New Zealand
is a long narrow country lying roughly north-south. Consisting of the North and
South Islands (and a number of smaller
islands), it covers 103,736 square miles (166,940 square kilometres) and is 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometres)
long. It covers an area slightly larger than the United Kingdom. New Zealand is situated in the South Pacific,
approximately 6,500
miles (10,400 kilometres) south west of North America
and 1,400 miles
(2,250 kilometres)
east of Australia.
The Dutch navigator,
Abel Tasman, sighted and named New
Zealand in 1642. However, it was not until
1769 that Captain James Cook charted the coastline and explored the country.
Whalers and traders began to arrive on New Zealand's shores soon after
Captain Cook. The first European setters arrived in the early nineteenth
century at the Bay
of Islands and
established missionary stations in the area. Mass immigration occurred shortly
after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.
New Zealand has a population of almost 3.5 million
people, three quarters of whom live in the North Island,
one of the two main islands. New Zealand Maori make up approximately 10% of the
population, and Polynesian people approximately 4% of New Zealand's
multi-cultural society. Chinese, Indian and Asian ethnic groups are increasing
in population size within New
Zealand.
New Zealand is
exactly twelve hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. In summer, early October to
late March, we enjoy an extra hour of daylight saving, to extend the warm summer
evenings.
New Zealand has
a particularly clear and unpolluted atmosphere with average daily sunshine
hours ranging from seven to eight in summer and four to five in winter. Ranging
from subtropical in the north to temperate in the south, the mean summer
temperature is 23° Celcius (74° Farenheit) and 14° Celcius (57° Farenheit) in
winter. Seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere - winter is
between June and August and summer is between December and February.
British
Colony since 1840, New
Zealand declared national sovereignty in
1947, but remains a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth as head of
state. Recently, New Zealand
replaced the previous 'first past the post' electoral system with a new mixed
member system of proportional representation. There are now several mainstream
political parties - National and Labour, who were the 'traditional' parties
along with more recent political parties including New Zeland First and the Alliance. The current
government is a coalition between National and New Zealand First.
Even
though well over 80% of New Zealanders live in towns and cities, agricultural
products are the basis of New
Zealand's economy and is the biggest export
earner. That's not surprising when you consider that one third of the country's
total area is sown in pasture and that sheep out number people by twenty five
to one! Tourism, forestry, horticulture, fishing and manufacturing have become
increasingly important sectors in the economy in recent years. Australia is New
Zealand's largest export market, followed by Japan, Asia, the United
States and the United Kingdom.
the south end of the South Island.
New Zealand's
spectacularly beautiful landscape incorporates vast mountain ranges, steamy
volcanoes, sweeping coasts, deeply indented fjords and boasts some of the most
fertile farm land in the world. Combine this farmland with the skills passed
down through generations of New Zealand
farmers and cutting edge farming technology and you have the reasons why New Zealand
produces some of the finest crops in the world.
New Zealand's cultural identity draws together a multitude of influences from
it's own indigenous Maori culture to those of it's Pacific Island neighbors and
numerous early European settlers, creating a unique and individual
character.With a population of only 3.8 million and equivalent in size to the
state of Colorado New Zealand is one of the world's least populated nations
with a population density of only 35 people per square mile.
New Zealand's
true spirit is to be found in it's 'can do' or 'give it a go' attitude. This
spirit has produced world firsts in many fields including the first jet boat,
the first bungee jumping, the first successful defense of the America's Cup,
the first kiwi fruit as well as many firsts in science and social change.
New Zealand
can also boast the first light of the new day. New Zealand's image as a
progressive yet natural, fresh, clean, pristine land has been rightfully earned
and is reflected in a range of quality New Zealand products under the brand
name of Elysian Isle and bought to you by New Zealand Imports Incorporated
New Zealand is
home to spectacular landscapes, cosmopolitan cities and the famous rugby
playing All Blacks. For the time being it is also home to the America’s Cup,
plus much, much more!
It is a country of diverse cultures, proud of its
Polynesian heritage mingled with European tradition. The country is famous
worldwide for its beautiful scenery and friendly people. Our lush country has
many attractions for visitors; it is a haven for those seeking peace,
rejuvenation and relaxation as well as a playground for thrillseekers and
adventurers.
Equivalent in size to Great Britain, Colorado
or Japan, New Zealand has
a population of only 3.8 million – making it one of the world’s least crowded
countries. New Zealand is a
three and a half hour flight from Eastern Australia, a non-stop overnight
flight from the USA, and up
to 10 hours flight from most places on the Pacific Rim.
Christchurch, the largest city in the South
Island of New Zealand, was selected as the ideal venue for ICPP2003 because of
the quality of its conference facilities and accommodation. The city is level,
spacious and beautiful. Purpose-built facilities permit all Congress activities
to take place