if there is no direct or indirect consideration paid by the participant other than to purchase the goods or services promoted.

Where an 0900 competition does not involve any element of gambling and is purely a matter of skill, it will not be affected by the Gambling Act.


This what new zealand water is like.

And this is what there land is like.

This is what there mountain are like.
Are you committed to making a difference? New Zealand's State sector needs capable and enthusiastic people to fill interesting roles. No other sector contributes as much to as many areas of our society. No other organisation offers such a range of jobs.

The State sector provides a working environment where excellence is recognised and where you will be encouraged to develop your talents. Whether you"re a recent graduate beginning your career, or an experienced professional looking for a change, the State sector offers lots of employment opportunities and a chance to acquire new skills and knowledge.

This website is your entry to a wide range of government job vacancies.

This site also offers a section advertising secondment opportunities in government agencies, and information about the State Services summer internship programme. You can also read some profiles of last year's interns.

There is more about the organisations that make up the State sector under Working with Us.

And if you'd like to explore the challenges and rewards you'll encounter, read the profiles of women and men working in different government jobs across the country.

Want to get started? Check out jobseeker information, which includes helpful hints on recruitment and application processes.


New Zealand's head of state is the Queen of New Zealand, currently Elizabeth II. The New Zealand monarchy has been distinct from the British monarchy since the New Zealand Royal Titles Act of 1953, and all Elizabeth II's official business in New Zealand is conducted in the name of the Queen of New Zealand, not the Queen of the United Kingdom. In practice, the functions of the monarchy are conducted by a Governor General, appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister. Under Letters Patent regulating the office of Governor General, which are granted by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister, when there is a vacancy in the office of Governor General, several of the duties of the said office are exercised by a caretaker, known as the Administrator of the Government. As of 2007, the Governor General is Anand Satyanand.
See also: Republicanism in New Zealand



The Governor-General has the power to appoint and dismiss Prime Ministers and to dissolve Parliament. The Governor-General also chairs the Executive Council, which is a formal committee consisting of all ministers of the Crown. Members of the Executive Council are required to be Members of Parliament, and most are also in Cabinet. Cabinet is the most senior policy-making body and is led by the Prime Minister, who is also, by convention, the Parliamentary leader of the governing party or coalition.
The Cabinet is responsible to Parliament. All Cabinet Ministers must be Members of Parliament (MPs) and are collectively responsible to it.
Main office holders
Office Name Party Since
Queen Elizabeth II 6 February 1952
Governor-General Anand Satyanand 23 August 2006
Prime Minister Helen Clark Labour 5 December 1999
The current Prime Minister is Helen Clark, leader of the Labour Party. She has served two full terms as Prime Minister and has begun her third. On 17 October 2005 she announced that she had come to a complex arrangement that guaranteed the support of enough parties for her Labour-led coalition to govern. The formal coalition consists of the Labour Party and Jim Anderton, the Progressive Party's only MP. In addition to the parties in formal coalition, New Zealand First and United Future provide confidence and supply in return for their leaders being ministers outside cabinet. A further arrangement has been made with the Green Party, which has given a commitment not to vote against the government on confidence and supply. This commitment assures the government of a majority of seven MPs on confidence.
The Leader of the Opposition is National Party leader John Key, who replaced Don Brash (formerly Governor of the Reserve Bank) in November 2006. The ACT party alongside the Māori Party, are both also in opposition. The Greens, New Zealand First and United Future all vote agai

New Zealand is a unitary state rather than a federation — regions are created by the authority of the central government, rather than the central government being created by the authority of the regions. Local government in New Zealand has only the powers conferred upon it by Parliament. These powers have traditionally been distinctly fewer than in some other countries. For example, police and education are run by central government, while the provision of low-cost housing is optional for local councils. Many of them used to control gas and electricity supply, but nearly all of that was privatised or centralised in the 1990s.
New Zealand is divided into sixteen regions. These form the highest level of local government. New Zealand is also divided into seventy-four territorial authorities. Some of these are called Cities, while most are Districts. Most territorial authorities are wholly within one region, but there are a few that cross regional boundaries. There are also four instances in which regional and territorial authorities are combined into a single unitary authority, and the isolated Chatham Islands have a body with its own special legislation, making it very like a unitary authority.
In each territorial authority there are commonly several community boards or area boards (see below). These form the lowest and weakest arm of local government.
Each of the regions and territorial authorities is governed by a council, which is directly elected by the residents of that region, district or city. Each council may use a system chosen by the outgoing council (after public consultation), either the bloc vote (viz. first-past-the-post in multi-member constituencies) or single transferable vote.

