- community amenities              

- health resources

- natural beauty

- vibrancy

- arts, design and cultural festivals

- property values

- city features

- climate.

(North and South Magazine, 2000)

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand and is a diverse and accepting city, known as one of the cultural epicentres. It has varied theatres, cinemas, fine restaurants and cafes. It is also home to the New Zealand government and its many agencies and affiliates. Wellington's 'downtown' covers a relatively compact area, and is easily accessed by an excellent public transport system.

Wellington offers a range of recreational activities, from international events at the Stadium, to world-class mountain-biking tracks. Other recreational opportunities include:

- harbour water sports such as sailing, boating, fishing, diving, surfing, swimming and wind surfing

- facilities for a wide variety of winter sports

- many bush and scenic walks close to the city, including a marine seal colony

- accessibility to exceptional ski slopes in both the North and South Islands

- a cafe culture

You don't have to go far to enjoy a more native and rural New Zealand. Within one hour of the Capital is the wildlife sanctuary of Kapiti Island, the wine village of Martinborough, and the scenic beauty of the Marlborough Sounds. The Capital city enjoys a temperate coastal climate with notably mild and sunny winters. Home to just 157,000 in central Wellington, with 337,000 making up the wider Wellington region, it's a small city with a huge heart.

Welcome to Wellington, New Zealand's Capital City. Wellington is wonderful place to work and live, check it out! http://www.wellingtonnz.com/  

To see what Wellington has to offer visit: http://www.tepapa.govt.nz/

For more information on Kapiti Coast and suburbs near the Porirua Forensic Campus visit: http://www.kapiti.org.nz/

New Zealand Immigration have some handy tips on Settling in and New Zealand Education.

Cost of living

One of the greatest attractions for migrants to New Zealand is the lifestyle that this country has to offer, not only do 'Kiwis' seem to enjoy a more relaxed living philosophy but compared to many international countries, the cost of living an enjoyable lifestyle seems to be more obtainable in Aotearoa

The cost of living is comparatively inexpensive by overseas standards, and New Zealand has a favourable exchange rate with most countries. Rental properties are reasonably priced and generally of a good standard.

Most new migrants choose to rent a home in New Zealand until they have decided exactly where they would like to settle. Where you choose to buy a home may depend on factors such as schooling areas, job opportunities, what type of neighbourhood environment you enjoy and also the cost of houses for sale in different areas.

For further information on the Cost of Living

Public transport

Wellington Hospital is well served by local bus and taxi services. Rail and bus services provide access to the outlying hospitals at Kenepuru and Porirua. Access to the South Island is provided by air or sea, with regular flights and sailing's from the centre of town every day.