Parties Votes % Change Electorate
seats List seats Total +/-
New Zealand Labour Party 935,319 41.1 -0.2 31 19 50 -2
New Zealand National Party 889,813 39.1 +18.0 31 17 48 +21
New Zealand First 130,115 5.7 -4.7 0 7 7 -6
Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 120,521 5.3 -1.7 0 6 6 -3
Māori Party 48,263 2.1 +2.1 4 0 4 +4
United Future New Zealand 60,860 2.7 -4.0 1 2 3 -5
ACT New Zealand 34,469 1.5 -5.6 1 1 2 -7
New Zealand Progressive Party 26,441 1.2 -0.5 1 0 1 -1
Other parties 29,828 1.3 0 0 0 0
Total 2,275,629 100.0 69 52 121 +1
Informal votes 10,561
Total votes cast 2,286,190

The conservative National Party and the left-leaning Labour Party have dominated New Zealand political life since a Labour government came to power in 1935. During fourteen years in office (1935-1949), the Labour Party implemented a broad array of social and economic legislation, including comprehensive social security, a large scale public works programme, a forty-hour working week, a minimum basic wage, and compulsory unionism. The National Party won control of the government in 1949 and adopted many welfare measures instituted by the Labour Party. Except for two brief periods of Labour governments in 1957-1960 and 1972-1975, National held power until 1984.
After regaining control in 1984, the Labour government instituted a series of radical market-oriented reforms in response to New Zealand's mounting external debt. It also enacted anti-nuclear legislation that effectively brought about New Zealand's suspension from the ANZUS security alliance with the United States of America and Australia, and instituted a number of other more left-wing reforms, such as allowing the Waitangi Tribunal to hear claims of breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi to be made back to 1840, reinstituting compulsory unionism and creating new government agencies to implement a social and environmental reform agenda (women's affairs, youth affairs, Pacific Island affairs, consumer affairs, Minister for the Environment).
In October 1990, the National Party again formed a government, for the first of three three-year terms. In 1996, New Zealand inaugurated the new electoral system, Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) to elect its Parliament. The system was expected (among numerous other goals) to increase representation of smaller parties in Parliament and appears to have done so in the MMP elections to date. Since 1996, neither National nor Labour has had an absolute majority in Parliament, and for all but two of those years a minority government has ruled.
After nine years in office, the National Party lost the November 1999 election. Labour under Helen Clark out-polled National by 39% to 30% and formed a coalition, minority government with the left-wing Alliance. The government often relied on support from the Green Party to pass legislation.
The Labour Party retained power in the 27 July 2002 election, forming a coalition with Jim Anderton's new party, the Progressive Coalition, and reaching an agreement for support with the United Future party. Helen Clark remained Prime Minister.
Following the 2005 general election on 17 September 2005, negotiations between parties culminated in Helen Clark announcing a third consecutive term of Labour-led government. The Labour Party again formed a coalition with Jim Anderton's Progressive Party, with confidence and supply from Winston Peters' New Zealand First and Peter Dunne's United Future. Jim Anderton retains his Cabinet position; Winston Peters becomes Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Racing and Associate Minister for Senior Citizens; Peter Dunne becomes Minister of Revenue and Associate Minister of Health. Neither Peters nor Dunne will be in Cabinet, however.
Source: [1] This image is covered by the U.S. fair use laws because:
it is a promotional photo of public figures in an official context;
it is a good illustration of the subject of the article;
permission has been given for publication of the image; and
It is not replaceable, as the portrait was constructed in such a way so as to specifically communicate Elizabeth II's position in relation to New Zealand: hence the Order of New Zealand, the Queen's Service Order and the New Zealand Order of Merit. This picture is necessary to directly illustrate Elizabeth II's role as a) Queen of New Zealand (and thus i) in a role separate to that of Queen of the UK/Jamaica/Canada/Australia/etc. ii) a component of the New Zealand Parliament, iii) the locus of New Zealand oaths of allegiance, and so on), (b)Head of the New Zealand Royal Honours System. It would be next to impossible to obtain any completely free picture that communicates the same symbolic meaning as the Queen only wears the state regalia at official state functions, generally not open to the public at large